The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1905-02-10
JOHNSON SENDS
SPECIAL MESSAGE
Continued from First Page.

missioner. It seems manifestly Improper
that the state auditor should be con-
tinued as a. member of this board. The
records being kept in his office, he should
be connected with the board only in a
purely clericala capacity. I would recon-
mend an appropriation Of a sum, not less
than $4,000, as a contingent fund, to be
placed at the disposal of this proposed
timber board, in order that they may
from time to time make a physical ex-
animation of the timber lands of the
state, and also ~ enable them to appoint
cruisers or employ agents for the state.
to see that the states property Is pre-
served.
The reasons for this change are obvious
and are, intended in no wise as a retlec-
ton on the present incumbent of the
state auditors office, but it seems that
the interests of the state demand that
changes be made which will permit the
executive arm Of the government to en-
force the will Of the legislature. In the
matter Of the issuance of mineral leases,
l renew my previous Recommendation to
the legislature that, as protection
against any violations of the law in re-
spect thereto, and that this class of
property may yield to the state the great
est possible revenue, law be passed pro-
viding for the sale of mineral leases at
duCIlOll W the HIGHEST DlupeI, anu
that such sale be after proper advertise
ment and after meteorological examina-
ton Of the land by the state.
The public examiners reports herewith
transmitted to- the legislature were also
transmitted to the attorney general, with
the following communication: /. .
Governor to Attorney General.
Hon. Edward T. Young, ~.
Attorney General.
Dear Sir-During the past year several
ports made to this office by the public ex-
amner. covering the investigation Of the state
auditors office, were transmitted to the at
torney general by my predecessor, Governor s.
R. Van SAINT. These reports contained many
cases which seem to be proper subjects for
legal proceedings against timber trespassers
VIII you kindly furnish me with information as
to the status Of these suits, and also inform
me whether your office will be able to institute
suits for the recovery of the money properly
belonging to the state and to give immediate
and continuous attention to the prosecution OF
said cases. &#s
According to the reports filed by the public
examiner, it appears that the state auditor and
his bondslnen liable for accepting insufficient
amounts in full settlement. I understand that
If the state proceeds against the state auditor
and his bondsInen the action must be instituted
during the current year, otherwise the statute
of limitations will have run in their favor.
II Reports made by the public examiner also
indicate that suits have been instituted for the
prosecution of claims against the various rail
way companies for back taxes alleged to be duo
the state Will you kindly furnish me with
information, giving the present status of these
proceedings. ss.-+..
A report from the public examiner upon an
Investigation Of the state auditors office has just
been filed in this office, and covers a number
of cases Of timber trespassss not referred to in
previous reports. This report is herewith trans
mitted to YOU 1 intend : to transmit to the
state legislature now in session copy of all
the reports made by =: the public examiner to
this office. with certain Recommendations espe-
cially with view, to a physical examination
Of the timber lands of the state of Minnesota.
Will you kindly inform me whether, in your
opinion, your department can conduct the pros
ecution of all these claims for the state with
the present force at your disposal, or do you
desire that when asking for an appropriation
for the physical examination of the timber LAND
referred to l should also ask for an appropra-
| ton for legal assistance for your department
consider it of great Importance that the prose
cution of these claims be immediate and con-
| tnuous, and beg leave to say that desire to CO.
operate with YOU to the fullest extent in the
recovery of any moneys ofsWhieh the state has
been wrongfully deprived. IL -ssS
Very respectfully,
-FtIohn A. johnson,
I .-...-.i- - ~. Governor.