GENTLEMEN OP THE SENATE AND
HOUSE OF llEPKESUNTATIVES ;
A constitutional provision inquires
the governor to present ut each bicn-
.uial session a statement ol the condi
tion of affairs in the state , and to make
.such recommendations as may to him
teem advisable.
THE DROUTH SUFFERERS.
The condition of a portion of the pco-
ple in some of the counties of the west
ern half of the state is such that a sense
-of public duty compels me to invite
.your immediate attention to it. The
tlrouth and hot winds have loft a portion
tion of the people without the means of
subsistence ; others , with only partial
' .means of subsistence. In some coun
ties the crops were almost entirely a
failure ; in others less than a quarter of
a crop was raised. Occasional reports
reached mo in September of the failure ,
-and partial failure of the products of
the earth. They grew more numerous
through October It seemed then that
each county would be able to take care
of its own people , and I so advised
them and urged that they call upon the
county commissioners to organize
means of relief.
This action was taken in a number
of counties and carried on till their
means were exhausted. In the early
jart of November the appeals for help
began to increase by every mail , and
were of a most touching- and impressive
character ; "Bo much so that I determined
to appeal to the public for aid to relieve
lievo the most pressing needs of oui-
fellow citizens.
In order to secure more definite in
formation as to the condition of the
.people in the drouth-stricken counties ,
and to obtain if possible , an approxi-
anato idea of the number of settlers who
must bo aided with the means of living
tthrough the coming winter , I selected
two gentlemen Rev. Dr. Geo. W.
.Martin , chaplain of the Industrial
-school at Kearney , and Mr. J. A.
Hartley of Lincoln , and gave them
instructions to visit some nine counties
from which the most urgent appeals
had-come , and learn the condition of
"the inhabitants. They were directed :
to go through the counties from one
-end lo the othdr , and see the situation
for themselves. They performed the
message faithfully and they found mat
ters in a worse condition than had
been represented in the appeals which
had been made to me.
Their reports showed that in the
counties named , about eight hundred
families must bo aided through this
winter. Averaging five to a family ,
there are four thousand persons to be
supported in part or in whole.
Their reports also convinced me
that prompt and decisive action must
ue uiKcn to prevent sunermg ; iney
confinmed all that had been written as
* o the failure of crops and the consequent
quent need for aid.
My plan has been to rely upon vol
untary contributions to meet the emer
gency till thisnlegislativo body should
-assemble. Appeals have been made
= to the public and as a result contribu
tions have been forwarded as fol
lows :
Coal , 84 cars ; clothing , 187 barrels.
370 boxes , 70 sacks ; boots and shoes,7
boxes ; bedding , 5 boxes ; hats , 2 boxes ;
hominy , 315 pounds ; flour , 247,831
pounds ; meal , 155,050 pounds ; rice ,
11.875 pounds ; beans , 29,901 pounds ;
meat,20,137 pounds ; coffee,398 pounds ;
-sugar , 1,360 pounds ; crackers , 1,494
ipot nds ; salt , 1,500 pounds ; coru,2o23
bushels ; oats , 215 bushels ; wheat , 119
bushels ; apples , 4 barrels ; groceries , 13
boxes ; oat meal , 324 pounds ; graham
.Hour , 55o pounds ; potatoes , 27 barrels.
, . January 5 , 1S91.
1 As there was no organized body to
"take hold of the business of affording
relief , it seemed to be the duty of the
. governor to move in ihis matter. Con
sequently I organized a committee of
.relief , and appointed George W. Mar
gin superintendent of relief , and Luther
P. Ludden of Lincoln as superintend-
- cnt of distribution ; C. W. Moshcr ,
president of the Capital National bank
of Lincoln , treasurer of the state re-
xlie ! fund.
l W. N. Nason , secretary of the Board
'of Trade of Omaha ; II. R. Greer of
"Karney , president of the State Board
of Agricultue ; John Fitzgerald , C. W.
Mosher. Louis Meyer and A. J. Sawyer
of Lincoln were appointed an executive
board. The work has been carried on
systematically and with thorough ac
countability for everything disbursed.
