TWO-MESSAGES.
Cov. B.1WCS Presents His Last State
Taper und Steps Down
and Out.
V2io New Executive Tulccs tlia Oath
of Ofllco and Z rcnoHtK Ills In-
augural AddreK * .
GOVEKPfOtt MESSAGE.
Senators and Representatives You have en
tered upon the discharge of your trust as tho
direct and Immediate representatives of the peo
ple.
ple.Through
Through you , and tn your judgment and action
as recorded in the provisions of statutory en
actment , the judgment and will of the whole
people shall find voice.
The responsibility resting upon you , us one of
the three distinct and separate departments of
the state government , invested as you are by the
constitution with the supreme law making power
of the state , is indeed most weighty , and one , the
faithful discharge of which will demand , and
should have without reserve , your best energies
and thought.
It is your intention and purpose to fully meet
this obligation. "With this tnJ in view you will
act with reference only to the public good , and
legislation will be so directed that justice may be
done between seeming conflicting interests , and
protection had alike for the interests of labor and
the interests of capital. I may here express the
hope and the belief that your labors will result in
the adoption of such measures as.Tvhile proving
satisfactory to yourselves , will also meet with tho
approval of your constituents , and greatly ad
vance the general interests of the state.
The marvelous growth and development of pre
vious years has continued during the two years
that have elapsed since the lost session of the legis
lature : peace and prosperity have been general ,
the laws have been faithly executed , labor of all
Weils has received its fair reward , our agricultural
and commercial interest. } have increased and
strengthened , lalior and capital have been in sub-
btautial accord ; so that , m expressing my wel
come , I miiv ulso add my congratiilal ions upon
the favorable conditions and circumstances uiider
which your labors will begin.
STATE FINANCES.
The report of the state treasurer , as th/j general
receiving and disbursing officer of tho state , and
the report of the auditor of public accounts , as
the gcuf-ral accountant of tne slat" , should re
ceive at your hands a thorough and exhaustive
examination , dealing as they no directly with the
questions of revenue , debt , and general fiscal
affairs of the state. Our financial condition as set
forth in these reports is highly satisfactory , and
ths jwveral recoinm'niHtions and suggestions
therein contained , with reference to special funds ,
and the > fjcn < 'ral questions of revenue and taxa
tion , are entitled to great weight. The following
statement Is prcr-onted in this connection :
RiUuice on hand November : * ! , 1831 . $ 412.S1C t9
Amount received . " , SUS44 10
Total amount revolved . $3,7 6CK1 ft )
Total araouut dlbbui td . StJiJWS 33
Ealauce 111 treasury November 80 , 1S3S. . . . $ 941,332 76
Tho amount of money oa hand November SO ,
1SS5 , is credited to the several funds as follows :
General fund . S 22.052 51
bliiktn. : Imul . f4Ui 92
Permanent school famJ . 211.081 24
Temporary i = < * liix > l furnl . : KO,978 42
JeciFinrarr University fund . 170.433 DS
AKTiciilturalcoUixocuilou-nicntfuniU. . . . 2H7 1(1. (
University library fund . Wul
Capitol autluliisf nod , . 2.7S7 M
Hospital for tin * 1'iR.iiierun.l . 63,813 91
Hcform school buIldinK f und . 218 SO
Normal intcriht fund . U. W.'T
NV.rmal library fund . I.S67 9 J
Ki-rmal end iwineat fuwl . 1,715 Jjo
Sa'Jue laud fund . 3,50345
Saline fund . 13,3,1 IA
? ullntlan'l stock yard fund . 223 Oil
.State funding fund . t7 a
Institution forrt < bi9 ir.ladod. . lO.l'JS 43
Uve stock Indemnity fucU . 2 20
Total . $9-i4tS276
Bymi lako ia the bill providing for the ex
penses of State university and Agricultural col
lege , appropriation was made from the general
fund , waich will necessitate a transfer from tho
temporary University fund to the general fund of
S1S5.C00.0U. This should be done without delay.
STATE DEBT.
The amount of state indebtedness as reported by
mo January 6 , lSS5..wa.s fc42a,237.35. This has
been induced by tha payment of the S50.00y.00
state relief bonds that matured March 1 , ! Sb5 , and
which were , cs provided by law , paid from
the sitilnu f ncd , bavins a. present total Ftato in
debtedness of S4 3C8r.33. consisting of twenty-
ve&rbondts.M.itKirajjApiin , 18r ! ) , and drawing
mterr.st at the rate of 8 per cent per annum , pay-
ebte nsmi-sncaaUV , representing a debt incurred
prior to the adoption of. the present constitution.
r.-hieh provided * a section eight ( S ) , article niuu
0:1) , entitled "lievenue and Finance , " that tue
legislature should at its first session provide by.
law for tha funding of all outstanding wairants
nnd other indebtedness of the stata at a rate of
interest not nxcecding S pc-r cent per annum , and
which also isely p : ovides that the state may , in
certain cares specifically mentioned , contract
debts'nsver to exceed one hundred thousand dol
lars , nnd no greater indebtedness shall be in
curred , except in case of invasiou , insurrection ,
or defending the state in war.
The original issue of bonds was for" the amount
of $ M9tW. > , which was reduced , June 28 , 167 ! ' ,
by tho redemption of bonds to the amount of
5100OJO.OOO , leaving balance as fctated above ,
S3J5267.3. > of which is he ! J aan investment by
the permanent school fund , the remainder ,
$133liXXi.OO. being held by private par
ties. Tho legislature should by law authorize and
direct tho state board of equalization to make
levy annually for the state siukiug fund tax in
such addiUoual amount as shall be equal to one-
tenth of the principal of said debt , and provide
for the investment of the amount so raisedin _
easily cosvsrtible securities , forming a special
tlaJoag fund for the pnyuieut of said bonds at
insttirity. It might b < s well , ic view of the con
stitutional limitation as to the class of securities
for investment of the permanent school fund , to
broaden the provision of law so r.s to embrace se-
dnrities other than United Slates or fctate securi
ties and res&tered county bonds , bajir.g due re
gard for conditions of safety. In the matter of
Esr state debt and general financial standing , I\e-
braska ssa.y safely challenge comparison.
RirvTsrn AOJ TAXATION.
Tho a > ? scs d valuation of the taxable property
of the state in 1 5 was S1333GK.W ! ) , an increase
of fljHej2.9.5 as compared with the assessment
cf 18SJ. The asse smenfrof JSS6 gave the value
of the property of tiis .state for the purposes of
taxation as SU932r.70.51 , giving a total increase
for two years of 3a,31fi.CW5.5C. ?
Tho rate of taxation for state purposes for the
year ! 883 was 7 10-40 jaills , and for the yearlbbu ,
7t nulls on each. dolUr valuation , and there has
been collected during that time the sum of $1-
104,158.00 * , distributed as follows :
General fund-
Common school fund
Uuherblty fund -
I'enltwiUarr fuud J * '
Sstatebnnd fund - *
OanltclbaiWini fun-J
Jte/o
ty fau.l 9 > ' .
