dustries a very decided tendency toward centralization is evident. The accompanying table shows the relative importance of the leading industries, and the changes which have occurred in the last census period.
Transportation and Commerce. The State has water communication with the Mississippi Valley and a southern outlet to the Atlantic. Lake Michigan, which touches the State at the northeast corner, gives water communication with Canada and the Lake States, and an eastern outlet to the Atlantic. The Illinois and Michigan Canal, constructed from the lake to the head of navigation on the Illinois River, connects the two water systems. The railroads are more numerous and have a greater extent of track than those of any other State. This is owing in part to the favorable situation for commerce and travel, and partly to the almost level surface of the land, which reduces the cost of construction to the lowest point. Chicago and Saint Louis are the two focal points for the railroads of the State; indeed, most of the grand trunk lines of the continent converge at the former place. The Illinois Central, through the encouragement of extensive land grants by the Government, was constructed in 1850-56, and was the first line in the State. The line still pays into the State treasury 7 per cent. of its gross earnings, being otherwise exempt from taxation. The railway mileage by decades is as follows: 1860, 2790; 1870, 4283; 1880, 10,165; 1900, 10,814. There are about 20 miles for every 100 square miles of territory, and about 23 miles for every 10,000 inhabitants. In 1900 there were 116 railroad corporations having lines within the State. The number of passengers carried during the year mentioned was 42,153,000, the average distance being 24.12 miles. The tons of freight hauled amounted to 88,307,000, the average distance being 116.65 miles. Thus the great natural resources of the State, together with its admirable land and water facilities for transportation, and its central location, give it a high rank in commercial importance. Chicago is the great collecting and distributing centre of the Middle West. Recent improvement in the navigation of the Saint Lawrence makes it possible for the smaller ocean vessels to reach the Chicago port, and though this is not yet considered commercially practicable, it is confidently expected that further improvements will result in the development of a large foreign traffic directly with the Chicago port. See Chicago.
Banks. In 1902 there were 276 national banks in the State with a capital stock of $44,930,000; deposits, $238,459,000; cash, etc., $53,537,000; and loans, $282,007,000. The State banks numbered 190, with a capital of $29,840,000; deposits, $232,728,525; cash, etc., $30,534,988; and loans, $171,201,512. The savings banks had deposits of $80,251,287, the average deposit being $309.95. In 1902 the private banks numbered 178, with loans (approximately), $12,386,236; cash, $1,231,918; capital, $3,407,825; and deposits, $23,174,163.
Finance. On October 1, 1900, the outstanding bonded debt of the State was $18,500. The balance in the treasury amounted to $2,617,900. The Constitution prohibits the State from rendering financial assistance to railroads, canals, or to any corporation, association, or individual. A similar prohibition is laid upon the local governmental units, but this prohibition expressly excludes cases in which such action was authorized prior to the adoption of the Constitution. The State debt must not exceed $250,000, unless permission is given by direct vote of the people; the local governments may not contract debts exceeding 5 per cent. of their taxable property.
Constitution and Government. The present Constitution, which is the third for the State, was adopted in 1870. Amendments may be proposed either by a convention called by a two-thirds vote of each House and authorized by popular vote, or (with a restriction regarding the number) merely by a two-thirds vote of each House; in either case the amendment, to be binding, must be ratified by a majority of the votes cast at a popular election. Manhood suffrage, with the usual restrictions, is the rule in ordinary elections, but women may vote for school officers. There is a primary election law.
Legislative. The Senate of 51 members is elected for four years, the House of Representatives for two years. Three Representatives are elected from each of the 51 Senatorial districts. The system of voting for Representatives is intended to secure minority representation; to each voter are allowed three ballots, which he may distribute as he sees fit. Legislators receive $1000 for each regular session, $5 per day for special or called sessions, 10 cents per mile mileage, and $50 for stationery, etc. Regular sessions begin on the first Wednesday after the first Monday in January of odd years. The capital is Springfield.
Executive. A Governor, Lieutenant-Governor, Secretary of State, Auditor, Superintendent of Public Instruction, and an Attorney-General are elected for four years each. The Treasurer is elected for two years, and is ineligible for the next succeeding term. The Governor may veto any bill or any item of an appropriation bill, but his veto may be overridden by a two-thirds vote of each House. The Lieutenant-Governor, the President pro tempore of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House are in the line of succession in case of a vacancy.
Judicial. The State is divided into seven districts, in each of which a judge of the Supreme Court is elected for nine years; the judges choose one of their number as Chief Justice. Inferior appellate courts also exist. Circuit Court judges are elected for six years, and two or more terms of these courts must be held yearly in each county. A county judge, a State's attorney, and a clerk of the court are elected for four years in each county, but the Legislature may unite two or more counties into a district. Probate courts may be established in counties with a population exceeding 50.000. There are also justices of the peace, police magistrates, and constables.
Local Government. Each county elects three (Cook County, 15) county commissioners for terms of three years. A county clerk, sheriff, treasurer, and coroner are elected for four years, but the sheriff and treasurer are ineligible for the next succeeding term. A notable feature is that counties may decide whether they will adopt the township system; most of them have adopted it.
The State has 25 Representatives in the National House of Representatives.
Militia. In 1900 there were 1,091,472 males of militia age. In 1898 the National Guard of the State aggregated 8,490 men and officers.