All these gentlemen have labored with
untiring zeal in furthering tuis good
work.
i The public generally have responded
generously to the appeals , and they
"have the satisfaction of knowing that
they have saved thousands of people
from suffering.
'
, TheB. & M. . the U. P. , the Elkhorn
"Valley and Mo. Pac. roads have transported -
ported free of charge all contributions
Jor the destitute people. The other
roads in the state were'ready to render
the same service without charge but
owing to the location we were not
obliged to call upon them.
' The course of these roads in giving
freo.transportation for everything con
tributed entitles them to all the credit
; due for humane and valuable assist
ance. Without their aid we should
liave been well nigh powerless. They
commendation.
: irc deserving strong
The most reliable information has
3jccn sought so as to approximate as
nearly as possible to the numer of people
ple who must be aided in whole , or in
part , by the state. This information
has- been obtained by disinterested
agents , sent by me for the purpose of
investigating the matter by personal
observation , and thus securing trnst-
sworthy information to guide your ac
tion. . . . - . . - , -
* We have also , the ronorts of the
county otlicci-s ori which''to base the
est'mates as' to the amount which
-sho'uld be appropriated. Itis safe to
conclude , from the information thus
obtained , that six thousand and cloven
families will require fuel and provis
ions during the winter and spring , and
nine thousand nine hundred and thirty-
cight families will need grain and food.
The number of families needing pro
visions and fuel in twenty-five counties
is 0,011 , and the number of families
needing grain and seed in the same
counties is 9,938.
I most earnestly recommend an ap
propriation with an emergency clause
of two hundred thousand dollars for
their relief. Further appropriations
will be necessary , the necessities of
those people require it ; in the highest
sense , Christian duty 'sanctions it ; hu
manity dictates it ; and God Almighty
commands it. The injunction "Re
member the poor and the needy , " is as
binding now as when uttered by the
Holy One two thousand years ago.
J recommend the creation of a board
of relief to be composed of citizens well
knqwn for their integrity and upright
ness , whoso duty it shall be to make a
just and impartial distribution of the
funds for the relief of all who are in
need of aid.
They must be held to a rigid ac
countability , and their disbursements
must be guarded with scrupulous ex
actness , and the most complete impar
tiality.
I cannot too strongly urge upon you
the necessity for immediate action , for
while you linger and hesitate , some'
may perish.
With the exception of the counties
named , Nebraska is enjoying a high
degree of prosperity. From the time
of its admission into the union of slates
It has been greatly blessed. It has
advanced steadily and rapidly in in
dustrial development , and in the ac
quisition of wealth and power , No
state has been more highly favored , or
more prosperous , and this calamity
which has come upon a portion of our.
people is but a small an air in compar
ison with the wonderful progress the
state has made in all material , educa
tional and agricultural interests. No
one need apprehend any serious injury
to Nebraska from this temporary mis
fortune. Withholding the facts will
not help us. Make them known , and
apply the remedy.
But there is another need which pre
sents itself. The farmers are without
feed for their teams ; the corn must bo
furnished to their horses , or they will
have no teams for spring work.
A large amount of seed must bo fur
nished to enable them to put in crdps
this year.
Gentlemen , ! cannot present this sub
ject to you in too strong terms. The
demand for aid is of the most impress
ive kind. The distress does exist ; fuel , '
provisions and clothing must be pro
vided for the destitute in the counties
named , and it may be in others. Those
people in the portions of the state in
which crops have been blasted by hot
winds and the drouth have become vic
tims of misfortune from no fault oJ
their own. They are as worthyhonest
and industrious as any people in Ne
braska or any other state ol the union.
They are our own kith and kin they
are our own fellow citizens.
This question of relief is of such a
magnitude that it has become a state
affair. Nebraska cannot afford to per
mit the report to go abroad that any
one within its borders has died of cold
and hunger. It is rich enoughis able
enough to take care of its own people ,
and will do it too.
Let me indulge the hope that your
action will be prompt and decisive.
SOLDIERS' AND SAILORS' HOME AT GRAND
ISLAND.
