USA > Michigan > Michigan official directory and legislative manual for the years 1901-1902 > Part 63
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He is, by article 8, section 4 of the constitution, a member of the board of state auditors and board of state canvassers and by law a member of the board of fund commissioners, of equalization, of escheats, of control of state swamp lands, of St. Mary's Falls Ship Canal (a), of claims growing out of sales of public lands and of review of assessment of telegraph and telephone companies.
THE DEPUTY STATE TREASURER.
The deputy state treasurer has immediate charge and personal supervision of the routine work and employés of the department and, in the absence of the treasurer, is empowered by law to transact all duties appertaining to that office. He is required to give a bond to the treasurer for a faithful performance of the duties of his office.
AUDITOR GENERAL'S DEPARTMENT.
THE AUDITOR GENERAL.
He states accounts and examines and liquidates claims. against the state in certain cases, drawing warrants on the state treasury therefor; examines, ad- justs and settles claims in favor of the state; examines state treasurer's accounts monthly and countersigns receipts of state treasurer; keeps a register of the number and amount of state bonds and the rate of interest thereon, and where payable, and files all canceled bonds in his office; andits and files accounts of state institutions; receives and files bonds of registers in chancery, plats of towns, cities and villages, reports of telegraph and mining companies ; approves bonds of county treasurers, the commissioner of insurance and medical super-
(a) See note, p. 188, C. L. 1897.
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DEPARTMENT DUTIES.
intendents of the asylums for the insane; prepares and furnishes blanks for the use of state institutions, county treasurers and others; makes annual report to the governor; is a member of the state board of equalization, the board of fund commissioners, the board of review for the assessment and taxation of telegraph and telephone lines, the board of escheats, and the board of control of state swamp lands, board of control of St. Mary's Falls Ship Canal, board of internal improvement, board of control of Portage Lake and Lake Superior Ship Canal. (a) Is also a member of the board of state canvassers in case of failure of a quorum.
He estimates and charges specific taxes on corporations, and issues warrants for collection thereof if not paid:
He apportions state taxes and transmits apportionments to clerks of boards of supervisors ; prepares and files petitions in chancery for the sale of lands delin- quent for taxes; prepares lists of such lands, and designates papers to publish the same; receives returns of sales, and executes deeds to purchasers; renders statements of accounts between the state and each county; and draws warrants in favor of county treasurers for amounts due their counties. He reports monthly to the county treasurers all payments, redemptions, purchases of state bids and state tax lands made in the auditor general's office during the preceding month. Receives statements from the commissioner of the state land office of taxes col- lected on part-paid lands, and causes the tax laws to be published.
DEPUTY AUDITOR GENERAL
Has the general supervision of the clerks and employés, and of the business of the department, and in the absence of the auditor general is empowered by law to perform the duties of the office.
STATE LAND DEPARTMENT.
THE COMMISSIONER OF THE STATE LAND OFFICE.
He has the general charge and management of all the lands belonging to the state, or in which the state has any interest, or which are held by the state in trust for any purpose; the selling, leasing, and general disposition of all the lands of the state; the custody of the original field notes and plats of surveys of the state. He receives the principal and interest on all lands sold by the state, and collects delinquent taxes on part-paid lands. On his certificate lands sold by the state are patented by the governor. He has the general charge of prosecut- ing trespasses on state lands and the appointment of trespass agents. He issues licenses to homestead settlers and takes steps to restore to market forfeited homesteads. He has the custody of all books and papers relating to public lands, and keeps the records of sale and disposition of all public lands; sends lists of lands sold to county treasurers for the purpose of assessment for taxation. He is a member of the board of state auditors, state board of equalization, board of state canvassers, board of control for reclamation of swamp lands, and board of review for the assessment of telegraph and telephone lines. He verifies and approves all claims for bounty, and appoints weighmen and inspectors under provisions of the act to encourage the manufacture of beet sugar in the state. Act No. 227, public acts of 1899, makes the commissioner a member of the fores- try commission.
(a) See note, p. 188, C. L. 1897.
JOHN J. CARTON, Speaker House of Representatives.
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DEPARTMENT DUTIES.
DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF LAND OFFICE
Has immediate and personal charge and supervision of the routine work of the department, and in the absence of the commissioner performs the duties of that office.
ATTORNEY GENERAL'S DEPARTMENT.
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL.
He is required to prosecute and defend all actions in the supreme court in which the state shall be interested, and when requested by the governor, or any state officer, or the legislature, he is required to appear for the people in any court or tribunal in any matter, civil or criminal, in which the state or any de- partment of the government may be interested. He is required to give opinions on questions submitted to him by the legislature, the governor, or any state officer. He is bound to consult with and advise prosecuting attorneys when requested in all matters pertaining to the duties of their offices. The attorney general is called upon to give opinions to the many state boards, prison inspect- ors and public institutions of all kinds and is a member or advisory member of the following boards, viz .: Board of equalization, board of control of swamp lands, board on the consolidation and crossings of railroads and the insurance policy commission. He may proceed in equity to restrain the misuse or abuse of corporate powers and has control of quo warranto proceedings on the part of the people.
DEPUTY ATTORNEY GENERAL
Is, in the absence or inability of the attorney general, empowered by law to per- forin the duties of the office.
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION.
THE SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION.
He has general supervision of the public schools and of state educational insti- tutions; collects and tabulates the school statistics of the state; apportions the primary school interest fund to the counties, gives information to school officers upon construction of school law; prepares and furnishes blanks for use of school officers, organizes and visits teachers' institutes and appoints instructors for them ; receives reports from superintendents of schools and from all state and chartered educational institutions; makes annual report to the governor; visits all state educational institutions and meets with the governing boards of such at least once in each year; delivers lectures on educational subjects; appoints visitors to the state university and all chartered educational institutions; is a member and secretary of the state board of education and is also a member of the state board of geological survey.
DEPUTY SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION
Is empowered by law to act in the absence of the superintendent or in case of a vacancy in the office.
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DEPARTMENT DUTIES.
INSURANCE DEPARTMENT.
THE COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE
Is required to perform the duties in regard to insurance companies and the formation thereof, which, previous to 1871, were conferred by law upon the sec- retary of state. These duties involve examinations to ascertain, on the forma- tion of a new company, if all the requirements of the act under which it seeks to become a corporation have been complied with, and it is his duty to make fre- quent examinations into their condition, and in case of an insolvent concern to apply to the proper court for the appointment of a receiver and the winding up of its affairs.
Insurance companies of other states and countries, desiring to do business in - this state, must first file in the commissioner's office due proof of corporate existence, and in the form prescribed under the law of 1873, appoint an attorney, resident in the state, to receive service of process and also stipulate for the sufficiency of the service of process, if made on the commissioner or his deputy, and then make the showing of such financial condition as the law of this state requires. Companies of this and other states and countries doing business here are required to make annual statements preliminary to the renewal of the yearly license and from the statements so made are compiled the tables and made up the abstracts which compose the chief part of the annual reports issued by the commissioner. The powers which a state must necessarily exercise in the case of corporations coming from without the state to do an insurance business within it are entrusted to the commissioner, who may demand information, access to books and the correction of papers, and may deny a renewal of or revoke a cer- tificate of authority, subject, however, to a review of his action by the supreme court in case it shall be arbitrary or unauthorized by law.
Co-operative societies of this state were first required to report to the commis- sioner in the year 1883, and to obtain a license, which the officer has the power to revoke whenever he finds an association insolvent or fraudulently conducting its business. He has similar duties in regard to such societies from other states which can, however, only be licensed upon making a showing, to the satisfaction of the commissioner, of their ability to pay their certificates to the full limit named therein.
Fraternal beneficiary associations under act No. 119, laws of 1893, are required to report their business to this department and to obtain a license to transact business in this state, which may be revoked for cause at any time.
The commissioner may employ a deputy and a chief clerk to discharge such duties as he may assign and such other additional or extra clerks as in his dis- cretion the work of the office may require, whose compensation shall not exceed one thousand dollars per annum. It is the business of this office to make valua- tions yearly of the policies of life insurance companies and to investigate and prosecute offenders who act within the state for outside corporations not duly admitted and authorized to do business here.
