The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1909-01-15
state supreme court. Following this,

state supreme court. Following this,
Gov. Johnson read his message.
The message was the most lengthy
Of any ever delivered to Minnesota
legislature. 1t began with lengthy
recital of the vast resources of Min
nesota. The governor then gave at
tention to the need for greater devel-
opment of northern Minnesota. Here
is vast area, rich with opportunities
for settlers; great in its Embarrassed
water-powers and natural resources.
To aid in the work of development,
it is recommended there be created
a special department of state to take
charge of the states wealth in lands,
mines and forests. The governor re-
minded his hearers that the school
lands alone represent wealth OF
100000, OOO
More equality in taxation is desira-
BILE. Taxes should be imposed in pro-
portion to the benefits derived, and in
proportion to the ability of those taxed
to pay. The governor suggested that
county assessor system be estab-
lished in preference to the township
and city assessor systems now in
vogue. In Ramsey, Hennepin and ST.
Louis counties, a county tax commits
sion for each of three members is sug-
gested. Attention is directed to the
report of the. state tax commission,
which says the gross earnings taxes OF
railroads is not equal to other prop
erty taxes on an ad valOrem basis.
The mining interests in the state
should be made to pay their just taxes,
whether tonnage or ad valorem basis,
and the fact should not be lost sight
of that the towns where the mines are
located are entitled to their fair share
of this tax. In event of the state SUI
preme court declaring the so-called
wide-open tax amendment to the con-
stitution is not adopted, it should be
re-submitted to the people at the next
election.
ernor says the two cent mile rate for
carrying passengers is sufficiently high
to allow the roads fair profit and
should be maintained.
Senator Sullivan fathered several
important bills; one provides for es-
tablishment of state legislative ref
erence department, in charge of an as
sistant attorney general to draw $500
year; another establishing a farm
machinery plant at the state prison
Of cam
fund money for this purpose; and a
third providing for an annual levy OF
$2OO,O00 a year till 100000 is raised
for completion of the new prison at
Saltwater.
Under the head education, the gov
ernor recommends an additional as
sistant superintendent of instruction
and at least $500 more year for
department clerk hire. In the sale OF
timber, all sales should be based on
the actual amount of timber sold, in
stead of on rough estimates.
There was no break in the caucus
slate until the nominations for chap
lain were called. John McGrath pre-
scented the name of Rev. G. w. B. Ellis
of Hawley, the caucus selection. T. j..
Brady, on behalf on the minority, NOM
mated Rev. R. D. Phillips of Hastings,
who was chaplain at the former ses-
sion of the legislature. A. K. Ware
of Mortified broke away from the
caucus by nominating Rev. w. R..
Keesey. This brought Ben Dixon to
his feet with a plea for harmony.
Many of the republican members voted
for Mr.. Phillips, while ten or more re-
fused to vote at all. The result OF
the roll call was as follows: Ellis IS;
Phillips 90, and Keesey 4. Rev. Mr..
Ellis having received a majority, was
declared elected chaplain of the house.
Lawrence H. Johnson moved the ap-
pointment of a committee of three to
inform the governor that the house
was organized and ready to receive
the message. Speaker Rockne appoint
ed Lawrence H. Johnson, w. H. Put
nam and James Handlan. The COM
mittee returned after a short absence
and reported that Governor Johnson
would deliver his message to the
house at IL a. m. tomorrow.
The first appointment announced by
Speaker Rockne was that of William
Lovely of Minneapolis, who was ap-
pointed sergeant-at-arms of the re-
serve gallery.