Nebraska Newspapers

    THE ADVERTISER,
rCBLIsnSD EVEST TnUESDAT BT
FURNAS & L7ANNA,
econd Stcry Iloadley's Block, Alain Street,
XmOTTXrilAE, X. T.
TERMS
rr n year, If paM in advance,
" If ia.id attbe endof
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nub of 18 ot rv.re will be furnli-hed at $1 60 per
pnu- provided the cash accompaniea the older, not
- $8 00
6 in on lb i 2 60
12 " 3 00
v n
Ly -A
! U
Ay
1 HA U
r v r t i
, A 1 1
iW'
A - ! Hi' i n- i uz
yxyyy a Ay
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THE ADVERTISER,
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VOL. IV.
BEOWNVILLE, NEBRxSKAv THURSDAY," DECEMBER 15, 1859.
NO. 23.
BUSINESS CARDS;
V. C. JOHNSON,
ATTORNEY AT LAW,
' SOLICITOR IN CHANCERY
A X D
Heal Estate Ascnt,
BROWN YILLE, N. T.
BirERXCBS.
B.S.BeBtlj, " " ;;
Jv'an 0. Miller, Chicago, 111.
Win. K. McAllister, " "
. Cb-trleiF. FUr,
ij V Fumai,UrownTiue, ,T. ,
v.. 7. 1857.-
U J f " ,
E. MATHIEU
D. t. M'OABV. O.B.HIWI". I. W. TH0MA.S.
McGary, llewctt & Thomas,
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
AND :
SOLICITORS IX CIUXCERY.
BroYvnYille, Nebraska.
Will practice In the Courta of Xctraka,and North
west Miiiouri. r .
&C. St: Lonlt, Ho.
Vo .
. ' - 'Do
. St.Jo!eph,Mo.
- 1)0:
Kehruka Clty,N.T.'
Co da
BrovDTllle
18C8. ' viuis
Jffsr. Cruw, McCrcary
Han. James X. IIubIjb,
Han JoLu R. Sijely,
Hon. JniekCraiF,
nn. Silu Woodson,
Hon. Samuel W. Elact,
8. K.Xuckolli.Esq.,
Cbecver Sweet tc Co.,
R. W. Fdrcaa .
Jjrownville, K- T. Oct. 23
Cabinet & Y7agon-LIaker wiLCOX & BEDFORD;
IEAL1R3 IS
LAND WARRANTS,
T. W. ED011U
Main Street. bet. Sixth and Seventh,
I1KOWSV1L.LU, N. T.
All kin U of Cibinet work ueatly executed.
y epiritm of wasuna'plowa, etc., promptly done
J. B. WESTON,
ATTORNEY AT LAW,
Brownville, Kebraaka.
n-.ron Miln Street, ono Uor above the Post
J -
Hrwnvi!l, Drcembcr 1, 1&59.
C. W. WHEELER,
Ircliitect and Builder.
rMRSMAIlY 1IEWETT
11LUHER AMD DRESS MAKER.
Miln Street, one door above Carsons Bank.
ionnrf and. Trimmings always on hand.
JAMES W. GIBSON,
BLACKSMITH
Second Street.between Mam ana .eDrasa,
.RttOWNVILLE, N. T.
. T. M. TALUOTT,
DENTAL SURGEON,
Ilarinz licateJ himself in Brownville, X. T., ten
ders his rofcsiioual sorvkea to tbccouimumtj.
All jobs warranted.
DR. D. GWIN,
Having permanently located in
BROWNVILLE, NEBRASKA,
For the practiee of Medicine and Surgery, ten
ders hia professional services to ia '- -"
05ct on Main Street. "-3r3
1 A. S. HO LL AD AY, M. D.
', .rifniiv (Tif.irmti hia friends in Brownville and
ImnieJiat. vicinity that be has res-uuitd the practice of
Jledlcliie, Surgery. & Obstetrics,
nd hope, by strict attention to his profession, to receive
ft, ennnr.illl til t Toll HHP
heretofore exteuJcil to biia. in
11 csc where it Is posslbleor exi.edlont, a prescription
1 usIupkhwUI be done.' omce at cnyirugoiore.
