Inaugural Address - Charles N. Herreid

              INAUGURAL ADDRESS
OF
GOVERNOR CHARLES N. HERREID
TO THE 
SEVENTH LEGISLATIVE SESSION
STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA
1901

STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY
MEMORIAL HALL
PIERRE, SOUTH DAKOTA

Inaugural Address

Members of the Senate and House of Representatives:

Profoundly impressed with the great responsibility attached to the office of Chief Executive and grateful for the confidence of my fellow citizens, I approach the performance of my official duties with an intention and ambition to serve all the people of South Dakota with absolute fairness and fidelity.
In compliance with the constitution of our state, and con­formable to custom, I have the pleasure of submitting to your honorable body a few recommendations for legislative consider­ation; not in a spirit of giving instruction to a co-ordinate branch of the state government, but rather to indicate to you that you will have my hearty co-operation, and it is my earnest desire that at all times the most cordial relations may be maintained between the legislative and the executive departments; that we may labor harmoniously for the welfare of the state and the pros­perity of the people. It will not be expected that I could, at the very threshold of my term, before having had time and oppor­tunity to familiarize myself with the condition of state affairs, make specific and elaborate recommendations. The reports from the different officers, boards and departments of our state are now, or soon will be, accessible for the Executive, as well as the members of the Legislature, and I assume that these reports will receive at your hands the careful examination to which they are entitled.

HASTY AND ILL-CONSIDERED LEGISLATION
The evolution of legislative bodies has produced what is popularly known as the ''Sifting Committee." Such a commit­tee is usually an evidence of indifference or incompetency of the members of certain standing committees, and a skillful parliamentary device for defeating meritorious bills or promot­ing vicious legislation. Every bill should receive the respect­ful, deliberate consideration of the appropriate, regular com­mittee, and in due course of procedure come before one or both branches of the Legislature for final action. It is usually more meritorious to slaughter the proposed legislation than to add to the mass of laws on our statute books; but let it be done with decorum and order. Hasty and ill-considered legislation is too often the cause of uncertainty, trouble and litigation. In the enactment of new laws or amendment of existing statutes, I bespeak that careful preparation and deliberation which should characterize all legislation.

A FREE BALLOT AND A FAIR COUNT
The election of 1900 developed a defect in our election laws, which requires careful consideration.
The election laws of 1899 do not contemplate a case where two or more persons are to be elected to the same office, like Presidential Electors, Congressmen at Large, and in some counties, members of the Legislature. Under the law of 1895, a voter might erase the name of a candidate, and place a cross to the left of the name of another candidate on another ticket. The legislature very properly attempted to do away with and prohibit erasures whereby ballots might be identified, but over­looked a contingency which very easily might lead to very serious complications. In the consideration of legislation upon this subject, I wish to emphasize the vital importance of an absolutely secret ballot. To permit erasures is to permit the identification of a ballot. Make it possible to identify a ballot, and you have made it possible not only to attack a free ballot, but free institutions. The underlying principle in the Austra­lian ballot is absolute secrecy. Regulations guarding the secret ballot are of far greater importance than rules by which the intention of the voter may be ascertained. This fundamen­tal principle of the Australian system of voting has usually been ignored or overlooked by Legislatures and Courts by con­sidering the intention of the voter as of paramount importance. An absolutely secret ballot is of vital importance, involving as it does the quality and durability of the very foundations of free government. The voter should not only be permitted to vote a ballot that by no possible means could be identified, but he should be compelled to do so. By compelling the dishonest man to mark his ballot in secrecy, it becomes impossible for him to prove his dishonesty, while the honest man is absolutely removed from intimidation and coercion. Identification of the ballot should be made a physical impossibility. The Legisla­ture should provide simple but rigid rules for the guidance of the voter. A cross made by a rubber stamp, in a designated circle or square, is a simple requirement easily observed. Erasures should be neither necessary nor permissible. Eras­ures may be made in various ways for the purpose of identify­ing a ballot. Certain names on the ballot might be erased ac­cording to agreement. Consequently no marks should be placed on the ballot except a cross placed in its appropriate place. All marks upon a ballot except those that are appro­priate and necessary should be held to be a mark of identifica­tion. Such a rigid rule may occasionally result in throwing out an honest ballot, but there is no safe middle ground to oc­cupy. There are no laws of greater importance than those passed to preserve the purity of elections and guard against the abuses of the elective franchise.

