The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1893-01-06
THE TWO MESSAGES.

Lin wv MG4SOAUES.
The last message of Gov. Merriam
to the legislature like his former ones.
is a businesslike document and
abounds with good advice which the
legislative body would do we'll to take
note of. His advice in regard to class
or special legislation is sound and
ought to be strictly followed In the
face of the danger from cholera he
recommends that congress be petit
toned to suspend for one year all i'm
migration, and as the Northwest is
the destination of large portion of
| the immigrants who land on our
shores, he believes it to be a matter
of self-protection that such a step be
| taken.
He calls attention to the report of
the railroad and warehouse commits
sion and the desirability of some
action being taken on some of the
recommendation therein contained,
especially as relates to the making of
all warehouses at terminal points,
public institutions and such legis,a-
tion as will protect the farmer in any
unjust discrimination that might be
made against him. He also believes
that the commission should be given
power to inquire into the rates and
practices of any railroad whenever it
believes the public interests require
it, without being obliged to wait un-
til complaint is made.
In regard to the State Prison he
recommends the making of long term
contracts for those inmates who can
not be profitably employed by the
state, which at the present time is
about one-half the number.
AS to the new state capitol he
recommends that the expense of
building such structure as.the state
would need bespread QUITO a number
of years, so as to make the tax as
lightly felt as possible, which is good
: recommendation that ought to be
carried into effect whenever it is de-
cided to build, whether it is this year
or later.
The financial condition of the state
he reports in good condition and rec
: ommends that reduction of eight
tenths of mill be made in the tax
levy, which will meet the hearty ap-
probation of every tax payer.
The inaugural message of Gov. Mel
son is brief and like that of his pre-
decessor, is most business-like docu-
ment. He recommends economy in
legislation and administration. He
thinks that the cost of some
of the executive departments is too
great that of the dairy department
especially and recommends a radical
reduction.
He heartily commends the educa-
tional institutions of the state and
finds them in most prosperous con-
dition, and recommends all increased
appropriation for the state university.
He refers to the grain elevator ques-
U1Ou dllu ulSCllU uCCu VI SuCH
e islation as will thoroughly protect the
; farmer in his rights.
5 II He recommends an amendment to
i the constitution authorizing the tax
ing of mining, express, parlor and
+ sleeping car companies by levying a
t tax o. 2 per cent. per annum upon
a their gross premium receipts, in addi-
!. tion to taxes upon both real and per-
a sonal property.
On the whole the Governor has
i made a good beginning. His recon-
/ mendations are well put and sound,
and should receive careful considera-
j ton. Minnesota has been very fortu-
. nate in the choice of her past gov
: errors, and seems equally fortunate in
: the selection of him who has just TAX
en- charge of the affairs of the state.