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675
DEPARTMENT DUTIES.
RAILROAD DEPARTMENT.
THE COMMISSIONER OF RAILROADS.
The commissioner of railroads is appointed under the provisions of act No. 79, session laws of 1873. He holds the office for the term of two years, upon appoint- ment of the governor by and with the advice and consent of the senate, and until his successor is appointed and qualified.
It is the duty of the commissioner of railroads generally to examine into the condition and management of the business of the railroads in the state, so far as the same affects or relates to the interests of the public, and to ascertain whether such railroad companies and their officers and employés comply with the laws of the state in force concerning them.
It is also his duty to require annual reports from all railroad companies doing business in the state on the first day of April of each year, showing their condi- tion and traffic operations for the year ending on the 31st day of December pre- ceding; at least once each year to visit every county in the state having a rail- road station within its limits, and to inspect and examine the tracks, bridges, buildings, and other structures, so as to know that they are in safe and effective condition, and managed in accordance with the police regulations of the state; to order safety gates or flagmen at highway and street crossings; to prescribe a uniform code of signals at all crossings and junctions of railroads within the state; to inspect and determine upon the sufficiency of all fences, and to pre- scribe the manner of constructing the same; to require and receive reports of all accidents resulting in a loss of life or otherwise, and to investigate the causes of the same; to direct the erection of safety guards at overhead obstructions; to provide a uniform system of accounts for all railroad corporations of the state; to regulate the speed of trains upon defective tracks, and to stop them entirely if in his judgment the public safety requires. To direct prosecutions for infrac- tions of the railroad laws; to compute and report to the auditor general, on or before the fifteenth of May of each year, the taxes due and payable from each railroad company, and from all palace car companies, fast freight lines, etc., doing business in the state, upon their gross receipts for the preceding year; to make an annual report to the governor, on or before the first day of January of each year, of his doings for the preceding year, or for the time intervening since his last report, containing such facts, statements and explanations as will dis- close the actual workings of the system of railroad transportation of freight and passengers, and its bearing upon the business prosperity, personal convenience and safety of the people of the state, with such suggestions in relation thereto as to him may seem appropriate.
He is empowered to appoint a deputy with the approval of the governor, whose powers are defined by law, and in case of the death, resignation or removal of the commissioner, the deputy performs the duties of the commissioner until a successor shall be appointed. Shall also appoint a mechanical engineer. (See §§ 5206 -- 34 inclusive, compiled laws of 1897.)
676
DEPARTMENT DUTIES.
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR STATISTICS.
COMMISSIONER OF LABOR.
The commissioner of labor is appointed under the provisions of act No. 156, public acts of 1883. He holds his office for a term of two years, by appointment of the governor, by and with the advice and consent of the senate and until his successor is appointed or qualified.
The commissioner shall appoint a deputy, and may appoint such other assist- ants from time to time as shall be necessary for the transaction of the business of his office. Said commissioner, with his deputy, and the secretary of state, who shall be ex officio a member thereof, shall constitute a bureau of statistics of labor.
The duties of such bureau shall be to collect, systematize, print and present in an annual report to the governor, all such statistical details relating to all depart- ments of labor in the state. as such bureau may be able to gather, accompanied by such recommendations relating thereto as shall be deemed proper.
Act 126, public acts of 1893, as amended by act No. 241, 1897, provides for factory inspection, making the commissioner of labor chief inspector, with authority to appoint as many deputy inspectors as may be necessary. Act No. 57, public acts of 1899, places the inspection of coal mines under the supervision of the commissioner.
STATE BANKING DEPARTMENT.
COMMISSIONER OF STATE BANKING DEPARTMENT.
The commissioner is appointed under the provisions of act No. 205, public acts of 1887. He is appointed by the governor, by and with the advice and consent of the senate, and holds his office for the term of four years. He may appoint a deputy, who shall possess the powers and perform the duties attached by law to the office of the commissioner during a vacancy in such office, and during the absence or inability of his principal. He may also employ from time to time such clerks and examiners to assist him and his deputy in the discharge of the several duties imposed upon him as he shall deem necessary.