Ke6.2i, '69. 35 ly
BT STATE Al'TUORITT.
INCREASE OF CASH CAPITAL
A K D
E ASTE11X E(JUA.AUU,
XSroxrxLirillo, X1-
Laxd Warrants Lo.vnfj) on Time
1 From One Month to Ten Years,
Land Warrants Loaned to rre-cmpior , faxes ram ,
Collections made; Real KiUte Bouclit and Sold; Lauds
Located; and safe Investment luaae lor r-asieru cai
ItalUts.
All Land Warrants sold by us are guaranicu peweci
In all respects,
S-OOO
Acres of Choice Lands,
For Sale In Nemaha and IUcIian!-
son Counties, jScDrasRa. :
Thpsn lands were selected and locate:! ianiieaiateiy
after the Land Saies, and are auiongt the most valua
ble Lands In the Territory.
We will sell them at low prices, and on long lime to
actual settlers. .
WILCOX i BEDFORD,
Brownville, K. T.,Ecc. 8, 1859.
JOSEPH L. ROY,
S EL 13 '
AND
HAIR DRESSER.
Main Street,
nnoir.TiLLG, n. t.
E. S. DUNDY,
A T TORN E Y A T LAW,
ARCHER, RICnARCROX CO. If. T.
wit r T.i-tti.a in tivrril r.mrts of the id JudlC:aI
niuti-L t .iwi 3it,n,i to at! tn 4tt.ris connected with the
Profession. Wat. McLennan, of Nebraska City,
will assist mem the proecuuon oi iuipoi muiou.
Sept. to, '07-1 i-tr
GEORGE EDWARDS,
a TicjniiraioT.
OFFICE Main St, Eattof Kinney tr llolltft ojfict,
u e Drasica iiy, xm . a ,
Porionswho conteinnlate building can be furnished
tolt. nlirn Plnrt4 Snrndfljatiuns. itC. for bulldlnisol
any class or variety of style, and tte erection of the
same superintended ir dared. rrowpr iiicnuon fu
la busiuessfrom a distance. . Wlt
Clocks, Watches & Jewelry.
J. SCHITTZ
Would anuounceto thecititens or Br;wnviiie
VvS inrl vlclnitv that Le has located biuiSidf in
(LlJaBrownville, andlntends keeping a full assort,
lueut of everything in his lineof business, which will
be sold low for cash. Hewlllalsodo all kinls of re
pairing of clocks, watches and jewelry. All work war
ranted. v3ul81y
CITY LIVERY STABLE.
Thoenlx Insurance Company,
Hartford, Connecticut.
DEVOTED TO
FIRE INSURANCE EXCLUSIVELY
i Charter Perpetual.
Casli Capital, 400,000 00 Dollars.
Casli Assctt, $517,712 37
? R.ILLOOMIS.TresiJent.
II KELLOCJG, Secretary.
t nrrmrh nfTIrc. 31 & 33 3J St. Cincinnati.
S M. MAGILL General Agent.
WM. ROSSELL,
BTlOWNVIIiL."E, N". T. '
Announces to the public that be Is prepared to accorn-
niudiitc those whing with t;artiapes ana iui;Kies o-
getherwith Rood afe horse, forcomlort and ease in tra
velling, lie will also board horses ty the cy. wee or
month.
Jrj-TERXS FAVORAVLE.JEZ
June 10, 'S. 60tf
1
the rrinciial Cities and towns in the
Union. l??es pn.inpt'.y nid. Applications receivd
and policies i8ued and rencwra.
O. 13. HEWETT Agent,
At Ilrownville, X. T.
) BrowpTilre, Not. 17. 1S59 ly
LIGHT LITERATURE
NEWSPAPERS,
Of everv description, for sale at
SCIIIITZ & DEUSER'S
LITERARY DEPOT,
South-east corner Main and Second,
KROSVNVILIiE, N. T.