Xoraul bulullus fana -4 "
Total $1,901,13806
Tlie levy o * 1SS3 will yield tho following
amounnts :
G-neral fund. \ 9-10 ml' ! * 713.2SOOO
Milking fund , 4-8 mill E4,4rt 73
School fund , Iralll 2 r.7 to
University fund.-H mill - 71
CapUol buiWInjrf nnd. 1 mill 23
lleform.ciool buUiiiasfuu-J. J < J I"---- , ; 17.W1 57
lu tlMilioa for feeblemlndcJ funil , UmJl 17.KU 57
Livestock Indemnity faud , MO mill 14..J3J > * 5
Total SLlir/JilSS
Appropriations asked for the operating ex
penses of the Pt&te government to March , ibsS.
uad for additional improvements , as estimated
by ths h wls of r. ' pertive departments , or the
state auditor , and by the heads of public iBbtitu-
tious. are as follons :
LesL-lative etpor-fes. ffiih sc-oSlon $ 9OfO 00
Governor's ur.lcc
Au < Uorof nu'ollo acconats .
St aw treasurer. .
Atti-i-ucy Rc-uoral . . . of
S.jpcrlatca.lsnt or iuhic ! Instruction. .
CoiiuiiltiloKer vul-Kc 1-U ! < 1 P I baildinss.
Adjutant general . . - . 21,500 m
Board ofpurcliatf and sunnily. . J
Midi > t puMic 1-ii.lH and building . 2..1W 00
llosrd or cdiieailoiirf ! lands anJ ruuiis . UXO ( W ) of
Supreme court . Vf iS
> tito hbnity . J6.-W <
IHslrk't courts . M'mlfn
Normal RCliool . ofJ'JJSi ?
. ill Ki 15
iiltal fur l as
Instlttt f fr . - .
1 stltutof.- ! u learailtlamb I.J 0
Jtsfonn c.KA'i . . . . . .
Hvnsc for toe Ir.'oinl' * . . . .
Icstitiito for frclilJ mlndt-J 03
state ualvrr > lr > -
of
inmlsslon
3lallronlor.iiiiH-v 2I.5-.C K ; et
State Hortlcuitnmi sncicly 2.000 OJ
State HktorJralSOsJct.T aanuo
4,030 00
JUscellaneous Items 167,000 m
gp
Total . $2.013,363 73
Items In detall.wJU' be , found in statement of
auditor attached hereto. ' This , as 'compared with
the estimates for operating expenses of state
government for the two years ending March 81 ,
1887 , is. an increase of $927,165.13. which is ac >
counted for as follows : Legislative expense ? ,
$15,00000 : executive departments , $70,817.37 ;
public institutions , new construction and im-
provements , $ Cd,731.(0 ; livestock commiKsionj
fund for paying for animals destroyed aud gen *
erol expenses , $133,600.00 ; board of railroad como.
ralssioners , $31,516 G3 : flsh commission , § 5,709.00 ;
miscellaneous items , $50,801.13.
In considering items that provide for an tnt
crease of clerical force , as asked by therespective
branches of the executive department , you will
give weight to the fact of the increased and still
rapidly increasing amount of labor thrown upon
the several department and incident to the
groWtb. and "development of the state. ,
Your special attention is called to the amount
due the state from the respective counties for the
care ofpatlents in the hospital for the insane , the
amount due to date , January 1 , 1687 , being $179tv
138.67. This fund , which hM heretofore been used
in the construction of additional buildings for the
care of the insane , was Dot appropriated by the
last legislature. The counties are protected in
this regard by the provision of law aum
thorizing collection from the property of patients ,
or from those lee-ally bound for their support ,
of any sums paid by the county in their behalf ,
An action of mandamus was brought by the atal
torney general to compel one of our counties to
levy a tax for tha amount duo the state for this
purpose. The action was defended on the ground
that the law was unconstitutional , claiming that
the state had once advanced the amount from the
general fund , which had been paid by each county
in the state , including the defendant county. Our
supreme court held against this proposition , and
that each county should be liable to the state for
the amount so paid for the care of its insane.
The present law governing tho assessments of
property for the purpose of taxation would , if
strictly complied-with , in a great measure"
equalize the burden of taxation , and at the same
tune make a most favorable showing as to the rein
sources of the state. The great want is that of
uniformity. The provision of law relating to the
value of property has , by common custom , which
in this matter rises superior to statute , been conin
strued to mean its value for the purposes only of
taxation , as distinguished from its real value for
purpose of sale or exchange , which , considered
with reference to the amount of revenue necesbi
sary to be raised for government needs , gives the
result of a low and varyiBg valuation , with high
and equal rate of taxes. The grand assessment
roll of the state for the present year gives the
amount of $143,932,570.51 , which has been reached ,
we will say , upon this basis of one-third , or 33HJ
percent valuation , when , if assessed as the law
would seem to require , the assessment roll would
show a grand tota'l of $431,7'jr,711.53giving as the
result au increased valuation and decreased per
centage of taxes. An eminent law writer , discuss- I
ing 1 10 subject of taxation , and speaking |
of tl.a duties of the citizen , and the obligapj
tion of the government , says : "The citizen and
the property owner owes to the government the
duty to pay taxes , that the government may be
enabled to perform its functions ; and ha is supej
posed to receive his proper and full compensan
tionin the protection which the government af-
fords to his life , liberty and property , and in the
increase to tho value of his possessions by the
use to which the money contributed is applied. "
In addition to this I may say that the governtj
ment owes to its citizens that their burden shall
not be necessarily added to , and that
tho public burden shall rest with equal
weight upon all men with respect to
the valuation of property for the purposes of
taxation. The only justification for the leveymg
of a tax is tho public need , or the public good ,
Revenue should bo raised sufficient to meet such
need , and no more. The subject of taxation is
one of overshadowing importance , and while tho j
time wiil probably never come when the inequali45
ties in tha matter of raising and collecting tho
public revenues will be entirely done away with ,
yet an approximation to that result may be
reached. This matter will receive such considerev
ation bv you as its importance demands , and I
leave it with you , in the hope that your united j
wisdom may discover a 'remedy for manifest in
equalities under the present law.
PEBLIC ISSTITDTIOSS.
In considering t lie numerous requests and re
commendations looking 'to appropriations for
needed improvements and increased facilities at
tho charitable , humane , penal and reformatory
institutions of the state , you will be aided somepr
what in your judgment and conclusions by the
fact that all requests and recommendations of
this nature have been submitted to and approved
by the board of public lands and
buildings , which board is by law
clothed with the power of general
supervision and the general custody nnd charge
of all buildings and institutions ; with a limitath
tion of power in the law providing that no nddibt
tions shall be made to auy public building with
out special appropriations of the legislature. I
The obligation which rests upou us as a people to
care for the classes herein alluded to , should be
fully and promptly met , aud in manner and
spirit such as recognizes not only the claims of
humanity and the general interests , welfare and
protection of society , but which also recognizes !
the truth that to meet this obligation will add to
our good report and credit , and at the same timo
comport with the dignity and stauding of a state
that is no longer weak and struggling , but which ,
in all the elements of true greatness , is reaching
toward and rapidly assuming the full proportion
of a great and strong commonwealth ,
INSTITUTE roil THS BUND.