THE NAME OF EACH CANDIDATE SHOULD APPEAR ONLY ONCE UPON EACH BALLOT
Experience has demonstrated that a ballot law which per­mits the name of a candidate to appear upon the ballot more than once for the same office, leads to confusion and fraud. Other states have found it necessary to provide that the name of no candidate shall appear upon the ballot in more than one place for the same office, whether nominated by convention, caucus, or petition. Provision should be made that wherever two or more conventions nominate the same candidate for any office, the name of such candidate shall be printed under the name of the party first filing nomination papers bearing such name, unless the candidate himself, within a given time shall request the officer with whom the nomination papers are filed to cause the name to be printed upon some other ticket.
No valid objection can be urged against such a law. A candidate has the right to have his name appear once upon the official ballot, and every voter should have a reasonable opportunity to vote for him. He has no occasion to find fault so long as he is permitted to have his name upon the ballot, and in the party column of his own choice. Every voter is given an op­portunity to vote for him; the elector who votes the party ticket on which such name appears by making one cross, and the elector who votes another party ticket can do so by simply making two crosses, one at the top of his party ticket, and one opposite the name of his candidates in another column. Any voter can in a few seconds prepare his ballot. To claim that this will interfere with the full, free and intelligent exercise of the right of suffrage is not only absurd, but a serious reflection upon the intelligence of the voters of South Dakota.

EDUCATION
In a Republic, where every citizen is a sovereign, ignorance is a crime against society. It is one of your most important duties to sustain our excellent educational system, so admirably designed to develop the highest and best type of American citizenship. 
The constitution provides that, "The State University, the Agricultural college, the Normal schools and all other educa­tional institutions that may be sustained either wholly or in part by the state, shall be under the control of a board of five members appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the senate under such rules and restrictions as the legislature shall provide. The legislature may increase the number of members to nine."
Chapter 58, Laws of 1897, provides for the appointment, and defines the powers and duties of Regents of Education: *** "The Governor, by and with the consent of the senate, shall appoint five persons of probity and wisdom from among the best and the best known citizens, residents of different por­tions of the state, none of whom shall reside in the counties in which any of the state educational institutions are located, who shall constitute a board to be designated the Regents of Educa­tion; provided, that in all appointments to the regency of edu­cation the persons selected shall be of the different political parties existing at the time such appointments are made."
I believe that these restrictions upon the selection of mem­bers of this board should be removed. Among the citizens of the counties having educational institutions, it is self-evident that the Executive might find men preeminently qualified to perform the responsible duties of a Regent of Education. The provision that, “The persons selected shall be of the different political parties," was doubtless intended for the purpose of making the board non-partisan. It is believed that instead of keeping politics out of said board it has a distinct tendency to inject politics, by suggesting a representative political capacity of the members thus selected. The Governor, who is respon­sible to the people of the state for the highest, efficiency of the management of state institutions, should be absolutely free to select ''the best and the best known citizens" without any reference whatever to their political affiliations. The mem­bers would then feel that they were selected, not because they happened to belong to a particular political party, but solely on account of their qualifications and standing as citizens.
The number should be increased from five to seven. It should be made the duty of the board to select a secretary, who is not a member of the Board of Regents who should be given a reasonable salary and required to devote all his time to the interests of the educational institutions of the state.
The Superintendent of Public Instruction should be ex­-officio a member of the Board of Regents. This would require an amendment to the Constitution.

COMMISSIONER OF IMMIGRATION
The wonderful natural advantages of our state are just becoming fully understood at home. South Dakota has been known abroad as a great wheat producing state. The day is not far distant when our state will become known as the lead­ing stock and dairy state in the union. The tide of immigra­tion should be directed towards the undeveloped fertile lands of South Dakota. In order that the resources of the state may be made known to the homeseekers, the office of Commissioner of Immigration should be re-established.

