The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1903-10-03
NO SESSION LIKELY
General Fund Hardly in Shape to
Withstand Appropriations Sug-
gested by White.
However, the Governor Is Still Con-
sidering the Matter-School
Fund Status.
Hpaeial 70 Tha Journal.

Special TO The Journal.
Bismarck, ND. Oct. 3.-There Is wide
difference of opinion as to the permanent
school fund of the state. and the posi-
bility OF bond buying this fall. A few
days ago 1t was stated that there was
balance Of half million dollars or so in
the fund. and that it would be difficult to
ind investment for it. Now comes State
Treasurer Mcmillan, who Is the custodian
OF the fund, and says the amount OF cash
In the fund uninvested Is only $40. 900, and
that he believes the entire fund can be III
vested this fall In the bonds that will be
offered for sale by the school districts
thru the state. 1t is further stated that
at the time 1t was proposed to invest
$4,000 Of the fund in institution bonds,
there was only $3.50. 900 in the permanent
school fund awaiting investment.
There Is also a wide difference of opin
ion as to the ability of the general fund
Of the state to withstand the appropria
lions that Governor White believes can be
made for the benefit Of the state institu-
tons. In case special session Is called.
An official Of the state government In
speaking Of the matter stated that there
was at the present time about s135,000 in
the general fund Of the state. The cur
rent expenses Of the state. including the
maintenance Of the institutions not pro-
vided for by special tax, aggregate about
900 a month, and it is apparent ac-
cordng to this authority, that the general
fund could not at the present time stand
a drain Of 100000, with additional appro-
priations to aggregate 100000 in the next
two years.
Those who have been opposing the idea
of an extra session seem confident in view
OF existing conditions that the session will
not be called. 1t is known, however, that
the governor Is still considering the mat
ter, altho he has not come to any final de-
cision.
Chance for Drain.
The legislature Of last winter passed a
law providing a reward of $50 for each
conviction for the violation of the prohibi-
ton law. About $500 has been paid out bv
the state under this law up to the present
time, but 1t is believed that when the
operation Of the law becomes general. this
will be considerable drain upon the gen
eral fund. The appropriation is unlim-
tied. and at $50 a conviction there ought
to be much activity among private detec-
tives and prosecutors.
Three weeks more will see the compile
ton Of the Northern Pacific road into Lin
ton, the county seat of Emmons county
The grading has been completed except for
an excavation near Linton that will take
about two weeks to finish. Trains are
now running to within a mile or two OF
the terminal. The Washhurn road Is com
pleleu 70 OnQeT"OOu ana trains are run
ming to the new terminus, thirteen miles
beyond Washburn. Surveyors are in the
field. laying out proposed forty-mile ex.
tension to be built next year.
Surveyor General e. A. Williams, chair.
man Of the North Dakota delegation t.
the irrigation convention. who Is urging &
full attendance upon the meeting to b.
held at Bismarck Oct 20 and 81. reports
general interest and probabilities favor
ing the largest convention ever held in ths
gtate