END OF THE FAIR! LOUISIANA PURCHASE EXPOS! I TION COMES TO A CLOSE. IS A HOLIDAY IN SAINT LOUIS Final Day Designated as Francis Day in Honor of the President—With a “Farewell” the Lights Go Out and the Show is Over. ST. LOUIS—A brief but impressive ceremony held at the base of the Louisiana Purchase monument con cluded the World’s fair at midnight. President D. R. Francis, accompanied by a number of the officials of the exposition, congregated in the im promptu rostrum. With words, "Farewell, a long fare well to your greatness,” President Francis touched a small lever and in stant ly the illumination throughout the grounds was at an end. The stupendous and magnificent ex position whose tendrils of interest have extended into every portion of the civilized world and even into aboriginal recesses, bringing within the gates of St. Louis millions of vis itors from throughout the entire world, has run its course and now passes into history as probably hav ing comprised the most representative collection of resources of the world ever assembled. From the inception of a project to hold an exposition to fittingly com memorate the 100th anniversary of the purchase of the Ixiuisiana terri tory, until the portals were thrown open and the world was invited to enter and enjoy the completed exhibi- j tion of the world's life, occupied a .period of seven j’ears. The duration of the exposition has been seven months and during that time nothing has occurred to throw a dampening effect into the interest or to detract from the exposition in any way. The best order has been maintained throughout; there have been a few fires, but all were of small moment with the exception of the destruction of the house of Hoo Hoo and the partial destruction of the Missouri building recently. The former was immediately rebuilt. No loss of life has occurred during the exposition from accident. St. Louis has prefer red its most gracious hospitality to the world and it has been accepted. Throngs of visitors have poured in to attend the exposition with the expec tation of being pleased and satisfied. They have departed amazed and grati fied. The opinion has been expressed at all times, on all sides, and without reserve, that the Louisiana Purchase exposition has been a success. Con gratulatory messages were received in large numbers from all parts of the country and from abroad, convey ing felicitations upon the success of the exposition. f The man probably most prominently w known in connection with the World's fair is the president. David R. Francis and it was fitting that the finai day •should be designated as ‘‘Francis day,” in his honor. NEARLY 20,000,000 ATTEND. St. Louis Exposition Visited by Multi tudes During Its Career. ST. LOUIS—While it will be impos sible to obtain the actual receipts and expenditures of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition company before the middle of December Secretary Walter B. Stevens of the World’s fair made the following statement to the Associated Press Thursday night: “From reports that have been sub mitted of the admissions to the grounds up to 9 o’clock tonight, we estimate that the attendance on ‘Fran cis day’ will be a few thousands in excess of 200,000, and that the attend ance for the exposition period will be in the neighborhood of 18,800,000. “In round numbers, the exposition company has expended $22,0^0,000 since the inception of the World’s fair project, and the expenditures of the several states and territories have reached a total of $9,000,000. The re ceipts since the opening day, April 20, have amounted to about $10,000. 000, consisting of admissions and con cession royalties. In addition to these receipts were the funds, amounting to about $12, 000,000, raised by subscription and appropriation, to build the exposition. “While it is impossible to state ex actly the financial condition of the exposition company on this, the clos ing day, it can be authoritatively an nounced that all debts against the company have been paid with the ex ception of a few- currents accounts, such as salaries, etc., and these will, It is thought, consume nearly all the surplus, so that there will only be a very small amount left for the stock holders. “From the amount of royalties col lected by the exposition company it is estimated that the concessionaires on the Pike and other parts of the grounds have taken in at least $10 000,000.” Montana Ranchman Killed. WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. Mont.