The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1893-01-11

should also be provided for. While additional
accommodations for these classes just noted
are urgently needed, we have a surplus OF
prison room nor is il probable we shalt need IL
all Tor some time TO come. The question
whether the inmates OF the Upper Peninsula
Prison may not he transferred to the other
prisons and this establishment at Marquette
transformed into an asylum for the insane il
worthy OF your consideration. Then, IL the
prison at Marquette Is TO be continued. IL will
soon be necessary TO have shop room and
machinery in order to employ her inmates.
This Il already provided AT Jackson and Ionia.
These institutions are all needed. While
every absolute need should be supplied, yet
in view of their numbers and multitudinous
wants the same care should be exercised I'm
making appropriations for their support that
a practical man should exercise in his own
business. In other words 1t IL not necessary
to finish them all this year, AZ others will
come after Us 20 care for their needs az they
arise
For many years the government and con-
troll of our institutions has been by boards for
each institution, who have either served
gratutously or for moderate per diem COM
pensation when actually employed in the per-
formance OF their duties. In the case of the
Regents OF the University and the state Board
OF Education constitutional provision
prescribes their powers and duties and fixes
their compensation. Two years ago the law
was changed, and all the institutions, except
the asylums for ms ane, were placed under the
charge OF two boards / think q system OF
boards whose members serve without conf
pensation except expenses, has more TO recon-
mend III tnan any other Experience mas SHOWN
that members become acquainted and inter
ested in the institution under their charge.
and they give the matter painstaking care
which cannot be purchased with money. and IL
second only to their interest N their own fam
lily and home affairs.
In view OF the number of institutions and
their liability to loss or damage by fire. l re-
spectfully recommend that provision be made
to meet such an emergency without calling the
Legislature together, by providing that the
Governor and Board of Auditors can author
I've the Tpnair rahuildinO of SnCl lnqti-
tuition, and providing the necessary means
therefor This Is more necessary from the fact
that the State carries no insurance.
Since the adjournment of the Legislature
the Supreme Court has decided that the inde-
terminate sentence law is unconstitutional.
The same act included the parole law. Among
prisons these two features are considered alb
solutely essential TO successful prison man
agement, the theory laid down being that for
the commission OF crime minimum amount
of punishment should be imposed by the court,
and this no power should be given to reduce or
mitigate. After that q less rigorous imprison-
ment, depending on the behavior of the pris-
oner. But all advances, paroles and discharges
should depend entirely on the prisoners nc
tion and never on outside influence. The
prisoner should learn that it all depends on
his own acts and behavior and In short give
the prisoner some inducement to REFORM IL IL
hoped that some means may be found so that
these systems may be again put in operation
in the State.
Inspection OF Oil.
The law passed by the last Legislature
changing the method OF inspection OF illumi-
mating oil has not reduced the price to con
sumers buS has impaired its illuminating
qualities. and the loss OF much property and
some lives IL directly traceable TO IL. No
time should be lost in providing such test "a
shall make it safe for use, and at the same
I ine give it greater Illuminating power.
Taxation of Railroad Companies.
We have in our State a few railroads which
were pioneers of their kind and were granted
special charters with special privileges. They
are to-day among the most prosperous of our
great system of railroads. They have contrib
uted much to the growth and prosperity OF our
State. and have reaped a golden reward there
for. They have now become an aristocracy or
class OF railroads. both az to rates
charged and taxes paid This condition is un-
just to the general law roads and unjust TO the
people of the State. 1t only needs TO be stated
that railroads, like individuals should be gov
erned by the same laws and be subject to the
same burdens for the support OF the Govern
ment. trust this question will receive your
early and careful attention.
Quarantine.
1t is not unreasonable TO xpect a visitation
OF cholera to TINS country during the coming
year, and necessary legislation should be
enacted for effective quarantine, and at the
same time not unnecessarily interfere with
travel and business.
Highway Crossings of Railroads.
The increase in number and speed of trains
and the increase in the amount OF travel on our
streets and highways make the need of some
more adequate protection at these crossings
more important.
In some of our larger cities there is now an
urgent demand for some means TO avoid the
danger. annoyance, and delay incident TO these
grade crossings. 1t would seem that the time
has come when some provision should be made
by law for the separation OF the grade of
streets or highways and railroads, which
should have in view the gradual but final
R abolition of grade crossings of streets or high
ways and railroads. Such a law would be in
the interest of true economy in maintenance
and operation on the part of railroads. and q
saving of time. annoyance, and life and limb
on the part Of the people.
You are Entrusted with the vast responsible
ity of legislating for two and quarter million
Of people. 1t is for YOU TO determine what
laws shall be passed for their government and
control, how much and for what purpose money
shall be appropriated and who shall be the rep
OF this great commonwealth in the
highest legislative body in the world for the
next six years. All these duties are important
to yourselves and those you represent. As-the
of IA intelligent, energetic and
people as there are in the world.
believe your work will he done in such u
manner as such a people do their private bust
ness, promptly, intelligently thoroughly and
with that wise economy which prudent bust
n men exercise in their own affairs