USA > Michigan > Gazetteer of the State of Michigan, in three parts with a succinct history of the State, from the earliest period to the present time with an appendix, containing the usual statistical tables, and a directory for emigrants, &c > Part 11
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The history of climate, in America at least, shows a successive series of cold or moist seasons or years, and a series of warm or dry ones, mutually following each other like the waves of the sea. The inutility of partial observations is therefore quite obvious.
123
OF MICHIGAN.
CLIMATE AND HEALTH .- METEOROLOGICAL REGISTER.
The meteorological observations taken at Detroit and Fort Gratiot, not having been seasonably received for this work, the following table has been compiled from detached fragments published at the time the observations were made. They were taken by the surgeon at the hospital attached to the garrison at Detroit, in the years indicated.
By comparing these with those taken at Fort Columbus in the harbor of New York, and at Fort Wolcott at New- port, R. I., conclusions are drawn in favor of the climate of this State.
Detroit is in N. lat. 42° 19' 53", and in lon. W. from Greenwich 82° 58'.
Month.
Year.
Mean temperature at 2 o'-
Aggregate mean tempera-
| Highest degree.
Lowest degree 2 o'clock.
Lowest deg. 7 o'clock morn.
Prevailing wind.
Clear days.
| Cloudy days.
Rainy days.
Snowy days.
6
14
Dec.
1817* 1821 1827
31.10° 31.12 37.33
281º 27 353
41 50 16 50 25
8-10° zero. 21
W. S.W. S.W.
21 9
13
7
2
- 41
Jan.
1818 1822 1828
28.66 27.33 36.00
241 231 33
43 12
-14 -14
W. N.&N. W S.W.
14 12 11 6
16 12
11
2
5
44
3
-13
W
12 11 S.&S. w. 16 11
2
2
Feb.
1818 1822 1828
23.50 34.00 38.50
16 30
35%
62 16 51 21
16
S.W.
15
9
4 103
March,
1818 1822 1828
44.00
41
64 33
18
S.W.
24
6
1
Aug.
1817
64.00
61
184,58
57
W.
Total depth of snow in
inches.
5 16
4
9
1
2
1
3
48 10 60
9
3
10
I
-
* These observations were taken during the series of universally cold seasons,-and, as is perceived, the year succeeding the cold summer of 1816-known to all at the present day, as "the cold summer."
clock.
ture.
124
GAZETTEER
CLIMATE AND HEALTH.
By a diary of the weather kept in the summer and fall of 1816, from the 24th of July to the 22d of Oct., making eighty-nine days, it appears that 57 were fair, 12 cloudy, and 20 showery or rainy. By a diary kept at the garrison, from the 16th. Nov. 1818 to the 28th Feb. 1819, making 105 days, 40 of these were clear, 40 cloudy, 13 clear and cloudy, and 12 cloudy with rain or snow.
For January, February, and March, 1824, 90 days, 48 were fair, 27 cloudy, 8 rainy, and 10 snowy days.
1824
high'st lowest|prevailing| fair clou-| rai-
snowy
degree.
degree.
wind
days
dy
ny
Jan.
63
-10
20
7
3
1
Feb.
66
4
15
9
1
4
March
66
19
S. N.W. S. E. & W.
13
11
2
5
The winter of 1817 and '18 was one of unusual severity for Michigan, as was testified by the ancient residents on the Strait; and yet, seasons may be found in some of the Atlantic States, having a more southern latitude, of still greater severity. Less snow falls here, and continues for a shorter period, than in the Eastern States. The eastern cli- mate is generally less mild and temperate, while this is more humid, and subject to more frequent showers. This remark seems to result from the experience of emigrants, and is in a good measure confirmed by observation.
Both results are undoubtedly caused by the proximity to the immense bodies of fresh water with which Michigan is surrounded, and the extensive forests, which, in part, over- spread the country ; and, it is not improbable, that the influ- ences that soften the climate of the Mississippi valley, extend by the prevalence of the western and south-western winds, to this region. Unseasonable frosts sometimes occur, but not, it is believed, more frequently than in New England or New York. "Snow," it has been said, " falls at Detroit from six to eight inches deep, and remains two or three weeks. The transition from the cold of spring to the heat of summer is rapid-from summer to winter, gradual and prolonged. As general characteristics, the spring is wet and backward-summer dry-autumn mild-winter cold and dry. The average temperature is, in the spring, 50° Fahrenheit-summer, 80°-autumn, 60° and 65°-winter,
125
OF MICHIGAN.
