Custer weekly chronicle. [volume] (Custer City, S.D.) 1890-1931, 1891-01-17
charge Of d1ty and pre- ,ents an intelligent

exhibit of the magnificent and wonderful
min ng resou rces OF the state together with
much valuable and instructive matter per-
tanning 20 their development and the pro-
lection of the health and lives of the labor
ers through whose Drawn and intelligence
this great interest is being developed.
The report shows nine deaths to miners
thus far from accident during his official
term, with a faithful record Of the circum-
stances and causes of the same, and intel
ligent effort for the a. o,dance of similar
catastrophes in the future.
This wonderful Black Hills mining dis.
trict embraces nearly 10000 square miles,
or "a, 100, 600 acres of lands, practically IA
solid mining camp, yielding every mineral
known to science and most of the precious
metals In paying quantities, notably gold,
silver and tin. In the Homestake mines,
which are the most highly developed, more
than q thousand men have been employed
for years in AN area of a few acres with
scarcely any Visible diminution of the sup.
ply.
oRIANIzATIoN OF couNTIEs.
On the l4th day of February, 1850, a pc.
tition in due form was presented to the
executive, s.gned by over $50 citizens of
Stanley county, praying for its organiza-
ton, and after due Investigation, IL being
ascertainel that the petitioners were bona
fide citizens and electors of the county,
notice was thereupon issued fixing voting
places for an election in said county on
the 18th day of April, A. ID. 1890, for the
election of county officers, and the loca-
ton Of the temporary county seat, which
cleo ion was held under provisions of law
in such case provided, and the couaty ives
duly organized,
On the 18th day of July, a petition pur-
porting to be signed by l57 citizens of
Sterling county was fled, praying for the
organization of that county, and on the
9th day of September, n like petition con
tanning l55 names, for the organization of
Nowlin county, both of which petitions
were duly verified. The executive m ade a
personal tour of the two counties and as
certainel that a large majority of The pur-
ported petitioners were not legal voters
within the counties, and IA majority of the
bona iide citizens of each county were op
posed to organization, whereupon the pc
titions were denied.
IXTRADIT on. ~
The executive has been much enbar-
raised as to his duty in reference to appli.
cations for return of fugitives from JUS
tice, as no specific appropriation was made
for the Expense Of serving warrants. For
this reason all apple ations have been de-
MED except those in case of more agra
waited crimes, or IL sustained with the con-
dition that expenses incurred should be
paid by the applicant. 1t Is recommended
that the agents fees for services in this
behalf be fixed at a per diem and that they
be borne exclusively by the county In
which the crime was committed.
The mum her OF applicat Gus for requisi-
tions during the past year was thirty two,
of which fifteen have been granted and
warrants issued.
AUSTRALIAN BALLOT.
It's recommended that earnest legislation
be had for n reform OF the present ballot
system. Free government can survive all
disasters except the pollution of the popu-
lar ballot, by intimidation, fraud or pur-
chase. II can even stand fraud in pu bile
officers. This can be remeiied so long as
the people are honest, but when the fount-
ain is Contaminated the stream must he
i'm pure and death-dealing Throughout its
course The secret ballot is recognized as
the practical means OF reformation, and
thu Australian system has been adopted
by many states OF the Union with satisfac.
tory results, and ought to he introduced in
this state, with any additional improve;
ments that can lie devised. New and un-
tried methods should be avoided. Let in.
v~entors experiment at the expense OF other
states.
LOCATION OF THE CAPITAL.
The question of permanent location oi
the seat of government was submitted 70
the electors OF the last general election and
determined III luNOf OF the city OF Ilerrc,
that city having received a majority of all
votes cast on that proposition at said cleo
ton.
CONCLUSION.
These suggestions, mainly repetitions
made to TIE first legislature of the state
are presented as the honest convictions OF
the executive, touching the pressing du
ties with which we are charged. In new
or doubtful fields of legislation, proceei
with caution. Take head lest your yea
outstrip your judgment and so increase
the exits you would overcome Weigl
your opinions with your opponents hold
fast what is good and discard what IL
faulty, that truth may prevail. While
civil government was instituted to protect
the weak against the strong; the shiftles'
and simple-mindei from the avericiou;
and cunning, it was not intended to defeat
Gods first law, hat man should live I,
" 88Rf9Srs; reTl h tfi9 RrSyins Shf Of to lseGGi,SnlnaitaiP9ee q n a srqq'
not to destroy ambition. but to elevate ant
direct it. To prsevere with jealousy the
social Institutions which enoble human ma
ture; 10 foster religion, which furnishe
divine ideals, and TO promote a common
education, which is the preserver of all
You are finally admonished that tn
time for your multifsrious labors is brief
and not TO put off till tomorrow your mos
important duties, but TO enter upon theiI
discharge today.
ARTHUR c. MELLETTE.