1 The report of the commandant of
the Soldiers' and Sailors' Home shows
there have been 238 members admitted
to the home during its existence. Of
this number there are at present 15o
members on the rolls of the home ros
ter. Of these forty-eight have been
honorably discharged , twenty sum
marily , and four dishonorably dis
charged. Sixteen have died at the
home.
. There has been an average attend
ance for twenty-eight months , or since
the home was opened , of sixty-eight- .
To the credit of the commonwealth
be it said , the.legislature four years
ago made provision for the establish
ment of a homo for the unfortunate ,
but true men who defend the honor of
the ilag and the integrity of the union
in the late civil struggle.
Appreciating the hardship of separa
tion of husband and wife and actuated
by a humane instinct , a provision was
inserted in the law for the admission
of the wives , and children under fifteen
years of age , of the soldiers who were
compelled by their staightened circum
stances to seek homes within its walls.
Seven double cottages were erected ,
accommodating fourteen families.
There are in those families twenty-
eight children. On this basis there are
two children to every soldier admitted
to the home with his family. Two
children have been boi n to soldiers in
the home in the last six months. This
institution was never intanded to be a
nurse'ry for children. I recommend an
amendment to the present law declar
ing that the wife of the soldier must
not enter the home as beneficiary till
she has arrived at- the ago of fifty
years.
I trust this institution designed to
fiinooth the pathway of the veteran to
the grave will receive your kindly and
and earnest attention.
The law creating the home provides
for a visiting and examining board com
posed of five members , and makes it
the duty of said board to visit and in
spect the institution once every quar
ter. Their actual expenses are paid DJ
the state but no compensation is al
lowed them for their time. Ibis is
not just. Their duties are very essen
tial and they are performed with
marked fidelity. They are entitled tea
a fait per diem for Ihoir services. I
ailvise that a provision be mailo ac
cordingly. 1 he condition of the homo
is most satisfactory.
STATE BOARD OP AGRICULTURE.
The secretary states- that in is im-
possible to render his offtci.il ropt/rt in
detail and itemized tcfonj the annual
meeting of the board , January 20 next.
The reports from county organizations ,
and the balance sheets of the society
are duo and rendered at that date , os
Ftipulated by statutory provisions.
While nearly all the conditions and
environments of the work for the year
1890weroof adverse character , extra
ordinary efforts on the part of the man
agement , exhibitors and patrons wore
crowned with unusual success. For
reasons well known to all crops were
short and the people in many instances
discouraged. Still there was never be
fore so grand a presentation of the
products , resources and possibilities of
the state. This was true more particu
larly in the matter of direct products of
the soil ; thus showing in a marked de
gree our wonderful productive capabili
ties as well as the characteristic energy
and industry of our people.
The annual state exposition was lar
ger and better in all respects the last
year than any of its predecessors ; a
larger exhibit and attendance , receipts
greater , and a better balance above ex
penditures.
A full report , as required by law , will
bo presented in duo time.
The secretary says as to the corn
crop : The increase acreage and advance
in price makes an aggregate corn crop
of greater value than ever before , not
withstanding the drouth and shortage.
FISH COMMISSION.
The work of the fish commission has
been prosecuted during two years just
closed with increased energy and suc
cess. The new hatching house pro
vided for by the last legislature has
been built and finished up in a com
plete and substantial manner , without
exceeding the appropriation for that
purpose. The building is large , roomy
and two stories high , of frame , and
furnished with improved facilities for
prosecuting the work of hatching and
handling the eggs and fry.
The fish car also provided for by the
last legislature has been procured. It
is a neat , substantially constructed car ,
of the usual size and furnished with the
best of facilities for handling and dis
tributing fish. Its cost hag not ex
ceeded the sum appropriated for that
purpose. The work of distributing fish
to remote parts of the state has been
greatly facilitated and with less cost
than heretofore sustained by the old
method of transporting the young fish
in cans by baggage cars , and express
companies , especially , _ in handling
yearling trout and black bass ; also , a
saving in ovpenso , with the cooperation
tion of the railway companies hauling
the car"and its attendants free of ex
pense to the state.
