Pierre weekly free press. (Pierre, S.D.) 1889-19??, 1893-01-05
THE MESSAGE.
The Full Text ofthe Document
as Delivered Before the
Joint Session.
1t is Brief and Contains Much
That is Worthy OF Con-
sidcratiOn.
A Law Needed Providing For
the Inspection OF Steam
Boilers.
The World Fair---State Lands--
The Oil Inspection Lave
Railroads.

GENTLEMEN OF THE SENATE AND
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,:
l congratulate you that we meet
under such favorable auspices. The
condition of our affairs throughout
the state is not only highl, gratify-
ing, but we feel justified in the hope
that we have measnrab!y passed that
period OF adversely which has been so
generally the experience Of the peo-
pie OF newly settled states.
Our settlement has not only been
phenomenal, but we have come.
almost in Il day, to take our place as
one OF the great grain producers in
the sisterhood OF states. Our stock
and mining interests are rapidly
assuming vast proportions. and we
gladly believe that the time is not far
distant, when South Dakota will
occupy an cnviable position for its
productions, the virtue of its laws,
and the character of its people.
Much OF prosperity is often accre.
dlNd. and Of adversely charged to the
party having control of the state.
The eyes of the people are turned
toward you in a very positive manner
and they are anXiouSly hopeful that
the trust and confidence they have
reposed in you may he realized. They
understand full well that il is not in
the multitude of laws that their
interests are best Subscrvcd, but they
are expecting that your cnactments
Sia!! be such as tend tn their prosper
lily and that these laws when made.
shall be faithfully administered. 1t
IS our duty to see shat 50 far as
lies IN our power TO prevent, they are
no; disappointed.
Among the subjects 10 which
your attention is respectfully
invited. is the making OF wha,
in your wisdom YOU may deem
suitable appropriation for an cx-
hiblt oil the resources OF the state. at
the Columbian EXposition,at Chicago.
during he present year and u pro-
vide by law for its expenditure.
number Of our patriotic citizens.
organizing themselves into q commits
sion. have raised from amDngour peo-
pie a considerable sum Of money and
nave expended the same III erecting
al Chicago what they have deemed a
suitable building for the use Of the
state. and in gathering material for
the exhibit. Neither the building
nor the material for the exhibit is
COMPLETE. You will be asked TO REIN
burSe thescctizens for moneys already
expended, and assume state control Of
this enterprise, making provision for
the appointment OF such number of
our people for its management as in
your judgment you may deem neces-
sary.
a large amount of land granted us
no. f,,, q.
cational purposes, still remains
unsolicited for want of means to
de!ray the expense Of its selection
and certi1ication. Wisdom would
seem to indicate that these lands
should be secured as speedily as pos
siblc before all our most valuable
land is taken By settlers under our
homestead law. An appropriation
for this purpose will be asked By the
state. and il is believed Il reasonable
amount should be granted.
In this connection, ] desire to call
your attention to an act OF congress.
giving to this state one section Of
land in the Sisscton military rcserva-
tion with the Fort buildings to be
used by Us for militia purposes. The
act mentioned declares that when
ever it shall be used otherwise than
as provided, or shall cease to be so
used, it shall revert to the govern
ment. The wisdom of accepting it
under these conditions is question
able. The expense which the state
must incur in providing conscrva-
tor for the property and the keeping
of the buildings in repair, will greatly
increase the cost of the maintenance
of our militia, while at the same time
we would be compelled to hold our
annual musters at a point remote
from railroads demanding expensive
transport to and from the ground.
l would respectfully suggest that
the attention of our senators and
representatives in congress be called
to this matter and that they be asked
to secure, if in their power, such
change in the act as shall make it
possible for us to take the property
not as a donation for specific pur-
poses, but as indemnity land.
The revision of our oil inspection
law is thought to be worthy Of your
careful consideration. The safety Of
our people and the preservation of
their property, would seem to demand
that careful inspection shall be had.
not only of Illuminating oils but also
of gasoline used within the state. 1t
is believed that this may be accom-
plished by amendment of our present
law, increasing both the duties and
the compensation Of the inspector,
giving greater satisfaction and secur-
ity to our people without any increase
OF their burden.
The frequency Of explosions Of
steam boilers used in thrcshing, caus-
ing great loss Of life, is an urgent
appe Il that something be done to
insure greater safety in their use, and
| earnestly urge upon you, iii Shall
be in your power, the enactment of a
law to provide for the inspection of
steam boilers, and the careful exam
ination as to their competency of per-
sons who may be employed as
engineers.
There is much complaint among
our people of discriminating freight
rates as charged by some Of the rail-
roads doing business in this state.
| am not one Of those who believe in
indiscriminate war upon railroads. 1
In triad IN f,.11xy <I,o Sook