result in the same disastrous consequences—the gradual diminishing and final absorption of the whole fund.

We are bound by every principle of justice to those who have constituted us the trustees, as well as to those who are soon to take our places, and for whose interest we are bound to act, to watch over and protect the funds entrusted to us, and so manage them that the greatest possible good may result not only to the present, but to each successive generation.

It has been said, and may be reiterated, that the university and primary school lands are being increased in value by the surrounding improvements, whilst they are paying no taxes; and that those who are contributing to such increased value should reap an immediate and corresponding benefit; or, in other words, that they should be allowed to purchase those lands at the prices they were worth before such increased value was given them. But whilst your committee willingly admit the truth of the first part of the proposition, they deny that there is any truth, justice or patriotism in the inference. It is an agreement which we are not willing to endorse, and one we confidently believe this Senate will not sustain.

It was not from any intrinsic or marketable value which these lands possessed, that all good men here and elsewhere have spoken with pride of the educational prospects of our State, then and in the future. At the time the university and primary school lands were donated to the State, they were considered nearly valueless, and were so in fact. It was to this very increase in value which was to be given them by the intelligence, the industry and the sure and rapid improvement of our State, to which they looked for the realization of their hopes; and it should be regarded by us and by our successors, as the executors of this trust, a full and ample compensation for the increased value which we are giving these lands, that we are to expend the interest of the fund for the purpose of educating those who must soon take our places. We are paid for executing the trust. We are receiving favors, not conferring; and nothing short of the utmost diligence in the care of these funds, should satisfy us, or will satisfy those who follow us. It is not the magnitude of the case pro. vided for in the bill before your committee, which gives the question its importance, but it is the precedent to be established and the policy

It will be but an entering wedge, which your committee firmly believe would sooner or later divide and destroy the wise and liberal provision which has been made for the support of education. It will be but the note of preparation for a general attack, which must ere long end in the filching from the people their richest treasure.

If it is desired that our state should maintain its present standing for enterprise and patriotism; if it is desired that our march should be onward in intelligence and virtue; if it is desired that not only our children, but our children's children, should be able and willing, each in their turn, to guard and defend the rights of our own, and of every state, and of our whole country, one and inseparable, let us enlarge by any and every just and proper means the provisions for the education of the whole people.

Treason will not flourish, disunion cannot prosper, anarchy will never prevail where the masses are intelligent and virtuous.

Regarding, as your committee do, the principle involved in the policy which would be so far established by the passage of the bill before them, as unwise, and one fraught with lasting and dangerous consequences, your committee feel compelled to report against its passage; and whilst doing so, they would also indulge the confident hope, that no action now or hereafter may be had, which can, by possibility, impair the sacred fund which has been entrusted to us.

T

No. 7.

1851.

[ No. 7. ]

THE PETITION of Mrs. C. Dennis and one hundred and fortyfour other Ladies, of Van Buren county, praying that the Sale of Intoxicating Liquors as a beverage may be prohibited by law and that the Sale of the same for Medicinal and Mechanical purposes may be regulated by law.

To the Senate and House of Representatives of the State of Michigan: The undersigned, Ladies of the county of Van Buren, would respectfully represent to your honorable body, that having no remedy under existing laws against the positive evils resulting from the liquor traffic, the interests and well-being of community demand the passage of some law to restrain a business, the effects of which are fast becoming overwhelmingly oppressive in a pecuniary point of view, and absolutely ruinous to every other human interest which comes within its baneful influence.

We are aware that it has not hitherto been an easy matter to in. duce legislative bodies to take action against the sale of intoxicating drinks, although the wide universe does not furnish a reason for its continuance. Yet believing as we do, that the VICE OF INTEMPERANCE which so disfigures our land and degrades our race, can never be removed while an unrestrained liquor traffic is permitted by our laws, we cannot but appeal again and again to the only authority competent to afford legitimate protection.

Lengthened argument is not necessary to convince your honorable body that the sale of intoxicating drinks as a beverage, is productive of evil-always evil, unrelieved by a solitary good. That no public or private interest is subserved by its continuance. That its results are injurious, demoralizing, and often brutalizing to those who follow it for gain, and appallingly ruinous in every sense to the poor deluded victims upon whose unfortuate appetite it depends for its unenviable

success.

We therefore ask your honorable body to pass a law at your presont session, prohibiting the SALE OF INTOXICATING LIQUORS as a

beverage, attaching suitable penalties as a punishment for its violation; and also regulating their sale for medicinal, mechanical and chemical purposes, in such manner and under such restrictions, that the law cannot be violated with impunity.