STATE FARMERS' INSTITUTES
Farm institutes, where practical questions are discussed, prepare the husbandman of today to meet successfully the new conditions and solve the problems confronting him. This important branch of educational work is recommended for earnest and favorable consideration.

GEOLOGY OF SOUTH DAKOTA
South Dakota has developed a seemingly inexhaustible mineral wealth. Prof. James E. Todd of the State University has prepared some very interesting reports on the geology of the state. This task has been performed with a very small ap­propriation, but has been of incalculable benefit to our commonwealth. 
Geological surveys should be continued to the end that the mineral wealth of our state may be better understood and our hidden treasures brought to light. These surveys also contem­plate an examination of the artesian basin, which has recently been found to extend into the grazing region of the state. A reasonable appropriation for the continuation of this work will benefit the entire citizenship of the state.

DEPENDENT AND NEGLECTED CHILDREN
When the state protects· and educates dependent and neg­lected children it protects itself. It is far better to prevent crime than to punish the criminal. To provide for the physical, men­tal and moral development of these unfortunate and helpless members of society is a sacred duty which in our state has been performed by the superintendent and members of the Children's Home Society, supported financially by the benevolence of our people. I earnestly endorse suggestions made by Superintend­ent W. B. Sherrard that the Board of Charities and Corrections be authorized and directed to exercise at least a limited power of supervision over the management of said institution. This would insure a greater degree of confidence on the part of the people and prove helpful to the officers of the society.

POWER TO REMOVE APPOINTEES
The present chaotic state of our statutes relative in the powers of the Executive in removing his appointees, leads me to earnestly request this legislature to take some action upon this subject.
As the law is at present, there is no doubt that some ap­pointees may be removed at the pleasure of the Executive, and as little doubt that others cannot be, while as to a large majority of such appointees, the law is ambiguous and uncertain. 
Since the Executive, as is ever the case, is charged with the acts of his appointees, his power to remove them should not be uncertain, and he should be given complete and absolute power over his subordinates, to remove them at pleasure, should he deem their actions derogatory to the success of his administra­tion; otherwise the most insignificant of the appointive officers might seriously mar what otherwise would be a successful ad­ministration. If the party which nominated and elected the Governor is responsible to the people for his administration, he should be given power commensurate with such responsibility. It is my earnest request, therefore, that the Legislature pass some general law upon this subject, giving the Executive as complete power in the premises as may be conferred upon him under the Constitution.
Upon this subject I desire to quote the vigorous language of Governor Sheldon, in his message to the Legislature, delivered January 5th, 1897: 
"The Governor of this state under the present construction of our law is a mere figure-head. He can approve or disap­prove the acts of the Legislature, and can issue proclamations and sign commissions, but he cannot remove the most insig­nificant creature of his appointment, no matter how flagrant his violation of law may be, or how great the necessity which may exist for his removal; The Constitution says the Governor shall see that the laws are enforced. The people hold him re­sponsible not only for his own acts, but for the act of every subordinate within the state. Under the present condition of things, he is absolutely powerless. He may perhaps grant an order of suspension of an officer upon complaint, but if the or­der is refused, he has no power to enforce it. Under the de­cision of the supreme court, written by Judge Kellam, in the case of the State vs. J. W. Shannon, any appointee of the Gov­ernor may defy Executive authority, and there is no appeal, ex­cept the Governor by himself or another is willing to go to a magistrate or some court, and make complaint. I hope this
Legislature will enact a law which will give the Governor such authority over his appointees as will enable him to hold them to strict accountability, and that he may have the power to remove them arbitrarily when they have been charged with mal­feasance or misfeasance, after they have been afforded an op­portunity to prove their innocence. Our law is indeed very de­fective as to the power of the Governor in interfering in any sense with the affairs of any other state officer. He may be guilty of the grossest misconduct, and even if the Governor can suspend him for a time, which is questionable, he can go no further. This is a serious matter, and it is your duty to see to it that the Governor is vested with proper authority, or else that he may be excused from any responsibility for any wrong which may be done."

