| Summary: | [ 10 ] normal schools, and taking into consideration the anticipated revenues for the next biennial period it is clearly evident that no appropriation can be made sufficient to meet the emergency. I would suggest that such legislation be enacted as will authorize the boards of trustees of the several state institutions to bond, to a limited extent, the land set aside for each special and separate institution. The buildings to be erected in the next two or three years will serve our state institutions for generations to come. The time has arrived when it is not only reasonable but urgent that the liberal provision made by the federal government for the future wants of our state institutions be made available for present needs. It is doubtful whether an institution ever has needs, in its subsequent development, as urgent as those which present themselves in the earlier years of its career, particularly is this true of our educational institutions. The university and both the normal schools should have larger capacity in the way of additional room. Under the circumstances it certainly will not be unwise to draw to a limited extent upon the future for the needed improvements, of which future generations will reap a large part of, the benefits and thus lessen the burden of taxation upon the present. SOLDIERS' HOME. Thirty-six years have elapsed since the close of the great civil war undertaken for the preservation of the national integrity. Many of those men who did such herojc service for their country in its hour of need were almost totally disabled in its service, and now when old age has settled upon them, are unable longer to support themselves. It is pleasing, therefore, to know that our state, has provided for them a pleasant home in which they can spend the last years of their life in quiet contentment. The report of the board of this institution is complete and deals fully with all matters pertaining to the needs, maintenance, and care of these veterans of the greatest civil war the world ever saw. The state and the nation owe them a debit of everlasting gratitude and there should be no hesitancy in granting them full compensation for the heroic service rendered. THE NATIONAL GUARD. No state in the union has more reason to be proud Of their national gulard than has North Dakota, since no regiment in the field of active operations more fully met the confidence reposed in them by the people of the state which they represented. I congratulate the entire command, officers and men alike, upon their courage and efficiency which has won the good name universally conceded them. The report of Adjutant General Miller makes full exhibit of the details of the organization and merits your careful examination. I desire, in this connection, to call your attention to the urgent necessity for a permanent storehouse or arsenal for the equipments, stores and supplies for the state guard. The annual appropriation of the government has been increased during the past year from four hundred thousand dollars to one million dollars. North Nakota under the apportionment already made will secure five thousand one hundred and seventy-five dollars as against two thousand and six hundred heretofore. This allowance is received in stores, supplies and equipments and will soon put the state guard in excellent condition as to equipage. The total amount of stores, equipage and supplies now belonging to the state troops is of the value of thirty-nine 'thousand one hundred and forty-one dollars and fifty-three cents. Much of the equipage and reserve
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