' Large improvements have also been
made at the state hatchery , by the con
struction and improvements of the
ponds , new apparatus and improve
ments to the old apparatus ,
In the year 1889 the commission pro
cured fish eggs , successfully hatched
them , and also raised in the state
ponds a larger number of different
species of fish than at any former time ,
and successfully distributed them into
the waters of the state. The total num
ber of fish of all ages thus given to the
water in that year was 15,221,610. In
the year 1890 the total distribution of
fish of all ages amounted to 21,731-
295.
295.The
The introduction into our waters and
cultivation of German Carp has been at
tended with very gratifying results.
This excellent fish has hitherto been
underestimated , as to its intrinsic value.
Its successful and profitable cultivation
has been fully demonstrated.
The fish hatchery is an establishment
of great advantage to the people.
COLUMBIAN EXPOSITION.
Congress has decided to commemor
ate one of the great events in the
world's history , the discovery of Amer
ica by Columbus , in 1492 , by providing
for the creation and establishment of
an International , or Worlds Exposition ,
or Pair , to which all nations have been
invited to contribute by their exhibits
in every branch of human effort , In
every department of human industry.
Congress , as you are aware , Jias se
lected Chicago as the place for holding
the exposition. Ita proximity to this
state is certainly very favorable to our
people , and ought to enable them to
make a presentation of her resources
which shall be a source of unalloyed
pride to every citizen of the state.
The aim of this exposition , if I am
correctly informed , is , not only to ren
der homage to the name and feme of
Columbus on the four hundredth anni
versary of the discovery of a continent ,
but to furnish a most comprehensive
illustration of progress and of the ad
vancement of civilization during the
four centuries which have intervened.
It is expected to be one of the greatest
demonstrations of the kind ever held.
The learning , the skill and the handi
craft of all civilized peoples of the
of the earth are to be represented there ;
agiiculture , manufactures and the
arts will be conspictous features.
Nebraskavbeing an agricultural state
will have it in her power to present an
attractive airiy of the pro
ducts of her soil and of her extensive
resonrses. Every citizan of this com
monwealth should be inspired with
just and laudable pride in helping to
make an exhibition honorable to itself
and to the country. But to do this
will require funds to a large amount.
Buildings suitable to the * purposes of
an extensive display of agricultural
products of every kind , especially of
her beet sngar interests , her manufact
ures , and other artsourses , must be
erected at the expense of the state.
I recommend an appropriation of
one hundred and fifty thousand dollars
with an emergency clause , for the pur
pose of inaugurating and maintaining
oar exhibits.
Citizens of Nebraska who attended
the Paris Exposition wore humiliated
by the email and' insignificant exhibi
tion of its products made there. I
trust Nebraska , who shall attend the
Chicago Exposition , and all should at
tend it , will not be subjected to a like
humiliation. The display from this
state should.be such as will make every
dvrojler within its borders more proud
of it than ever before. The display
should bo such that every one can er-
claim with exultant satisfaction.
"Tliat represents my Skate. "
Th benefits to result from such an
exhibition cannot bo described in
words. They will be felfc and realized
in years to come. L t' it be remem
bered that the representatives of all
nations will behold it. It will be the
best advertisement that the state can
I submit herewith a bill for your
consideration end adoption if it meets
your approval.
THE SUGAR BEET INDUSTRY.
Since the session of the last legisla
ture , and as a result of the liberal ac
tion of that body , there has been estab
lished in this state , a most important in
dustry. I refer to the making of sugar
from sugar beets. It is my linn con
viction that this will prove to be one of
the great industries of the future in the
West , and in Nebraska especially. The
Oxnards have put in a plant in Grand
Island at a cost of nearly three quarters
of a million dollars , and have during the
last few months turned out about one
million pounds of the very finest quality
of sugar.
