RETIRING SSAGE OF ELISIIA P. IIHBRY, FIRST' VERNOR OF WASHINGTON, (.7 AND INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF JOIN H. MCGRAW, SECOND GOVERNOR OF WASHINGTON. Delivered at the Capitol January 11, 1893. 01.1" M PIA, WASH.: O. C. WHITE, . . . STATE PRINTER. 1893. GCVERNMEgi) LICATION, SECTION OF laiStit-V P. I-4 JAN 7. 2008 U. OF WASH. LIBRARIES I R RETIRING MESSAGE FIRST GOVERNOR OF WASH I NGTON, AND INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF JOHN III MCGRAW,, SECOND GOVERNOR OF WASHINGTON. Delivered at the Capitol January 11, 1893. OLYMPIA, WASH.: 0. C. WHITE, . . . STATE PRINTER. 1893. MESSAGE. Gentlemen of t/ Senate and House of Representatives: When the framers of our constitution laid the foundation for the noble edifice of law you are here assembled to amplify, vivid as may have been their anticipations of the destiny of our commonwealth, they scarcely could have foreseen the progress in wealth and population that we now witness. Under the most liberal and inviting conditions, capital has poured in upon us from all quarters to aid the development of our resources and to profitably distribute our products. The ships of the world have been attracted to our bountiful shores, and the commerce of the orient has been diverted to our seaports. Our transportation facilities by land have been enlarged so as to afford us the benefits of competition between four transcontinental railroad systems. The fame of our virgin wealth, of our sanitary advantages and scenic attractions, of our virility and enterprise, has found its way to all quarters of the globe, drawing thither all classes and all nationalities in quest of homes and health, and the enjoyment of those benefits which it will be your mission to promote. FINANCIAL. The very able and exhaustive report of the state auditor exhibits the satisfactory condition of fiscal affairs. The annual expenditures since our admission to statehood may seem to be Retiring .Message of Elisha P. Ferry, more than were necessary for a new state. -We must not, however, lose sight of the fact that large appropriations were required for the erection of public buildings and the establishment of state institutions which will not require repetition. The appropriations for public buildings alone during statehood aggregate $673, 859. The following financial statement is taken from the report of the auditor: LIABILITIES. Warrants outstanding November 1, 1890 $234,658 31 Warrants issued November 1, 1890, to October 31, 1892 1,735,693 64 Total $1,970,351 95 Warrants redeemed November 1, 1890, to October 31, 1892 1,517,916 71 Outstanding general fund warrants October 31, 1892 $452,435 24 Add bonded debt 300,000 00 Apparent state debt October 31, 1892 $752,435 24 Add appropriations unexpended October 31, 1892 402,0.58 28 Estimated deficiencies and amounts audited and allowed by state auditor for which no appropriations have been made 228,200 65 Total $1,382,694 17 RESOURCES. Cash on hand, general fund $18,026 49 Due from counties on delinquent taxes and liquor 150,000 00 licenses Estimated receipts from insurance tax, fees and 00 other sources 28,500 Estimated amount of appropriations not expended and reverting to the treasury at close 177,000 00 of fiscal term Seventy-five per cent. of tax levy for the year 500,000 00 1892, general fund 873,526 49 Total estimate including bonded debt $509,167 68 Deduct bonded indebtedness 300,000 00 Total estimated floating debt March 31, 1893 $209,167 68 The estimated floating debt will be more than covered by the balance of the taxes levied for the year 1892, not included First Governor of Washington. 5 in the resources; and when this balance is collected it will not only liquidate the floating debt but will leave a residue of $13,418 of revenue above expenditures for the period ending March 31, 1893. The payment of interest upon state warrants tends to deplete the treasury of funds which might be devoted to a better object. While it may not be possible to secure entire release from the payment of interest, yet the amount may be materially reduced by requiring the payment of taxes at an earlier period in the fiscal year. More than three-fourths of the expenses of the state for the fiscal year are incurred, and warrants drawn upon the treasury for the payment thereof, before the receipt of any available funds for their redemption. On the first instant no portion of the state tax for the year 1892 had been paid into the state treasury. What I have referred to in regard to the state will apply generally to counties. Our present revenue law provides that on or before April 15 of each year, county treasurers shall pay to the state treasurer seventy-five per cent. of the state tax levied for the preceding year, the remaining twenty-five per cent. to be paid on or before the first of August. It will be seen, therefore, that the receipt of no portion of the state revenue derived from taxation for any fiscal year can be relied upon until after the expiration of such fiscal year. The remedy for this serious defect in our revenue system must be obvious to all. The assessment and collection of taxes, state and county, should be made within the earliest practicable period after the commencement of the fiscal year. The rate of taxation for general state purposes, which for the year 1891 was three mills, has been reduced for the year 1892 to two and one-half mills, although the assessed value of property in the state was $45,373,242 less in 1892 than in 1891. Retiring Message of Elisha P. Ferry, This reduction in the assessed value of property should not be regarded as an indication that there has been any actual depreciation in