The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1893-01-13
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The Procedure at Springfield in the Prai-
RE statc-AitgeId's Address.
SPRINGFIELD, Jan. ll.-Probably 10000
| Democrats from all parts Of the state came
to this city yesterday to see the Democracy
resume sway after years of exile In the
state government. 1t was jolly crowd
a most enthusiastically happy throng, for
to them Babylon is fallen and wese a
gwine to occupy de land" The day was
| fine, the procession of Democratic clubs,
ETC., very imposing and the capitol very
beautifully decorated.
Cheered the New Governor.
The Inauguration took place in the
chamber of the house and here, amid the
cheers of the packed audience, Governor
elect Altgeld appeared and took the oath
of Office that made him chief executive of
the state for four years With him were
sworn in the other state officers elected at
the same time, and that ceremony being
over the new governor proceeded to read
his inaugural address.
AItgeld Reviews History.
The governor began his inaugural with
reference to the history of the state, say
ing that during the period of Democratic
ascendency the foundations were laid for
all the blessings which the state had since
enjoyed. He also referred to the change of
administration and the honorable part the
state took in the war for the Union. The
richness of the soil had attracted immigra-
ton from all parts of the world, and in
material prosperity the state scarcely had
"a rival anywhere This prosperity, he
said, had been gained in spite of unjust
and injurious governmental policies.
The Question of EducatI on.
The party that at first guided the state
had been called again to power and was
confronted by many important problems,
among them compulsory education. OF
this impoi tant matter the governor said
that we shave statute passed four years
ago, known as the compulsory education
act, which is no part of our common school
system and which violates the fundament-
al principles of free government. 1t will
be our duty to not only repeal this act at
as early a day as practicable, but to provide
in its place another law that shall be free
from the objections that apply to this and
which shall make ample provisions for the
care of neglected children. The state can
not permit children to grow up on the
street, learning nothing but the rudimeuts
of crime and learning nothing to fi5 them
for the discharge of even the Ordinary
duties of American citizenship, even that
of self-maintenance."
Interest on the Public Fund
The governor then passed to the iestion
as TO who should have the interest on pub
lie funds. He declared his opinion that the
public should, and he advocated general
law providing that salal les OF officers who
have custody of public money shall be Il
per centage of the amount of money they
handle, and all interest shall belong to the
public. He urged reform in procedure of
magistrates courts, which courts he said
could do great violence to the rights of the
citizens and frequently did so. He called
attention to some of the evils of the system
as it exists, and urged u reform of the same
Compulsory Labor Arbitration.
He expressed himself in favor of nom
partisan management of public institu-
tions; advocated compulsory arbitra-
ton law which shall have power to settle
disputes between labor and capital, refer
ing to which system he said: "There seems
to be no doubt about the right of the state
to make thorough investigation and
render a decision, but the difficulty arises
in enforcing the decision. The state cannot
compel an unwilling employer to run his
shop, nor can it compel unwilling employees
to go to work. The state may compel an
employer who disregarded its decision and
persisted in operating his works to pay tina
expense of any special protection he re-
ceived. On the other hand, if employees
should refuse TO go to work in accordance
with TIE terms of a decision, the state can
give its entire power in protecting the en-
ployer in hiring new men, but the moral
influence alone of state decision would in
many cases be sufficient to end a strike"
A Word About PiDkertons.
Referring to the obligation of the state to
protect its citizens in their rights during
strikes the governor said: "Many civil
officers have shown disposition to shirk
their duty during strike, ann this has been
followed by the introduction of an IRE.
sponsible armed force controlled by pri-
vate individuals. The presence of these
armed strangers always acts as an irrita-
ton and tends to provoke riot and disorder,
and we should take warning by the expe-
rience of some of our sister states and alb
solutely prohibit the use of these armed
mercenaries by private corporations or in
dividuals. At the same time we should
see to it that the civil officers do their
duty"
Matters Worth Looking Into.
The fact that large number of insane
was scattered about the state in poorhouses
was noted as worthy of attention; legisla-
ton against the sweating system was adj
vocated; municipal ownership oSeverything
used by the general public in cities was
suggested as matter to be examined. A
good word was said for good roads; pro-
vision for tie employment of convict labor
so as not to compete with free labor was
urged On the legislatures atten-
ton; fair redistricting of the
state was urged; II heavy tax on estates
of deceased persons, heavy fees for corpora
tions on organization, and general over
hauling of the revenue system of the state,
are commended to the notice of the Iegis-
lature which is finally asked to take less
time "off" and work more continuously.
FlFER'S LAST MESSAGE.