The'affairs of this admirably BUND."I
tion are in excellent condition , and its facilities
for future work should be increased in accord
ance with the request of the superintendent , as
set forth in his report covering the years 1SS5 and
Ififlfi
This institution is now entering upon the
twelfth year of its existence , and during that
time there has been received seventy-three b.iad
children , nine of whom have completed the prescl
cribed course of study. The enrollment and at-
tendance for the past two years was thirty-nuie
pupils , which taxed present accommodations to
the utmost. There is still quite a number
of tho blind in our state who should
receive the benefits of training and education a-s
afforded br this school , the proper acconimodacc
tion of whom will render an additional building
necessary. For the further details bearinc upon
the course of study , the antitude for instruction
of t-iis class , library , sanifnry coaditions , and genyi
erol conduct of tho institute , you are referred to j
the report of officers and teachers.
DXAP AND DrilB INSTITUTE.
The history of the Deaf and Dumb institute has
been that of uninterrupted prosperity from its
beginning until the present time , and the highly
satisfactory condition in which wo find it at tho
close of the biennial term promises contiuued
prosperitv. The number in attendance during
the last two years has been 144 ; of this number
eighty-three are majcs , and sixty-one females.
Tho total number in attendance since the
organization of tho school is 24i , divided as to
their placs of residencs among fifty-two counties. I |
Methods of instruction as heretofore in use arc '
continued , and upon tha part of the supcrintentC
dent constant study and interchange of views as j
to the merits of new methods , availing himself
of the opportunities offered at the _ conventions '
made up from among the leading instructors of v-
the deaf and dumb ia the various institutions tj
throughout the country. Needed improvements
made from time to tims during the past two
years have added largely to ths comfort of tho
pupils , and to tiie sanitary conditions of tho
iastirut2. A continuance of the care and liberjje
ality that have thus far characterized th ? action
ro
of tae state , will soon place our Deaf and Dumb
institute as a model of its kind among the in
stitutions of tho country.
HOSSE FOB T3S FarENDLESS. to
Ths board of managers of this institution. In tuoir
seconJ biennial report , have presented most fully
their aims and intentions with reference to the
work for which the home was founded. The
number applying for admission bos greatly in
creased during ths past two years. Nuaiber of
inmates in tho home December , 18S4 , was forty-
two , and there has bcsn admitted since that timo
S45 making the total number who have been
aided through this humaae and Christian agency
SS7. Of this number 143 have been surreudered
friends , seventy-seven placed in homes in dif
ferent portions of ths state , fifty have been fur- . .
nished with work for self support , two have been j 1 cd
ssntto the reform school , and forty-oae have he
died leaving the number of inmates to dote of od
report as severity-two.
Your attention Is called to the recommendation be
to
-
sae ia
tho general suggestions in their report as to
needed improvements should be carried into
effect. The new building erected jn compliance
with ths act passed nt the la t session of the leg a
islature has added greatly to the efficiency of the
No Argument Is needed to convince your minds
FS to the necessity of this work and en institution
this character. If this work should be discon
tinued by the society now' having charge , it to
must ba assumed by the state. The mraage-
mcnt are entitled to great credit for their well
directed and self-sacrificing efforts m ths cause
, and should receive from rJl
humanity j * * ! * t-uu * % * r v you
reasonable aid and encouragement.
INSTITUTE FOR FESBLE MINDED YOUTH. of
Th building provided for in the act of the last jt
leeislature establishiag an institution to be known
the Nebraska Institution for Feeble Minded
Youth , and locating the same at Beatrice , sub
ject to certain conditions , which were fully met ,
has been erected and will be ready for occupancy fu
soon as provi bn is made by you for thai purai
pose The act creating a fund for the supportHi
this institution contained no appropriation
clause , and the fund so created fa not available
this time. The cost of this building , as by
contract entered into by tho board of public
lands and buildings , .was $4 > ,444.0 . For a full
description of building and grounds you ara re-
ctfmly referred to the report of thi commls-
Konsr pf cahlic lands aad buildings.
Dr. J. K Armstrong , whowas formerly conIS
nected with an institution of like character , has
been appointed as superintendent , and has filed
his first report , which contains much of interest
and many valuable facts nnd suggestions relating
to this unfortunate class , the number of whom ,
as shown by actural enumeration , giving age , sex ,
and residence , is surprisingly large. That tho
state fully recognizes her obligation to provida
for this class is sufficiently evidenced by her
uenerosity thus far , and future necessary de-
mands , in their behalf will IKS promptly met.
t CAEE OF THE IXSASE.
"IA desire to meet the wants of the various secY
tions of the state In caring for their insane , has
led to an overcrowding or the hospital for the
past two years. For best results in the core and
treatment otthis class , there should at no tune b
more than'275 patients in this building , and yet
tha demand has forced the receiving of ft number
largely ta excess of this. The total number reur
ceived at the hospital during the past
two years , aa appears from the report
oi thS superintendent , was 747 , with a dally
average of 3C5. and at the date of report for two
yearslnding November 30 , I860 , there were remi
rnainingln the institution 374 patients. Of the
number treated 'during the past two years , fiftyor
six per cent have been restored to mental health ,
and twenty per cent have been so far restored as
tt be returned to their friends. Old and incurTt
able patients have been returned to their home *
tc make room for more recent cases. The death
rote has been five per cent of the whole number
treated each year. Examining the report stdl
further we find the whole number of patients
treated since the opening of the hospital 1.743 ,
and the tola numoer ot Insane people to tho
tate ; at the present time 1,000 , or about that minir.
ber , leaving about 600 to be provided for.
The report also contains a recommendation for
the establishing of an asylum for the chronic inP
sane. The state should fully meet the necessities
ol this most unfortunate class by making It possiJ"
ble for them to receive proper care and attention
IE the exercise of thpjdiscretionary power vested
in your chief executive , for good and gufflci'-nt
cause to me known , and deeming it for the best
interests of the Institution , a change was marie In
the management , and its affairs are at this time j
in a satisfactory condition.
The new insane asylum at Norfolk , provided for
by act of the last legislature , has been completed
at it cost of $ Go,77U. For a full description of tho i
building and history of its construction , you are
respectfully referred to the report of the comof
inissioner of public lands and buildings.
An appropriation must be made at once for the
thorough furnishing and operating expenses ol
this asylum. Tho capacity of this building will
be exhausted at an early day , and I concur in the
recommendation of the board of public lands and
buildings , that provision be mads by you for the
erection of additional buildings orBrings to the
present structure.
STATE REFORM SCHOOL.
The . very full and elaborate statements and ex
planations , contained in the third biennial report
of the superintendent of the state'reform scfiool
under the headings descriptive , commitments ,
objects of the school , family system ,
education , library , military drill , paroles ,
manuel labor , the farm , needed improve
ments , and sanitary condition , so clearly set
forth the objects and purposes for which this
most useful institution was organized , and the
success that has thus far attended the prosecu
tion of this important work , as to render further
comment bv me upon these subjects unnecessary.