LIVE STOCK INTERESTS
The Live Stock Industry of the state is assuming vast pro­portions. Our present laws do not meet the demands of the live stock interests. The Veterinary Surgeon should be paid a salary and expenses. He should not only establish and enforce quarantine regulations upon all necessary occasions to promptly prevent the spread and eradicate infectious or contagious dis­eases among domestic animals, but he should make such scien­tific study, investigations and experiments as he shall deem necessary in relation to the prevention and cure of diseases among animals and disseminate information concerning the same.
At a recent meeting of the Northern South Dakota Stock Growers' Association the following resolutions were unani­mously adopted:
"Resolved, That it is the sense of this meeting that the coming legislature pass a law providing for a state veterinarian whose salary and expenses shall be paid by the state;
''That a stringent law be passed prohibiting the importa­tion into the state of all domestic animals affected with infec­tious or contagious diseases and providing for severe penalties in case of wilful violation thereof."

STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE
A state fair, showing the resources and development of the state, has become an established annual institution in nearly every well regulated state in the Union. You will be asked to appropriate a small sum to help pay the premiums of the last state fair, and to amend the law which provides for the state board of Agriculture. You may conclude that the membership should be reduced in number, thereby concentrating the res­ponsibility, reducing the expenses of administration and in­creasing the efficiency of the board. Possibly the self-perpetuating features of said board should be abolished, thereby bring­ing the management into more direct contact with the state, making the state fair in fact what it is in theory-one of the vital institutions of the state, commanding the confidence and support of all the people of the state.

DAIRY AND FOOD DEPARTMENT
Two years ago, the legislature enacted a pure food law, but as no one was charged with the duty of enforcing said law, it has remained inoperative. South Dakota should now do what so many of the great states have done-provide for the appointment of a dairy and food commissioner, and thereby en­courage the dairy interests and protect the health of the peo­ple. Such laws and such departments are no longer matters of experiment. The dairy and agricultural interests of other states demanded the establishment of such a bureau and have stood loyally by it and its officers.
There is no excuse for “groping in the dark." This state has before it the legislation, litigation and experience of other states, and should profit by them. Eight years ago, Michigan, following the example of Massachusetts, New York, Pennsyl­vania, Ohio, Wisconsin and Minnesota, established a Dairy and Food Commission, and in 1899 the Commission reported to the legislature that, "No state in the union is more strongly fortified to-day than is Michigan with questions of food legis­lation and food litigation correctly and authoritatively inter­preted." It has been the experience of other states, that the best business men accept without question the laws governing the manufacturing and sale of food products, and cheerfully and promptly obey the law and co-operate with the commis­sioners in every way possible to secure a full, just and fair observance of the statutes pertaining to this office.
The object of all dairy and food laws is to encourage the dairy industry and improve its product, and protect the pub­lic against fraudulent and poisonous adulterations of dairy and food products. The use of chemical preservatives in food products has of late become almost notorious. These chemicals, which arrest the fermentations of food, cannot be used without great injury and their reckless use is a crime, and should be prohibited. The Ninth Annual Report of the state Dairy and Food Commission of Ohio, states that, “In some lines of goods more than three-fourths of the articles placed upon the market were violations of the laws of the state." Owing to the pure food laws of other states, and their vigorous enforcement, our state has become the dumping ground for all sorts of adulterated goods. 
The dairy industry of this state, while yet in its infancy, and without legislative protection, has assumed proportions which must challenge the attention of all who consider our commercial interests. Reliable information is not obtainable but I am informed by C. P. Sherwood, Secretary of the South Dakota Dairy and Buttermakers' Association, and the success­ful manager of the De Smet Creamery Company, that there are about one hundred fifty creameries in the state; that his creamery paid out for milk during the year of 1900 the sum of $70,000. Surely this growing industry should receive from this Legislature the most careful consideration. South Dako­ta, by virtue of unsurpassed natural conditions can be made the leading dairy state in the union. It is within the power of a properly equipped and well regulated Dairy and Food Depart­ment to do it. Then let it be done. There is probably no subject of greater importance to come before this Legislature.

COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT, TERM OF OFFICE AND SALARY
Section 5 of Article IX of the Constitution of South Dakota, after naming the county officers, directs that the term of office shall be two years, "and except the Clerk of Courts, no person shall be eligible for more than four years in succession." The exception in favor of the Clerk of Courts recognizes a continuing and increasing proficiency. This constitutional guardianship over the people, prohibiting the continuing in office of a Superintendent of Schools, no matter how faithful, able and successful he may have shown himself to be, has always seemed to me to be a manifestation of the perverse notion that the offices exist for the office seekers, hence swift rotation in office that all may have a chance, rather than the more rational idea that it is a duty which a citizen owes to his fellow men to serve them in public positions if in their judgment his services are required. Many of our city boards of education have long recognized that it is poor policy to be constantly changing city superintendents and principals. Those cities noted for their splendid school systems make few changes in their superin­tendents and principals. The same may be said of our colleges and universities. Under the proposed change the people would retain full power to rid themselves of an incompetent official, and it would be possible for the people to reward honesty, ability and success by retaining a good official for an indefinite period.
The salary of the county superintendent is regulated by Section 9 of Chapter 2 of Chapter 57, Laws of 1897. That pop­ulation and wealth, the present basis, is not a correct basis from which to determine the salary of the county superintendent becomes evident upon a moment's reflection. In the wealthy and populous counties, with one or more cities, the work of the county superintendent is to a great extent per­formed by city superintendents. On the other hand, it requires as much time and labor to look after the affairs of a district with a few pupils and small assessed valuation as a district with twice the number of pupils and double the amount of wealth. A more equitable basis should be adopted and I re­spectfully recommend for your consideration the law of North Dakota upon this subject.

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
The powers and duties of the county commissioners are so far reaching and their responsibilities of such increasing im­portance that the existing methods of electing the members of such boards seem worthy of consideration. These officials of the county, with authority to represent all the people of the county, are now, according to law, elected by districts; and ac­cording to custom, the county officer so elected represents "his district," or one-fifth of the county, or one third, as the case may be, instead of the entire county. This system injects sec­tionalism and incompetency into the deliberations of the board. A district representative does not feel any direct responsibility to the entire county. It fosters hostility between different parts of the same county, a condition which, even if it sometimes existed during the "boom" days, should not exist. Under the district system, one-fifth of the county may, and sometimes must, elect men who could never secure an election from the entire county. The residence of a county commissioner is of far less importance than his intelligence, honesty and business ability. A private corporation, with capital stock equal to the valuation of a county, selects for its board of directors the ablest men among the stockholders. The public corporations should do the same, and every voter in the county should have a voice in the selection of the men who levy the taxes, disburse the revenues and manage the affairs of the county. The Board of County Commissioners should be composed of the best and ablest men in the county, and this ideal condition is very rarely, if ever, attainable under the existing district system.

LEGISLATIVE APPORTIONMENT
A new apportionment of the number of Senators and Rep­resentatives for the Legislative Assembly is one of the duties devolving upon this Legislature, not only by the terms of the Constitution, but by a sense of fairness and justness. The par­tisan inequality of the existing law is most flagrant. It stands as a monument of iniquity. Let the new apportionment be what the Constitution directs, and the people expect-“accord­ing to the number of inhabitants"-in order that the people of every county may secure the representation in the Legislature to which they are justly entitled. Proportionate representa­tion is a principle which underlies our system of government.

THE PARDONING POWER
The pardoning power is a consequence of "the imperfec­tion of law and human nature." A person may be convicted of a crime on false testimony. After sentence by the Court, the falsehood may be discovered, but the Court cannot reverse its decree. Reprieves may become necessary or expedient on account of doubts of guilt, arising from the discovery of new testimony after sentence and before execution, or considera­tions of public policy may demand an exemption from punish­ment. The pardoning power exists, and was conferred by the constitution upon the Governor, not for exercising his tender­ness of heart, but to further the ends of justice. Of late years there has been an increasing tendency towards executive clem­ency, resulting in gross abuse of this important prerogative. A convict with numerous friends and abundant means promptly begins preparations for securing a pardon after he has had a fair trial, and his guilt has been legally established. The Govern­or's office becomes an appellate court, where the case is re-tried, largely in the nature of an ex parte proceeding. The victim may be slumbering in a forgotten grave. Human sympathy is apt to be with the living rather than the dead. Or the injured party is persuaded to join the forces appealing for sympathy, not jus­tice, ignoring the no less sacred rights of society.
These observations are for the purpose of announcing to the people of this state that it is not the purpose of the Executive to usurp the functions of courts and juries; that the pardoning power will be exercised strictly according to the theory of our system of jurisprudence and the spirit of our constitution.