value. In 1891, several counties, in their anxiety to be first in point of wealth, returned very high assessments. The consequent increased amount of taxes in these counties prevented a repetition of what was to them a costly mistake. LEGISLATION EXPRESSLY REQUIRED BY THE CONSTITUTION. A number of special provisions in our state constitution are not self-executing in their character, and require legislative action to render them operative. In several cases the enactment of laws to effectuate these provisions is expressly imposed upon the legislature; in others inferentially, and in others it appears to be left to their judgment and discretion. TOWNSHIP ORGAN IZATION. Your attention is called to section 4, article 11 of the constitution. This provision is clearly mandatory, and imposes upon the legislature the imperative duty of enacting a general law providing for township organization, regardless of the views or opinions which members of the legislature may entertain as to the policy of this form of local government. The system of township organization is found to have been in existence at a very early day in our history. It has been adopted by a large majority of the states admitted into the union during the present century. The adoption of this form of government will not materially change our present county system. The board of supervisors, comprising a representative from each township or precinct, will constitute a miniature county legislature, perform- First Governor of Washington. 7 ing in a more comprehensive and effective manner the duties now prescribed for the board of county commissioners, excepting such as may be delegated to township boards. By establishing this system of county government we are only carrying out the rule of representation adopted in the nation and in our state. Each state is represented in the congress of the United States. Each county is represented in our legislature, and under township organization each township is represented in the board of supervisors. In addition to this a body politic is created in each township or precinct, and is clothed with many of the powers now possessed by boards of county commissioners. A general law providing for township organization will, by the terms of the constitution, become operative only in counties wherein a majority of the electors shall, at a general election, express their preference for that system. BUREAU OF STATISTICS, AGRICULTURE AND IMMIGRATION. It is made the duty of the legislature, by section 34, article 2 of the constitution, to establish in the office of the secretary of state a bureau of statistics, agriculture and immigration. The benefits which will accrue to the state by the establishment of this bureau cannot be overestimated. We desire immigration and the incoming of capital. No better means can be devised to secure these results than the dissemination of statistics proving the exceptional facilities for, and profits of, commerce, agriculture, manufactures and mining, assured within our bor- ders. Information in regard to our resources, officially in- dorsed, will be received with more reliance, and will be more efficacious, than the ordinary literature upon this subject which is circulated. SUITS AGAINST THE STATE. Section 26, article 2 of the constitution provides that the legislature shall direct by law in what manner, and in what courts, 8 Retiringffessage of Elisha P. Ferry, suits may be brought against the state. The state is sovereign. Suits, therefore, cannot be instituted against it except by its expressed permission. Controversies have arisen, and will arise, between the state and individuals. An opportunity for the adjustment of these controversies should be afforded. It may not be wise to open the doors of our courts generally, and permit the state to be made a party defendant in all controversies which may arise; but a law should be enacted permitting suits to be instituted in some court in all cases where no adequate remedy is now provided. REMOVALS FROM OFFICE. To secure a prompt and faithful administration of public affairs, laws are required for the removal from office of those who fail to discharge their duties with fidelity and integrity. Section 3, article 5 of the constitution, directs that all officers not liable to impeachment shall be subject to removal for misconduct or malfeasance in office, in such manner as may be provided by law." Legislation in accordance with this provision, and authorizing the removal by the governor of the officers named in article 13, for such causes and under such rules and regulatiops as may be considered proper, is recommended. ELECTION OF JUDGES OF THE SUPREME COURT. It is provided by section 3, article 4 of the constitution, that the terms of office of the judges of the supreme court first elected shall be, two for the term of three years, two for the term of five years and one for the term of seven years. It is further provided that the judges of the supreme court shall be elected at the general state elections, at the times and places designated for the election of state officers, unless some other provision be made by the legislature. First Governor of Washington. 