These gentlemen are experts in the
manufacture of sugar. One of them
stated to mo that ho had travelled
through France , Germany , Bohemia ,
and over all the stales of the Union , for
the purpose of satisfying himself where
is the section of country best adapted
for the manufacture of sugar ; and he
gave it as his opinion , unqualifiedly ,
that Nebraska surpasses all other coun
tries and localities in the adaptability of
its soil for growing sugar beets. '
The starting of the establishment at
Grand Island was an experiment ; the
season has been unfavorable on account
of the dryness ; the business was new to
the farmers ; but the experiment has
merged into a complete success ; so
much so that the Oxnards are now put
ting in a similar plant at Norfolk.
In ten yeara you may expect to see
Nebraska the leading sugar producing
state of the Union. Other states wiU
take hold of this new agricultural pur
suit , and the West will supply the sugar
of the country , and the price to the consumer - :
sumer will be reduced from twenty five1
to thirty per cent.
I earnestly advise against repealing
the law granting a bounty on the manu
facture of sugar. That bounty was
given as an inducement to open up that
industry in the state ; to induce parties
to comejiere and put in plants , and en
courage" the manufacture of sugar. To
repeal this law at this time would be
an implication of bad faith' It would
in effect be an act of repudiation. Let
the bounty remain and other establish
ments will follow those already started.
It requires an immense amount of capi
tal to start'this business , and when par
ties have accented the offer of the state
in good faith , it is neither fair nor just
for the state to withdraw the offer.
It was an unfavorable year in which
to inaugurate this enterprise. The diy
weather retarded the growth of beets.
It was new business for the farmers.
They had to learn it. The manufactur
ers lost money last year ; some of the
farmers found the business unprofitable
while otheis found it profitable. In an
ordinary season with more moisture. I
believe the raising of sugar beats can bo
made very profitable , and it will erelong
become one of the products laised by
the fanners. My meaning is that the
bounty should remain for the present.
Give it another trial. I am not speak
ing for the Oxnards ; but I am speaking
for others who are contemplating th ( .
establishment of sugar beet industries
in this state. We want them to come
we want competition for that is the sur
est way to prevent monopoly. Repeal
this bo'unty now , and you say to them
"do not come , we do not want you to
come , " aria you may be sure they will
not cpmo. i am convinced that the re
peal of this bounty will prove to be a
most serious mistake.
ASSESSMENT AND TAXATION.
In my judgment it is your imperative
duty to revise our present laws relating
to assessment , taxation , and revenue.
That a vast amount of property , real
and personal , escapes assessment and
taxation every year is too plain and
palpable for denial. There is a vast
amount of inequalities K the assess
ments of the same kinds of property but
in the possession of different individu
als is equally clear. The rich can easily
hide stocks and bonds , but the little un
pretending house of the laborer does
not escape the eye of the assessor.
There is no juster or fairer method of
deriving revenue than by a fair assess
ment of all property alike at its full
value. Make the laws so stringent that
they can not be evaded. Punish those
who violate them , with an unspairing
hand. I believe the statutes can be so-
auiended ahat all persons can be com
pelled to disclose all their property.
The penalties should be made more
severe upon assessors who connive at
false valuations and receive rewards.
Public opinion can enforce an honest as
sessment. Provision should be made
by statute for the infliction of severe
penalties upon assessors who knowingly
value property falsely. It is not neces
sary to make the Isvy according to the
full assessed value of property. It can
be reduced to what ever per cent you
deem proper. If all property is rated
at its real value there can be no excuse
for the present rate of taxation. Ne
braska has the reputation of being a
high taxed state ; and this impression
has caused great injury to the state. It
alarms capital and frightens away in
vestors. Our policy has been and is ,
low assessments and high rates of tax-
atiou. It should be , high assessments
and low rates of taxation.
In 1888 , the assessed value of all the
property in the state , real , and per
sonal or mixed , was $170,012,820,45. In
1890 the assessed valuation was S184-
770,304.54. Showing an increase of
$8.759,484.09 , and yet this does not rep
resent a third part of the property
value within the commonwealth.
J trust this brief statement will
prompt you to provide such enactments
as will prove an effective remedy for
this public wrong.
RAILROADS AND TRANSPORTATION.
