The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1910-10-11

and administrative ability of tia
guardians Of our school fund. the
state auditor IS the custodian III this
fund, and the present incumbent iii
the ONCE, Hon. 8. G. Irerzon, hag
made an enViable record Ill the pre-
lection CT the interests Of tie state
and in the enforcement OF all Laws
pertaining to his Office.
Railroad and Warehouse Commission.
The work of the railroad and ware
house commission and its important
bearing on the interests and welfare
OF the people clearly illustrate the in
creased Importance Of this depart
ment Minnesota has now obtained
recognition as one Of the most adj
vanced states in the Union III rela-
ton to its railroad legislation, and the
successful administration OF these
laws. It's duties are varied and each
year increase in scope and i'm
portance, embracing generally all
questions or grievances that may arise
between the public and the railroad
companies.
Inc railroad and warehouse commits
sion has taken IN active part in tie
tr1aI or the rate cases. 1T has realized
fuiiy that these cases involve some
OF the most momentous problems ever
presented to any tribunal. On tie
one hand lies the taking from the PEG
pie OF the state by unjust rates sun
OF money beyond computation, and on
the other, depriving the railroads of
the state unjustly of the very means
aor performing necessary public
service. Between these two extremes
lies the right medium, which it il be
iieved and hoped by both sides I'm this
case, viii finally be determined.
With reference to express rates, the
commission has also rendered the
state valuable services. After a thor
ough inquiry and investigation, an or
der was made reducing express rates
20 per cent on merchandise and pro-
duce and correcting number of in
equailrles which previously existed
The commission, composed OF Judge
Ira Mills, G. f. Staples, candidate for
reelection this year, and Elias e.
Efmquist. ranks in personnel and
services rendered with any ike body
In the entire cuuntry.
State Highway Commission.
The state highway co4nmissinn was
organized in January, 1906, in order
TO meet great demand for improve
ment of the public highways. The
HheEry of road betterment, as at fira
outlined, contemplated the cDnstruc.
tiun Of expensive and permanent roads
of stone and gravel, but careful in
VeSI1gation Of road conditions ucn.
F1Hoed the commission that the In.
teFests of the people could be better
served by APPLYING state aid to the
general improvement CT the common
earth roads. This plan has been con
sfsfently carried out, and SO far mas
mel the general approval OF the peo-
pfe A marked Improvements has been
nf19d in the method of construction
by town and county authorities, who
have been Informed, advised and in
stracted by Tux commission, through
the medium OF correspondence. print
ed Instructions and personal visits.
Summing Up.
This IL summary Of The important
Issues in this campaign, my position
with reference thereto and a brief ac-
counting of my short stewardship. As
the executive xh great business in
stftntion ! have reported t0 the board
of directors ant stockholders. 1T ID
for the people ri the state to Judge
WHETHER or not have discharged my
duty faithfully ard conscientioug1y, SO
than may be deserving of their re-
newed confidence Like all others
whp have occupied important public
positions | have made mistakes. No
man ever received better treatment
al the hands of the public, and while
some criticism mar have been unjust,
have always cOnsoled myself with
the thought that unjust criticism could
not tnjure and just criticism was an
invaluable guide to 1ollow In the path
OF durY. The press of the state has
been especially friendly and I wish to
express my appreciation OF its loyal
and trrsselfish support Whatever may
have been the shortcomings OF this adj /
/ can 90 before the PEG
pie OF The state with the assurance
that ! have endeayored to give them
the very best service Of which I was
capable; that have lab0red diligently
to learn the needs of the state and its
great opportunities for development,
and that by reason OF such experience
have become better fitted to serve
N the future than In the past To-
merit the confidence and good will Of
he people has been my sole ambition