The need aud growth of this work in our state is
shown by tho number of commitments. , which has
increased from fifteen at the opening of the
school , November SO , 1881 , to 208 at date , Novem
ber SO , 1880. Tho number under instruction at
date last given was 136 ; out upon leave of ab
sence , twenty-four ; making the total number of
commitments in force at this time ICO.
The high relative position occupied by institu
tions of this character in the great work ofre-
Eressing aud checking tendencies to crime , has
ad direct and positive demonstration. Public
interests will be subserved by your affording
every needed facilty for the vigorous conduct of
this work.
STATE PENTTSNTIAnT.
The report of the warden of the slate peniten '
tiary for the biennial term ending November 30 ,
1836 , presents a full statement of the affairs of
this institution , which have been so successfully
managed and directed by the present warden
throughout his long term of service. Your atten
tion is also therein directed to the reports of
prison physician and chaplain with appropriate
recognition of faithful service rendered uy them ,
and in which I join. The various recommenda
tions of the warden as to the removal of wooden
buildings in the prison yard , providing increased
room for workshops in the erection of brick or .
stone buildings for that purpose in place of those '
removed , and other needed improvements , have
the approval of tlie board of public lands and
buildings , and meet with my concurrence.
As shown by report , the total number of pris
oners received at the * prison since its opening in
1869 _ Is 3,140 ; total number discharged during that
time , 818 ; leaving in prison at date of report , &J8.
The various tables relating to nature of crime ,
occupation , nativity , education , age , sex , and pre
vious habits , coutaai much that is of interest.
The contract leasing oar convict labor was ex
tended at the last session and will expire October
1 , 1SSO. The policy of contimiiug tha present
system is questioned by some , but my own
belief , which is based upon information gathered
from the experience of other states , favors its
retention , giving as now the use of labor at
proper hours , but the discipline and control to
remain with the warden. "The experience of
states where convict labor has beeu managed
upon the state account system , has been in the
main a failure , financially and otherwise.
Our convicts must have employment for their
own good. It is the duty of the state to provide
for this want , and in so doing , protection may be
had , alike for public interests and our manufac
turing interests , by providing either for proper
mark of identification as to articles manufactured
jj convict labor , or more fully by limiting the
class ; of articles manufactured. Under the pres
ent system our convicts are in a measure self-
supporting , and the effect of their labor m com >
petition with our free labor is not felt to any ap
preciable extent. Some of the states have taken
al advance step in the matter of punishing
crime , and in so doing have set an example that
could withj i profit be followed by Nebraska.
Uecognizfng the great justice , both to society
nt large and to the individual . under , . _ . . entence. _ x.- . of
placing a young person who has for the first time
yielded to temptation and committed crime , such
as is punishable by imprisonment in the peniten
tiary under our present law , ia the same list , upon
the same low plane , and subject to the degrading
influences of association with the confirmed and
hardened wretches to be found in our peniten
tiaries , they have established an instution known
os an "Intermediate penitentiary" or "state re-
formatorr , " which stands midway between the
reform school and tha penitentiary proper. The
law governing commitments to our reform school
fixesthe maximum age at sixteen years. Persons
having committed a felony , and being beyond
that aze. the penitentiary opens to receive them.
The laws governing the conduct of institutions
such as I am now diseuysing provide for tiie re-
ceixing of all criminals between the ages of six
teen ( and twenty-five , aud not known to have "
been previously "sentenced to a state prison , and
provi iding that tho court may in its discretion
sentence ] to said reformatory any suchperson con
victed ( of a crime punishable by imprisonment ia
the state penitentiary and being between the ages
of sixteen and twenty-five , 1 lm plan commends
itself strongly to my judgment as beneficial to
to the interests of society , and I brine ; it before
you ia recognition o * the fact that the time is
near at hand when wo mast provide increased to
room for the care and safe keeping of our criin-
inals.
cosmos SCHOOLS.
Tlie Interest taken in everything that pertains
the success of our common schools is so strong
and general in its extent ; so much has been said
or written with reference to their growth and
development thus far.and of their possibilities un
der a wise administration of the means created .
and set apart for their use and support by the j
general government , that further comment would cr
seem unnecessary.
In providing for the endowment of the public \ an
schools of our country , the representatives of the P
people , for self-protection , and as their good and
sufficient reason for parting with so great an
amount of the public domain , placed upou record
this statement : "Keligiou morality , and kutnvl- , . /
edge being necessary togoodgoverunientand tho I Ijr
happiness of mankind , schools and the means of <
education shall be forever encouraged. " . }
There can be no batter reason given. It em- ' *
bodies the axiom that the first duty of tlie state ia J85
educate all its people. It is the strongest pos- , ' "
-ibe plfa for popular education , upon which rests r1-1
so great degree the safety nnd security of our JQ
system of government. Let us hope that m the "i
years to come this work will receive no check or of
hindrance , ond that then , as now , Nebraska , in .1
broad and just conception of this duty , shall
hold no second place. The report of the supermJJj
tendent of public instruction embraces most thor- | -
oughly the educational work of the state , both as an
relates to the common schools and the advan
tages for higher education. The tables relating
teachers , scholars , property , amount and
sources of revenue , contains much of interest i"
and value , and I would ask the most thorough
consideration of all matters therein discussed
looking to the advancement of this work. The of
CTowth and development of the common schools W
our state during tha last stc years will be an J
enduring testimonial to the services of him who
during that period has in the performance of his
duty cared tor them. the ent
STATS NORMAL 6CTIOOL.
Tho conveniencics fcr work and means for use
fulness at tho State Normal school have been kill
added to during the past two years by the expend
iture undw the direction of the for for
mal school board , of .the money ap-
prooriated at the lust fusion of tho legis
lature for 'additional buildings and other
needed improvements , wnich will serve to
strengthen its already strong hold upon public
favoTlie growth of this school has been con-
etaat and steady. From aa attendance of 274 in
1SS1 It has increased to aa attendance o * . 4. a in
1888. From forty to sixty graduates from the ele
mentary and higher courses are sent out each
year , a majority of whom engage in teaching.
The main or primary object of this school is to
educate and send out trained teachers , and it is
provided by statute that any student having com
pleted the common school course shall be entitled
te a certificate , good for two years hi any part cf
the state.
From this it will be seen that tho work of this
school is clearly defined , and that its relation to
the common school system of the state is close
i and important , which being tha case will recom-
I meud ( ife claims to you as being most worthy.
You should continue the liberal policy that has
heretofore been pursued in all matters pertaining
to this institution.
UKIVZRSITY OF KEBKASKA.
i
Organized ' by act of the legislature , approved
February IS , 1869 , this institution Is now entering
upon tho eighteenth year of its existence. Up Ui
and including the year 1883 , its history was an
alternation of varied success and times of depres-
oion ; since which time , in the absence of unto
ward circumstances , the removal of causes lead-
Ing to strife and controversy , and above all this ,
the singleness of purpose and unremitting energy
or the chancellor and other members of the fac
ulty , it hasentereduponandmaintalned a steadily
increasing measure of standing and influence.
