USA > Michigan > Michigan official directory and legislative manual for the years 1903-1904 > Part 66
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DEPUTY ATTORNEY GENERAL
Is, in the absence or inability of the attorney general, empowered by law to perform 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 institutions; collects and tabulates the school statistics of the state ; appor- tions 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 edu- cational 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.
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 secretary of state. These duties involve examinations to ascertain, on the formation 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
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to make frequent 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 stip- ulate for the sufficiency of the service of process, if made on the commis- sioner 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 pre- limary 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 instrusted to the com- missioner, who may demand information, access to books and the correction of papers, and may deny a renewal of or revoke a certificate of authority, subject, however, to a review of his action by the supreme court in case it shall be arbitary or unauthorized by law.
Co-operative societies of this state were first required to report to the commissioner in the year 1883, and to obtain a license, which the officer has the power to revoke whenever he finds an association insolvent or fraudu- lenty conducting its business. He has similar duties in regard to such societies from other states which can, however, only be licensed upon making a show- ing, 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 requir- ed to report their business to this department and to obtain a license to tran- sact 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 discretion 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 valuations yearly of the polices 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.
RAILROAD DEPARTMENT. 4
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, from Jan. 1st in the year of his appointment upon appointment of the governor by and with the advice and consent of the senate, and until his successor is appointed and qualified
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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 condition and traffic operations for the year ending on the 31st day of December preceding; at least once each year to visit every county in the state having a railroad 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 inspect and determine upon the sufficiency of all fences, and to prescribe 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 infractions of the railroad laws; 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 disclose 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 peforms the duties of the commis- sioner until a successor shall be appointed. Shall also appoint a mechanical engineer. (See §§ 5206-34 inclusive, compiled laws of 1897.)
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR STATISTICS.
COMMISSIONER OF LABOR.
The commissioner of labor is appointed under the provisions of Chap. 113, C. L. 1897. 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 assistants 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.
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DEPARTMENT DUTIES
The duties of such bureau shall be to collect, systematize, print and pre- sent in an annual report to the governor, all such statistical details relating to all departments 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 113, public acts of 1901 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 act of 1899, places the inspection of coal mines under the supervision of the com- missioner.
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 the place designated in the articles of incor- poration, 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 commence- ment 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; 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 catalog of all the books and pamphlets in the library; has charge of the exchanging with other libraries, societies and institutions, the judicial decisions, statutes, journals and other books placed in the library
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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 has charge of the traveling and associate library system in the state, and is at the head of the department of registration of granges and women's clubs.
The librarian is authorized to expend the money appropriated by the legis- lature 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 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 thousand 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 sureties to be approved by the secre- tary 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 keep- ing 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 STATE LIBRARY.
The Michigan state library is open every day except Sundays and legal holi- days. 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 Saturdays to 4 p. m.
The library is one of reference, and under the traveling and associate libr- ary is a circulating one.
All persons are permitted to visit the library and consult and read the books 4 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 Agricul- tural College, 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.
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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.
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 pur- pose 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, whose duties are both constitu- tional and statutory. The constitution authorizes them to adjust claims against the state not otherwise provided for by general law ; by statute they are authorized to examine claims of various kinds; they are custodians of the state capitol and of other state property in Lansing not connected with any of the state institutions. The same officers also constitute the board of state canvassers.
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 col- lection of specimens for the state board of education. See §§ 4630-4635, compiled laws of 1897.
STATE INSPECTOR OF ILLUMINATING OILS.
The duties of the state inspector of illuminating oils are prescribed by acts number 26, 181 and 241 of the public acts of 1899. The inspector and his depu- ties are required to inspect illuminating oils, and to reject all that do not answer the test. They also govern the use of gasoline, and enforce the act requiring the labelling of the same.
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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.
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 or fish laws of the state. The game and fish warden appoints his depu- ties, 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. Pub- lic acts, No. 110, 1893. Act No. 37, 1899, fixes the salary of the 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 constituents 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. The commissioner, by and with the consent of the governor, shall appoint a deputy commissioner and state analyst. He may appoint not to exceed six inspectors and an assistant analyst.
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MILITARY DEPARTMENT
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MILITARY DEPARTMENT.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF.
GOVERNOR AARON T. BLISS.
ADJUTANT GENERAL.
BRIGADIER GENERAL GEORGE H. BROWN, Port Huron.
ASSISTANT ADJUTANT GENERAL. COLONEL GEORGE H. TURNER, Coldwater.
INSPECTOR GENERAL.
BRIGADIER GENERAL FRED W. GREEN, Ypsilanti.
ASSISTANT INSPECTOR GENERAL.
COLONEL JOHN L. BOER, Grand Rapids.
QUARTERMASTER GENERAL.
BRIGADIER GENERAL JAMES H. KIDD, Ionia.
ASSISTANT QUARTERMASTER GENERAL. COLONEL STEPHEN H. AVERY, Jackson.
MILITARY SECRETARY.
MAJOR HERBERT E. JOHNSON, Grand Rapids.
JUDGE ADVOCATE.
LIEUTENANT DIVIE B. DUFFIELD, Detroit.
AIDES TO COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF.
