Bismarck weekly tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, Dakota [N.D.]) 1884-1943, 1895-01-11
The Joint Conxantion

Mrs. Eisenhuth has rented a house in the
city for the winter.
The Joint Convention,
Immediately after the organization the
two houses met in joint convention and
listened to the mes sage of Governor Short
ridge and the inaugural address of Gov
ernor Allin. At the close of Governor
Sh0rtridge's message Governor Allin was
sworn in by judge Bartholomew and i'm.
medlately proceeded to deliver his address.
The reading consumed about an hour and
was without special incident. Both were
well received. Lieutenant Governor Worst
presided with marked dignity. At his right
was Governor ShOrtridge and at his lift
Governor Allin. Next on the left was
Speaker Gill and then Judge Bartholomew.
The message and inaugural address
OtGovernor Shortridges message appears
Gentlemen of the Senate and House of
Representatives:
Agreeably to the provisions OF the con-
stitution, the legislative assembly OF the
state of North Dakota has convened to
consider measures pertaining to the peo-
pie and the state. The confidence of your
constituents in choosing you to exercise
the functions Of the legislative branch of
our state government is sacred trust.
Officials change, but the government con-
tlnues. AS the mantle of your predeces-
sOrs has fallen upon you without blame or
blemish, in like manner may you be en-
abled to transmit it to your successors, un-
stained by dishonor.
The true basis of government is found
in the nature of men themselves. They
have desires, wills, ideas and character,
and have invested you with the authority
to speak for them. Your intercourse with
your constituents has made you familiar
with these characteristics. They may have
importuned you to secure the passing of
measures which, in their individual capac-
lty, they deem necessary to their best in
terests. An honest effort to secure them is
conmehdable. But it is your duty to de-
termlne by conference whether the best
Interests of the state will be served
by such measures; should it be necessary
to abandon the effort for the general wei.
fare, you do not prove recreant to the trust
reposed in you. but rise to the dignity of
broad minded and liberal legislators, Which
Willse cure for you the plaudts of an intelli-
gent constituency. A grave eresponsibility,
therefore, rests upon you, and in the dis
charge OF that duty, l invoke the assistance
OF almighty God.
For your guidance, you have the re.
suits OF the four Legislative assemblies
o. the state OF North Dakota and those
OF the territory. Manv measures then
operative would today be Inadequate and
Unsatisfactory. In the march of civiliza-
tion legislative assemblies, as we'll as indi-
diduals, are required to contribute. A con-
servative policy has always characterized
the American people, giving our state and
federal governments strength at home and
securing respect abroad There are those
who demand the repeal of laws because of
ancient origin; others demand laws EN-
bodying the most advanced ideas, but the
greatest number is that conservative class
that finds the golden medium between the
Two extremes, possessing that disposition
OF mind which neither reveres what is old,
or admlreS what is new, simply because it
is old or new, but submits every question
to the test OF stricI examination upon its
intrinsic merits.
1t is to be hoped, gentlemen, that, in your
intercourse with your constituents Won
have been impressed with the necessity OF
as economical session as is compatible
with public interests. Being compelled to
practice the most rigid economy, on ac.
count OF the financial depression and the
low price of their products, they expect a
reasonable degree OF frugality on the part
OF their representatives.
desire at this ii ne to commend the peo
pie OF the state, through you, for
the admirable manner in which
they deported themselves during the
disturbances Of the past year. Though
inconVenlenced and made material
losers by reason of such disturbances the
people OF this state have faithfully kept the
compact entered into with the general gov
ernment when admitted into the union.
They have proven them selves worthy of
all the rights and privileges OF statehood.
MY honorable predecessor has submitted
q report OF the executive Office during
rasort nus incanoency' 10 tas together with a
of state. 1t is not my PURPOSE
to recommend numerous or radical meas
ures for your consideration, but to
pursue conservative course, believing
that it will be to the best interests of the
state. -
APPROPRIATIONS.
Reference has previously been made to
the demand OF the people for an economi-
cal administration. This is made impera-
tive by reason of the condition Of our
finances and the inability to increase the
limit OF indebtedness. The negative vote
OF the people upon the constitutional
amendment increasing the debt limit, must
be accepted as direct expression Of their
wishes regarding indebtedness.
You have not only to provide for the
support OF the state government and its
institutions, but for the liquida-
ton OF warrants now outstanding and un.
paid for want of funds. We can not 10.
more the fact that the appropriations of the
last legislative assembly were in excess Of
the revenues Of the state. Those entrusted
with the management Of the financial af-
fairs of the state have been embarrassed
by reason Of such. That experience should
De OF benefit to all concerned in the mat
ter of appropriations.
To maintain the credit of the state is
essential TO its prosperity; and the only
way to do SO is to Keep the expenses within
the limits Of the revenues. '"''.
In making appropriations for the sun
port and maintenance of the various instiil
tlons OF The state, no one should be favored
to such an extent that the others will be
neglected.
The question is grave one. recurring
careful consideration and the test Of bnsi,
ness principles rather than sentiment. do
!! not desire TO perplex you with an enumera-