Ront f-ntll
SilB III MBSS
t
MANUFACTORY!
j JOHN W. MIDDLET0N,
nnowxiL-i-c, y. t.
r-rt HERKBT Informs the public that he has
located himself In this Cjty, and i prepared
l-2- to serve tboe in want of anything in his line.
Uhas selected his 6tck rith csrc and ill inn'iTacture
No. 1 article of everything offered, llo deems it tin.
aeressarTtoenumerate: but will keeponhaud e-eyartl-
l usually obtained in bad.lle and fiarne Miops.
JOUX W. illDDLETOV.
Rmmviiu v.tI1! no46-6m
j NEW
iBOOT &.SMOE
BCADE SALOON!
IJTAIN STREET, ;
(Over Stigle t Grccnbautn's Clothing Store,)
Erowavllle, IT T.
The rropriotor would rcyivectfullr inform the pub
lic that he hits opened up and established f-r U'.a re
freshment of the inner man, at the above mentioned
plaee, where all can be accommodated with the best
of Wines and Liquon, and enjoy the soothing ia-
fluonce cf the best Quality of Secars. A first clitsa
Thelan's Patent Coinbinntion Cushions, with all the
moderrn improvemeiit?, is also on the y.remiiies for
tba enjoyment of all who delight in tin? entleinnn
Iv and scientific nme. EVAN W0I1TUINO.
. 1J ...... T
iSet)tembcr 2-'d. lSV. nn-rin
a
O rSAXK OOULET. S 8 SOCTHAKD, ja
G 0 ULEY.r CO.,
(Ltc Randall, Uouley, &. Co.,)
Commission Merchants,
consrn. or vine ajtd commeucial' sts.
AND
Xumbcr 54, Xorth Levee,
St. Louis, jUlssonrl,'
GENERAL FORWARDERS,
EAST ST: LOUIS, ILLS.,
"Pcitcnt Metallic Keg" Agency for
:DuPont'a 'Gcnponder.
: I .also :
JJ gents Jgt .Cropper Sf Co's Unadulterated
' Liquors.
July7.h, 1S53. : " :
JOB.S. T. KlXSfeT. A x CH AS. F. HOLLY.
KINNEY & HOLLY,:
ATTORNEYS AT LAW,
XEJIll ISliA CITY, X T.
Will praoticeia the Courts of this Territory. Collec
ion auj criminal bUiinesK atteuded to throughoat Ne
braska, Westeru Iowa aud Missouri. "Will attenu me
Courts at Brownville. . I . v2u33-6m
FRANKLIN
TYPE & STEREOTYPE FOUNDRY
Ho. 168 Vine St.. bet. Fourth and Filtn, .
Cincinnati, 0.
C. F. O'DRISCOIX & CO
Manufacturer? and dealcrsin ew!,l?ookantt Joo
Type, Printing Presses, Cases, (Jallics, 4c., Ac.
Ink?, and Printing Material of Lvery Description,
STEREOTYPING of all kind Eooks, Music.
PatentMediciaeDirections.Jobs.WoodEngrevingF,
Ac e.
Brand and Pattern Letters, various styles,
SAINT JOSEPH
FMALB. COLLEGE,
ST. JOSEPH, MO.
VILLIAII CAMEKOIT, A. 21., Principal.
Completely orjanized as a first classFemale Boardinc
and Day School. Xumber limited to 12a, inciuoing
baarders. . Scholastic year coniniencing first Monday In
September. For Catalogues, with fttll particulars, ad
dress the Principal. . ;
AtiRiist 4th, 1359.
A. W. ELLIOTT,
SEEDDEPOT, '. '
Cor. Xlroadwaj' andasn hircei.
ST. LOUIS, MlSSOUIil.
ITavlnit purchased the entire surf ery stock of John
Sigger.-on & Ero., 1 am prepared to t fTer to Uie pumic
the larpes-taud best selected stock of Fruit Shade, and
Ornamental taces,. shrubs and plants ever offered for
sale in the West. We are determined tooffer such in
ducements to tree planters and the trade as will ensure
the most entire t-atisfaolien. Descriptive oaiaionueswiu
be furnished, and auy Information given, ny a iaresiiinR,
- ' Saint Louis, ilo.
yovember 35, '89-Iy.