The confidence and hope with which the public
mind has been inspired Is such as to fully warrant
tha expression of belief upon the part of observ
ing and competent judges among our leading
educators , that the one thing , and the only thing ,
necessary to make the University of Nebraska
Buch < source of pride and honor to the Btate as it
should be , and may be , is that the legislature , ac
centing . the truth of history as shown by like in
stitutions r. in older states , and realizing that tho
work ; of building up a great university is not that
of a day , but rather one of long years of patient
labor , ' und waiting , with hearty intent and purpose ,
taking a view of the subject no less
broad and comprehensive than that em
bodied in the organic act . which
gave it life , shall in the judicious exercise of the
power placed in their hands , "adopt a definite
public | : policy , recognizing the University as an
endowed institution with permanent revenues ac
cruing under general laws , " and take such action
with reference to the "resources , revenue and in
come of tha University as provided and conse
crated ' bv the general go vermneut and the state , "
"g , will enable the carrying out of the far reach
ing plan so fully and clearly defined in the report
of the board of regents and the report of tho
chancellor.
These reports and the catalogue should be
carefully read and examined , and will give you
att full understanding of the extent and growth of
ttai work to this time , as well as the general plans
and purposes of those in charge with regard to
tLof future. The recommendation of tho board
of regents as to the necessity of a building for the
Industrial college , as well as that for a new build
ing for the use of the military department , and
tilh it shall be dedicated as a Grant memorial
hall , will meet with your approval. The Univer
sity is today strong and vigorous in its seveial
departments , and as to its future enlarged sphere
ol usefulness rests entirely in your hands.
ESCHEATED ESTATE.
Money received from this source during the
past two years and placed to the credit of tho per-
inaiipnt school fund , is as follows : From Gage
county , estate of Allen Ferry , cash $713 , and tue
county judge makes report of notes and other
evidences of indebtedness uucollected and belong
ing to said estate amounting to100. . Otoe
county , estate of John Brown , cash SI03.7. ) , th <
county judge reporting , in addition to this , realty
worth from five to sixhundred dollars. Kearney
county , estate of Peter Anderson , cash 2-6.60.
Washington county , estate of Leonard H. Smith ,
cash S ,17J.fc3. ' There is also some real estate
nnd other moneys belonging to this estate claimed
by the state.
The law governing escheats , while providing
that the property coming to the state through
this channel shall be managed by the governor
nnd superintendent of public instruction , and
that the proceeds shall be placed in the perma
nent school fund , also authorizes and requires the
state treasurer to sell and dispose at public auc
tion of all right , title , and interest of the state to
fluy lands which hov < J escheated for want of heirs.
The law defining the powers and duties of the pro
bate or county judge should be amended as to
require report of all cases of escheat
a.s soon as kown , and upon final settlement to fila
with the governor a transcript of the records oC
his oflice relating to the estate of such deceased
person or persons. In the matter of the estate of
Leonard H. Smith , notice , has been served by one
Ezra L. Smith , jr. , claiming hcirship , and he has
filed with the attorney general , tables showing
the genealogy of his ancestors , together with ab
stracts of evidence in support of his claim. Tin's
claim will come before you for adjustment , and
vou should give it a most thorough and searching
examination to the end that justice may be done
between tho ctate , the school fund , and
claimant.
SECRETARY OF STATE.
In the matter of printing and distributing the
compiled statutes , it is recommended by the sec
retary of state that to meet the increased demand
a new edition of not less than 3'JiX ) copies should
be ordered by the legislature. I concur iu this
recommendation.
Attention is asked to the suggested amend
ments of the present law governing the matter Oi
state printing , and to remarks with reference to
the publication of the legislative journals. Tho
tables incorporated in this if port relating tocoun-
ti"H , railroads , insurance , and miscellaneous cor
porations , county , pivciact , and school , district
ETAT2 UERARY.
At the date of last report for the years 1S33 and
j&t , the state law and miscellaneous library con
tained Si.SD& volumes. As shown by the rejx > rt of
the state librarian covering the transactions of
his otTice for the past two years , the number of
volumes in the library at the present time is 27-
S70 , making an iuciease of 4,071 vohim . During
the same juried there has. beeu received from the
-als of Kebr.tsk.-i Reports Session IAWS r.iul
duplicate books the sum of 9,512.S > , and for the
purchase of books there lias becu drawn from tho
state treasury acd expended the sum of S0.8."iO.W.
Our state library is fist becoming what it should
be , aud I would ask your careful consideration of
its wauts and needs as presented by the librarian
with reference to the occupancy of the new
rooms | assigned for its use , and the use cf the su
preme court , iu the main building of the capItoI ,
by the board of public lands and buildings.
OFFICE OV ATTORNEY GENERAL.
Your particular attention is called to the report
of the attorney general , which contains his writ
ten opinions upou important subjects of public
interest , together with numerous recommenda
tions relating to the needs of his office , the labor
cf which has been largely nddprf to by reason of
the increased amount of matter referred to him
for examination nnd opinion from the various de
partments of the state government.
A detailed statement showing tue cases In
which the state is iuterests-d , disposed of. or now
pending iu the supreme coin-lot the state , and
tilt * supremo and circuit courts of tne United
a s will befound in schedules marked "B and
"C" hereto attached. The business of this impor
tant branch of Ihe executive department has bcea
conducted with a vigor and fearlessness ta be
conimeaded.
rCOITIVES FROM JU.STICE.
It is provided in section 334 of the criminal cods
that the governor cf this state may , in any case
authorized by the constitution and laws
the United States , appoint aswnts
demand of thu executive authonty
anv foreign governmt-nt acy fugitive
from justice chan/ed with treason or felony , and
tlie accounts of the agents appointed must bo
audited and paid out of stite funds.
In my messagre of two years ago.special mention iiwl
was made of this law. recommending certain wl
needed changes. The legislature failing to take ll
cegnizance of the matter , I can only repent what I ve
s.iid then , and again urge that action be takea to
remedy tiie existing defects of this sectioa of tho sk
criminal < code of tiie state. in
Under our statutes the term f ewny means such inof
offen.se as may bo punished with death or iai-
prlsoament in the penitentiary , which definition
includes what may b * termed criraes of lcs ! r
grade , such as it seems to me should not be made
tne uoss of a requisition unless tho fe.
, iu the _ to the executive
cose come
papers III IUO * fcOtiWAi * V * * UW V .L x. * V tir
_
properly certified to by either the attorney of tha
county , county judge , or the judge of the district
within which the crime Is committed , as being in aid
their ' judgment a case in which requisition should
issue. Tapers are filed meeting fully the require
ments ' of the law , and the party asking that requi of
sition be granted makes his swora statement that
the facts set forth in the petition are true , and
that , , the requisition is not ciesirtd for the purpose see
i collecting a debt , for tiie enforcement of any
civil process , or to answer any private end what
soever. The fugitive is retarued , the agent makes
- return upon commission under oath , and the
claim for expenses of the trip , making arrest _
and for the services of tlie agent is audited and
paid by the state.
