The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1893-01-02

the seven cruisers are at present locating
lands, the entire grant can be selected in
two years more.
1t is shown that the number of vol
umes in the state library has grown from
10.0S9 at the beginning of statehood, to
16,02l, making it very complete in it's law
division.
Mr.. Weir recommends that the filing.
recording and other fees of the secretary's
Office be increased, as they are below those
charged in the other Pacific coast states,
and that in this way the department be
made self-sustaining. Since che last re-
port Sill, 1879. 26 has been received as fees,
exclusive of insurance fees, a1d the ex-
penses of the department for the same Pc
Rod, for salaries, rent, supplies, etc.,
amounted to S13, 714S9.
The state printing question is discussed,
and the need for supervision Of the print
ing orders of the various state officers and
boards dwelt on. The character of work
done is declared to be creditable to the
state. The suggestion is made 1hat when
permanent quarters for the state printing
office can be provided in the basement of
a new capital building. the wisdom of
state ownership of the plant anG the pay
ment of salary to the state pr5nter may
be apparent.
The carrying out of the constitutional
provision requiring the establishment of a
bureau of statistics is advised, as is the re-
moval of such bureau from political in
fuences when created.
Mr.. Weir concludes:
In surrendering this Office to my successor,
wish to publicly express appreciation of the
kind and courteous treatment and cooperation
met at the hands OF other state officers in dis
charging official duties during the term iust
closed. The duties Of the department have re-
aceived the very best painstaking attention of
which have been capable. These Oates were
assumed at a time when the entire machinery
OF state government had TO be set N motion
under new laws, and uniform practices has been
established without precedents to cid. 1t is
gratifying TO reflect that every ruling, every
construction of law thus far adopted has been
sustained, wherein the same have been
called in question, by judicial authority.
The department has been conducted
upon business principles al6i with
careful regard to the convenience AID accom-.
mediation OF the public II any Gaze has &C.
Cured wherein any one having business to
transact with the Office has failed e. receive
prompt and cousderate attention it has not
come to my knowledge. As stated elsewhere.
the duties incumbent upon the secretary of
state, ex officio and otherwise, have. been too
varied. vo!umiuous aud exacting 10 eermit of
service at ali times satisfactory either 4, the Off
Ger himself or the public. Business in one line
frequently has been delayed because of the
physical inIpossbiiity OF being in two; or more
places at one and the same time: yet each sep
arate duty has been performed as far IS possi-
bic. The records are conveniently arranged and
neatly kept. None have disappeared, as far as
known, and no mistakes worthy of noEice have
occurred. A careful aud critical inspection of
the entire Office aud its belongings, :records,
business methods and vouchers. is respectfully
invited.