On these suujects I repeat the views
expressed in my Inaugural address four
years ago , and in my message two years
ago , which remain unchanged.
' While railroads are a necessity to the
people , the people are a necessity to the
railroads. The relations they sustain to
each other must be mutual and should
be so adjusted that the interests of botli
would be promoted and protected. Those
who invest their means in railroad prop
erty have a right to expect a fair return
on their investment. Those who labor
have the same right to expect a fair re
gard for thek labor , \yhicn is their cap
ital invested. Railroads should so au-
just their tariffs of charges that farm
ers , grazers , manufacturers , merchants
and all who ship over them can do so
and receive a remunerative profit from
their business , in so far as this end
could be attained by reasonable freight
rates.
'The power of the legislature to es
tablish and enforce reasonable charges
on the part of common carriers has
been fully established by a decision of
the supreme court. And that power
must be exercised in all cases where the
people are subjected to extortionate
charges. The rights of the people must
be protected. The power which creates
is greater than that which is created.
The people create and their power is
supreme , and they speak through the
legislature to the agencies which have
been created for executing their will. "
It is your duty to see that reasonable
rates are established.
I advise the passage of a joint resolu
tion providing for the submission of an
amendment to the constitution to bo
voted on at the next general election au
thorizing the people to vote for three
railroad commissioners , who shall have
supervision of all matters relating to
transportation ; and to whom all com-
should bo addressed. It is be-
Blaints
eved that the election directly by the
people will give more general satisfac
tion than by any other mode of pro
cedure.
AUSTRALIAN BALLOT SYSTEM.
Observation cannot have failed to have
convinced any one that there is a grow
ing disregard of the sanctity of the bal
lot. Too many regard it as merchant
able instead of being the grand right of
American citizenship. Too stringent
enactments cannot be made for guarding
the purity of the ballot. There are
many who seem to have no proper con
ception of its value. They look forward
to the , election when they may offer
their votes for a price just as the farmer
looks forward to the coming of the har
vest time.
What is known as the Australian bal
lot system evidently comes nearest to
preventing frauds on the elective fran
chise.
The testimony from those states where
it has been tried is , that it has ac
complished the purpose for which it
was designed , and i\as given general
satisfaction. I therefore unhesitatingly
advice its adoption in. this state.
PUBLIC WAREHOUSES.
The experience of the last two years
has made it apparent that public ware
houses are a necessity in order to pro
tect the interests of the farmers. A
year ago the prise of corn was 14 cents
a bushel. It is now selling at an aver
age of 45 cents per bushel.
Had a warehouse law similar to that
of Illinois and other states been on our
statute books its beneficent results , would
have been of almost incalculable value.
I therefore recommend the passage of a ,
law with an emergency clause providing
for public warehouses with suitable pro
visions for grain inspection and with
arrangements which will enable farmers
to hold their grain and other products by
compelling the warehouse men to re
ceive , ship , store and handle the same
without discrimination.
Warehouse receipts taken for the
grain thus stored are equal to the best-
commercial paper.
FARMERS' INSTITUTES.
Any measure having for its aim the
improvement and advancement of the
interests of the farmers deserve your
careful and favorable consideration.
In my judgment the establishment of
farmers' institutes will prove of large
benefit in the dissemination of useful in
formation. I therefore recommend that
provision be made for such institutes by
law and I submit a bill for that purpose.
IMMIGRATION BUREAU.
Many requests have reached me desir
ing a recommendation to be made in
this message in favor of the establish
ment of a bureau of immigiation. Such
a bureau would add vastly to the pro
ductive interests of the state , aud it is
earnestly recommended.
STATE BANKING IXSTITUTIC XS.
The report of the banking department
covers a period of eighteen months. This
report sets forth the fact that , at the
taking effect of the law July I. 1889 , the
banking institutions of this state were ,
in a condition which called for immedi
ate and energetic attention at the hands
of those into whose charge those institu
tions were placed.
A careful study of the condensed ctato-
ments which have been prepared bj this
department is conclusive evidence that
the working of this law his , not only
been of great benefit to the banking in
stitutions themselves , but by strenp then-
ing and purifying them has been cf equal
benefit to the people of our state.