9 The terms of office of two of the judges will expire on the second Monday in January, 1895. The next general election referred to will not occur until the Tuesday after the first Monday in November, 1896, being nearly two years after the expiration of the terms of office of the two judges. Therefore, it will be necessary for the legislature, under the power conferred by the constitution, to provide for the election of two judges of the supreme court at the election to be held on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November, 1894. REGULATION OF FREIGHTS AND FARES. No subject can be brought before you in which our people feel a deeper personal interest than the one referred to in section 18, article 12 of the constitution. By this section the legislature is imperatively required to pass laws to establish reasonable maximum rates of charges for the transportation of passengers and freight ; to correct abuses, and to prevent discrimination and extortion in the rates of freight and passenger tariffs by the different railroad companies and common carriers in the state. It is also provided in the same section that a railroad and transportation commission may be established and its powers and duties defined. The legislature at its present session should enact a law in harmony with the directory clauses of this section of the constitution, or it should create the commission referred to. While it is left to the discretion of the legislature to determine which is the wiser policy to pursue, the latitude for action in the premises is such that both steps may be taken at one and the same time. As the provision respecting the establishment of just and reasonable transportation charges is, in its nature, mandatory and direct, while the one relating to the commission is optional or conditional, such a measure may be adopted as will at once comprehend a 10 Retiring _Message of Eliska P Ferry, specific maximum rate schedule, and bring into existence a board of permanent officers of the state, whose duties would be supervisory largely, and whose powers would be defined and limited to the enforcement of the law. The last legislature adopted the direct method and established rates for the transportation of freight between certain points in the state ; but the bill failed to receive executive approval. In legislating upon this subject the rights and interests of all should be carefully considered, and no unjust burdens should be permitted to be imposed upon those who are compelled to avail themselves of the transportation facilities afforded by railroad companies or other common carriers. MANDATORY PROVISION IN THE CONSTITUTION. Several of the clauses of the constitution, to which reference has been made, apparently leave to the discretion of the legis lature the enactment of laws to render them effective. In this connection your attention is directed to section 29, article 1 of the constitution, which is as follows: " The provisions of this constitution are mandatory, unless by express words they are declared to be otherwise." CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS. The present legislature should create two congressional districts in the state, in each of which a member of congress may be elected at the next state election. The congressional apportionment law, approved February 7, 1891, provides that where additional representation was given to any state under that law, the additional representative, or representatives, could be elected by the state at large at the next state election, and until the First Governor of Washington. 11 legislature should re-district such state in the manner required by law. Under this law there were chosen by the whole state at the last election two members of congress. While the present legislature is not imperatively required to re-district the state, yet to avoid any question which may arise, I deem it advisable that it should be done. REPAYMENT OF DIRECT TAX. By an act of congress, approved August 5, 1861, a direct tax was apportioned among the several states and territories and the District of Columbia. The amount paid by the Territory of Washington was four thousand two hundred and sixty-eight dollars and sixteen cents. By another act of congress, approved March 3, 1891, the secretary of the treasury of the United States is required to return to the various states and territories the amount of taxes respectively paid by them. As a prerequisite to this repayment, the legislature must by resolution accept the amount reimbursed in full satisfaction of all claims against the United States on account of the levy and collection of this tax, and must authorize the governor to receive the amount reimbursed. The passage of a resolution to comply with this law is recommended. EXTENSION OF THE TERM OF OFFICE OF THE HARBOR LINE COMMISSION. The term of office of the board of harbor line commissioners will, by operation of section 3 of the law creating the board, expire on the 15th instant. The establishment of harbor lines 12 . Retiring _Message of Elisha P. Ferry, in the navigable waters of all harbors, estuaries, bays and inlets of the state, has been retarded by the institution of legal proceedings against the board, enjoining them from establishing harbor lines in several localities. The work of the board is, therefore, incomplete. To enable them to continue in the discharge of the duty assigned them, an amendment to the law should be enacted prior to the 15th instant, extending the term of office of the mem bers of the board to such future day as may be deemed necessary. DEFECTS AND OMISSIONS IN LAWS. The judges of the superior court are required by the constitution to report annually, in writing, to the judges of the supreme court, such defects and omissions in the laws as their experience may suggest and the judges of the supreme court are required to report to the governor such defects as they believe exist. The report of the judges of the supreme court, and several of the judges of the superior court, will be laid before you. They designate many imperfections in our laws, include ninny valuable suggestions, and point out the requisite amendments. These reports require no amplification on my part. I recommend the enactment of all the legislation that is suggested. ARMED BODIES NOT RECOGNIZED BY LAW. The organization, maintenance or employment of an armed body of men in this state, for any purpose, by individuals or corporations, is not permissible under our constitution. Legislation providing for an hdequate punishment for a violation of First Governor of TVashington. 