CLIMATE AND HEALTH.
20°." These remarks, without material variation, apply to the southern half of the Peninsula.
The serenity of a Michigan autumn is proverbial ; and the beauty of an autumnal twilight is the admiration of visitors. Before sunset, the western heavens occasionally assume a deep golden effulgence, too beautiful to admit of description. The sun seems to set in a sea of golden flame, (if we may be allowed the comparison,) which reflects upon the broken clouds from the horizon to the zenith, in a thousand varied shades. This is succeeded by a brilliant orange of the most lively hue, which grows fainter and van- ishes with the twilight. The same appearances, though less splendid, are exhibited in the morning ; and it requires no ordinary exertion of the fancy to imagine the beauties of the scene. The most splendid scenes are seen only un- der a peculiar state of atmosphere and a certain com- bination of clouds. The phenomenon is known neither in the East, South, or South-west, but is witnessed in the vicinity only of the great lakes. It commences in the fall, after the foliage of the forest has fallen or turned yellow, and continues with variations through autumn and winter, and until the forests are again covered with their wonted green. The cause has been assigned to the contiguity of immense forests and lakes, and the reflection, refraction, and combination of light upon the clouds.
It is not uncommon for persons at the east, otherwise pleased with the country, and desirous of availing themselves of its advantages, to be deterred from emigrating, through the" apprehension of finding a sickly climate. This is a prevalent error in the New England States. With but oc- casional local exceptions, we find a pure atmosphere, a country covered with clear crystal lakes and ever-living springs of wholesome water, which discharge themselves into the great lakes, through lively channels. These are not the usual concomitants of sickness, but, on the con- trary, the unequivocal evidences of general health. The principal cause of indisposition among emigrants to the Western States, is generally to be traced to imprudent expo- sure ; and it cannot be too well inculcated in their minds, that prudence is the conservative of health.
Comparisons may seem invidious ; but it is not the less true that there are grounds for believing the general salu-
11*
126
GAZETTEER
CLIMATE AND HEALTH .- DISEASES.
brity of the Michigan climate superior to that of the cen- tral part of Ohio, Indiana, or Illinois. The observation and experience of residents in the two sections, will go to the support of this position. The remark receives further confirmation from the observation of travellers. No one who has visited Michigan, and the central part of those States during the intensity of summer, or even in winter, but has involuntarily observed the evident contrast in the ruddy complexions of the former, and the more sallow com- plexion often incident to the latter. This may be observed to a greater or less extent, throughout the central and south- ern portion of the Mississippi valley. The cause cannot be assigned to temperament of body, as it is too general. It may naturally be supposed to be the effect of climate.
Diseases. We have been informed by medical gentle- men who have had ample means for making observations on these subjects, that the diseases most prevalent in Michi- gan, are such as have their origin in malaria, or marsh ex- halations. These are the various forms of autumnal or bilious fever, and fever and ague. Being governed by a general law, which increases their virulence in proportion to their approach to the tropics, they become milder here, than diseases of the same type are, when prevalent in any of the States south of Michigan.
Our population is also, at different seasons of the year, subject to various affections depending upon atmospheric vicissitudes, such as catarrh, pneumonia, rheumatism, and diarrhea; but not equally so with the inhabitants of the States to the south-west of us, where there is less timbered country, and greater diurnal changes in the temperature of the atmosphere. Along the shores of the lakes and the intervening straits, the disease known under the name of goitre, or swelled neck, is rather prevalent, particularly among females, and may be regarded as peculiar to this re- gion ; at least, it is altogether unknown in the eastern part of the United States. There are also some species of cu- taneous disease prevalent in this State, which are scarcely known in New England. Strangers, on first arriving in the State, are apt to experience derangements of the diges- tive organs, owing to the quality of the water.
Consumption, which is so desolating in the eastern parts of the Union, is comparatively rare in the Peninsula, and
/
127
OF MICHIGAN.
