Morris tribune., 1910-10-07

guardians of our school fund. The
state auditor is the custodian Of this
fund, and the present incumbent OF
the Office, Hon. S. G.. Iverson, has
made an enviable record in the pro-
lection of the interests of the 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 it's 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 ad-
vanced states in the Union in rela-
tion to it's 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.
The railroad and warehouse commits
trial of the rate cases. 1t has realized
fully that these cases involve some
of the most mOmentous problems ever
presented to any tribunal. On the
one hand lies the taking from the peo-
pie of the state by unjust rates a sum
of money beyond computation, and on
the other, depriving the railroads of
1r 11cf1I 0F q
for performing necessary public
service. Between these two extremes
lies the right medium, which it is be-
lieved and hoped by both sides in this
case, will 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 a number of in
eQualities which previously existed.
The commission, composed of Judge
Ira Mills, c. F. Staples, candidate for
reelection this year, and Elias E.
Elmquist, ranks in personnel and
services rendered with any like body
in the entire country.
State Highway Commission.
The state highway commission was
organized in January, 1906, in order
to meet a great demand for improve
ment of the public highways. The
theory of road betterment, as at first
outlined, contemplated the cOnstruc-
tiOn Of expensive and permanent roads
of stone and gravel, but a careful in
veStjgation Of road conditions con-
vinced the commission that the in
terests of the people could be better
served by applying state aid to the
general Improvement Of the common
earth roads. This plan has been con-
sistently carried out, and so far has
met the general approval of the peO-
pie A marked improvement has been
noted in the method Of construction
by town and county authorities, who
have been informed, advised and in
stYucted by the commission, through
the IrtGiu3n Of SpOndence, print
ed instructions and personal visits.
Summing UP.
This is a 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 of a great business in
stitution | have reported to the board
of directors and stockholders. 1t is
for the people of the state to judge
whether or not | have discharged my
duty faithfully and cOnsCientiOuSly, SO
that I may be deserving Of their re
newed confidence Like all others
who have occupied important public
positions ! have made mistakes. No
man ever received better treatment
a. the hands Of the public, and while
some criticism may have been unjust,
| have always cOnsOled myself with
the thought that unjust criticism could
not njure and just criticism was an
invaluable guide to follow in the path
of duty The press of the state has
been especially friendly and | wish to
express my appreciation OF its loyal
and unselfish support. Whatever may
have been the shortcomings Of this ad-
mnistratiOn, | can go before the peO-
pie of the state with the assurance
that I have endeavored to give them
the very best service Of which | was
capable; that l have labored diligently
to learn the needs of the ctate and its
great opportunities for development,
and that by reason of such experience
have become better fitted to serve
in the future than in the past. To
merit the confidence and good will Of
the people has been my sole ambition
and I leave my case in their hands.
feeling that their verdict will be just.
The true greatness of our state can
not be measured in terms of wealth,
territory, commerce or industry, but
rather in the prosperity and happiness
of the people, the purity of the homes,
the efficiency of the schools, the sane