PAN-AMERICAN EXPOSITION
Expositions, on account of their educational, as well as commercial value, are to-day recognized as important factors in human civilization, and as milestones in the progress of the world. 
The Pan-American Exposition, which will be opened on May 1st, 1901 in Buffalo, New York, will concern itself strictly with the progress, during the Nineteenth Century, of the states and countries of the Western Hemisphere and the new possessions of the United States.
President McKinley, in his message to Congress, in Decem­ber,1899, said: "This exposition, which will be held in the City of Buffalo, in the near vicinity of the great Niagara cataract, and within a day's journey of which reside forty million of our peo­ple, will be confined entirely to the Western Hemisphere. Sat­isfactory assurances have already been given by the diplomatic representatives of Great Britain, Mexico, the Central and South American Republics, and most of the states of the United States, that these countries and states will make a unique, interesting and instructive exhibit, peculiarly illustrative of their material progress during the century which is about to close. I have every reason to hope and believe that this exhibition will tend more firmly to cement the cordial relations between the nations of this continent."
All the States of the Union have been duly invited to take part in the Exposition. Many states have selected sites for state buildings; others have appropriated money and appointed Com­missioners. The work of the Exposition is far advanced, and it is the judgment of competent critics that in all that goes to make a great Exposition this one will, beyond question, be successful from every point of view, and in many respects will surpass any of its predecessors.
It is for the legislature to say whether South Dakota shall join her sister commonwealths in the coming celebration of the marvelous progress and the civilization of the nations of the Western Hemisphere.

THE LOUISIANA PURCHASE EXPOSITION 
In the summer of 1898 a project to properly celebrate the centennial anniversary of the Louisiana purchase, was inaugu­rated and culminated in a convention of delegates from the dif­ferent states and territories formed from the Louisiana purchase being held in the city of St. Louis in January, 1899. This con­vention decided that the most fitting mode of commemorating this great historic event, would be by an international exposition to be held in the city of St. Louis, in the year of 1903. I am in­formed that the legislature of our state will be fully advised of its progress and prospects, by representatives of the committee in charge of this great enterprise, and your attention is respect­fully directed to this excellent opportunity for making a creditable showing of our magnificent resources and splendid develop­ment.

SOLDIERS' HOME
In his last address to the people of the United States, President Lincoln said : "Let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation's wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan." The people of South Dakota, patriotic and generous, have erected and maintained a Soldiers' Home amid ideal surround­ings; where climate and scenery combine to make the declining years of the veterans of the great civil war, who occupy the home, peaceful and restful. I shall consider it my most sacred duty to cause to be established, and as speedily as possible, the most humane and perfect management of said home. A liberal expenditure for the comfort and happiness of the men who maintained the honor and glory of our country is but the pay­ment of a great debt which we of this generation owe, and which will ever be paid with love and gratitude.

UNITED STATES SENATOR
The election of Senator to represent South Dakota in the highest legislative body in the world is one of the most im­portant duties devolving upon this Legislature. We are living in a period in the history of our country which imperatively demands the highest order of statesmanship. Problems of international importance are pressing for solution. In the drama of world politics our country, the most civilized and powerful, must play its part. "The Orient and Occidental civilizations have met face to face, and the future constitution and ideals of society are in the balance." The questions to be solved involve not merely commerce and industry, but the deeper interests of civilization.
No question ever before the people of this state aroused such a profound interest. In the selection of a man to repre­sent this great commonwealth, I believe you will cheerfully obey the imperial mandate of the people, who have directed the election of some one worthy of the high honor, inspired with the splendid and progressive views of the President and reflecting the patriotism and the intelligence of the people of South Dakota. 

