Morris tribune. [volume] (Morris, Minn.) 1880-2000, 1893-01-11
GOVERNOR NELSON.
MlNNESOTAS NEW CHIEF OFFICER
STEPS INTO THE HARNESS.

ST. PAUL, Jan. 4. 4.-Governor-E Elect
Knute Nelson was inaugurated at noon.
Wednesday. in the presence of the retir-
ing state officers, both branches of the
legislature, and state supreme court.
After the inaugural ceremonies, Gov
ernor Merriam's last message to the
legislature was read aud then came the
reading of Governor Nelson's first mes
sage to the people of Minnesota. A con-
else summary of the message follows:
Financially, the state is prosperous
and sound. Assessed valuation, $780,.
900, 600; indebtedness, 81, 155. 900. Bal
ance in treasury Nov. 30, 1899, 81. 6SS, 948.
State Institutions.
Penal institutions of state are in
splendid condition. Prison population
has not increased during the past three
years. The st. Cloud Reformatory
needs more buildings and facilities for
working the men there confined.
Manufacture of binding twine in
Saltwater prison is referred to with
qualification because it will always af-
ford farmers protection against unjust
combinations among twine manufac-
turers.
Decrease of insanity will relieve the
state from the expense of more build
ings at insane hospitals, but $39, 500
should be given at once for completing
southwest wing of the third asylum at
Fergus Falls.
Soldiers Home.
r C i @ ~.
haha Falls in a f1ourishing condition,
financially and otherwise, and all needy
soldiers of worthy record are provided
for.
The state university occupies high
position in advanced learning. New
departments of law and medicine are in
successful operation. More instructors
are needed and additional funds should
be set aside for the purpose
Our common school system should re-
ceive attention, so that the best books |
at lowest prices might be provided. |
Summer training schools should be |
maintained. |
Judicial Districts. |
Judicial districts should be arranged |
80 that some judges would not be over
worked while others have nothing to do. |
The dairy school has salary roll of |
$15,000-too much, and the amount |
should be reduced to $4,000.
A constitutional amendment should be |
adopted providing for taxation of mining |
express, and sleeping car companies.
Wrongs Imposed on Farmers.
Governor Nelson's message deals at |
great length, and in detail, with the
wrong imposed upon farmers at country
railroad stations by grain buyers, in
grading wheat and in dockage, and this
legislature is strongly urged to frame |
laws that will afford farmers as good |
protection at country stations as can be |
had at Duluth. st. Paul and Minneapolis. |
MERRiAM's LAST MESSAGE.
Governor Merriam's last N essage |
urged the legislature to avoid making |
laws to benefit special classes or interests. |
He recommended that congress be pc |
titioned to suspend all emigration to the |
United States during 1898 SO as to pro-
tect our people against cholera. Also |
urged that all laws governing emigra-
ton being revised, looking to better
protection of our people from contact |
and competition with Objectionable for. |
eign elements.
A Blow at Dead Heading.
Reviewing the work done by the rail- |
road and warehouse commission, the |
retiring governor urges that the legis-
lature should enact laws that will |
effectually stop dead-h head transporta- |
tion; and that our state railroad laws |
should be amended so that the railroad |
commission would be able of its own |
motives to enquire into the rates and |
general practices of railroads wit out
being compelled to wait until formal
complaint is made.
The State Grain Laws.
Abuses Of tn. SIT. .rain laws are
pointed out Til re j. / .. II 10 brl We
that at many points ou.~i IL the arge
cities great wrongs have been done
farmers in grading wheat and in dock
age. To remedy these wrongs the rail-
road and warehouse commission be-
HeVes all warehouses at country points
should be placed under the general
supervision of the commission, so that
speedily and thoroughly investigated
and reforms applied Governor Mer-
riam endorses the plan in his message.
State Institutions
The governor urges that provisions |
be made for leasing convict lai or on |
long time contracts. The b ndiug twine |
industry in the Stillwa er prison is in |
good condition and will become of ad- |
vantage to Minnesota farmers.
The lunacy commission should have |
greater powers and the insane asylums |
improved, especially at Fergus Falls.
The state board of health should have |
more money at its command.
A new state capitol building should |
be provided for; the worlds fair COM
mission should have additional support,
and state swamp lands should be decided |
to whoever is entitled to them.
Financial institutions should be re- |
quired to pay small fee to pay for help
needed by the bank examiner.
A State Park.
The question of state park around |
the headwaters of the Mississippi river
should be settled. The state can now
acquire Ine park site, 19, 7O1 acres, for |
almost nothing.
State finances are in satisfactory con-
dition. The state treasurer should give
bond for larger amount. The state
tax levy for next two years might be
reduced by eight-tenths of a mill, and
thus save $3.50, 900 each year for 1994-95.