Tint Street opposite Recorder's Office,
i BROWNVILLE, N. T.
1
TIIE subscriber would respectfully inform the citlzeua
f HiwuTllle, and vicinity, that he has located here for
be puriHe of mauufacturiue Boot and Sbie to order.
H persons iu want of a superior article will do well to
and leave their measure
Jtepairinc Taromntly and neatly done.
E. GREEK.
BmwnvUi inir7. 1S59. vlnl-tf
BROWNVILLE
HI GIT LULL
JESSE NOEL
Hivinir rented the interest of Lake and Kmmersonln
Brownville Steam Saw and Grist Mill, announces to
the public that be is prepared to accommodate the
-""cusoi Browtivine ana a erna Da county witn a su
fiorqnality of lumber of all kinds. Also withtha
-iiMiii,toberveall In that line.
Jhe market price at all times paid for Logs and Corn.
The old business of Noel, Lake &. Knimerson will be
Ule4 by Uenry Lake. All future buine c.mdncted
J ibe undersigned. JESSE NOEL.
rownvllie, April 7lb, 1E53, ly
CHARTER OAK
Life Insurance Company,
Hartford, Conn.
Incorporated ly the State of Connecticut
Capital Stock $20O,O0O.
With luraeand increasing surplus receipts.secure
ly invested under the sanction and approvul ol tho
Comptroller of Public Accounts
OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS:
JAMES C. WALKLF.Y, President.
JOHN Jj. DUXCli, Vice President.
ELI AS GILT.. Secretary.
E. D.DICK.EBM AX, General Agent.
DIAECTOES :
Alfred Gill, . Daniel Phillips, Jobn L.Puuee,
K. Dlodget, J. A.Uutler, E. D. Dickonnan
If.Whcaton, 8am. Coit, Nelson Uollister,
James C. Valklry.
' S. C. Bere?ford,M P, Conrnitinfr Physician.
A. S. llollad.ty.M D, Medical Examiner.
Applications received by R. V. FUKXAS. Ap't,
n8-tf Isrownville, . 1.
CITY TRTIIIK STOEE.
FASSETT c CROSSMAIT,
Manufacturer of
Traveling & Packing
V.1LISES, CARPET BAGS, C.
South West corner of Pine and 3d st's,
Saint Louis, Mo.
, ,. i We are now prepared t, fill all orders
' .-.IT 1,1 in our line with promptness and on the
I--
ionecr iooKbiudery
11 1 IK M BOOK
.Manufactory.
COUNCIL BLUFFS, IOWA.
WILLIAM F. KITER,
Would respectfully inform tLe citizens in Western
Iowa and Nebraska that he has opened a first cla?s
Cindcry, and the cnlyone eTer established in this
section of count ry. I am now prepared to do all kinds
of work pertaining to tho business.
Harper's, Graham', Godey's, Peterson's, Arthur's
UallouV, Frank Leslie's, Knickbocker, Wa
verly, Hunt's, and Putnam's Magazines.
New York Ledger, Pallou's Picto
rial, Harper's Weekly, Scien
tific American. Yankee
Notions, Musical Hevicw.Lcs
' lie's Illustrated, Ladies Repository,
- Ladies Wreath, Atlantic Monthly,
Music, Lavr, Books, and Newspapers, or
books of any kind, oldorncw, bound or r. bound
in the most approved styles, on short notice and low
prices. Old family Bibles rebound so as to look and
wear equal to new.
August 24, 1S59. n7-ly
ithe most reasonable terms. Oar stock is
'large and complete and all of our own
manufacturing. Those in want of articles la our line,
(wholesale or retail) will do well tt &ive us a call be
fore purchasing elsewhere. A share of public patron
apeis solicited. nl3v3-ly
JAMES -HOG AN,
Book-Bi n cLezr,
BL ANK BOOK MANUFACTURER,
Southeast cr. 2nd ami Locust St's.
ST. LOUIS, MO.
All kinds cf Blank Books, made of the best paper, ruled
to any pattern, aud sewed in tie new improved patent
mod.
