there was a certain similarity of purpose, it was to the interest of both the survey and the school that they should not occupy the same building, although it was desirable they should remain in close proximity to each other. The liberal people of Houghton contributed $1,000 toward the erection of a building, and the Mining School board kindly permitted the building to be erected on the Mining School grounds. There was appropriated the sum of $1,250 from the survey fund to finish and equip the building, which makes for the survey a comfortable and convenient home. It is now believed that this work will be pushed with the vigor and industry which its importance demands, and the public promptly given the result of the work. As the law now stands the appropriations for the use of the geological survey are paid out upon the order of the Governor. There seems to be no good reason why this fund should not take the regular course of other appropriations. STATE PIONEER SOCIETY. This society since its organization has rescued from oblivion many valuable and interesting facts connected with the early settlement of Michigan, and which will prove doubly valuable when all those who took part in this work have passed away. Their work is one of love for the object in which they are engaged, and for which they have neither asked nor received any compensation. They only ask that the State print the results of their labors, that it may be preserved. The usual amount of $1,000 will be needed for the ensuing two years. ELECTION LAWS. There is very little, if any, complaint with reference to the present election law, but in the interest of accuracy and to avoid any change in the returns I renew the recommendation of two years ago that provision be made for counting the vote at intervals during the day by a separate board. As fast as the result is known it should also be posted in at least one public place, and signed by the board, and further results should be added to it during the day. This would prevent any changes for partisan purposes later in the day. With this arrangement the result of election in most cases would be known and the returns made out as early as 6 or 7 o'clock in the evening, and as boards usually receive pay for two days, there would be no increase in expense, but there would be a guaranty of greater accuracy, because the men would be fresh and would have ample time to count the votes and declare the result. COUNTY CANVASS. The present method of canvassing votes by the board of county can vassers is expensive, and no better done than it could be by a much smaller board. This is a matter well worthy of your consideration. MICHIGAN MUNICIPAL COMMISSION. By the provisions of act No. 169, public acts of 1893, the Governor was authorized to appoint a commission to prepare and report a general municipal corporation bill, under which all municipalities may become incorporated, and Hon. William Hartsuff, Hon. Gerrit J. Diekema and Hon. Edwin F. Conely were appointed as such commissioners. Soon after appointment Hon. William Hartsuff resigned, owing to press of other business, and Hon. Mark S. Brewer was appointed in his place. This commission has worked faithfully and earnestly to accomplish what the act imposed upon them. It is my understanding that they have not attempted to introduce any new or startling provisions into the municipal law, but it has been their aim to introduce only well-tried and tested provisions, those which have been found after years of use to be satisfactory. It is hoped that this report will be such that without material amendment or alteration it may be passed early in the session and become a law. I would also urge that an amendment to the constitution be early submitted to the people, providing that the legislature shall hereafter not be permitted to enact special municipal charters. It is hardly necessary to call your attention to the great saving of time, litigation and annoyance that would be gained if all villages and cities of the same class were brought under the same provisions of law. A bill providing for the incorporation of villages, and one for the smaller cities is already prepared and in print, and will be found upon your desks. If these bills are passed early in the session it will save a great deal of work on proposed amendments to various city and village charters throughout the State. BUILDING AND LOAN ASSOCIATIONS. The number of building and loan and similar associations in the State, the large amount of money which they have loaned and on deposit, and the number of people who are interested in their management, would seem to demand that the State should require reports to be made from these associations, and that they should also be subjected to some State supervision. You are respectfully urged to give this important matter your careful consideration. CONCLUSION. You are charged with vast responsibilities. You are to legislate for two and a quarter million of people, with as great a variety of interest as any equal number of people in the world. You are to provide for