—Homer E. Ward, a young ranchman, aged 23, about twenty-four miles northwest of here, was found dead in his cabin Friday. His body was partly burned and there wras a bullet hole in his head. A hole through a window pane indicated that he had been shot from behind as he was seated at his table eating. The body had been laid upon the bed, cov ered with bed clothing, saturated with kerosene and a match applied. The act of incendiarism, however, failed. Herr Most Leaves St. Louis. ST. LOUIS—On the promise that he would leave the city “Herr” Johann Most, the New York anarchist, who was arrested Tuesday night, was re leased. His arrest followed the break ( lng up of two meetings at which he C was to have spoken on anarchy. No charge was made against him and he was held for the chief. When Chief of Police Kiely had Most brought be fore him he was asked if he would leave the city if released. On an swering in the affirmative the police ««ve Most his liberty. AFFAIRS OF ARMY. The Secretary of War Makes His An nual Report. WASHINGTON—The annual report of the secretary ot war was made public Monday. The following are some extracts taken from the report: On December 7, 1903, the date of the last annual report, the army of the United States, according to the latest reports which had been receiv ed from the military departments (October 15, 1903), consisted of 3,681 officers and 55,500 enlisted men, a to tal of 59,181. fn addition there were in the service 2,807 men of the hos pital corps, excluded by the act of March 1, 1887, from classification as part of the enlisted force of the army. There were also in the serv ice twenty-six officers and 520 men of the Porto Rico regiment and nine ty-nine officers and 4,805 enlisted Phil ippine scouts. At the date of the last reports re ceived from the military departments (October 16, 1904), the actual strength of the regular army was 3,744 officers and 56,439 enlisted men, distributed as follows: United States. 2.892 officers, 43,570 enlisted men; Philippine Islands, 779 officers, 11,538 enlisted men; Porto Rico, 5 officers, 5 enlisted men; Ha waiian Islands. 7 officers, 209 enlisted men; China, 5 officers, 131 enlisted men: Alaska, 56 officers, 986 enlisted men: total, 3,744 officers, 56,439 en listed men. The food and clothing supplied to troops and the barracks and quarters furnished at home and abroad have been satisfactory, and all troops have been paid with promptness and reg ularity, monthly payments prevailing except in the department of Minda nao, where bi-monthly payments con tinue on account of lack of transpor tation facilities. It is no exaggera tion to say that the troops of the United States are the best fed, best clothed and best sheltered troops in the world. The clothing allowance for the AnJerican soldier is of the amplest, both in quantity and quality, the ra tion furnished has long been the sur prise and wonder of military men of foreign nations, and that the private in the United States army, who re ceives $13 per month, is well paid can be seen from the following statement showing the pr.y of privates in other countries: Austro-Hungary, 73 cents; France, $1.74; Germany, $2.50; Great Britain, $7.14; Japan, 60 cents; Rus sia, 12 cents. GREAT JOY AT TOKIO. Hope of Early Fall of Port Arthur Re vived by Late Reports. TOKIO—General Nogi’s telegram announcing the storming and capture of 203-Meter hill was received with cheers by the Japanese people. It re vives the hope of an early capture of Port Arthur proper. The people have never despaired of the success of tho besiegers, but the fortitude of the de fenders and the prolongation of tho siege, which exceeds by months the most liberal preliminary estimate of the time required -to accomplish the reduction of this stronghold, has been a source of deep regret, combined with the loss of life and disappoint ments over the fact that the siege has occupied such a large force of men, decreasing Field Marshal’s Oya ma’s strength at a time when he need ed every available man. Thursday was the date set undty the conscription act when recruits could join the army. Cheered by the news from General Nogi. thousands of re cruits throughout the empire marched to barracks and donned uniforms for the first time. Following an honored custom, the relatives of the recruits, carrying flags and banners, escorted the new soldiers to their barracks. “Desperate fighting is proceeding daily and the losses are admitted to be excessive, but the Japanese insist that Port Arthur must fall within twenty-one days.” UNIFORM BILL OF LADING. Ten Thousand Shippers Are Against Its EnforcemenL CHICAGO, III.