LISHAKIES PERIODICALS, ntTSIC.&c,
bound lu any style, and at tte shortest notice.
Having beca awanled the Premium at tie last Me
chanic's Fair, he feels cndideRt iu insuring satisfaction
t all who mavrive Uai a call,
Ju!y ttd lets. ljVSzi
DROUS & CLIATOX,
rRODUCE DEALERS,
Forwarding & Commission
MERCHANTS,
No. 78, North Levee, St. Louis, Mo.
Orders for Groceries and Manufactured Articles accu
rately filled at lowest possible rates. Consignment for
mle aud re-shipment respectully solicited. Shipments
f all kinds HI be faithfully attended to.
Keferrencea :
Messrs. G n Ilea it Co St. Louis
Birtlett. McComb &. Co do
Gilbert, Miles & Stannard do -
ITon. W B Buinnjtton. Auditor State ot Missouri
J Q Harmon, Esq. Cairo City, 111.
Messrs Moloic, Uro's &.Co' Kow Orleans, Louisiana
J V Jadsn, Esq., do do
Messrs H inkle, Guild it Co, Cincinnati, O.
T HammarfcCo do
Brandell k Crawford Louisville, Ky.
Woodruff is. Huntington, Mobile, Ala
II. Billings, Ksq.
May 12, 1S68
45-3 m
Beards town, I il.
KIRK,
at Law,
A. D.
Attorney
Land Aareat and Notary Public,
Rulo, Richardson Co., X. T.
Will practice in the Courtsof ssistedXebraskaja
Xllardinjrand Bennett .Nebraska City.
ISHALI REAVIS,
ATTORNEYAT LAW,
REAL ESTATE AGENT,
falls City. Richardson County. Nebraska.
Wi levt prompt atteiti u to all professional busi
ness intrusted to hs-ar in Richardson and adjoining
counties; also to the dra -ing of deeds, pre-emption pa
rer kc.e. Mav 13. '&S n46-fim
HEDGE FEHCIKG.
Th eundersicned havin? had considerable eiperl nee
in plantrra nd cultivating Osage Orange rieJKes, here
by inform the public that, they ar now prepared to con
tract either plaitinir, settinjr them out, or jrrcwir.r aci
cultivatinp the fep-e complete. Growinp edges of
their planus; can be seen on the farms cf S. W Ken
cedy, G. Crow, J. Skecn and others in this conntr
- J.C.il. X. AND EES.
. Governor's Message.
Gentlemen of the Council and
' ; 'House of ' Representatives.
It is ouly in conformity with the prac
tice adopted at the first session of the
Territorial Legislature, and since . that
time pursued at' every annual .meeting,
that I assume the right or" privilege of
addressing 'this communication ' to the
Council and House of Representatives of
the Territory of Nebraska. No positive
law either authorizes or commands h'.
But the practice is', t good one, and gocd
results will always how from it, if we at e
animated ,by a eitre desire to accom
plish as much as possible for the welfare
of the people.' ' ,''
Nebraska has heretofore suffered from
inconsiderate ' and hasty ' legislation, as
well as from the sudden and untimely
repeal of a large portion of 'her laws.
We have, however, just cause for congrat
ulation that the code, both civil and crimi
nal, adopted by the Legislature of last
year, is in full and successful operation.
Although it is not by any means psr
fect, it seemst to work well, and can no
doubt, wiih a " little alteration and trou
ble, be 'so improved as to meet the ne
cessities of .the public. ' I think it would
be advisable for the Legislature, at an
early day, to appoint a. special committee
to. examine the' laws of 1858, for the
purpose of ascertaining whether some
useful and necessary amendments, of im
mediate importance, might not be adopt
ted. It is probable that I shall take the
liberty, before the close of this commu
nication, to suggest some changes which
in my opinion would be salutary and ben
eficial.' It will not be expected nor is it
proper that I should specify every partic
ular in which present laws might be prof
itably changed, or new ones enacted, to
the advansage of the communit'. '
Our past, present, and prospective con
dition is a fit snbject for reflection and re
mark. Thi. Territory was organized at
the same time ' with Kansas, on the 30th
day of May, ' 1S54, and the first Legis
lature met at-Omaha on the 16th day of
January, 1855. In that body eight coun
ties were represented. Now, at the ex
piration of less than five years, twenty
three counties have their representatives
in the Legislature, and thirty-five coun
ties have been fully organized,' or their
boundaries defined by law.' Vith the ex
ception of those, which lie immediately
on the" Missouri. River, nearly all the
counties have been laid off as to cover a
surface of exactly twenty-four miles
square. The lands in Nebraska" actually
surveyed amouut to 8S5,175,S59 acres.
