Tag Archives: Saint Paul

20th Century, Governors, History, Intercession, Judgment & Counter-Judgment Cycle, Minnesota, omnipresent history, Republican, State Government, Uncategorized

Stassen Becomes Governor

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January 2, 1939

“Harold E. Stassen takes office as the state’s 25th governor. At the age of 31, Stassen was the youngest governor in the state’s history. He goes on to be re-elected governor in 1940 and again in 1942. Four months into his third term Stassen resigns and enlists in the Navy (April 27, 1943).” *

Governor Stassen was raised as a Republican in Saint Paul, Minnesota in the early 20th century. This city had a bifurcated population of laborers from predominantly Catholic regions of Europe, and business owners often with a Protestant work ethic. Perhaps this dichotomy helps explain why he had empathy for laborers, and had awareness of crime and civic corruption?  He gained his law degree at the University of Minnesota graduating in 1929, and was ready to battle injustice. **

Soon thereafter, he found a home in the Progressive political platform of Theodore Roosevelt founded ca. 1912. For clarity’s sake, the Progressive Party was founded:

“To destroy this invisible Government, to dissolve the unholy alliance between corrupt business and corrupt politics is the first task of the statesmanship of the day.” ***

To that end, the platform called for:

Strict limits and disclosure requirements on political campaign contributions

Registration of lobbyists

Recording and publication of Congressional committee proceedings

In the social sphere, the platform called for:

A national health service to include all existing government medical agencies.

Social insurance, to provide for the elderly, the unemployed, and the disabled

Limited the ability of judges to order injunctions to limit labor strikes.

A minimum wage law for women

An eight-hour workday

A federal securities commission

Farm relief

Workers’ compensation for work-related injuries

An inheritance tax

The political reforms proposed included:

Women’s suffrage

Direct election of Senators

Primary elections for state and federal nominations

Easier amending of the United States Constitution

The platform also urged states to adopt measures for “direct democracy”, including:

The recall election (citizens may remove an elected official before the end of his term)

The referendum (citizens may decide on a law by popular vote)

The initiative (citizens may propose a law by petition and enact it by popular vote)

Judicial recall (when a court declares a law unconstitutional, the citizens may override that ruling by popular vote)’**** Ibid.

Stassen adapted and simplified this platform to suit the specific needs of Minnesota. Again, his overarching goal was to rid the Minnesota’s government of corruption and cronyism. His secondary goals were to: reform all positions of civil service, create better relationships with labor, provide for the public’s welfare, and restructure the government to make it work more efficiently. 

Shall we pray? G-d of All Justice, we remember gratefully that You are perfect in authority, unchangeable, and incorruptible! What comfort to know that You offer wisdom and discernment so freely to those who humbly bow and ask! We remember today that our Messiah laid down his life, spilling His blood to fulfill the Abrahamic Covenant, and rising again to conclusively prove that He is “King of Kings, and Lord of Lords”!

We recognize, along with Governor Stassen, that we have broken faith with You in the acceptance of corruption and cronyism of his era. We have bent the laws of Minnesota for our gain, and have inwardly failed to love You or Your Laws. Will You forgive us our enticement to bow to the idols of nepotism, parti pris, and partisanship? We have seen evils, and have agreed with our enemy to “look the other way” and “just play ball”! Have mercy.

Will You bless and keep the heritage of Harold Stassen? Will You give us civic leaders who are immune to the diseases of lobbyists? Will You give us lobbyists who love Your laws? Will You give grace to our leaders of government, finance, business, and industries? Though they have the power to force the changes of laws they desire, may they foster changes in law within the framework of persuasive wisdom and humility. May we progress towards chesed!

* http://www.mnhs.org/about/dipity_timeline.htm

** http://www.mnopedia.org/person/stassen-harold-1907-2001

*** Patricia OToole (June 25, 2006). “”The War of 1912,” Time in partnership with CNN, Jun. 25, 2006″. Time.com. Retrieved January 6, 2012.

