LAKE-BEDS

Two years ago I called attention to the fact that the title to the beds of a large number of meandered lakes was in dispute. The state claims title to these lands. I think it would be wise to memorialize congress to protect the rights of the state by appropriate legislation. Certainly nothing ought to be done to interfere with what is now believed to be our vested right. I am still of the opinion it would be wise to grant these lands to some one or more of our educational institutions. They are supposed to be worth several hundred thousand dollars.

OIL INSPECTION

Experience has shown that the provision for the inspection of linseed oil is insufficient to protect the public. The most vile and worthless adulterations are readily sold as pure linseed oil. I am of the opinion that dealers in paint oils should be required to place a label upon the vessel containing each sale, and proper penalty should be provided for the sale of adulterations unless appropriately labeled.

STATE BOUNDARY

The act of congress which admitted the State of Iowa into the Union fixed the western boundary of this commonwealth as the middle of the main channel of the Missouri river. Since that time the channel of the river has changed, and there is considerable territory formerly in this state now on the western side of that river. This has given rise to much controversy, and to some litigation. At the last session of the legislature of Nebraska, a boundary commission was

authorized, the same to be appointed when the legislature of Iowa should make similar provision. The Nebraska law provides for three members to be appointed by the gov ernor to receive $10 per diem for a period not to exceed thirty days, and the sum of $2,000 was appropriated to defray the expenses of the commission. I recommend similar action in this state in the hope that a permanent boundary may be established and ratified by the states interested therein, and by the Congress of the United States.

IN MEMORIAM

During the last biennium the people of this state have been called to mourn the death of Hon. John H. Gearlegislator, speaker of the house, governor, representative in congress, and United States Senator-a most conspicuous character in Iowa history. Of no man has it ever been said, with greater verity, "He was the servant of the people." He never held a position that he did not fill, and never filled a position of which he was not worthy, or in which he failed signally to honor those who had honored him.

More recently our people were appalled at the violent death of the best beloved of rulers and the most honored of men, William McKinley, President of the United States. I shall not weary you, gentlemen, with an attempt to recount the virtues of that noble character. The immortal words used by Lincoln concerning Washington, and which have been repeatedly reiterated as applicable to the author, can now be said of McKinley: "To add brightness to the sun and glory to the name of Washington is alike impossible. Let none attempt it. In solemn awe pronounce the name, and in its naked, deathless splendor leave it shining on."

Such a trinity of names blesses not the annals of any country but ours, and no other people cherish such a priceless legacy of influence.

TEMPORARY APPOINTMENTS

To fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of Senator Gear, Honorable Jonathan Prentiss Dolliver, of the city of Fort Dodge, was, on the twenty-second day of August, 1900, appointed a senator of the United States from the state of Iowa for the remainder of the term that expired on the third day of March last; and on the twenty-fifth day of February, 1901, Mr. Dolliver was appointed for the term beginning on the fourth day of March following, to hold until this general assembly shall elect a successor.

Thomas B. Hanley, of the city of Tipton, was, on the eleventh day of January, 1901, commissioned a member of the board of regents of the State University, to fill a vacancy occasioned by the death of Mortimer A. Higley, the commission taking effect January 8, 1901, and continuing until this meeting of the general assembly.

CONCLUSION

The state is in a flourishing condition. Her people are prosperous. If there be discontent anywhere or among any class, it is not manifest. While our population is increasing, the court records indicate that crime is decreasing. Fewer persons were sent to the penitentiary during the last year than in any other, save one, in the last quarter of a century. The relations between capital and labor have been exceptionally cordial, and deeds of violence have been

few. The fair record of the state has not been marred by an illegal execution in more than a decade. Justice according to law, the distinctive feature of Anglican liberty, is the recognized rule of our people. With no small degree of pride for the past history of my state, rejoicing in her present greatness, hopeful for her future, and in the full confidence that the conservative wisdom of your honorable body will preserve and strengthen all that is good and cure that which may need correction, I submit the foregoing. LESLIE M. SHAW

VETO MESSAGES

TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

MARCH 30, 1898

From MS. Copy of Executive Journal, Vol. IX, p. 525—in the Office of the Governor, Des Moines

To the House of Representatives

I herewith return H. F. 2281 entitled, An Act to amend section 4045 of the Code in relation to the redemption by debtor, with the following objections.

The statute sought to be amended is as follows:

"The debtor may redeem real property at any time within one year from the day of sale, and will in the meantime be entitled to the possession thereof."

The bill proposes to add thereto "Any provision in any contract to the contrary notwithstanding."

Every safeguard should be thrown around the debtor to protect him from extortion or imposition and had the amendment sought to protect him against contracts entered into prior to the sheriff's sale or even prior to the rendition of the judgment under which the sale was made, it would have met my approval and promptly received my signature. If such was the purpose it is not made apparent from the language employed. Should a debtor after sheriff's sale desire to dispose of his equity of redemption and give imme

This reads "No. 226" in the House Journal, 1898, p. 1036.