—Through their rep resentatives 100,000 shippers will pro test against the enforcement January 1 by the railroads throughout the country of the “uniform bill of lading” before the inter-state commerce com mission, which meets here today. Rep* resentatives of nearly 300 railways have been subpoenaed to appear be fore the commission. The shippers, representing fifty as sociations, will state their case through their attorneys. The associa tions make three objections to the pro posed “uniform bill of lading.” They object to the advance of 20 per cent if goods are to go at the carrier’s risk;, they object to signing a bill of lading if goods are to go at present rates, making the shipper liable for loss or damage, and they object to the instru ment being stamped “not negotiable.” In objecting to the last provision of the new arrangement the shippers con tend that it would hinder the transfer or carry and the elasticity of trade. The hearing before the commission promises to last several days. Cbnvict Shot by a Guard. SIOUX FALLS, S. D.—Robert White who was serving ten years for mur der, was shot and kilied by a guard during an attack he made on Deputy Warden Cooley. White, it is stated by prison officials, has been very unruly, and his meals have been served to him in his cell. The deputy entered his cell, accompanied by four guards, and attempted to nandcuff the prisoner. White made a murderous attack on the deputy with a table leg and a steel bar. He was shot by a guard.* Roosevelt Did Not Say It. WASHINGTON—It was authorita tively stated at the White House that the president has no recollection of a visit from John Beattie, the represent ative of the Master Painters’ and Dec orators’ association, who, at the con vention of the Citizens’ Industrial al liance in New York declared that the president had indorsed a proposition to put on labor unions the responsibil ity for paralyzing business by lock outs. It was announced the president did not make the remark attributed to him by Mr. Beattie. • GONCRESS AGAIN NATIONAL LAWMAKERS ABOUT TO ASSEMBLE. LITTLE WILL BE DONE THIS WEEK Message of President Nott to Be De livered Until Second Day—Adjourn ment in Memory of Members Who Have Died. , WASHINGTON—Little in the way of legislative business is expected the first week of the session of congress. The first day will be devoted to call ing the roll and swearing in new mem bers who have been elected to fill va cancies. The nsual committee will be appointed to inform the president that congress is in session and the resolution noticing the senate that a quorum of the nouse is ready for busi ness will be passed. Tuesday the president’s message will be read, bnt it is not expected that any other busi ness will be transacted. There are a number of minor mat ters of legislation which may be con sidered on Wednesday and on Thurs day, as no special order has been i made for consideration of any general measure. It is possible that.the leg islative, executive and judicial appro priation bill may be reported Wed nesday or Thursday. Friday is pension day and there will be more than a thousand private pen sion bills ready for the house to con sider. Early adjournments each day are expected during the first week in or der to give time to shape the ses sion business. An intimation has been given that objection may be interposed against administering the oath of office to J. Thomas Heflin, who has been elected to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Representative Thompson of the Fifth Alabama district, on account of certain language Heflin is alleged to have used regarding the president of the United States. In case objection is made there is no doubt there will be a spirited party debate < which would occupy considerable time. The first act of the senate after convening will be one of respect to the memory of two distinguished sen ators whose deaths have occurred since the adjournment of congress. Senator Penrose, immediately after the senate is called to order, will an nounce Senator Quay’s demise, and then will give way to Senator Lodge to perform a like service in the case of Senator Hoar. Adjournment for the day will follow at once and will postpone receipt of the president’s an nual message until Tuesday. The document will be received early Tues day and very little if any further busi ness beyond its reading and the in duction into office of Messrs. Knox of Pennsylvania and Crane of Massachu setts. For the remainder of the week ex ceedingly brief sessions are expected. On Thursday an adjournment will be taken until the following Monday. Senator Lodge will press the house bill for the amendment of the Philip pine government law as soon as it is practicable to get that measure be fore the senate, and has announced his intention not to brook opposition to its consideration. The bill has the vast advantage of being on the calen dar as unfinished business, so that it cannot easily be displaced. It is not probable, however, that Mr. Lodge will now attempt more with reference to it than to give notice of his inten tion to press its adoption. COCKRELL HAS HIS CHOICE. Positions