13 the constitution in this respect is recommended. The constituted authorities of the state, with the aid of the militia if necessary, have ample power and ability to protect all persons or corporations in their legal rights ; and if these rights are menaced ,or invaded, appeal should be made to such constituted authorities. A resort to an armed force not recognized, by law is a violation of the fundamental principles of our government, and should not be countenanced or tolerated under any circumstances. A bill was passed at the last session of the legislature to enforce the constitutional provision upon this subject, but failed to become a law for want of executive approval. THE NATIONAL GUARD. The National Guard is in a commendable state of efficiency and discipline. It is composed of twenty-one companies of infantry and two companies of cavalry. The state may justly entertain feelings of pride and satisfaction that its citizen soldiers in all respects can be compared favorably with those of any other state. Officers and privates are noted for their intelligence, their zeal for the good of the service, and their soldierly conduct. Every fostering encouragement should be given by you to this organization. In emergencies of the past they have rendered valuable aid to the state ; in those possible to the future their services would be indispensably necessary to the assistance and support of the civil authorities in enforcing the laws and protecting life and property. The only objection urged against the organization, of which I am aware, is the expense attending its support. This is not large, and if we contrast it with the value of the services which 14 Retiring Afessage o f Elisha P. Ferry, they may be called upon at any time to perform, it sinks into insignificance. The guards receive no compensation for their services, except for a few days in each year, which are designated by law. Aside from this officers and privates are unremittingly engaged in perfecting themselves in drill, in target practice, in parades and in the performance of other duties required by law and the rules and regulations of the service, for which they receive no compensation. The obligations of the state to the national guards are far greater than the obligations of the guards to the state. On the first day of July, 1891, Companies "B," "C," "D," ‘.‘ G1' and I," of the First Regiment, and Troop "B," were called upon to aid the civil authorities at the Gilman and other coal mines in King county, in maintaining the supremacy of the law, in preserving the public peace and in preventing an apprehended sanguinary collision between an unlawful armed body of men imported into our state and a number of our citizens, who had armed themselves in defense of what they conceived to be their lawful rights. The efforts of the guards in preventing any serious conflict were eminently successful. For these services they were entitled to, and received, the approbation of the commander-in-chief. Encampments of the National Guard are required to be held at such times and places as may be ordered by the governor. A permanent place for these encampments has not been selected, nor can such selection be made without legislative action, which at this time would be desirable and economical. Many expenses now incurred at each encampment, owing to a change in location, will be saved by the procurement of permanent camp grounds. First Governor of Washington. 15 LANDS GRANTED TO THE STATE. There were granted to the state by the general government, at the time of our admission, 622,000 acres of land for the establishment and maintenance of a scientific school, of state normal schools, of public buildings at the state capital, of agricultural colleges, and of state charitable, educational, penal and reformatory institutions. These lands were to be selected by the state, under the direction of the secretary of the interior, from the surveyed, unappropriated public lands of the United States. At the first session of the legislature a law was enacted creating the state land commission, composed of the secretary of state, auditor and commissioner of public lands, who, with seven agents appointed by the governor under an act approved March 10, 1891, were empowered to select and secure for the state the lands thus granted. The act of 1891 expressly provided that it should not take effect until the rules and regulations referred to should be promulgated by the secretary of the interior. The issuance of these regulations was long delayed. When they were received and the land commission organized, it was ascertained that no appropriation had been made by the last legislature for the compensation of the agents, nor for the payment of the fees which would become due at the United States land offices when application was made to enter the selected lands. By an arrangement made with the agents, payment for their services was postponed until the legislature should convene and make appropriation therefor. The land office fees, amounting to four thousand dollars, have been advanced by two state officers. Appropriations for the reimbursement of these officers, and for the payment of the several amounts due the agents, will be necessary. 