The labors of the state banking board
and their examiners have been attended
with a degree of success which is un
usual in the birth and infancy of a law
of so great import.
In the report of this department now
in the hands of the printer , are recom
mendations which will be brought to
your notice at the proper time , and I
trust will receive careful and consider
ate attention at your hands.
BOARD OF TRANSPORTATION.
I am advised that the delay in making
the report of the board of transportation
as prescribed in the act creating the
board , is due to long delayed returns
from a portion of the riilroad lines of '
the state , coupled with a large increase
of labor in the preparation of the report ,
undertaken at this time for the purpose
of presenting information concerning
the roads of our state in mere comnre-
(
hensive form than adopted in previous
annual reports. * I ana assured of its early i
publication and distribution in form and i
matter intended to afford ready insight '
to information considered of value in
the determination of questions connect
ed with the regulation of commerce in
the state , together with a showing of the
doings OL the board for the fiscal year
ending June oO , 1890.
BOARD OF PHARMACY.
The provisions of the law of xne lasc
session creating a board of pharmacy
are now in successful operation and are
proving to be a source of great benefit.
The result is that wo now have educated
pharmacists. No one can serve as drug
gist clerk unless he has had a thorough
training in the druggist's profession and
passed a thorough and successful exam
ination. This is a matter which con
cerns the life and health of all the pee
ple. The board of pharmacy is a most
beneficial institution. Tnere are now
1509 educated pharmacists' in Nebraska ,
A BOARD OF PARDONS.
It is within bounds to say that the
business of the executive department
has doubled within the last four-years.
It is true in the depauoients of the chief
executive as I can verify from exper
ience. One-fourth of the time at least.
and probably one-third , io taken up in
the consideration of applications and ap
peals for pardons. The executive ought
to bo relieved of a large portion at least
of this labor.
A board of pardons would reacli this
result and the creation of such a board
is recommended.
IRRIGATION.
Very general attention is och g given
to the subject of irrigation in the west
ern part of the state and I commend it
to your favorable consideration. I would
furthermore respectfully recommend
that a joint resolution and memorial bo
passed by the legislature urging congress
m favor of the adoption of further nec
essary measures for irrigating the arid
lands of the west.
REPORTS.
Reports of ull the state institutions ate
herewith submitted.
Also a report of the expenditures in
the executive department.
Also a list of pardons and commuta
tions of the last two years ending Nov.
30,1890.
Also a report showing the mileage of
railroad built in the state during thejbi-
ennial period.
Gentlemen : The destinies of this state
and the welfare of its people are now in
your hands. The results of your legis
lation will be fraught with blessings or
with ills which will have their influences
for years to come. I counsel you to
avoid all rash and extreme measures.
I counsel in favor of wise and conserva
tive action. I earnestly advise against
the adoption of any measures which will
retard the prosperity and development III
of this state. I believe each of you will
be inspired with a desire to promote the !
best interests of the people and you will
best accomplish that purpose by ignor
ing all the illusive theories and enact
such legislation as will be most effective
in securing their contentment and happi
ness. Acting in this spirit and with full
determination to promote the passage pC
wise and just laws which shall result in
the highest good of all and you will be
entitled to the approval of your con
stituents and of the people of Nebraska
of all future times.
Since the foregoing was written In
dian hostilities have actually occurred ,
and we are confronted with an Indian
war. These facts have forced thous
ands of the settlers along the line of the
Sioux reservation living in Nebraska to
leave their homes , provisions and stock
and seek safety in the towns along the
line of the Elkhorn road. It could not
be expected that they would live at their
abodes with the existence of hostilities
but a few miles away. It is cruel to be
thus driven from homes and especially
at this season of the year , and doubly
severe are the hardships of women and
children. There was no security against
attack from predatory bands of Indians ;
consequently the most urgent appeals
ivere received from those settlers for
protection. They were exposed to imi-
nent danger. Their situation was such
that I could not hesitate to act thoutrh i.
entirely without the means to meet any
expense which might be incurred. I
therefore , issued orders for Brigadier-
General L. "W. Colby to move eighteen
companies of the Nebraska National
Guard to points along the Elkhorn road ,
and so dispose of them as to furnish the
most effective protection for the inhabi
tants. They are now in position , and
their presence , I am informed , has
tended largely to reduce the excitement
and restore confidence.