Thus far all Is well ; but I am informed by thoe
who are in position to know , that but a very small law
proportion of the cos es above ref erred to are prose
cuted to conviction , friends interceding and ef all
fecting a compromise , with the result , as seen ,
tho state funds being used for the collection of
private claims and not to satisfy the ends of jus-
tier as intended by this law. Tlie governor
caunot adopt an aruitrary rule as to a certain
claw J of ca-ses , and Is powerless to prevent
Abuses that exist under the pres
l.-vw. A remedy is suggested through the en-
aclm-nt of a law providing that in all cases ex
cepting those of murder , assault with intent to the
rape , or assault with intent to commit rape ,
arson , robbery and treason , the person applying
the requisition shall advance the expenses in
cident to the apprehension aad return of tho are
fugitive , to be reimbursed by the sti-.te upon
proper proof being mc.de as to prosecution anil
conviction. It may be urged i hat such , a law
would discriminate against those who might bo
unablo to make such advance : for such , on ex
ception ccud ! be made upon the lilinsr of proper
anidavifsittiar i"otth their inability. Sucua
law as herein indicated would prove a source of
great saving to the state.
PARDONS , COMMUTATIONS AND REMISSIONS Of IINCS.
The power conferred upon the governor In tho
constitutional and statutory provisions relating
to pardons , commutations and remission of fines
has been exercised by me during the past two
years as follows : Number of pardons granted ,
six ; remission of fines , two. Appendix contains
statement of cases as required by law , and of
commutations under the good time act.
Tho rapidly increasing amount of business ,
both civil and criminal , in the Third judicial dis-
trict , which Includes the county of DougUu and
city of Omaha , has rendered the judges of said
district unable to hear and determine important
cases as promptly as the interests of tho litigants
would seem to demand. You should meet the
necessity thus created , by nn act providing for
such additional number of judges ia suid district
as may be needed.
ORGANIZATION OF COUNTIES.
Since the last session of the legislature tha
necessary papers have been filed in the executivo
office asking for the organization of the counties
of Logan , Uawcs , Sheridan , Chose , Elaine and
Sioux.
Proclamations , as required bylaw hare been
issued , and the organization of the above named
counties has been perfected. During the post
four years eleven counties have bern organized ,
and Irom tha counties of Wheeler and Brown tho
counties of Garfleld and Keya 1'aha have been
erected , making the total number of organized
counties at this time 77 , with the counties of
Grant and Box Butte In course of erection from
the counties of Keith and Dawes respectively.
STATE BOARD OF CHARITIES AND RETOKM.
The good results attending the work of board *
of this character in other states have been such
as to recommend their general adoption as ati
important factor iu the work of reforming and
correcting the methods of punishment under our
criminal statutes'and ; their suggestions aud rec
ommendations bearing upon the management of
public and private institutions of a humane or
charitable nature , have resulted in great good , in
the removal of existing abuses through tire power
given them to see and Know fully all that Is need
ful in cliange of methods or system. The powers
I
reporting , leaving the refct to a healthful jmblii : .
sentiment. I trust that you may Hud it consistent
with your views to create a board of this kind ,
which in its formation should include both sexes ,
ba non-partIsau. and appointed by the governor.
It may be stated in this connection that this next
session of the national conference of charities , i
correction anil reform will ba held at Omalui I
during the present year , which will bring together j j
meu of national prominence in this philanthropic i j
work , nnd is certain to result in great lieaefit to
our state. In advancing the caus < * of humanity
and of political reform upon the lints horeia iu-
Seated.
STATE BOARD OF IinALTIT.
Acting upon a communication from the natia
tVmal board of health , recommendation was J I
notle ia my message of two years iv o for tho e.st
MbUshiag of a state boanl of health , and I an ; i I
still of the opinion that such action should bo j !
taken. I am in receipt of the last report of th.s j
Nebraska State Medical society , accompanied by I
letter from the secretary , urging a renewal of my )
recommendation in this matter. wht.h is itiadt- . j I
a d with thf hope that you will be convinced 1
of the necessity of a board of tiiis character. I J
lava taken pains to examine tjie lav.-s now in
force in other st.ltos ivgarJingthis subject , anil
v/ouid state that a Liw coit iining ) ii-ovlsions
Binnlar to those contained in tha bill which was j !
introducd at the lost session would fully meet '
my views , and would furnish ti3 necobsarys'.iper-
vision of the interests of the health and life of
the citizens of our state. j
j
INSURANCE OF STATE PROPERTY. ! I
For the renewal of policies soon to expire , and j
for additional insurance , an appropriation of S-1 > , - j
OoO is recommended for the ensqiag two years , i
This act should contain au emitgoucy cIaiLse. j
}
!
Ia the appendix herewith submitted will bo J I
found a ful. tad accurate statement m detail of j
policies in force at this time.
The legisla'ure of IHeO appropriated the sum of
$10,1)00 ) for insurance on public buddings , and the
state has received from insurance coiiip-inisa for
the two years ending November 20 , ISili. fees to ,
the amount of 30tWO. ! j |
nsn COMMISSION. j
The general interest taken iu the subject of fish |
culture : Is shown by thn fact that thirty-five state * ; i
have in active of '
IKMl prosecution this work comailsthi
w'ons similar to our oivii. In our own st.-.te the '
interest his increased steadily until now it lias
become au accepted fact that fish culture in Nelov
braska is a success. The fine exhibit made 113-
the commission at the state fair during the yrur
1SS5 , and repeated upon a larger scale in lii-ti.
served to attract the attention of oar people and j
to impress upon them more fully the iniportnm-o J
and possibilities attaching to th.s industry under {
proper and intelligent iniaag-mr-at. The ;
reports of commissioners and supurI I
ir.tewdent in charge for the last tv.-o J
vears cover fully tho entire field of their opera-I j I
lions , presenting the result of their laVjrs ia coatht |
venient and attractive form , and will well repay !
you for a careful muling. A la.-jrt * numlx-r of '
private ponds have been stocked , ami the demand I
ishs constantly increasing. Tha work is ia excellent j
hands , and speaking for thfinsvhvs the coinmisj j i
slonere state that tkey ffelthe greatest avurani-i * !
of its Ultimate and i-rofit-ible siic-cess. It v.oald .
ba well for 3 our committee to confer ith the I
commissioners and superiritidtnt as to iheir .
further ueedj and to groat liberally for this purrer ; ;
pose. , ' 1 >
STATE AGRICULTURAL AND noKTICrLTURAL SOCiE- |
I , .
is
the property Ix-longini : to the ifsiw-ctiwsBcieii" * . f g
jTO.sents a most prutifying coitditioa of growth ( jn
ami rievflojmieiit in the direction of this our lead- cc
industi-v. |
The good vork ilons by botli the agricultural ; _
snd horticultural .societies has borne fruit athou- _ ;
he
what has beeu acco'a.iii.shed [ tiius far. but o.s Mg- j
gei-ting the possibilities awaiticg us in ths * fuller j
development j of the s.tute. f t
Tiie financial stp.teiiM.ut of the Agricultural nf
society for 1833 and IfWu , showing the i-ceipts * of ,
money at our suite fairs during thesn year , are '
of interest as evideaciag tbt > ft-eliag aiiinugthe * 31
people. The growth anil griat ini > r.rtaniv of j 27i
this interestwould seem to demand tliatth. * liniiere !