16 Retiring Message of Elisha P. Ferry, On the seventh day of January, 1893, there had been selected three hundred and sixteen thousand five hundred and seventy-five acres, of the appraised value of three million, seven hundred and one thousand, nine hundred and sixty dollars. Equitable apportionment has been made to the several purposes they were intended to aid. Among the important questions which will come before you at the present session are: What disposition shall be made of these granted lands, and when shall they be disposed of ? All these lands will be selected and secured to the state during the next two years. Their aggregate value will approximate seven million dollars. That their value will be largely increased in a few years cannot be doubted. Therefore, the practical financial problem is presented: Shall these lands be disposed of in the near future, and the proceeds accruing from the sale thereof applied to the various objects for which they were granted, or shall they be retained by the state for several years so that it can realize the enhancement in value which will surely follow ? After a very careful consideration of the subject, I have arrived at the conclusion that the retention by the state of these lands for a period of ten years will be highly advantageous from a pecuniary point of view. At the expiration of that period the lands will have increased from one hundred to five hundred per cent. above their present value. If this policy is pursued some plan must be devised for the construction of buildings at the capital, of a state university and of other institutions for which the lands have been granted. This could be accomplished by means of direct taxation--a plan not to be considered for a moment. The burden would be greater than the people should be called upon to bear. The most judicious step that can be taken, in my opinion, is to issue state _bonds maturing in ten years to be paid from the proceeds of the sale of the granted First Governor of Washington. 17 lands; the funds derived from the sale of the bonds to be apportioned to the several objects for which the lands were granted. It is plain that such a course will not create an indebtedness against the state which the people will ever be called upon to liquidate by taxation. The proceeds of the sale of only a moiety of the granted lands will suffice for the payment of all bonds which will probably be issued. If you deem it advisable to adopt this plan, then it will be necessary to submit at the next general election a constitutional amendment permitting an increase of the amount of indebtedness which can be incurred by the state. This amendment should not directly or permanently change any portion of our present constitution. An independent article should be submitted, permitting an increase of the indebtedness for a specific purpose and for a definite amount; which indebtedness should be liquidated by the proceeds of the sale of the granted lands. When the debt thus created is paid, the amendment will no. longer be operative, and the present limitations -of our constitution respecting the amount of indebtedness which can be incurred will be in full force and effect. The amendment should expressly provide that the proceeds of the sale of the bonds should be applied only for the objects for which land grants. were made, and that the proceeds of the sale of the lands should be devoted exclusively to the payment of the bonds. This would effectually protect the people from taxation for the payment of any part of the indebtedness thus incurred. The proceeds accruing from the sale of the lands would be several million dollars in excess of the indebtedness created; and such excess, or the interest arising therefrom, if such excess were made an irreducible fund to be loaned, could be applied to the support and maintenance of the institutions for which lands -2 18 Retiring Message qf Elisha P. Ferry, were granted. The interest on the bonds could be paid from a fund derived from leasing the agricultural lands and from the sale of timber on timber lands. It will be perceived that if this policy is adopted no additional burdens by way of taxation will be imposed upon the people; the purposes for which. the lands were granted will be carried out, and a fund will be created for the maintenance of those institutions requiring support. The amendment to the constitution submitted at the last election was in some respects objectionable. To the fact that it was both misrepresented and misunderstood should be attributed its failure to receive the indorsement of the people. STATE CAPITOL BUILDINGS. In the case of the capitol buildings another course might be pursued. No citizen who has the slightest concern for the dignity of our state, or who would view with pride the substantial manifestation of our prosperity, but must feel chagrined and impatient at the delay experienced in beginning the construction of suitable capitol buildings. -With the most expeditious legislation, work cannot be commenced on these structures within two years. If the legislature does not choose to provide for the issuance of bonds, covering loans on the granted lands, in the manner I have suggested, I would direct your attention to section 3, article 8 of the constitution, which enables you to appropriate such a sum of money as may be deemed necessary for this particular purpose. The section 1 have cited empowers you to exceed the prescribed limitations of\ indebtedness, when the single object sought to be accomplished is distinctly specified in First Governor of Washington. 