institutions which have cost the State more than ten million dollars, and the maintenance of which costs a vast amount every year. Every institution, every interest, and every class of our people demand careful consideration at your hands. The same rule in expenditures should govern you that governs expenditures in private business affairs. What is worth doing at all is worth doing well. The more promptly and thoroughly your work is done, the more hearty will be the welcome and approval of your constituents. NOTICES. JOHN T. RICH. Mr. Brundage gave notice that at some future day he would ask leave to introduce A bill to prohibit and prevent adulteration, fraud and deception in the manufacture and sale of articles of food and drink, drugs and medicines. Mr. Smalley gave notice that at some future day he would ask leave to introduce A bill to amend Sec. 7 of act 206 of public acts 1893. Mr. Jewell gave notice that at some future day he would ask leave to introduce A bill to provide for the taxation and collection of taxes of persons, companies, associations and corporations, whether located within or without this State, engaged in running palace, drawing room, dining or sleeping cars, over or upon any railroad situated wholly or partly within this State. Mr. Shaw gave notice that at some future day he would ask leave to introduce A bill to establish a normal school in Central Michigan. Mr. Thompson gave notice that at same future day he would ask leave to introduce A bill to amend sections two and three of an act entitled "An act to establish a police government for the city of Detroit," approved April 17, 1871, as heretofore amended. Also, A bill to establish a board of health for the city of Detroit. Also, A bill relative to free schools in the city of Detroit. Also, A bill to amend sections twenty, twenty-one and twenty-two of an act entitled "An act to revise the laws providing for the incorporation of railroad companies, and to regulate the running and management, and to fix the duties and liabilities of all railroad and other corporations owning or operating any railroad in this state," approved May 1, 1873, the same being sections 3334, 3335 and 3336, of Howell's annotated statutes. Mr. Chittenden gave notice that at some future day he would ask leave to introduce A bill to provide for the reorganization of township school districts in the State. MOTIONS AND RESOLUTIONS. Mr. Barnard moved that the Senate take a recess until 2:30 o'clock p. m.; Which motion prevailed. AFTER RECESS. 2:30 o'clock p. m. The Senate met and was called to order by the President. A quorum present. The Senate resumed the order of MOTIONS AND RESOLUTIONS. Mr. Preston offered the following resolution: Resolved by the Senate (the House concurring), That the Governor be and is hereby authorized to appoint an executive messenger; Which was adopted. MESSAGE FROM THE GOVERNOR. The President announced the following: EXECUTIVE OFFICE, To Hon. Alfred Milnes, President of the Senate: The message was laid on the table. } Yours respectfully, JOHN T. RICH, Governor. The President then announced the following: STANDING COMMITTEES. Agricultural College-Messrs. Briggs, Prescott, Merriman. Claims and Public Accounts-Messrs. Earle, Eaton, Jewell. Engrossment and Enrollment-Messrs. Watts, Gaige, Smalley. Executive Business-Messrs. Watts, Earle, Townsend, Clapp, Johnson. Federal Relations-Messrs. Clapp, Thompson, Jamison. Finance and Appropriations-Messrs. Jewell, Brundage, Watts, Shelden, Preston. Fisheries-Messrs. Wheeler, Shaw, Barnard. Geological Survey-Messes. Warner, Prescott, Keeler. Home for the Feeble Minded-Messrs. French, Merriman, Eaton. House of Correction at Marquette-Messrs. Pascoe, Martin, Smalley. Industrial School for Boys-Messrs. Barnum, Townsend, Johnson. Judiciary-Messrs. Clapp. Kilpatrick, Janes, Jamison, Barnum. Mechanical Interests-Messrs. Prescott, Smalley, Shelden. Mining School and Mining Interests-Messrs. Townsend, French, Jane. Printing-Messrs. Shaw, Kilpatrick, Smalley. Public Health-Messrs. Eaton, Gaige, Clapp. Public Improvements-Messrs. Bialy, Barnum, Warner. Railroads-Messrs. Wheeler, Barnard, Thompson, Mason, Shaw. Religious and Benevolent Societies-Messrs. Shelden, McLaughlin, Smalley. Roads and Bridges-Messrs. Merriman, Barnum, Keeler. State Public School-Messrs. Wheeler, Bialy, Merriman. SELECT COMMITTEES. Congressional Apportionment-Messrs. Eaton, Wheeler, Thompson. Senatorial Apportionment-Messrs. Watts, Briggs, Martin. Representative Apportionment-Messrs. Bialy, Jamison, Gaige. The President also announced, pursuant to authority granted him by resolution of the Senate, the appointment of Charles S. Pierce, of Losco county, as clerk of the committee on Congressional, Senatorial and Representative apportionment. On motion of Mr. Clapp, The Senate went into EXECUTIVE SESSION, The time being 2:40 o'clock p. m. The Executive Session closed, the time being 3 o'clock p. m. Mr. Barnard moved that the Senate adjourn, Which motion prevailed, and The President declared the Senate adjourned until 2 o'clock p. m., tomorrow. |