taticu of law as to the number of pagts contained wh
in their annual report should ba removed , aud I for
would recommend thatthls be donstnis enabling ' of
the societv to prepare and publish such report ' pre
of their works cs will compare with otiier states. , rt
Upoa the condition of our agricultural interi"st.to
depends in great degree tht * i-at-ral prosjierity of j
the state , nad it should be protects ! and strength- I
eued by you as occasion presents. In all la.-itti-r :
nfrtalning thereto your careful coosiueratioa will > p1
bs given.
j
NEBRASKA STATE IIISTOP.ICAI. SOCIHTT. j ,
The Nebraska State Historic ? ! soci''ty was orou'
ganized Septeaiber 13. l&Trf , with ex-Hov. iV. . J
Puraas a-s its first president , : tnd v/Lo still holds the
that position. The * society was nx-ogaued as a I oui
state institutioa i'sbruarj" 27 , 1SS3 , and aa appro ani
priation made for its u e in the colj"ttioa aaI i livt
jivesen-atioa of iniport.-iit historical matter rej j ria
latins : to the early setJleaient , of thtate. . { lat
At the session oi 1S-O , tu ? ana oi $ C"0 was r.pj j
propriated for tho support of the society , and poi
l.V30forprintia5reiOi-t.s , iacliuiing the niattvr ' of
whicli had accumulated to that lime. Volanw ! titi
has been issued , and forma au interesting anil i trii
very cnnlitable book o' * tr.u haaihxxl pazt-s. j coi
filled 1 with tho reminiscences and biographical ' vh
sketches of pioneers , aad an appendix tlmrcto ' ge
made up. from addresses of prominent citizens ' vis.
the btate , which are of great and permanent j has
historical value. The second volume * , which will j h
be a four hundred page octavo , ivill soon betaUF !
sued and will contain much valuable infonnatioi : . j wil
. This work is one of general interest , and the i vai
fewn ho have from its inception until the prfspnt j nai
time manifested so much zeal in iti prosecution sh
are not only deserving the thanks of tht * people , Tlie
bat should receive from the state such financial
cs will enable them to place tue historical de
partment of Nebraska in such condition as will to
make itasouree of priile to ourcitizens. Any lack cur
interest that may have existed regarding this
work is not becaus - of failure to reco. ib.e the
Importanceof the subject , buc rather a failure to
the need of i'limciliat'j action. No time
should be lost in setting apart a spacious room or
rooms in the capitol huildhig. to bo known as tho
rooms of the State Historical society.
Hon. Rotert V " . Funns , Unit-d States commis' are
sioner for Nebraska atthe New Orleans txj > osi- Ftat
tion. has filed with the governor , as itqiiiri- l by
, and for his > proval. a tletuiietl and itMiiized
statement of all moacy received by him. and ot
expenditures mado bv him in connection with
said exposition , together with his vouc'urs there
for. There was appropriated out of thts cr-r.er.il arc
fund of the state for the purposes of this ex
position the sum ot $ i : , W. thf act of appropria
tion constituting the governor custodian and oirf-
bursing officer of such fund , which WHS to IK >
used for such purpost-s in c mne ction with this the
exhibit as the governor and commissioner might bo
agree upon and consider f&r the best i-.t j ests of into
state. -xp'inditurec from this fuiT3. wiv
made upon tlia order orn'cotniucndat.cjj r.f the
commissioner. Jly voucl.fcis Bhowicg the
amounts paid , to whom , anJ for wlint purp- ? ,
on file ia the ofiiee of the. auditor of public of
accounts. Tlie unsxpem'ed balanct- appninria-
ticn is SH7.4. ' . . The S3.0CO borrowed upon the
joint note of thi * govtrior and meinhert ; of the nor
agncunote and horticultural h-ocit-ties of the
state , together with the 5-.CC" ) advanced by tin *
above named societies , wa. . lej.r..iu-d to lay
credit as governor for the purpose of meetias tlie
t
, necessary expenses in preparing this exhibit ,
until such time us an nmu-opriati.m could be
j made by tha legislature. All payinentu from this
| fund were mode bv clie * k. Jiy bank account hiw
been , balanced and ch cbs n-turnert. which we
held bv mi * as vouchers ia cou < rton with tbfcj
hfi
fund. The resulM of this exhibit ni ivlntlng ti >
the Interests of Nebraska w re frn * t lieyoiul ex-
pectatioa , nerving to attract universal attention ,
uad inviting in'the stronghtponsiblc manner uu \
examination as to the extent of the n-sourcert i
OJai ad vantages offered by our Kt t * . The tune
and labor of the commissioner bestowed bo
earnpstlv in the interests of th'jstntu have becu
rendered without pecuniary reward.
PUCLICATION OF TIIE LAW3. 3
Tlio constitution provide * that nil laws Khali be
published in book form within s.ixty days after the ,
' oiljournmeut of each set-sion , -distributed
among tha . * v.'Vrnl countli-Hln nuch m-inurT M tho ,
legislature may provide. Infect has been given to *
this requirement by a nuthori/ing tho county-
clerk of each organized county to make a requta- .
tion upon the secretary of state for such number
of copies not exceeding sixty as he shall find
necessary for tha couuty.'anrt directing their dis-
i tributlon j among the officers of the county. It
j will be seen from the above that the distribution
! ! or the lows Is limited to a. comimrot-ivcly small
S ! number of the people , a nd thereis a Ktrong seutl-
j meat existing in favor of a law that shall provide ' .
for tho publication of all laws in the newspapers. ti
limiting publication to such number of papers of t
circulation In each county as may be deemed best. *
In somo states provision is mado that all laws fc jf
enacted shall be printed in tho newspapers , and
hi others for the printing of Kiich only as are of „
special Importance , the law to contain a provision I *
that it shall ba so printed. }
It Is true , no doubt , that all would not read the *
laws If published in this manner , but it ia also I
true that tho people should have an opportunity
to Inform themselves regarding these matters ft
they so desire , and in no other way can th gen
eral , and at the same time economical distribu
tion of the laws be had. I would favor tho publi
cation of all laws in the newspapers.
XIUTIA.
The active militia of the state , designated 03
the Nebraska National Guards , Is by law limited
to two regiments of infantry , one company of ar
tillery and two batalions of cavalry , of not more
than three nor less than two eomiiiinies , and such
independent companies and Iiutuiioiia aa the good
of the service may require.
The organization remains thn samo aa at the
date of uiv ' biennial report January , 1883 ten
companles'of infantry and one company5 of ar
tillery. It lias teen deemed advisablo to enter
upou tho organization of a second regiment , and
f have denied f refluent requests for the organiza-
tion ; of independent companies by reason oftbo
limited appropriation for such purposeIt U
recommended by tho adjutant general , and in my
judgment the time has come when a second reg
iment should bo formed , with appropriation in
such amount , and made available m such man
ner as will enable the governor to place our mili
tia force upon such footing of equipment , general
efficiency aud strength , that ho may , if called
upon iu time of emergency to execute the laws or
suppress insurrection , fully meet his constitu-
tio'nal obligation.
The provision ot law regarding encampments j
has been complied with , a lull account of which , j' '
together ; with the report of Lieut. Edgar S. Dud- ' .