EDUCATION.
many instances have been known of relief having been ob- tained from impending pulmonary disease, by removal to this State. It has been claimed by some, that an original case of consumption has never occurred here. To show, however, that this affection was not altogether unknown in the State prior to the commencement of active emigration hither, we quote the following from a statement made by Z. Pitcher, M. D., surgeon U. S. army, (now of Detroit) to S. G. Morton, M. D., author of a valuable work on this sub- ject. " My recollections of twelve years intercourse with our Indian tribes, authorize me to assure you, that con- sumption is a disease familiar to all those with whom I have had any personal acquaintance: and I think also, that I may go farther, and state without the fear of contradiction, that it is prevalent among all the tribes of natives of the northern section of our continent."
" It has been remarked by others, and my experience goes to confirm the observation, that the mixed blood descend- ants of the European and the Red race of Gmelin, are more liable to become the victims of phthisis than the full blood Indian."
Endemical disease is incident to all large districts of country, and sometimes to those more confined, and pro- ceeding from causes merely local ; but as before observed, there are none in Michigan of that incorrigible character, that cannot be prevented by the emigrant if he use the requisite prudence until he become acclimated .*
EDUCATION.
The constitution of Michigan not only recognizes the right and expediency of advancing the cause of sci- ence and literature, but enjoins upon the legislature, the
* It may not be uninteresting to notice a fact almost entirely unknown in the east, and, it is believed, mostly peculiar to the western country. We allude to diseases of the liver, to which domestic animals are sub- ject. From the age of one and two years, and upwards, this viscous be- comes diseased to an extent to render it unfit for use. This is universal in the west. But what may appear singular, of the large number of beeves slaughtered for the Detroit market, the proportion found to be diseased, was much greater in cattle driven from Ohio, than those raised in Canada or Michigan, by a disparity, as estimated by proper judges, of seven to one.
128
GAZETTEER
EDUCATION.
encouragement of learning, and the general diffusion of knowledge among the people .* It authorizes the appoint- ment of a " Superintendent of Public Instruction"-the inviolable application of the interest of the proceeds of all lands granted to the State for primary instruction, exclu- sively to that purpose-a general system, of common school organization-the establishment of at least one library in each township, and the application of the proceeds of all penal and military fines to the support of such when estab- lished-the disposition of the university lands, and the in- vestment of their proceeds in a permanent fund, and the application of the interest arising from it, to the support of a State University and its several branches.
The first and most important act done by the legislature, was the appointment of a " Superintendant of Public In- struction," giving him the entire supervision and manage- ment of the university and primary school lands and other property devoted to the purposes of public education, re- quiring him to report to the legislature all matters pertain- ing to them, and likewise to prepare and report a plan for a university and its branches, and a system for the organiza- tion of common schools.
In pursuance of this act, (of July 26, 1836,) the superin- tendant made to the succeeding legislature a report, pro- posing a plan for the university and its branches-a system of primary schools, and a plan for the disposition of the university and primary school lands, all of which, with lit- tle variation, were adopted by the legislature. This act has been recently amended and improved, as embodied in
* Similar provisions, for education, have been added to the fundamen- tal law of several States, the utility of which is found, more in the effect of the policy of inserting them, and thereby putting to rest any doubt of constitutional right, which might arise from the cavilings of the oppo- nents to legislative enactments on the subject, than in conferring any ad- ditional right or power to the legislature. It is a principle of natural or universal law, founded as a maxim in the conventional organization of government, that every government, of whatever nature, possesses the attribute-the peculiar right of perpetuating itself. There is not the least doubt that republican government is based upon the intelligence, as well as the virtue of its members. Hence, the encouragement of univer- sal education among the people, is a prerogative, not to say an impera- tive duty, inherent in the government of every republican State, whether the provisions for that purpose are expressed, or not expressed in its constitution.
129
OF MICHIGAN.
EDUCATION .- UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN.
the Revised Statutes, the substance of which is here pre- sented.
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN.