Offered to the Missourian by President Roosevelt. WASHINGTON—Senator Cockrell of Missouri, who arrived In Washing ton Tuesday night from his home, call ed Wednesday on President Roosevelt and had an extended conference with him. It was the first time the presi dent and Senator Cockrell had met since the election. When it became evident that the result of the election in Missouri would result in the re tirement from the senate of Mr. Cock rell the president let it be understood that he would offer to him a federal appointment commensurate with his ability, knowledge of public affairs, wide experience and high character. At the conference Wednesday the president informed Senator Cockrell that he would appoint him as a mem ber of either the isthmian canal com mission or of the interstate commerce commission as the senator might elect. Senator Cockrell did not indicate to the president what he might do re garding the proffer and said to his friends after the conference that he would not announce his decision, per haps for several weeks, as it was not necessary that he should do so Immediately. Naturalization Frauds. BALTIMORE—Three persons were arrested on bench warrants issued by United States Judge Morris on the charge of falsely swearing that they had resided in the United States long enough to legalize their suffrages. They are Max Cohen, Jacob Reiner and Charles Einstein. The prisoners, accompanied by several other resi dents' of Baltimore, went to Westmin ster, Md., prior to the November elec tion and secured naturalization papers upon which their names were enrolled upon the polling lists. Butler Secures a Stay. JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.—Chief Jus tice Robinson of the supreme court issued a temporary rule in prohibition against Judge Foster of the St. Louis criminal court to prevent him from proceeding with the trial of Edward Butler in his court on the charge of bribing Charles F. Kelley to leave the state and avoid testifying against him In the boodle cases. The temporary writ is made returnable Dec. 13, when Judge Foster is- directed to show cause why the temporary rule shall not be made permanent. TALK OF RECIPROCITY. Ths Question Likely to Be Up in the Coming Congress. WASHINGTON—Coupled with tar iff legislation discussion is tho sub ject of reciprocity. A number of pro posed reciprocity treaties have been and still are reposing in the pigeon holes of the senate. During the com ing three months there may be some talk about these treaties, but the in dications are they will not be serious ly considered. So strong has been the opopsition to them that it has never been considered w’orth while to report them from the committee on foreign relations, to which they were referred. There was considerable talk during the last session of con gress concerning tariff revision, and the suggestion was made by several prominent leaders that any revision that was necessary could be accom plished during the short session of congress, the idea being that revision would be on the lines of reduction and would meet with little or no opposi tion may be more pronounced. Revenue legislation of any kind Is sure to create considerable talk in the senate, and that means delay. Iu fact it has become known under pres ent conditions legislation during the short session is enacted by practically unanimous consent. Any half dozen senators who determine to defeat a bill have the power to do so, with the privilege of unlimited debate. In the house the stringent rules enable the majority to transact all business it desires, and so far as that body is concerned there is no difficulty about any legislation that may be attempt ed, but if the leaders do not want tariff revision or change in the reve nue laws nothing will be done. ENJOINS THE TAXES. Burlington and Union Pacific File Pe tition in the Federal Court. OMAHA—The Union Pacific Rail way company, through its attorney, John M. Baldwin, and the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy and B. & M. Railway companies, through their at torney, J. E. Kelby, appeared before Judge W. H. Munger in the United States circuit court Wednesday even ing and secured a temporary restrain ing order against the county treasu rers of the different counties of the state of Nebraska through which their respective roads run. from attempting in any way or manner to collect the taxes levied against the complainant roads or from enforcing any of the terms of any tax warrant which may now or hereafter be placed in their hands. Judge Munger granted the tempo rary order and the hearing is set for Monday or Tuesday, December 26 or 27, 1904. The petition accompanying the ap plication made by the Union Pacific is of seventy-four printed