COLONEL JAMES N. COX, Calumet. COLONEL WILL A. WAITE, Detroit. COLONEL J. N. MONROE, Detroit. COLONEL WILLIAM M. HATCH, Union City.
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STATE MILITARY BOARD.
BRIGADIER GENERAL GEORGE H. BROWN President, Port Huron.
BRIGADIER GENERAL FRED W. GREEN, Ypsilanti. BRIGADIER GENERAL JAMES H. KIDD, Ionia.
BRIGADIER GENERAL WILLIAM T. MCGURRIN, Grand Rapids. COMMANDER STRATHEARN HENDRIE, Detroit.
COLONEL GEORGE H. TURNER, Secretary. .
COLONEL STEPHEN H. AVERY, Assistant Secretary.
DUTIES OF STATE MILITARY BOARD.
The board is composed of the adjutant general, the quartermaster general, the inspector general, the brigadier general commanding brigade and com- mander of naval brigade. Their term of office is two years, or until their successors are appointed. The board, constituting an advisory body to the commander-in-chief on all state military matters, shall inspect and report to the commander-in-chief on all estimates and accounts of and for the national guard and audit all claims of a military character against the state. Requi- sitions of the quartermaster general upon the state treasury for funds must be approved by the commander-in-chief and military board. No contract pertaining to the military department in behalf of the state, exceeding an expenditure of three hundred dollars, shall be valid until approved by the board. Whenever necessary in the performance of their duties any one of them has power to administer oaths. The board is empowered by law to prepare and promulgate all articles, rules and regulations for the govern- ment of the national guard, not inconsistent with the laws of the United States or of this state, such articles, rules and regulations to be approved by the commander-in-chief and filed in the office of the secretary of state.
Upon application the military board issues to members of the national guard who have served six consecutive years a certificate of such service. All military encampments and parades are established at such place or places within the state as the commander-in-chief, with the advice of the state military board, may select. All bonds of the company commanders and other officers in charge of public military property must be approved by the board. The uniform and arms of the national guard are adopted by the state military board, with the approval of the commander-in-chief.
The board has charge and control of the soldiers' cemetery at Detroit, which is set apart and used exclusively as a place of interment for deceased Michigan soldiers, sailors and marines of the war of the rebellion not other- wise provided with a final resting place. Admissions of Michigan soldiers, sailors and marines of the late war. to the asylums for the insane are granted by the state military board.
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DUTIES OF ADJUTANT GENERAL.
The adjutant general is appointed by the governor, by and with the advice and consent of the senate, and holds his office for the term of two years, or until his successor is appointed and qualified. His rank is that of brig- adier general. He is required to take the constitutional oath of office before entering upon his duties, filing the same in the office of the secretary of state. All orders of the commander-in-chief are promulgated by him and all communications of a military character to the commander-in-chief are trans- mitted through his office, which is kept at Lansing. He attends the com- mander-in-chief at all reviews of the national guard or wherever ordered in the performance of military duty. He presents to the commander-in-chief all recommendations of the state military board and issues such orders as are directed in relation thereto. The adjutant general is entitled to use the coat of arms of the state as his seal of office, with the words "State of Michi- gan, Adjutant General's office," added thereto. He makes a biennial report to the governor of all business transacted in his office and is required to make annual return of all militia of the state to the president of the United States through the adjutant general of the United States army. All pay- rolls of the state troops for encampment are transmitted to him in duplicate, which he causes to be extended in amount, according to the provisions of law for pay of the troops, and delivers them to the quartermaster gen- eral; one copy being eventually delivered to the auditor general. Muster rolls, reports and returns of state troops are filed in his office, and all dis- charges from state service are issued by him. All commissions to officers of state troops are issued by him under the authority and signature of the governor with the signature and seal of the secretary of state attached.
The records of Michigan soldiers of the late war are kept on file in his office, and all information desired from such records is furnished by him. Certificates of military service of Michigan soldiers of the late war are given under his hand and seal; and he distributes the book "Michigan in the War," as provided by § 1714 Compiled Laws of 1897.
DUTIES OF QUARTERMASTER GENERAL.
The quartermaster general is appointed by the governor, by and with the consent of the senate, and holds his office for the term of two years, or until his successor is appointed and qualified. His rank is that of brigadier gen- eral. He is required to take the constitutional oath of office and give bonds in the sum of twenty-five thousand dollars, filing the same in the office of the secretary of state, before entering upon his duties. All military property is committed to his custody, for which he is held accountable. He is the chief disbursing officer of the state military fund, paying all accounts against the state incurred in the support of the state military establishment, upon proper vouchers approved by the state military board. He obtains the necessary funds out of the military fund in the state treasury upon a requisition approved by the commander-in-chief and state military board. He is required to render to the auditor general an account of all cash transactions with proper vouchers. He provides the several military departments and the state
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troops with all necessary supplies as allowed by the military laws, rules and regulations. Also provides each military company with a suitable armory for drill and storing its uniforms, arms, equipments, etc. All requisitions of company commanders are forwarded to his office through the proper chan- nel. It is the duty of the quartermaster general to obtain , bonds, approved by the state military board, of all military officers in charge of public property.
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