The placing and maintaining state
troops in the field has incurred a large
amount of expense which must be met
by an'appropriation of the amount of
which" I cannot now furnish an estimate.
FRANCES STATE TREASURER'S REPORT.
The following facts are gained from
ihe treasurer's biennial report :
Dec. 1.1SS3 , cash on hand S 930,293 7i
Nov. so , 1893 , receipts since Dec. l ,
1833 4.G8G.32342
Total receipts .33,022,027 It
Nov. 30 , 1890 , disbursements since
Dec. 1 , 1833 4,023,37394
Nov. 30,1S90 , balance on hand S1,599.M3 'JO
Distributed to the followim ; funds
towit :
General fund § 401,30783
Slnkiugfund 193,333 X )
Permanent school fund. & * . ' 5t 8. ;
Temporary ichoul fund. 303,032 SJ
Permanent unlve rs i t y
fund C.33073
Temporary umv e r s i t y
fund 47,782 C5
Agricultural college en
dowment fund 11,813 71
Hospital for insane fund 11.U34 43
Normal endowment fund c.lCJ 02
Normal institute fund. . ws 73
Normal library fund 352 30
State library fund 5.8-J3 23
C < imtol building fund
special 3,91021
Capitol building fund
tHX 37,781 or
Institute feeble minded
fund 4,91853
Live stock indemnity
fund io,053 20
Permanent Saline fund.J1.057 i 7
Saline laud stock yardj
lund 1,13033
Saline fund c27l 87
Total balances Nov. 30 ,
1S90 $1,2)9,243 20
The receipts were from the follotrtng
sources :
State taxes received . . . 53,111,231.93
Hospital for iiisune lund from
counties . . . . 143,793.33
School Inndssold , principal - f . ) .3 > fl. < ics
School lands sold and leased , infest G0-V > i .93
University lands sold , principal 0.1 . ' C4
Agricultural college lunds sold
principal - 12i:9.ia :
University and Agricultural col
lege lands sole and leased , in
terest - 7I.1G347
Normal Ecbool lands sold , principal 7,0 0.97
Normal school lands sold ami
leased , interest - 03St.2
Saline Ittnds sold by Lancaster Co. : . .0l3.3
Lincoln city lots . . . . J.,33l.C9
Interest charged county treasurer
by auditor - US 55
Revenue from K. S. and Co. bonds " 41.9AV77
Miscellaneous receipts - - 373.717 3d
Transfers as provided bv liuv. viz.'g 173-VJj.s ;
Reform school bldir. fund $4.,4rt507
Normal buililinjr fund 1271
Hospital for insane fund liTJ.OtW.'J. ;
Penitentiary fund - - 333.11
State bond lund - -
Interest charged county
treasurers - -
Tot.il receipts including transfers
Tlie payments were as follows :
Auditor's warrantsredeemed , viz :
On appropriations prior to 2Jtu
session legislature - - 2.571.5 ?
On rppropriations raaileby tkel3th
jcssion legislature
< Jn appropriation made by the 21st
session lejris'a'ure - lr > 5J,4 5Utt
On temporary school fund appor
tionments - - - . 1,143.333.01
Paid interest on state funding1
bonds . . . . . 7I.8SJ.7tJ
County bor.d I purchased for
Permanent school lund C50.17.-i 01
Permanent university fund - io.ooy.oj
Agricultural college endowment
fund - 10.UCO.OO
Normal endownment fund - 8,000.00
Paid accrued interest on bonds
purchased - . 4.543.47
Transfers , see above
Total payments including transfer S4.023.378/Jl
MONEr RECEIVED BV MB AND
CVCU TO THE TREASURER. *
The following amounts have beau re.
ceiycd by inc. viz : t ,
From the United States for the Neb