Government—South Dakota became a State in 1889. The enabling act was the Federal omnibus bill which admitted into the Union North and South Dakota, Montana and Wash ington. The constitution which was then adopted by the people of South Dakota is re garded as one of the most stable and compre hensive in the United States. As originally adopted it comprised 26 articles which em braced a wide range of subjects pertaining to the rights of citizens and the proper control of State affairs. The usual form of three depart ments, the legislative, executive and judicial, is employed, with the governor authorized to veto such legislation as he may find undesirable. This right, however, is seldom exercised. The legislative power was vested in a senate of 45 members and a house of representatives of 124 members. These may be increased from time to time by legislative enactment. The legislature convenes every two years on the first Tuesday of January and must adjourn at the end of 60 days not including Sundays. Mem bers of the legislature get no salary for their services, but are allowed a per diem of five dol lars during time the legislature is in session and mileage to and from their homes. There is a Supreme Court of five judges elected by the people, who hold office for six years, and may and do succeed themselves when re-elected by the people at the general biennial election. There are also district judges elected by the people and county judges to deal with probate busi ness of their locality. The constitution was amended in 1918 to give the ballot to all citi zens of the State 21 years of age or over, and to those fully naturalized. This right can be exercised only after residence in the United States five years, of the State one year, the county 90 days, and the election precinct 30 days. Bone dry prohibition is in force in the State and was obtained by an amendment to the State constitution. This constitution provides
for exercise of the Initiative and Referendum. Both are used by the people, but chiefly that of referring important laws to the people for their approval or rejection at the time of the general election. The primary election method of selecting officers is in force and a very general interest is shown in that public function. The people of South Dakota are as a whole patriotic and loyal both to State and national interests. This is indicated by their response to calls for service during the World War.
State The State capitol is at Pierre, on the Missouri River, near the geoK raphic centre of the State. The building is completely fireproof. Foundations are of field stone, the first story of Raindrop sandstone and the superstructure of Bedford limestone. The interior is of brick and reinforced con crete. Dimensions are 287 feet long, 145 feet wide, 165 feet from ground floor to top of lantern on dome. There are four floors. The interior finish is in marble, oak and birch. Decorations are simple but impressive. There are nine large mural paintings, among which is Blashfield's most important creation. The style, furniture, decorations and finish of the building show excellent taste and artistic good sense.
Some of the larger cities of the State are the following with their populations as given in the 1915 State census: Sioux Falls, 20,929; Aberdeen, 11,846; Watertown, 8,313; Lead, 8,128; Mitchell, 7,785; Yankton, 4,771; Rapid City, 4,268; Madison, 3,949; Brookings, 3,416; Deadwood, 3,113. Nearly all these cities have increased in population by 20 or 30 per cent since 1915. For example, Sioux Falls claims a population now (1919) of over 25,000; Aber deen of 15,000, etc.
J. W. HEsTotr, President of the State Normal School, Madison, S. D. —