pages. The ha$ste in seeking the restrain ing order is owing to the fact that under the new revenue law of Ne braska the taxes of railway corpora tions become due and delinquent on December 1, and the tax collecting officials of the respective counties are authorized under the law to levy upon any funds that may be in the hands of any agent of the respective com panies to apply upon the delinquent taxes, or that may thereafter come into their hands so long as the taxes remain unsatisfied. Hence, as these corporation taxes become due on and after Wednesday, the railroads had to hurry and get the restraining order granted. JAPS GET NEARER. Report That They Now Occupy 203 Meter Hill. LONDON—According to a Tokio dispatch to the Standard there is an unofficial rumor that the Japanese hauled large caliber guns to the top of 203 meter hill, from whence their fire has a sweep of the whole harbor. This report doubtless goes beyond the facts, but various dispatches in dicate the progress the Japanese are making in the reduction of Port Ar thur. Japanese here explain the great importance of 203 Meter hill, which, besides giving command of the har bor, w’ill serve as a wide breach made by the wedge the Japanese had pre viously driven in between the Etse group and the Russians’ last retreat in the ravines of Laotie mountain. They declare that retreat to Laotie will be effectively cut off and that it is not unlikely that Laotie will be si multaneously attacked in the final as sault. Bennett Burleigh wires to the Daily Telegraph from Che Foo that in the last assault the Japanese lost 4,000 in one hour's fighting. They claim to have cautpred two more of the north eastern forts and a third, which is part of the West Kekwan fort. They claim, Mr. Burleigh adds, to have ef fected a lodgement at Pigeon bay, thus turning the fort on 203 Meter hill, and that they are now tunnelling from the gorge below Laotie hill, which they hope first to damage and then to rush. The dispatch continues: Norway Wants $10,000,000. CHRISTIANIA, Norway—During the discussion in the storthing of the bill to raise a loan of $7,500,000, the finance minister unexpectedly an nounced that the loan would be in creased to $10,000,000, of which the ad ditional $2,500,000 would be set a3ide as a special reserve for use “when the country Is in distress.” This announce ment of what may be regarded as a war fund created some astonishment. Some members asked an explanation of what had happened, but the min ister refused to be drawn out. Fight for Fairbanks’ Seat. INDIANAPOLIS— Congressman C. B. Landis of Delphi and Captain Harry S. New of Indianapolis, withdrew their names from the contest for the seat of United States Senator Fair banks, vice president-elect. Money to Clean Up Cuban Cities. HAVANA—The special committee having the subject in charge has sub mitted to the house of representatives a bill appropriating $190,000 for the sanitation of Santiago, Cienfuegos, Cardenav and Matanzas.' I FALL OL ARTHUR ! ST. PETERSBURG NOW THINKS IT IS IMMINENT. ARE PREPARINGFORTHE WORST Capture of Two Hundred and Three Meter Hill Seals Doom of Besieged Town—General Stoessel Will Never Surrender. ST. PETERSBURG—With the con-' flrmation of the news that the Japan ese have occupied Two Tundred and Three-Meter hill and the report that the Russians unsuccessfully at tempt ed its recapture, officials at the war office are beginning to prepare them selves for the inevitable. Golden hill and Liaotl hill are higher and domi nate Two Hundred and Three-Meter hill, but the officials say that if the Japanese succeed in mounting heavy guns upon the latter it probably will be only a question of days or weeks before the fortress falls. Still there is not the lightest idea among Gen eral Stoessel’s friends that he will surrender even if he should be or dered to do so. It is hinted that it is possible that if the fall of the for tress Is shown to be inevitable the emperor may direct his surrender in order to prevent the unnecessary sac rifice of the remnant of its brave de fenders, but it is believed by those who know General Stoessel best that he will make good his threat to hold out to the last man and cartridge in Port Arthur. The ships in the harbor, it can now be stated on high authority, are in no condition to attempt to break through the blockading squadron. The guns of the warships were not long ago landed and the marines and sail ors have been participating in the land defense. Some of the ships have also been injured by shells. If the fortress falls, it is understood, they will be taken outside and sunk in deep water in order to prevent the possibility of their ever being of serv ice to the enemy. The question of the advisability of reinforcing Vice Admiral