It is the duty of the commissioner to supervise the business of banks and trust companies incorporated under the state law, to examine annually or semi- annually the cash, bills, collaterals or securities, books of account, condition and affairs of each bank, under the law, and also when requested by the board of directors of any bank. He shall also ascertain whether the bank transacts its business in a place designated in the articles of incorporation, and whether its business is conducted in the manner prescribed by law.
LIBRARY DEPARTMENT.
STATE LIBRARIAN.
The librarian has the custody and charge of the library and the affairs pertain- ing thereto; makes a biennial report to the legislature, at the commencement of each regular session thereof, as to the condition and the number and description of the volumes contained in the library; enforces the rules and regulations;
677
DEPARTMENT DUTIES.
prepares and publishes a biennial supplement to the catalog of books in the library; is required to prepare or cause to be prepared a manuscript card cata- log of all the books and pamphlets in the library; has charge of the exchang- ing with other libraries, societies and institutions, the judicial decisions, stat- utes, journals and other books placed in the library for that purpose; may sell or exchange duplicate volumes or sets of works not needed for use in the library, and apply the proceeds to the purchase of other books for the library.
The librarian is authorized to expend the money appropriated by the legisla- ture for the purchase of books for the library, with the advice and consent of the governor; has charge of all collections of documents, books, pictures, curiosities, etc., which may be made by the Michigan state pioneer society; and also has the sale and distribution of the publications of the society since volume two. Upon the receipt of the statutes of the United States, furnished to the state by act of congress, the librarian distributes the same to the state officers, judges, county clerks, etc., in this state; has the sale, exchange and distribution of Michigan supreme court reports; is also required to give a bond in the sum of five thou- sand dollars to the state, conditioned for the faithful performance of the duties imposed by law relative to these reports. Before entering upon the duties of the office the librarian is required to give a bond of ten thousand dollars, with sure- ties to be approved by the secretary of state, and file the same with receipt for all property entrusted to the care of the librarian, in the office of the secretary of state. Act No. 115, public acts of 1899, makes the librarian a member ex officio of the library commission.
ASSISTANT STATE LIBRARIAN.
It is the duty of the assistant to aid in the care of the books, in the keeping of the accounts, and in rendering such assistance as the librarian may require. Is required to give to the librarian a good and sufficient bond approved by the secretary of state for the safe keeping of the property held in charge.
ABSTRACT OF RULES OF THE STATE LIBRARY.
The Michigan state library is open every day except Sundays and legal holidays. During the sessions of the legislature and supreme court, from 8 o'clock a. m. to 9 p. m .; at other times from 8 a. m. to 12 m., and 1:30 p. m. to 5 p. m. On Satur- days to 4 p. m.
The library is one of reference, and under the traveling and associate library is a circulating one.
All persons are permitted to visit the library and consult and read the books and magazines.
Members and officers of the legislature, state officers and clerks in the several departments, judges of the supreme court, resident members of the board of regents, and members of state boards, the president of the Agricultural Col- lege, and the superintendents of the State Industrial School and School for the Blind are permitted to take books from the library. Lawyers in attendance on the supreme court in the capitol will be permitted to take law books into the supreme court room.
Books must not be taken from the seat of government.
Not more than two books can be taken by any person at one time.
Duplicate copies of laws and documents kept in the library for use of the members of the legislature can be borrowed by the members for use during the sessions.
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DEPARTMENT DUTIES.
Books must be returned within two weeks.
Books of reference, including law books, and books which are valuable for their rarity and antiquity, are kept from circulation.
No public officer or other person privileged to draw books has the right to extend the privilege to others, or draw books from the library for the purpose of loaning them to others.
Books lost or damaged must be replaced or paid for.
Members and officers of the legislature must return all books to the library four days before adjournment.
Officers and clerks in the several state departments must return all books before leaving their positions as officers or employés of the state.
No person shall be allowed access to the library except in the presence of the librarian or assistant.
Smoking, loud talking or laughing, and all noises inappropriate to a quiet place of study, are strictly prohibited.
BOARD OF STATE AUDITORS.
