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Bull.
•  There were also the difficulties of establishing a new government, convening the first Legislature and enforcing new laws. Things looked especially dim a few years later, when the state's second state treasurer stole all of the money from the state treasury and escaped to Mexico. Even though Mellette was not responsible for the theft, he donated almost all of his own property to replenish the state's funds.
•   Although there was only one Arthur Mellette, South Dakota's history is full of people like him - people who worked hard and did the right thing, even in the face of adversity. Thanks to those brave and resilient citizens - the Mellettes of past generations - today South Dakota is a place of opportunity and prosperity.  
•   As we prepare for this significant milestone, I hope South Dakotans will reflect on the many stories of our past and take the time to celebrate how far we have come as a state. 
•   If you have ideas on how we can celebrate South Dakota's 125^th anniversary of statehood in 2014, I hope you will take a few moments to share those ideas with South Dakota's 125^th Anniversary of Statehood Commission. You can share your ideas by visiting the commission's website at www.125.sd.gov or emailing 125info@state.sd.us. You can also mail your ideas to the Governor's Office at 500 East Capitol Avenue, Pierre, SD 57501.