Rojestven sky's squadron with the Black sea fleet is again being agitated in some of the papers, notably the Novoe Vremya. which points out that with the addition of the Black sea vessels Rojestvensky will have a superiority which will insure victory over Admir al Togo’s fleet. The Novoe Vremya calls attention to the fact that Japan was not one of the signatories to the treaties clos ing the Dardanelles and asserts that if Japan had the power she might force an entrance into the Black sea and engage the Russian fleet. Con versely, the paper continues, with the consent of the porte there is noth ing in the treaty to prevent the exit of the Black sea fleet to fight some power which is in nowise involved in the treaty. AMERICAN COMMITS SUICIDE. — New York Man Jumps to Vestibule from Third Floor of Hotel. LONDON—Eiverton Chapman, aged 23, whose home is in New York City, committed suicide at the Carlton hotel by throwing himself from the third floor landing to the vestibule, where he was shockingly mangled on the marble floor. His skull was crushed, one arm was shattered and there were other injuries, from which he died in terrible agony within a few minutes. Chapman arrived at the Carlton last Saturday accompanied by his valet. After dressing for dinner Monday evening he left his room and upon arriving at the head of the staircase suddenly eluded the watchful attend ant, sprang forward, cleared the ban ister and fell three flights to the ground. The vestibule was filled with well dressed men and women who were proceeding to the dining hall. The band was playing when the tragic incident occurred. It was all so start ling that great confusion at once pre vailed, but the doctors speedily arriv ed and Chapman was conveyed to his room. He succumbed almost immedi ately. NEW BANK TO RUN AT NIGHT New York Financiers Plan Institution for Transients. NEW YORK—Impressed by the need for an institution where money may be obtained at any hour, promi nent New York financiers and com mercial men have, it is announced by the Herald, organized the first night and day bank and safe deposit com pany. The names* of men prominent in the business and social world appear in the organization committee and the capital stock of $250,000 already has been subscribed. The concern also will have a working surplus of $250, 000. The plight in which many trav elers of wealth often find themselves because they are unable to draw cash in cases of emergency suggested the organization of the bank. It is likely that Oaklelgh Thorne of the North American Trust company will be presi dent of the new institution. Taft Will Arrive Saturday. PENSACOLA, Fla.—A cablegram was received Sunday from Secretary of War Taft and his party, announc ing that they would arrive in Pensa cola on the cruiser Columbia on De cember 10. It is the, intention of Sec retary Taft to return to Washington aout December 14, according to pres ent plans. He stated on his departure from here that he would remain in Pensacola several days on h.s return. Preparations are being made for the entertainment of the distinguished party during their stay here. Pure Seed Special Train. ST. PAUL—The Chicago & North western Is planning a “pure seed special train,” which will traverse the company's line in South Dakota, Min nesota and other states this winter. The company will run a special train carrying Profs. Wilson and Wheeler of the South Dakota Agricultural school, A. O. Johnson and M. F. Gree ley over its various lines, with stops at every tillage and way station. The grain experts will conduct brief lec-. tures and disseminate information to farmers who call at the train | NEWS IN NEBRASKA | THE STATE IN BRIEF. James H. Locker has been convict ed of assault at Hayes Center. Twenty-two banks of the state have failed to make the regular report to the state banking board. Farmer Fenck was held up by high waymen four miles from Shelton as he was on his way home. The would-be ' robbers got nothing. [ The Deuel County bank of Osh l kosh has been authorized by the sec | retary of the state banking board. The bank has a capital stock of $25, I 000. ' A series of successful evangelistic ^ meetings is in progress in Crete, un der the leaderchip of Rev. Milford H. Lyon of Chicago and J. W. Patterson his singer. At Sutherland, Robert R. Brent, pas tor of the local Presbyterian church, tendered his resignation and. with his family, returned to Lebanon. 