CHAPLAIN FOR THE PENITENTIARY
One of the chief characteristics of the nineteenth century has been the profound determination to right the wrongs and alleviate the sufferings of humanity. To this powerful influence we may attribute the prison reform work and other radi­cal changes in methods for dealing with the unfortunate and criminal classes. Society, as a matter of self-preservation, as well as from feelings of benevolence, justly considers as among its solemn obligations the moral development of its members and the reformation of its criminals. The duty on the part of the state to prevent a crime, if possible, or to punish the crim­inal, is no more sacred than that the criminal should be re­claimed. If so, the state should adopt such means as will most directly tend to eradicate wrong habits, cultivate and strength en moral and religious principles, and eventually restore the criminal to society, a wiser, better and a useful man.
These meditations upon the rights and duties of man as a member of civil society and the obligations of the state, have led me to suggest for favorable consideration the appointment of a chaplain for the State Penitentiary. Rev. Dr. Jordan, a distinguished clergyman and resident of our state, speaking for the Ministerial Association of Sioux Falls, says: "We feel that the best interests of the prisoners and of, the institution demands the appointment of a devout, earnest, enthusiastic and tactful man, who shall be able to devote his whole time and efforts to the moral and spiritual welfare of the prisoners; and it is the unanimous desire of the pastors of the association that such a man be appointed as soon as possible. Personally, I have felt for years that the state was not doing its duty. The present system is scrimpy, perfunctory and unsatisfactory. The state appropriates three dollars a week for religious services; the pastors of the city are called upon, in more or less regular turns, to preach on Sunday morning at 9 o'clock, and nothing more. * * * A chaplain who was constantly with the men, who came to know them as a pastor knows his people, who en­tered deeply into all their interests and who could make them feel his genuine sympathy, would have a most fruitful field and would more than repay the state for the cost of his services."

HISTORICAL SOCIETY
The time has arrived when the state should encourage the incorporation of a State Historical Society by making a reason­able appropriation for the work of such an organization. Such a society should be duly incorporated and have for its specific object the collection, preservation, exhibition and publication of materials for the study of history, especially of our own state and the great Northwest. In its constitution it should provide for stability and public confidence by making the state officers, judges of the Supreme Court, the members of Congress and Presidents of state educational institutions, ex-officio members of the society. Means should be provided for secur­ing the precious material which will be of incalculable value to an historical museum, and which is being destroyed and lost forever; for acquiring documents and manuscripts and obtaining the personal recollections of the actors in our formative period. Each year, as it rolls along the endless pathway of eternity, is thinning the ranks of the sturdy pioneers who laid the foundations for such a splendid commonwealth. Before it is too late, let the life history of the old settlers be written and preserved as a part of the history of the wonderful growth and marvelous development of this region. Here a memorable migration, a mighty wave of humanity swept over the bound­less unbroken prairie, producing a panorama the like of which never has been and never again will be seen anywhere. In urg­ing the importance of this work, which coming generations will appreciate, I will appropriate the memorable words of Carlyle: "Let the record be made of the men and things of to-day, lest they pass out of memory to-morrow and are lost. Then perpet­uate them, not upon wood or stone that crumbles to dust, but chronicle in picture and in words that endure forever."

CONCLUSION
Standing in the dawn of the twentieth century, contemplat­ing with pride the wonderful events of the grandest century in the world's history, let us as temporary guardians of great public interests, manfully, seriously, hopefully, perform the duties which we owe to the people of the state and nation. We have a state containing the elements of the very best citi­zenship. We have natural resources unsurpassed, productive of health and wealth, happiness and prosperity. We feel the pulsations of an expanding business. We hear the music of the most wonderful industrial activity. We are conscious of the energy and hope of a great people. South Dakota should stand in the front rank of progressive states. With a popula­tion composed of the best people, physically, mentally and morally-from the states of our Union and from foreign coun­tries-men and women with courage to brave the hardships and disappointments of pioneer life; with ability to build the foundations upon which is being constructed one of the splendid commonwealths of our country, with ambition to realize the choicest blessings of rich natural resources, bestowed by divine favor and by industry and by thrift and good laws justly inter­preted and honestly administered; with reverence for our state motto: "Under God the People Rule," we are ready and anxi­ous to begin the new century, and as a state and a people, as­sume our position in humanity's grand march towards the ideals of an advancing Christian civilization.

CHARLES N. HERREID
January 8, 1901