**** Ibid. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Progressive_Party_(United_States,_1912)

 

 

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20th Century, Faith, Governors, History, Minnesota, omnipresent history, Politics, Republican, State Government

Eberhart Becomes Governor 1909

Unknown

September 21, 1909

“Adolph Olson Eberhart takes office as the state’s 17th governor upon the death of Governor John A. Johnson. Eberhart was subsequently elected twice on his own merits.” *

It’s a timeless challenge to any society, during any period in human history, to change their leaders and maintain a continuity of authority. When a sibling stands in for mom or dad, they usually aren’t received with the same respect. The same goes for an anonymous lieutenant governor, Eberhart, suddenly thrust into prominence.

Events like these seem to underscore the importance of relationship and authority. We give our allegiance more easily to those whom we know. It seems a logical and reasonable unwritten precept of our survival instincts. We gain trust through consistent and positive relational knowledge of our neighbor.

I thank You that Governor Eberhart was up to the task. I don’t know the details of how he won the populace of Minnesota over, but it is recorded that he did. And he repeated his success twice.** Perhaps it was his consistent work ethic and and stalwart service to his constituents.

Author of authority, thank You for Eberhart’s continuity. Will You bless those who stand in a gap such as him? Will You bless those leaders who are challenged at every step, but simply follow the plan? Thank You for leaders who are not subject to reward, recognition, or favor-seeking. Bless those who lead because it is their nature!

* http://www.mnhs.org/about/dipity_timeline.htm

**https://www.nga.org/cms/home/governors/past-governors-bios/page_minnesota/col2-content/main-content-list/title_eberhart_adolph.html

 

 

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19th Century, Americana, Architecture, Business, Civics, Energy, History, Industry, Intercession, Minnesota, omnipresent history, Real Estate, Science, Technology

Industrial Exposition 1886

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1886

“The Mill City answers St. Paul’s State Fair with the Minneapolis Industrial Exposition. Despite elaborate attractions and the latest wares of 800 exhibitors, the exposition can’t compete with the fair and closes its doors in 1893.” * 

“The idea for an exposition in Minneapolis arose in August 1885, when it became known that St. Paul had secured the permanent home of the Minnesota State Fair. Prominent citizens of Minneapolis such as Minneapolis Tribune owner Alden Blethen felt slighted, and an open meeting was called to gauge public support for an annual Minneapolis industrial fair, or exposition, to rival St. Paul’s agricultural one.” **

 Lord, we are competitors. Competition is not a sin, but the envy or covetousness that often accompany it leads to disunity or complete breaks in relationship. What do You want to reveal in this moment of rivalry in 1886? 

The Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul have had friendly rivalries that go far into our history. Will You forgive, first, the jokes, speech, and written words that have been used to put down the ‘other’ Twin City? Will You forgive the heart it reveals, one of mockery and pride? 

How many actions have resulted in our heritage because one “prominent citizen” felt slighted? There is nothing wrong with a human being of any status in society taking leadership according to their conscience. However, if the attitude of civic pride, in this case personified by Alden Blethen was an offense to You, will You forgive us? Will You forgive us our pettiness over another’s blessing? Will you help us; “seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” Jeremiah 29:7 ***

You have ideas for both of these places that we have not considered. What are they? Will You replace the rivalry of Minneapolis and St. Paul stemming from the Industrial Exposition of 1886 with blessing? Will You download into us a mindset that rejoices at the success of the other? Will You bless us with the kind of competition that brings virtue, excellence, and mutual respect?

* http://www.mnhs.org/about/dipity_timeline.htm

**Learn about the short life of this huge structure?

http://www.mnopedia.org/structure/industrial-exposition-building-minneapolis

***http://biblehub.com/jeremiah/29-7.htm

 

 

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19th Century, Agriculture, Business, farming, History, Intercession, Minnesota, omnipresent history, State Government

Minnesota State Fair Finds a Home at Ramsey County Poor Farm’s Expense 1885

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1885

“The Minnesota State Fair finds a permanent home in the Midway area of Saint Paul. (The 1885 fair was the 27th annual state fair.)” *

Lord, it does help to have more information when interceding; and most facets of life. Even with my limited research, I see a few things: 1. Establishing Fairgrounds was a priority by the city government of St. Paul, and the state government of Minnesota. 2. the Poor Farm and it’s people were clearly displaced. 3. There was a sense of rivalry between Minneapolis and St. Paul. 4. Care for the poor from the county, to the state, and to the Federal government.