111., from which place he came a few months ago. George Voix. a well-to-do farmer re siding near Lorton, was going home from Lorton when his team ran away and Mr. Voix was thrown out, the wagon-box falling on top of him. His neck was broken. There was brought before the com missioners of insanity of Polk county Mrs. Emily Johnt^m, whose home is near Stromsburg. It was found she was a fit subject for the asylum, and she was therefore sent to that in stitution. The Ashland Telephone company has been reorganized, the changes in the directory to take place January 3. H. H. Herndon, who owmed a con trolling interest, has sold his stock to H. A. and E. A. Wiggenhorn, jr., and C. F. Folsom. Real estate of Omaha has been val ued this year by Tax Commis sioner Fleming at $73,739,230. Of this amount, $41,427,975 is for lands, and $30,301,255 for improvements. Last year the Assessment on real estate was l.oao,mo, oi wnicn M-J.zsz.odu was for lands, and $28,350,715 for im provements. The preliminary hearing of John Sinner, Ed Bartholomew, Myrt John son and Edna Luist, who went to Benedict and all got drunk, wras held at York. They were charged with breaking into James Bros.’ elevator and destroying property. Judge Tay lor bound them over to the district court on both counts in the sum of $500 each. At the government land office in Lincoln last wreek William F. Shane and Foster Church each filed on eight acres of a tract in Thayer county which they had purchased years ago. Walter F. Camp had filed on the land in 1875, but disposed of the tract be fore he had perfected the title. Un der the supposition that the title was clear, the land has been transferred several times. Legislators arriving in Lincoln the first of the year will not find things in the same condition they did two years ago, all ready for the start. This is because the last legislature authorized the secretary of state to spend not more than $1,000 in getting ready for the session, the remainder of the purchasing to be done by the legislators themselves. This $1,000 will not go very far. The state apportionment of the temporary school funds to be made December 5 by State Treasurer Mor tensen and State Superintendent Fow ler will not exceed $270,000. The amount of the last apportionment, made In May, was $443,288.14. The various counties receive their appor tionment on their school population, and this amount is then divided by the county superintendents among the several districts. A sharp fight between farmers and automobile men seems imminent in the next legislature. The farmers of the Loup valley, where the excellent roads make traveling very attractive to the chauffeurs, seem especially hos tile, and have pledged a number of the legislators from that section of the state to introduce a bill, keeping automobiles unless they are run at a very low speed, and stopped at the side of the road as soon as a wagon or other vehicle comes in sight. Thieves entered the home of James Schock. living southeast of Beatrice, while the family was in the city and carried off a considerable quantity of bed clothes, clothing and jewelry. The bloodhounds were put on the trail, which wras followed to the banks of the Blue river, where the thieves had escaped in a boat. The farmers of Pickerell held a big mass meeting for the purpose of con sidering the proposition of building an independent farmers’ elevator. Speeches were made by prominent farmers, who complained bitterly of the treatment received at the hands of the trust. About $1,500 was pledg ed at the meeting and it is the in tention to raise $5,000, when a mod ern structure will be erected. Rev. F. P. Blackmore of Weep ing Water, who nas been on trial be fore a court composed of clergymen of this section, has been found guilty as charged. The sessions of the in quiry lasted two days. The four minor children of John Pope of Plattsmouth brought suit in' the district court to collect the sum of $5,000 damages from George Oberle, a saloon-keeper in Greenwood, and the bonding company. The father drank whisky in Oberle’s saloon and while drunk lost his life by being thrown from a wagon. Seats will be assigned by lot to the members of the legislature this year. Applications galore for seats “just about in the center of the house” are coming in to Secretary of State Marsh, and he has devised the lot tery plan to settle the matter. John Thompson, of Beatrice, charg ed with daylight burglary, was given his preliminary hearing before Judge Inmann and was bound over to the present term of the district court in bonds of $200. He was unable to se cure bail and was lodged in the coun ty jail. . 