in their contributions. The business was managed by an incorporation established in 1868. The monument is forty-six feet high, and is surmounted by a colossal statue of Michigan in bronze, ten feet in height. She is represented as a semicivilized Indian queen, with a sword in her right hand and a shield in her left. The dedicatory lines in front are: "Erected by the people of Michigan, in honor of the martyrs who fell and the heroes who fought in defense of liberty and union." On the monument are many beautiful designs. At the unveiling there was a large concourse of people from all parts of the State, and the address was delivered by ex-Gov. Blair. John J. Bagley succeeded to the Governorship Jan. 1, 1873, and served two terms. During his administration the new capitol was principally built, which is a larger and better structure for the money than, perhaps, any other public building in the United States. Under Gov. Bagley's counsel and administration the State prospered in all its departments. The Legislature of 1873 made it the duty of the Governoi to appoint a commission to revise the State Constitution, which duty he performed to the satisfaction of all parties. Charles M. Crosswell was next the chief executive officer of this State, exercising the functions of the office for two successive terms, 1877-1881. During his administration the public debt was greatly reduced, a policy adopted requiring State institutions to keep within the limit of appropriations, laws enacted to provide more effectually for the punishment of corruption and bribery in elections, the State House of Correction at Ionia and the Eastern Asylum for the Insane at Pontiac were opened, and the new capitol at Lansing was completed and occupied. The first act of his second term was to preside at the dedication of this building. The great riot of 1877 centered at Jackson. During those two or three fearful days Gov. Crosswell was in his office at Lansing, in correspondence with members of the military department in different parts of the State, and within forty-eight hours of the moment when the danger became imminent, the rioters found themselves surrounded by a military force ready with ball and cartridge for their annihilation. Were it not for this promptness of the Governor, there would probably have been a great destruction of property, if not also of life. The administration of Hon. David H. Jerome has been one marked alike by joys and sorrows. The great business revival marked the period of his election; the disastrous forest fires clouded the light of peace and prosperity. |