Idaho County free press. [volume] (Grangeville, Idaho Territory) 1886-current, 1895-01-18

was no appropriation to pay the reward
offered ($500) and 1t remains as a debt
against the state for which / hope you
will provide l believe greater discre-
ton should be given the governor so
that in extreme cases larger induce
ments may be held out for the capture
and conviction of murderers.
STATE AND COUNTY TREASURES
You should provide remedy for
the present custom of accommodating
money in the state and county treas
uries The fact that under the law as
II now is large sums may be retained
for the use of the incumbents, goes
farther than the depreciation of war
rants and strikes at the liberties of the
people by often preventing their wishes
to prevail in nominating conventions.
When l assumed the duties of gov
ernor and commander-in-chief of the
Idaho National Guard, found the or
ganiZation badly demoralized. More
men had been enlisted and companies
mustered into service than the state
was prepared to properly equip The
entire force as shown by the adjutant's
numbering $50 men including officers,
Several of the companies had been
called into active service the summer
previous to assist in suppressing a riot
in Shoshone county. This necessity
demonstrated the inefiiciency of the
| equipments of the troops and should
have impelled the last Legislature to
provide for their needs in case they
| again be called into the field. AL
| though the last legislature made no APP
preparation to support a military organ
ization, l have managed by strenuous
efforts-largely through the patriotism
! of the members and officers of the guard
to hold seven companies together and
add 10 our supply of military equipage
| the regular appropriations of the gen
| eral government. | submit to you tn,
| report of Colonel Capwell; also letter
| from Mr.. w. q. Barney of Boise coun.
ty. whose opinion on the subject
heartily endorse. If we intend to secure
emigration and the Investment of cap
ital we must demonstrate to the worl,
that we not only enact laws for tn,
protection of capita! and labor bu
we enforce them, also If needs be a
| the point bI lne DuNpnel, 10 not lie
1t be said again that we are unable I,
prevent or punish red-handed murde
but must plead the baby" act an,
call on the president for troops to saw
the lives and property of our citizens.
The thirteenth session of the legisla
tive assembly, by the act approved Feb
{ ruary s. 1885, authorized the governor O
the territory to appoint commission @
three persons to revise, simplify. al
range and consolidate all statutes c
the territory. which We're in force at tn
time such commissioners made thei
final report.
The commissioners We're directed (
: bring together all statutes which, fc
similarity of subjects. ought to
!, brought together. emitting all redui
dant. repealed and obsolete enactment
and making such sIterations as may |
| necessary to reconcile the contradi
!. tons, supply the omissions, and amer
:, the imperfectons of the original text
The commission. faithfully execute
A their trust, and the revised statut
= of 1887 was the result of their labor.
O Eight years have elapsed since II
h work was adopted In the meantim
= we have taken on statehood with
l. changed conditions. Successive legi
It latures since then have left a pate
n work of amendments. Many sectio
of the statute are in substantial co
dict with the constitution.
s. A careful revision of our statutes,
Is properly made by competent lawye
10 will result in a great saving to t
10 state and to the several counties,
Ia prescribing a more economical adm
es istra ton of the law.
he In conclusion, | desire to assure Y
is that you may depend upon receivi
W my hearty cooperation in your effo
to to bring about the reforms which
II, mention, as well as all other need
III legislation.
re There are many other subjects VIII
ie have attracted my notice and v
:" doubtless receive your attention.
e have hesitated to include them in {
message for the reason that l did ]
think best to make this, my first co
a munication too lengthy.
m. w. J. MCCONNELL