Ifj of the regular army , who was , upon my ap- j
plication to the secretary of war , detailed to visit ,
make inspection , und report upon the present i
standing and condition ol the Nebraska Notional
Guards : , will bo found iu the very full and detailed j
report ] of tho adjutant general.
It has Iwen found im * > ossibe ! , by reason of hi- J
adequate appropriation , to carry out the require- f *
me nts of law in matter of mor.tlily drills. It in
recommended by the adjutant general that ths
law so lar a-s relates to moatnly drill ix. * repealed.
and that the law in matter of encampment be so
amended as to require au annual encampment of
tei days. I concur in these recommendations ,
and will add the high authority of the adjutant
general : of the United States , who , ia bis annual
report of the operations of his office ,
says. In discussing the needs of the
National Gur.nl , that state encampments , to be of |
absolute ! benefit , should at least oe of leu days'
duration , and held annually.
For the wife preservation of the records of this
organization ; and the records relating to Nebras
ka's part in the war of the rebellion , a room
should be furnished at once and set apart exclu
sively for tho office of the adjutant general. An
appropriation of S-'ifO is recommended fort'urni-
tin * and fixtures , and it Is further recommended
that the salary of tho adjutant general l > e restored
to the former amount of $ UO. All further needed
information may be found ia tho report of thf
adjutant general , which includes the report * ? of. .
thi quartermaster general , inspector general and
colonel. Reference may fittingly be made to tht (
time which is not far distant when Nebraska , fol- |
lowing tho action of other states , wiil feel tlie ne
cessity of establishing a soldiers' homo for tho
ca' . nnd support of the aged and disabled veter- I
ans : of the late war.
NOTARIES ri'BIJC. I
. The 5 law limiting tho iiuinb r of notaries to
three for each one thousand inhabitant * in each -
county. V.MS , by act approved March 8 , 1SSJ , so ,
amended : as to authon.2- governor to up- I
point and < * oniriiSMan such number of persons to j
tht office or notary public in each of the res- '
live counties of the state as he shall deem neees- j
wu .
Complying strictly witi ! thu provision that no
person _ shall be appoiaV-d ext-ept upon iiuion
signed by twenty-five legal voters of the wuuly
in.vhich heii-fcid'-s. forvh.VhJie asks & com-
mission. I have made appointments with refer-
ence to the greatest acco'nniodation of the pub-
lie , and without regard as to its being a eource of
rcqenue to iiithiiduals , tho public being protected
bv " the bond of pr.non appointed.
"Tbo term for which appointments are mode fcc
by law fixed nt six 3'1-ars. ? , Iy attention lias been
.1
.
liable to prove a fruitful source' of trouble , ami
pliould , if possible , bj reiivdietl. Tio ! l&vr should . -
beamgniifd sot'-s to njquiro that every notary '
shall . dssip.aite upon his official seal , or in writing I
,
:
noi
quired to change their s.al of nffico duriag OMJ
term for which they are appointed. Such , or
siniiiar , provisions are in force ia other states.
HONEY RECEIVED FROM TIIE GENERAL GOVERNMENT.
I received from tlie general government , No
vember 5 , ISf'i , draft for $34,7.19.1 : } In the mat
ter of taking census of 183.1 , ami hold tho receipt
state : treasurer for said amount. Drafts for 5
pci cent upon sales of government lands in Ne
braska have been received as follows : January
, IbSi , $10,575.4 ! ) ; November 10 , 1B8C. ? : ? , -
27-J.57 which amounts have been placed to tins
credit of ths permanent school lund , aud for
which I hold the receipts of state treasurer. Draft
818,051 j J ou account of claims due tho state
Nebraska for indebtedness incurred in sup-
pre.ising Indian hostilities in the year ISC'J. was
receiveu by me December 31,1SHO , oad endorsed
state ! trea-sarer.
LIVE PTOCK INTERESTS.
TIi" magnitude of the live stock interests of No-
braska , and tiie constant menace to that inter
from the fear of the introduction into our state of
aniiaaU suffering .from contagious pleuro--iieu-
moaia. Texas or splenic fever , uad other contagi
' acd infectious ulseas-s , prompted the legisla
tur of ISsj to the enactment of a law concerning
care of , and to prevent the spread of contain-
and infectious ilivastamong our domestic
animals , and providing for the appointment of a.
stock sanitary coninii ion and st.ite veterina
rian. dfcCniag tht-ir po-.vers and duties , and regu
lating tlu-ir comp i"atioa.
Tho state w s fortunate in scurinff for the im
portant ixiitiou of state veteriuariaii .1 fr"ntk > niari
high profps-jioaal standia . cad t-spccially for-
tiUiatein wcurinc ; tlio siTvicfs ofthrco indii : >
trious , energetic , and cxp"i' % nced stockmen who
comprise tin live stock sanitary commission , and
who have , ia conjunction vvitii the veterinary sur
geon , so successfully carried out the pro
visions of this ktvr. Iheir rrport. whicli
; been printed , will lw placed in your
hands : , and the grcit importance of the hiter-
uFis involved in the Fiil > jcts therein discussed ,
lead yoa to carefully vrt igh and consider its
various recommendations witiirefereuc * * to needed
p.mec/iinents in tht * prejvnt li\v. Thw work
should be strengthfuetl in every needed way.
recent experience of other states has demon
strated it necessity. I would ask your special
attention to tht-ir recommnndatioa as to the valuo
be placed upon condemned animals , and con
ia cd vising a two thirds coiups-usation.
I would also advise the adoption of suggested
amendment authorizing the emr.loyaicnt bythu
commissicm-rs or veterinarian of expert ussurt-
aace in time of imerjj < > ncy : end It ha.-
seemed to me that Uie public scrvi < - < j would bo
strengthened if tha inspectors at the several
points of eatry were employed by tha etute in
stead of the corporatwn whose shipments they
required to examine. The legislature neg
lected to make an appropriation for salary of ,
< vf-ttrmanan. and the amount nrcc-ssary for 1
that purpose to October 8 , l&SG , was borrowe'l
upon the joint notes of myself and others , and
with interest to February 15. 1SS7 , will amount to
SS.481.SO , for tho repayment of which sum. to
gether with tho quarter caning 8th inst. , SttS , you
asked to make immediate provision.
SALT INTEREST.
The act providing for the development of tho
naline interests of the state , and appropriating i
sum of SoC.OCO or so much thereof as might
necessary for that purpose , has Ixjen carried
effect by the board of public lands and j
buildings. *
Aa order was made by tho boanl on the 7th ot
October , 1933 , directing tho commi-'sioaer to
advertise acd offer at public sale ihe s-ali
tha state , or so much or said landsaashould b
necessary to realizethe sum of SOO.fVO. Sale wa.i
mode. a d ipou the filing of vouchers the gover
Nu.-d f. < le l from the state to ths respective
purclisssrs.
A catracs was entered into by tho state which
provided for tw sinking of a well at the salt
tjaslri r.ccr th& city of Lincoln , to thf ftepth of
o thousand fct , at a cost cf § U\1 rt. tlie board