The secretary of state, state treasurer, and commissioner of the state land office, constitute the board of state auditors, to examine and adjust all claims against the state not otherwise provided for by general law. They also consti- tute the board of state canvassers, and their determination in matters over which they have jurisdiction is final and not subject to supervision or interference by the courts. The secretary of the board of state auditors keeps the minutes and a complete record of the business transacted by the board, and of the claims allowed and disallowed at each meeting. He is the representative of the board at the office in the state capitol.
MISCELLANEOUS DEPARTMENTS.
THE COMMISSIONER OF MINERAL STATISTICS
Has supervision of the collection of statistics relative to the mineral resources of the state and the mining and smelting industries, and the collection of speci- mens for the state board of education. See §§ 4630-4635, compiled laws of 1897.
STATE INSPECTOR OF OILS.
The duties of the state inspector of oils are prescribed by act No. 26, public acts of 1899. The inspector and his deputies are required to inspect oils used for illuminating purposes, and to reject all that do not answer the test.
THE STATE SALT INSPECTOR
Has supervision, in compliance with §§ 4911-4953, compiled laws of 1897, of the inspection of all salt manufactured in this state.
ENGINEER AND SUPERINTENDENT OF CAPITOL BUILDING AND GROUNDS
Has supervision and direction of the capitol police and of persons employed in connection with heating, lighting and general care of the capitol building and grounds.
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DEPARTMENT DUTIES.
GAME AND FISH WARDEN.
The game and fish warden is appointed by the governor for a term of four years. It is his duty to enforce the laws enacted for the preservation of birds, game and fish. He has the same right to serve criminal process as sheriff; may arrest without warrant any person caught by him violating the game laws of the state. The game and fish warden appoints his deputies, not exceeding ten in number. Not to exceed three residents in each county may be appointed by the game and fish warden as county game and fish wardens, whose salary shall be fixed by the boards of supervisors. Public acts, No. 110, 1893. Act No. 37, 1899, fixes the salary of state game and fish warden, and provides for the appointment of a chief deputy at a salary of $1,500 per year.
DAIRY AND FOOD COMMISSIONER.
The office of dairy and food commissioner was created by the legislature of 1893, act No. 211. The commissioner is appointed by the governor for a term of two years, and it is his duty to carefully inquire into the quality of the dairy and food and drink products, and the several articles which are the necessary con- stituents of food, which are offered for sale in this state. He is required to make an annual report to the governor, which shall include the doings of his office for the preceding year.
MILITARY DEPARTMENT.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF. GOVERNOR AARON T. BLISS. ADJUTANT GENERAL.
BRIGADIER GENERAL GEORGE H. BROWN, Port Huron.
ASSISTANT ADJUTANT GENERAL. LIEUTENANT COLONEL GEORGE H. TURNER, Coldwater. INSPECTOR GENERAL. BRIGADIER GENERAL FRED W. GREEN, Ypsilanti. ASSISTANT INSPECTOR GENERAL. LIEUTENANT COLONEL JOHN L. BOER, Grand Rapids. QUARTERMASTER GENERAL. BRIGADIER GENERAL JAMES H. KIDD, Ionia. ASSISTANT QUARTERMASTER GENERAL. LIEUTENANT COLONEL STEPHEN H. AVERY, Jackson. JUDGE ADVOCATE. MAJOR DIVIE B. DUFFIELD, Detroit.
MILITARY SECRETARY. MAJOR HERBERT E. JOHNSON, Grand Rapids. AIDES TO COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF. COLONEL JAMES N. COX, Calumet. COLONEL WILL A. WAITE, Manistee. COLONEL BERNARD S. KAUFMAN, Detroit.
COLONEL WILLIAM M. HATCH, Union City.
STATE MILITARY BOARD.
BRIGADIER GENERAL GEORGE H. BROWN, President, Port Huron. BRIGADIER GENERAL FRED W. GREEN, Ypsilanti. BRIGADIER GENERAL JAMES H. KIDD, Ionia. LIEUTENANT COLONEL GEORGE H. TURNER, Secretary. LIEUTENANT COLONEL STEPHEN H. AVERY, Assistant Secretary.
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