To begin, I want to announce to the land formerly known as the Ramsey County Poor Farm the jubilee and blessing of the Lord Jesus Christ! Thank You for this example of caring for the the elderly and poor! I want to bless those generations attached to the Poor Farm whether as employees or residents, and ask that any bitterness on their part be forgiven and removed. 

  Lord, will You forgive our lack of relationship with those in need? Will You heal the rift over HOW we do charity, and WHAT it looks like? Each election, we still battle over WHO gets the credit for being charitable; the State or individuals!?! May this land that is now called the State Fairgrounds be a place where we iron out these differences! May we find Your way of blessing each other; rich to poor, in any state of health!

Also, will You forgive the political and business rivalry between Minneapolis and St. Paul? Will You set us free from the emotions of Alden Blethen? Jesus, will You make these “Twin Cities” live at peace with each other? Holy Spirit, will You inhabit this property now known as the State Fair and bring your life there? Will You dignify the poor and show them their potential to contribute for their loved ones and society, and most importantly, their eternal value to You?

More on how the poorhouse was transformed into the Minnesota State Fair:

**http://www.postcardy.com/msf.html

***http://www.mnopedia.org/structure/industrial-exposition-building-minneapolis

****https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poorhouse

 

 

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19th Century, African American, authors, Black History, Business, education, History, Intercession, Journalism, Minnesota, omnipresent history

Black Newspaper Begins Publishing 1885

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June 6, 1885

“Saint Paul’s ‘Western Appeal’ newspaper becomes a voice against discrimination and proscriptive legislation and an important advertising medium for black businessmen. 

Editor and owner John Q. Adams leads Saint Paul’s growing black community in its struggle for equality through the 1880s and ’90s. “No wrongs are ever righted,” he writes, “except by protest.” “ *

I thank You for the life and discipline of John Q. Adams. I thank You for giving him the desire to write and convey the ideas in his heart that brought a new awareness and significance to black Minnesotans. I thank you that he viewed himself as a man made in Your image and worthy of respect! 

O Father, will you forgive the city of St. Paul, and the State of Minnesota, its judgments of John Q. Adams, “The Western Appeal”, and black Minnesotans? Will you forgive any counter judgments by him, his paper, or the black community of St. Paul, and the State of Minnesota? We often fear other cultures and sub-cultures because we are afraid to know them and experience the vulnerability of allowing ourselves to be known! Christ have mercy on this fear! Past, present, and future! What blessings we have not received here, specifically for this geographic region known as Minnesota, because we have not honored the Christ within our brothers and sisters!

Today, because of Your grace and truth, I ask: “Will You bless the generations of John Q. Adams? Will You bless the black community of St. Paul? Will You bless all African-Americans in this state? Will You reverse the curses of the Enemy on this State of Minnesota? Bring out those who will write the stories of this generation of black Minnesotans! Bring out those who will write in Your image of grace and truth! May we learn to record OUR  history as those who have been betrayed, have betrayed others and ourselves, and most importantly, have betrayed You! May we remember how we have received mercy, have extended mercy to others and to ourselves, and received a perpetual inheritance of mercy from You! 

Lord, because John Q. Adams was an author, I also want to pray a blessing specifically on the impact of his words, and the awareness of his writings and newspaper to all Minnesotans. May they be rediscovered and be a source of continual edification to this state! Amen.

*P.T.H. cites timeline formerly at this URL: mnhs.org/about/dipity_timeline.htm 

The Minnesota Historical Society Web site, http://www.mnhs.org , is fantastic! Check it out! Images are from https://images.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl; again, an amazing resource!

