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The two events mentioned above demonstrate clearly that the Michigan National Guard is under good discipline, and recognize their duty to the State, not only as soldiers, but as citizens, and it is not too much to say that they may be relied upon in any emergency in which the interest of the State or its people are in danger.

MICHIGAN NATIONAL GUARD.

In this connection it is proper to say that the Michigan National Guard has shown great improvement in maintaining order and discipline. During the last encampment one regiment was placed at all times on regular guard duty, and it was so well performed that it was found impossible for either officers or men to pass the lines without the proper countersign. The last encampment was emphatically a camp of instruction. This I believe to be of the greatest importance to a border state like Michigan. The efficiency of the Michigan National Guard is important not only to the State itself, but as a part of the military forces of the United States in case of an emergency.

MICHIGAN NAVAL BRIGADE.

Under the provisions of act No. 184, public acts of 1893, two divisions of the Michigan Naval Brigade have been mustered into service. The first, mustered in at Detroit in March last, has become quite well drilled, and during the summer had a week's experience on board the U. S. steamship, Michigan." The brigade consists of men who are young, educated, energetic, and interested in the subject, and in case of war their services and their knowledge of our rivers and lakes which they are rapidly obtaining would be of incalculable service to the State and nation. At present the brigade, including both infantry and naval, from adjutant general to corporal, is well officered and the men are the equals of any in any like organization, either in military knowledge or, in what tends to make a good soldier, good citizenship.

ORGANIZATIONS OF LABOR.

The strikes mentioned above, and others in this and adjoining states, causing incalculable damage to many interests, and some damage to all interests, raises the pertinent question, what can be done to prevent them in the future? Is there not some way in which the differences between capital and labor can be adjusted without the disastrous resort to strikes? Capital is sensitive, and it may be questioned whether the very means used by labor organizations to increase wages and get other concessions to better their conditions does not in the end have the opposite effect in causing capital to seek investment in some other line which does not require the employment of labor. Labor organizations have done much in educating and aiding each other in times of need. By their organization they have wielded a power which has compelled concessions from employers which individually they could not have obtained. No matter how orderly the managers of a strike start in, or how strong the resolutions passed to preserve order and refrain from violence or damage to property, it almost invariably happens that before a settlement is effected there is more or less. violence used. In any event it is a place where the lawless element congregate ready for the first opportunity for violence and plunder. Among

all the numerous sufferers from strikes none suffer so severely, and in the end so disastrously as those engaged in the strike. They also find it much more difficult to recover from its effect than any others. Arbitration, complusory and voluntary, are proposed as a remedy for the existing evils, but neither of these seems to meet the requirements. Voluntary arbitration involves a mutual agreement to submit matters of difference to arbitrators to be agreed upon, and a further agreement to abide by the decision when rendered. There is ample legal machinery for this now. Compulsory arbitration will be only establishing another court or courts, in which these difficulties can be settled. In case one party to the disagreement should invoke the aid of this new court he must show a violation of contract and an infringement of personal or property rights, or the court would have no jurisdiction. If any of these things have been done, then the courts now existing have jurisdiction and can furnish the remedy. It will be found ⚫ impossible under our form of government to compel any corporation or individual to employ men, or to pay them any particular wages. Men of means will suspend or abandon business if its management is taken from their control. It will be found equally useless to try and compel men to work unless it is for their interest to do so. In the end there must be mutual agreement between employer and employe, such as will be mutually beneficial, or such relation cannot long exist. Any agreement of this character must also be based on principles of equity and justice. The demands of civilization have made the creation of artificial persons a necessity, and much as corporations are condemned, modern civilization cannot get along without them. Laws have been enacted providing for the association of capital to carry on large operations which would be impossible for an individual to do, and many times the investment is of such a character that no prudent man would be willing to invest his all in it, but is willing to venture a fixed amount which if lost will not ruin him. Thus corporations are given certain powers and privileges and upon them is imposed certain limited liabilities and responsibilities. On the other hand labor has been left to fight on single handed so far as law is concerned. The necessities of labor have, however, caused them to organize among themselves, but in order to accomplish their object they have been led to do many things not authorized by law and in some instances in direct violation of law. Under the existing circumstances it would seem to be the part of wisdom and justice to provide for the organizations of corporations of labor, with as much power and no greater liability than is imposed on corporations of capital. Create them as a body corporate, which may make contracts and enforce them, and be empowered in turn to sue and be sued, and in short to do anything they may be authorized to do in the articles of incorporation. This would place them on an equality, and difficulties between capital and labor would be settled as other difficulties and disagreements are settled, through the courts. It is hardly consistent to condemn labor organizations for taking the law into their own hands unless some lawful and practicable method is provided for the protection of their interests. There is little doubt that there are difficulties in the way of carrying out this plan, and it is hardly probable that any law enacted would at first be satisfactory, but with the object kept steadily in view of providing for equitable contracts and an equitable and practical method for their enforcement, in the end success is certain.

GEOLOGICAL SURVEY.

The State Geologist, Dr. L. L. Hubbard, makes a report, which is now in print, which will prove a valuable addition to the reports heretofore made. With the exception of a small volume two years ago, this is the first report in fourteen years. It is nearly two years since Dr. Hubbard received the appointment of State Geologist, and entered actively on the discharge of his duties. It was some months later that Dr. Lane was appointed as his assistant. Both these gentlemen had been engaged in the work, and were able to take hold intelligently where their predecessor left off.

Heretofore all the specimens and paraphernalia connected with the survey had been kept at the Mining School, but it was evident that while 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 accu

racy, 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 canvassers 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 proposed amendments to various city and village charters through

work on

out 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.

JOHN T. RICH.

After which the Governor, Justices of the Supreme Court, and the State officers retired.

On motion of Senator McLaughlin,

The joint convention adjourned.

The Senators having retired,

The Speaker announced that the Senate and House had met in joint convention and listened to the message of the Governor.

The Speaker announced the following:

Hon. Wm. D. Gordon, Speaker:

I hereby appoint my assistants as follows: Richard H. Gibson, for first assistant; John Sebert, second assistant; Jeremiah H. Anderson, third assistant Sergeant-at-Arms. I hereby appoint Perry E. Wixom as my messenger.

The communication was laid on the table.
Mr. Wagar offered the following:

Respectfully,
A. G. BUTLER,
Sergeant-at-Arms.

Resolved, That the floor and ante-rooms of the house be reserved for the exclusive use of the Senators and Members of the present Legislature, and their respective employes, and the regular press correspondents during the holding of a caucus by either the democratic or republican party, and that the Sergeant-at-Arms be and he is hereby instructed to enforce this resolution;

Which was adopted.

On motion of Mr. Wood,

Leave of absence was granted to himself until Wednesday next.

On motion of Mr. Aplin,

Leave of absence was granted to himself until Thursday next.

Mr. Chamberlain moved that the House adjourn;

Which motion prevailed, and

The Speaker declared the House adjourned until 2 o'clock p. m., on Tuesday next.

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