19 the measure you adopt. Clothed with this constitutional power, you may pass a law, subject to the acceptance or rejection of the people at the next general election, providing for the expenditures to be incurred in erecting the capitol buildings. OFFICIAL REPORTS. The reports of state officers, of trustees, regents and other governing bodies of our state institutions, and of the various commissions which have been charged with public duties, are so numerous and voluminous that I am unable to present even a summary of their contents without extending this communication to an unreasonable length. They will all be laid before you in convenient printed form, and will readily enable you to ascertain the progress made in the affairs of state during the past two years, and their present condition. They contain valuable suggestions, to which I especially call your attention. Harmony has prevailed in the management of all of our state institutions, excepting the agricultural college and school of science at Pullman. I am advised that the regents will request an investigation by a legislative committee. This request, if presented, should be granted; and if it is not made, an investigation should be ordered by you. NECESSITY FOR MINING LEGISLATION. The well ascertained fact that the mountain ranges of the state are stored with precious metals, accentuates the long standing demand for the passage of laws designed to invite the in- 2O Retiring _Message of Elislia P. Ferry, vestment of capital, and to promote the development of the mining industry. In the reservation of power made to the states on this subject, it is the intent of the congressional enactments that a policy similar to the one pervading the federal land laws shall be carried out by the state legislatures, as emergency may dictate. It is now opportune that the legislature of Washington avail itself of the right to provide regulations requiring the locators of mining property to perform, within a reasonable time, the labor necessary to demonstrate the actual character of their claims, while proving thereby their honest purposes as claimants. This would prevent the promiscuous wholesale and irresponsible filing on property which it is not the intention to develop; abolish practices now retarding the prosperity of many mining districts; enlarge the field for legitimate prospecting; concentrate the energies of the prospector; and, finally, stimulate the small investors. OUR PUBLIC ROADS. Throughout the state and the country generally the attention of all classes is directed strongly to the crying need of good public roads. While the construction of railroads has rendered available large areas for agricultural, mining and other industrial pursuits, the permanent avenues thus established, instead of affording adequate facilities for the transportation to consumers of the various products of the state, emphasizes the necessity of a system of perfected country roads which will enable the producers of all sections to take advantage of the external highways to remote markets. This possible enlargement of opportunity for the productive enterprise of the farm, the First Governor of Washington. 21 orchard, the mill and the mine, cannot be enjoyed under present conditions. Especial hardship is inflicted upon the farmer and fruit raiser by the want of good roads. The cultivation of small food products, always in demand at the neighboring markets, and always profitable, is discouraged to such a degree that crops aggregating fortunes are left ungathered every year in many parts of the state. These must be transported by the producer to market, or points of shipment, over the common roads of the country. As the profits to the producer depend to some extent upon the character of the roads over which his products must be transported, and as bad roads cause loss of time, diminished weight and destruction to perishable commodities, and an increased cost of transportation, it follows that the farmers of Washington often find they are unable to compete at home with commission houses that ship in bulk from other states. From an economic point of view good roads advantage both producer and consumer. The laws relating to the construction and improvement of American roads and highways are, in the older states, substantially the same to-day as they were a hundred years ago, and we have adopted them in our state with little or no improvement. A limited amount of personal labor, and the levy of a small tax annually, have been deemed sufficient for the making and maintenance of roads throughout the country. As a consequence we are reproached, and justly so, with having poorer roads than any other nation in the world. It is true that many nations have been engaged for more than twenty centuries in the construction and improvement of roads, while we are just entering upon the second century of our national existence. Yet our neglect to profit by the abundant object lessons on this subject is not in keeping with that enterprise and progressiveness which have commanded the admiration of all other civilized governments. The time is ripe 22 Retiring lifessage of Elisha P. Ferry, for the adoption of some plan for the removal of a barrier so obstructive to internal commerce, particularly in this state, where the opening even of rough and unfinished roads has not kept pace with settlement. Many who have given this subject the fullest consideration have reached the conclusion that the state, through a commission elected or appointed, sh ould assume control of the construction and maintenance of all roads in the state. This would necessitate the raising of an annual tax for road purposes ; but such tax would be paid by our people with less reluctance than any other that could be