This institution has been permanently located at the vil- lage of Ann Arbour. When completely organized, it will embrace the various departments of literature, and the whole circle of the sciences and arts. The government is vested in a board oftwelve Regents, who are nominated, and, by and with the advice and consent of the senate, appointed by the governor. The governor, lieutenant governor, judges of the supreme court, and chancellor of the State, are ex officio, members, and the governor is president of the board of Re- gents. This board is constituted a body corporate, empow- ered to elect a chancellor and appoint the prescribed num- ber of professors and tutors, and likewise a steward, and to fix the amount of their salaries, and to enact laws for the government of the university.
The university consists of three departments.
First, The department of literature, science and the arts. Second, The department of law.
Third, The department of medicine.
In the first department is to be established one professor- ship of ancient languages; one of modern languages; one of rhetoric and oratory ; one of the philosophy of history and logic ; one of the philosophy of the human mind; one of moral philosophy ; one of natural theology and history of all religions; one of political economy ; one of mathe- matics; one of natural philosophy ; one of chemisty ; one of geology and mineralogy; one of botany and zoology ; one of the fine arts, and one of civil engineering and draw- ing.
In the second department is to be established one profes- sorship of international law; one of common law and equity ; one of constitutional and statute law ; one of com- mercial and maritime law, and one of jurisprudence.
In the third department is to be established one profes- sorship of anatomy ; one of surgery ; one of pathology and physiology ; one of practice of physic; one of obstetrics and the diseases of women and children, and one of mate- ria medica, pharmacy and medical jurisprudence.
The regents regulate the course of instruction, and pre-
130
GAZETTEER
EDUCATION .- UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN .- BRANCHES.
scribe, under the advice of the professorships, the books to be used-confer degrees and grant diplomas. The imme- diate government of the several departments is intrusted to their respective faculties. Under the regulations prescribed by the regents, the institution is to be open to all persons resident in the State, who may wish to avail themselves of its advantages, without charge of tuition ; and to all others, under restrictions to be prescribed by the regents. The fee of admission never to exceed ten dollars.
The superintendent of public instruction appoints annu- ally, a board of visiters, consisting of five persons, who make a personal examination into the state of the several departments of the university, and report to the superin- tendent, which report is transmitted to the legislature. The regents are likewise required to make an annual ex- hibit to the superintendent, of the condition of the univer- sity, in all its departments. They are authorized to expend a portion of the interest of the university fund, in the pur- chase of the necessary philosophical and other apparatus, a library, and cabinet of natural history.
Branches. The board of regents, together with the su- perintendent, are authorized to establish branches of the university in different parts of the State, and to establish proper rules for their government. No branch has per- mission to confer degrees. Provision is made for the estab- lishment of an institution, in connexion with each branch, for the education of females in the higher branches of knowledge, to be under the same general direction and management as the branch with which it is connected. In each branch is to be a department especially devoted to the education of teachers for primary schools, and such other departments as shall be prescribed by the regents. Pro- vision is made for the establishment of a department of agriculture, in some one of the branches, with competent instructors in the theory of agriculture, including vegeta- ble physiology, agricultural chemistry, and experimental and practical farming.
The buildings of the university have not yet been con- structed, but they are to be erected as soon as the most ap- propriate plan shall be decided upon. It seems to have been most convenient and practicable to establish the
131
OF MICHIGAN.
EDUCATION .- PRIMARY SCHOOLS.
branches first, instead of the university, and thus creating supports or tributaries to the latter, preparatory to its be- coming fitted for the reception of pupils.
Pursuant to the law authorizing the same, branches have been established at the following places, viz : Detroit, Mon- roe, Kalamazoo, Pontiac, Centreville, Niles, Grand Rapids, Palmer, Jackson, and Mackinac. The male department of the Detroit, Pontiac, Kalamazoo, and the male and fe- male departments of the Monroe branch, have gone into successful operation.
To aid in hastening the operation of the university, in anticipation of the funds that will soon accrue, the State has made it a loan of $100,000. Provisions have been made for enriching its cabinet of natural history, by en- titling it, and the branches, to sixteen specimens of all col- lections, in each branch of science, which shall be made in the geological survey now in progress.
PRIMARY SCHOOLS.