0 TROUBLE FOR TREASURERS. A Movement that is in Violation of Law. LINCOLN—According to the opin ion of Attorney General Prout thos« county treasurers who are accepting a portion of the taxes assessed against railroad companies, even under pro test. are violating the law. Mr. Prout believes the county treasurer should collect all of the taxes at once or none. He has received a number of requests from county treasurers asking advico in the matter and he has referred to his former opinion on the subject, given in 1901. That opinion is as fol lows: “An examination of the revenue law convinces me that the legislature in tended that a tax debtor should pay an item of taxes at a single payment, and that the county treasurer should not be compelled to divido an item and to receive partial payment at one time and the balance at another time. If a county treasurer may divide an item of taxes into two parts for pur poses of payment, why may not he di vide it into fifty parts and receive the payment of a single item fifty different times? The books which the treasu rer is required to keep, his form of re ceipt prescribed by statute, indicate that an item of taxes should be paid at a single payment. A claim that a part of an item is void does not change the duty of the treasurer. He has nothing to do with questions re lating to the validity of taxes or a portion of an item. The determina tion of such questions had been com mitted to other officers or 'tribunals. The warrant of the treasurer directs him to collect the taxes, not to mako partial collections. I am therefore of the opinion that the county treasurer should decline to accept a portion of the items of taxes in question.” __ < FARM SOLD AND MORTGAGED. __ J. T. Jones of Humboldt Finds This Condition. EDGAR—An illegal land sale in this vicinity has just come to light. Mr. Joel T. Jones, formerly of this city, but who moved to Humboldt, Neb, some seven or eight years ago, owns a quarter section of very fine land three miles northeast of Edgar. Nol long ago a man claiming to be Joel T. Jones, the owner of the land, quiet ly effected a sale of the farm to a man calling himself Martin Clark. Both parties w’ere strangers to the county officials, as was also the real owner, Joel T. Jones of Humboldt. A deed was made and recorded by the nrn Clark and then a loan of $500 was secured from a Beatrice bank an! a mortgage was duly filed against the farm. The matter came to the ears of Mr. Joel T. Jones of Humboldt, and he lost no time in coming up to see about the matter. He succeeded in notifying the county officials and the mortgagee of the character of the sale, but could get no trace of the men who sold, bought and mortgaged the land. Surveyors Are Near Brainard. BRAIXARD—The surveying crew of the Omaha & Nebraska Central' railway is now in camp here, having made the survey from Hastings to: this point. In the 167 miles that have been run so far they have made but) one grade crossing with another line of railroad, having either gone unden or over the tracks of other roads. Farmer Killed by a Fall. NEBRASKA .CITY—Fritz Viox. a wealthy farmer, residing naar Lorton, fell out of his wagon while driving toi his home and was killed. He had been drinking. State is Paramount. Governor Mickey and Attorney Gen eral Prout held a conference regard ing the suit brought by the Uuion Pacific and Burlington railroads to enjoin the collection of their taxees. The matter will be looked after by the state's legal department and a red hot fight in support of the revenue law will be made. It is the belief of the members of the board that the fight of the railroads will not b© suc cessful. Prisoners Go to Penitentiary. PAPILLION—Sheriff McEvoy has taken Dillon, Hike and Rivers to th© penitentiary, where they go to serve sentences of four years each, the two former for highway robbery and the latter, a negro, for burglary. Epidemic of Typhoid. NORFOLK—An extensive epidemic of typhoid fever prevails in northern Nebraska. There are several deaths daily. The cause of the illness has not been determined. A Daughters of Rebekah lodge was organized in Nebraska City. The Re bekah lodge of Nehawka attended and Initiated the members into the lodge. Paupers Are Decreasing. LINCOLN—In prosperous Nebraska the number of paupers, charges of counties, has been materially decreas ed during the last two years. In his forthcoming report Secretary Davis of the state board of charities and corrections wil! state that two years ago there were 1,106 dependents, while now there are 1,062. According to his compilation there is cne dependent pauper subsisting on public bounty to every 1,200 inhabitants. The cost of maintenance ranges from $1.02 to $4 a week. Big Farm Bara Fire. FREMONT—The big barn on the farm of John Delaney, seven miles northeast of Fremont, ten head of horses, a big granary filled with grain and a hay mow filled with hay were destroyed by fire. Mr. Delaney dis covered the flames when they were shooting out through the roof of the structure. Many of his neighbors were attracted a few minutes later and responded promptly to help him, but the heat was so intense that mi one could enter the building to save anything.