**See an actual copy of the Western Appeal? http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83016811/

 

 

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19th Century, History, Immigration, Intercession, Israel, Jews, Minnesota

Jewish Refugees Arrive

unknown                                                                                                                                                                                                           July 14, 1882
When 200 Jewish refugees from Russia arrive unexpectedly at the St. Paul train depot, local residents help out by housing them in tents on the city’s west side. Many of the new Minnesotans settle there permanently.*

Thank you, Lord, that our state was a place of peace for Russian Jews. Thank you that they found help through direct relationships with local residents. Thank you for all who chose to ‘love their neighbor’, and remember that they, too, were once strangers and aliens in this place.
Lord, I’m in awe whenever I hear or read stories of Jews. Why? You are perpetually faithful to your covenant with Abraham and his generations! No tragedy of history has or can erase that name You have assigned; “My People”.

I want to bless the Russian Jews of Minnesota, their generations, and dwellings in the name of Jesus! May they fulfill their purpose in You. May they be strong, like David, in the power of Your might. May any fearful or cynical hearts in their numbers have a new revelation of Your faithfulness. “The Lord answered Moses, “is the Lord’s arm too short? You will now see whether or not what I say will come true for you.” Numbers 11:23

*P.T.H. cites timeline formerly at this URL: mnhs.org/about/dipity_timeline.htm
The Minnesota Historical Society Web site, http://www.mnhs.org , is fantastic! Check it out! Images are from https://images.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl; again, an amazing resource!

**Learn more? http://www.mnopedia.org

 

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19th Century, Americana, History, justice, Minnesota, State Government

Saint Paul Keeps Capital Feb 27, 1857  

Joe Rolette

Joe Rolette

February 27, 1857
“Legislator Joe Rolette disappears with a scandalous bill that would transfer the territorial capital from Saint Paul to Saint Peter. For a week he drinks and plays poker with his friends, hiding in the attic of the Fuller House while the bill rests in the hotel’s safe. He reappears only after the legislature adjourns on March 7 and it is too late to get the bill signed into law.

Rolette is a councilor in the territorial legislature from northwest Pembina County. The questionable bill he hides is the work of government officials who bought land in Saint Peter and proposed the move to raise the value of their properties.

April 23, 1857 to May 24, 1858
Samuel Medary takes office as the territory’s 3rd, and last, governor.

When President James Buchanan appointed him governor in March, 1857, Minnesota was already in transition from a territory to a state. Medary was the recognized governor, although he spent most of his time outside the territory and conducted business through Charles L. Chase, the secretary of the territory. Some historians argue that Minnesota had three governors during this period: Henry H. Sibley, governor-elect, Charles L. Chase, acting governor, and Samuel Medary, de facto governor.” *

Father, thanks that You are just. No one can twist your Laws, or win the game by using parliamentary procedures. I acknowledge the temptation to win by changing the rules, or by trickery. Will You forgive Joe Rolette and all the parties he represents for this event in 1857? Will You free us from any judgments or counter-judgments that still affect Minnesotans’ today? Will You help us, and forgive us our frustrations with the governor of this state? Will You guide and preserve that office until You come, and work through the entire being of Governors past, present, and future?

* http://www.mnhs.org/about/dipity_timeline.htm

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19th Century, History, Intercession, Jesus, Minnesota, State Government

1st Territorial Legislature Meets Sep 3, 1849  

Central House, St. Paul, MN

The Minnesota Territorial Legislature met for the first time in the Central House in Saint Paul.*

Will You come today, Counselor, and offer Your teaching about this beginning? I find that the first territorial legislature was dominated by men from New England or of New England ancestry. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota It was a legal business meeting first, but what other impacts may have occurred?

My first thought, Teacher, is that we carry our personal histories with us into each new venture no matter how tightly we hold our cards. That said, I’m wondering now the impact of these sons of New England on our state. What were their strengths, fears, dreams, or biases?

In any case, I commend to you this representative meeting. Christ, our Advocate, how You must smile when we seek to keep faith by simply meeting with each other! May we follow Your example of humble authority in the governance of this state. May these meetings be an eternal ray of blessing from September 3, 1849 forward!

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