Every organized township in the State is separated into a suitable number of school districts, in each of which, a school is to be established for the education of youth be- tween the ages of 5 and 17 years. Schools so established, are supported by the interest arising from the primary school fund, and an equal amount raised by tax upon the township, as apportioned by the county commissioners, and by voluntary tax by the legal voters of the school district.
The officers consist, first, of three School Inspectors, who are chosen by the people of the township at the annual township meetings, to act in the capacity of inspectors of schools for the township. It is their duty to divide the township into suitable districts, receive and apportion all school moneys arising from school fund or township tax, and money to be applied to the support of libraries. Those districts that neglect to provide a school kept three months in the year, by a qualified teacher, forfeit their proportion of school money, and likewise the money to be apportion- ed for libraries, when provision for their support accord- ing to law is neglected. The board are required to re- port to the county clerk annually, the number of districts in the township, and to transmit the several reports of
132
GAZETTEER
EDUCATION .- PRIMARY SCHOOLS.
school directors in the same, under a penalty of $50, to- gether with the full amount lost by their failure.
It becomes the duty of this board, to examine all candi- dates for teaching primary schools, as to moral character and ability to teach school, and if satisfied with the quali- fications of such candidates, to give certificate of the same, signed by the members of the board, which certificate shall be in force one year. The board have power to re-examine any teacher at any future time, and annul his certificate. It is the duty of the board to visit all primary schools twice in a year, inquire into their condition, examine scholars, and give proper advice to both teacher and scholars, and to fill any vacancy that may occur from whatever cause. School inspectors receive one dollar and fifty cents per day for their services, and a refusal to serve in the office, forfeits, from the person refusing, to the use of the town- ship school fund, twenty-five dollars. The township clerk is, ex officio, clerk of the board, and performs the various duties incident to the office.
The district officers are a moderator, director, and as- sessor, elected annually, and obliged to serve or to forfeit, by refusal, to the use of the district library, ten dollars. The moderator presides at all meetings of the district, signs warrants for the collection of taxes and orders for the pay- ment of money disbursed by the district, and countersigns warrants of the director upon the board of inspectors, for money apportioned to the district.
The assessor is bound to make out an assessment roll of the district, which is transcribed in part from the township assessment roll, with the addition of the property of resi- dent and non-resident persons, purchased since the town- ship assessment roll was last made-to give notice when a tax shall have been assessed-call a meeting of the board for the equalization of taxes-collect taxes, and pay them on the warrant of the moderator-distrain and sell goods for non-payment, after publishing the sale for ten days, &c. &c. Non-payment of school tax subjects lands and tene- ments to be sold by the county treasurer, in the same manner as is prescribed for the collection of county taxes.
It is the duty of the director to record all proceedings of the district, in a book kept for the purpose, and preserve copies of all reports made to the board of school inspectors,
133
OF MICHIGAN.
EDUCATION .- PRIMARY SCHOOLS.
to employ and pay a teacher-payment to be made by draft on the board of school inspectors-to call meetings of dis- trict board-to levy an additional tax when the former ap- portionment shall be insufficient to pay the teacher-the amount however not to exceed the sum voted by the dis- trict ; and in case all prescribed resources fail, to assess the deficit upon parents and guardians in proportion to the time their children have attended school-to take a census of the children of his district, and register their names and furnish a copy thereof to the teacher-to keep the school- house in repair, and furnish proper appendages-keep and present an account of expenses to district board, and to give notice of annual and special district meetings. It is his duty to report to the board of school inspectors, at the end of the year, the census of the children of the district, the number attending school, the time a school has been taught by a qualified teacher, the amount of money receiv- ed from the board of school inspectors-amount for libra- ry-amount of money raised in the district, the purposes for which it was raised, and the books used in the school.
The moderator, director, and assessor, form the district board, and have power to levy and assess all moneys voted by the district-equalize assessment roll, procure a school- house, purchase for the district, or dispose of district pro- perty as directed by the district at proper district meet- ings-to divide district money into not more than two por- tions, and apply one of such portions to each term in the payment of a qualified teacher-to require the assessor to give bonds for the faithful discharge of his duties-to make report to the annual district meeting, of the receipts and disbursements of the past year. The board receive their appointment at the annual district meetings, and such compensation, for their services, as is voted by district.
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