Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1905-01-11

gathered in general assembly at noon
the 3rd.
1t was the first session in the hand
some, new capitol and the solons
seemed duly impressed by the fact that
they were really dwelling in marble
halls
The sole business of the day was
that of organization. No other ousi-
ness was transacted and tho tedious
preliminaries were disposed of in an
hour and Il half
Wednesday, the 4th, the two bodies
assembled in the legislative chamber,
and after listening to the message of
Retiring Governor Van SAINT, Governor
elect johnson was sworn in. He at
once delivered his first message, which
is as follows:
gentlemen Of the Senate and House OF
Having taken the oath OF Office as re-
Qulred by the constitution. my first OFF,
clal duty is the communication by mes
and information concerning the condition
OF the state as / have deemed eXpedient
The message OF the incoming governor,
having been prepared prior to his installa-
state questions in general rather than in
a specific way. At the outset, wish to
discuss eaz,s ,s.a question which during the past
much importance. 7 refer to the tenure
OF office of the governor. A newly elected
executive is so burdened with the duty OF
little time for the study of the conditions
of the several state institutions and mat
tiers OF state concern generally. Then too.
he goes into office with the converting of
the legislature. so that his administra-
ton finds it's greatest work at the begin
ming OF his term. For these and other
r ress l believe that the tenure Of this
with the provision that the executive
should not be eligible for reelection. I'm
der these conditions he would certainly
sible service unhampered by any official
duty which might be performed with a
view Of perpetuating himself in office.
based upon the experience Of other states
in which the tenure of four years has ac-
complished the best and most satisfactory
approval. offer the added suggestion
that in thus amending the constitution,
the change be made effective at the con-
clusion Of the present term. with the pro-
vision that the present executive would
not then be eligible to term OF four
years.
:, In, acknowledging my appreciation Of
ton to this high office by the people of
the state. irrespective of political affilia-
tons. l wish to assure you that in the
administration OF state affairs. I shall be
guided by one and only one purpose: that
OF serving the state as whole. and to-
that end ask the cooperation Of the
state government. 1t should be your pur-
pose and mine to place the state above
party or personal interest and as chosen
to serve the state without regard to any
interest save the interest of the whole
state. and to this end 1 pledge you all
the support which the executive can give.
STATE FINANCES.
The state auditor has presented his re-
port Of the financial condition Of the
called. His total estimate Of the revenue
fund for 1905 is s4.6O9. 169.4O, and the esti-
mated expenditures for the same year,
mated at s4.57o.ooo with expenditures at
$40 600: and for 1907 the revenue is
estimated at s4,745,000, with estimated
a revenue OF 100000. For 1906 and 1907,
ne has based his is estimate on tax levy
Of * o ne halt mill Yielding 100000 and
ma te OF revenues for 1906 and 1907 he has
calculated the income of railway taxes at
5o1 co Per cent edg oen of g.
In his estimated expenditures for the lat
ter two years. no allowance is made for
buildings at the state institutions. You
will observe that this leaves a very close
working margin. unless the tax levy is
raised. a condition which should be met
with great deal of care. I heartily con-
that the approximations be: kept within the
estimated receipts, believing that the tax
levy should not be increased. We are
you wh ften Esw he sh
building, being a larger and more COM
modious structure than the old. requires
a larger working force to care for it. The
old capitol building is still the property
of the state. and some provision should be
made TO: its future use and care.
According to the report of the auditor,
the permanent trust funds are in most
gratifying condition. and are rapidly in
creasng.
Since the publication Of the auditors
to the Extent Of % 3Sere now Te
naming but SsS9.0oo of the unpaid re-
TAXATION.
The subject Of taxation is always OF
vital interest, and Of more direct import
ance to the people than any with which
in many respects very unsatisfactory A
large portion Of property which Is prop
er!y the subject Of taxation escapes this
was very Thoroughly discussed at ' the exn
ira session of the legislature of 1902 and
although nothing tangible resulted from
ei 1 tns , eseisatloli, me pupllc mind was
educated In some measure to need OF a
change in our system Of taxation
Under our present constitutional lmi-
tations there is but little opportunity for
change in the situation. All classes of
property should certainly bear a just pro-
portion, of the taxes for the raising of
the public revenue. I would recommend
tutional amendment giving greater lati-
tude to the legislature in the regulation
Of our tax . system I believe a partial So
an income tax and especially in an in
come tax upon credits. To secure this
there must be an amendment to our con-
The taxation Of inheritance is matter
which should be considered at this SEES
sion: Efforts have been made along this
Instance such legislation has been found
unconstitutional. The defects having been
pointed out by the supreme court. 1t Is
esea bS TO law The nsean be
law which Is proper and Just, would in
crease our revenue, fund. and, would. not
be serious burden to the class Of prop
erty coming under the provisions OF such
law EDUCATION:
Minnesota has just reason to be proud
OF her splendid school system and easily
Sew York. ana
In fact. our public school system Is un-
excelled in the nation; Our high and
graded schools are well established and
well organized.
The branch Of our educational system
which demands the most careful atten-
ton, and In which there is yet great room
for Improvement and advancement. is the
rural school. In these schools at least
sixty cent Ct the public sshSo
of the pupils and students attending them
receive no instruction beyond that re-
ceived there. OF over half q million pu-
pills In all the public schools during the
past year. more than one-half are en-
Rolled In the rural schools. BY reason OF
the primitive method still employed. the
pupils attendant upon the rural schools
lack the advantage Of we'll constructed
buildings, adequate books and library.
trained and experienced teachers, and In
advantage OF living remote from the