imposed. To secure the same results a state tax would be no greater than the aggregate of taxes required under our present defective system, and state management would in all probability prove more economical and beneficial. As the work of extension and improvement would be apportioned to the several counties in exact relation to the tax derived from each, the argument of possible favoritism, or of the unequal distribution of expenditure and labor, could not avail against this suggestion. The advantage of placing the roads under the control of the state, with such regulations as would insure wise and effective management, will be apparent to those who believe the several counties should act in concert to establish a system of highways constructed on a common design. In the event that state management is not deemed wise or expedient, then I would recommend a thorough revision of our road laws and the adoption of such amendments as will enable our people to secure what they appear so earnestly to desire. THE WORLD'S COLUMBIAN EXPOSITION. The World's Columbian Exposition, which will be opened at Chicago on the first of May, is attracting the attention of the First Governor of Washington. 23 world, and both as regards attendance and display will surpass any universal or international affair of like character ever held on this or any other continent. It is a little more than one hundred years since the idea was first conceived of exhibiting at the same time as many of the useful and wonderful, the beautiful and precious, products of man and nature as could be gathered. The event marked the beginning of a cosmopolitan acquaintance and friendship between peoples and nations previ- • ously separated by national antipathies, and was the first material step in the direction of securing that fruitful peace which is to visit mankind, when the honors and glories once bestowed upon the heroes of war shall be awarded, by common consent, to competitors in the fields of industry. The American people, by private subscription, government aid and contributions from the several states, have undertaken to surprise and to delight the civilized world with proofs of the superabundance of American resources, the supremacy of American genius, and the grandeur of American generosity. In none of the younger states, and in fe,w of the older ones, has the appeal for cooperation met with such hearty and magnanimous response as in Washington. The action of -the last legislature in appropriating one hundred thousand dollars to provide for the collection and exhibition of the products and the marvels of our state, has received the unanimous approval of our people. It has excited the admiration of the exposition directory and commission; it has proved to be the subject of much agreeable comment and the occasion of many expressions of good will. The commissioners, through their executive committee, and the board of lady managers of this state, have labored zealously and successfully to discharge the duties which were assigned to them. Several cities, societies, associations and many enthusiastic citizens, are aiding to make our exhibit equal, if not superior 24 Retiring Xesxage o f Elisha P. Ferry, to that presented by any other state. In this endeavor they have a rare fund of resources to draw upon; mines of nearly every character and description, yielding gold, silver, copper, lead and other minerals; rare gems and precious stones; inexhaustible stores of coal and iron; undeveloped quarries of building stone and marble; forests of gigantic trees, exceptional in extent and quality; indigenous floral species in abundance; innumerable varieties of fresh and salt water fish; unexcelled agricultural and vegetable products; fruits which embrace every variety excepting tropical. No other state has within its borders such a diversity of valuable resources. It does not seem extravagant to anticipate that the Washington display at Chicago will attract unusual attention, and conduce to materially advance the future prosperity of our state. The appropriation made by the last legislature will no more than suffice for the erection of the state building and the collection and placement of our exhibit, leaving the maintenance thereof during the period of the exposition unprovided for. I recommend an additional appropriation, to insure the beneficial results which should more than compensate the state for its outlay. • LEGISLATIVE DUTIES AND POWERS. No more important duty, nor greater responsibility, can devolve upon an American citizen than when he is called upon to exercise those powers and functions which appertain to him as a member of the legislative department of the government. When the people desire relief from existing wrongs and demand the adoption of a policy which will promote their welfare and pros- First Governor of Washington. 2 5, perity, their appeal is made to the legislative department, and not to the executive or judicial. The power of the legislature, in the enactment of laws, is limited only by the constitution of the United States, and of the state. Since the commencement of our national existence, graver nor more intricate questions have never been presented to the law-making power of the general government, and of the several states, than those with which we are at present confronted. Within the few years past, consequent upon the unprecedented accumulation of wealth on this continent and the economic changes resultant from invention and enterprise, have arisen problems offering unexplored fields to the political economist, and demanding the most profound, temperate and patriotic consideration of those upon whom rest the duty of enacting laws. Restrictions on the influence and employment of capital, remedial legislation of a character hitherto unknown in our history, affecting private interests, is demanded by many, and alleged to, be imperatively necessary under existing conditions. That our state is not free from evils, which can be minimized or cured by speedy and prudent legislation, must be conceded by all who investigated the subject; but in my opinion it is doubtful whether it would be a sound, wise or beneficent policy to institute the extreme radical measures advocated by many. The enactment of unjust or oppressive laws, or the failure to enact just the necessary measures of remedy and relief, engenders in the minds of the people feelings of discontent which may cause them to renounce that veneration and respect for law and government upon which depends the perpetuity of our institutions. When this distrust and its consequent contempt become general among the people, history teaches us that the tendency is to revolutionary and destructive methods. A fundamental 26 Retiring Illessage of Elish,ct P. Ferry. principle in all legislation should be that the rights of all should be protected and the rights of none destroyed, infringed or abridged. Acting in conformity with it, no legislature can fail to acquit itself with credit and to do justice to all classes in our commonwealth. Of your desire to win that approbation which is so gratifying to those who are truly devoted to their state in serving it ; of your capacity to wisely and intelligently continue the structural work of legislation, your limited period of existence will not enable you to perfect, I am fully conscious ; and in your labors, beset as they are with vexatious problems, I cordially extend to you one and all the assurance of that sympathy and confidence —so cheering and so helpful to every one struggling onward in the path of duty —which I have never failed to receive from the people whose sovereign interests you represent, and whose sacred rights you are called upon to conserve. EXECUTIVE OFFICE, January 11, 1893. ELISHA P. FERRY. INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF JOHN H. MeGRAW SECOND GOVERNOR OF WASHINGTON. , INAUGURAL ADDRESS. Fellow Citizens of the State of Washington: Three years ago the people of this commonwealth were intrusted with full self government. In accordance with the right of choosing for themselves the officials who should administer their public affairs, which was then conferred upon them, they have called upon me to undertake the high duties pertaining to the office of governor. I am now about to enter upon those duties. I approach them feeling in the fullest degree the responsibility which rests upon me, and reverently asking the guidance of Divine Providence, by which alone I can hope to bear that responsibility as it should be borne, and to successfully discharge the trust which has been reposed in me. This is a year of historic memories. The nation is about to observe in a fitting manner the four hundredth anniversary of the discovery of this continent. The eyes of the people are cast backward and their gaze is bent upon the events of the past. The earlier history of America is the theme alike of the writer's pen and of the artist's brush. The thought of the country is turned in the direction of historic research. In every state and every city the events that have been are recounted, in order that those who live may know the struggles, the failures and the triumphs of those who have lived, and may profit by their experience. The history of Washington as a commonwealth is before it. Its career is but begun, and the work of its people yet to be performed. In saying this I do not forget the story of the long and stubborn struggle of Washington's pioneers. I do not for- (29) 30 Inaugural Address of John H _McGraw. get the toilsome journeys which they undertook over mountains and deserts, through pathless forests and across unknown rivers, urged forward by that inexplicable impulse which has driven the Aryan ever westward from his home in Central Asia until he has reared his empire on the shore of the great Pacific. I do not forget the battle which the pioneers waged against the savage and against the forest. I do not forget the days of territorial growth and development, made illustrious by the name of the soldier and martyr, Isaac I. Stevens, and by that of the honored gentleman who has preceded me as governor of the state, Elisha P. Ferry. I forget none of these, but I say that our history as a people lies in the future ; that only the preface of the book has been written ; that our work will have but begun when Washington has attained a foremost place among the states of the great union. 'We have within our borders all that is needed to sustain a vast population. Viewing our magnificent resources, considering the location of our state, which will enable it to secure its share of revenue from the world's mighty commerce, knowing as we do the wealth of our state in mine, in forest and in stream, knowing the richness of our fields as yet unsown, we feel indeed that "Atlas here must square again his shoulders To bear anew the burdens of a world." It shall be my earnest endeavor to so discharge the trust that has been reposed in me that it may be said when our history is written that under my administration some progress was made toward:the attainment of our great destiny ; that it may be said that there was peace and prosperity ; that justice was done, and there was good will between man and man, and that nothing was done which would blacken the record or mar the story of the Evergreen State. JOHN H. McGRAW.