The surveys, have been extended from
the dividing line between Kansas' and
Nebraska, ' on the 40th parallel to the
Latitude cf 42 degrees and 51 minutes
while the average depth from the Mis
souri Biver is about 140 miles. These
lands, with other, and vast bodies, far to
the West, are all with but small and oc
casional exceptions, as 'rich and produc
tive, as any soil on .the American conti
nent, warmed by the sun, and watered by
the ram and dews of heaven.
I have regarded it as right and need
ful that I should depart a little from the
usual form and plan of an Executive
Message, to correct some serious errors
which have been instilled into the public
mind cf the country, .highly injurious to
our present and future prosperity. Bocks
of History, and Official Reports to the
Governments have been alike inaccurate
and unjust, so much so, indeed, that it re
quires an effort, from those who have
seen and do know what manner of soil
and climate we possess, , to believe than
these fertile fields of explorations, and
furnished subject matter and material for
the "exact and perspicuous narrative,"
which has, within' a few years,' been
transferred to History. You are aware
that a3 early as 1819, and shortly after
the acquisition of Florida, an expedi
tion was organized by Mr. Calhoun, then
Secretary of War, for the purpose of
examining the country drained by the
Missouri and its branches. The party
it is said, "comprised a large number of
officers and men of science." They pas
ed the. summer of that year in examin
ing the lower Missouri, and then Coun
cil Bluffs, but it is now Fort Calhoun, in
Washington County. "In the injnth
of June, 1820,. they proceeded up the
Valley of the latte, to the confluence of
its North and South branches, and then
continued along the South Fork ; to its
sources in the Rocky . Mountains, near
the 40th degree of Lattitude. After
wards, "striking the head waters of the
Arkansas, which also flows from the same
mountain, they descended the Valley of
that river to its junction with the Missis
sippi." A recent historian, speaking of
the expedition says: "Much information
was obtained respecting the Geography,
Natural History, the Aboriginal inhabi
tants of the country traversed, all which
was committed to the world in an exact
and perspicuous, narrative, published by
Dr. James, the botanist of the expedi
tion, in 1823." t
V'And," continues the historian, "one
most important fact, in a political point of
view,, was completely established by "he
observations of the party, namely, that
the whole division , of North America,
drained by the Missouri and .'Arkansas,
and their tributaries, between the merid
ian of the mouth of the Platte and the
Rocky Mountains, is almost entirely un
fit for cultivation, and therefore uninhab
itable by a people depending upon Agri
culture for their subsistence. The por
tion of this Territory, within five hun
dred miles of the Rocky Mountains on
the East, extending from the 29ih to :hQ
49th parallel, of. Latitude, was indeed
found to be only a desert of sand and
stones."
And within this very year, I have seen
speeches of. statesmen, gentlemen of high
position in the country, who speak of "the
remoteness, the barrennesss and extreme
cold of Nebraska," a3 if wc lived under
the North Pole, instead of being, as we
are, directly west of Ohio and Pennsyl
vania, and blest with a soil, which, for
all purposes, of agriculture and horticul
ture, has co superior - between the two
jrreat. oceans that bound the' American
Union. ". The pioneers and settlers whose
farms already extend almost two hundred
miles westward from "the meridian of
the Mouth of the., Platte" towards the
Rocky Mountains, will be surprised to
learn frcm this -historical 'romance, that
their rich and unrivalled soil is almost
unfit for cultivation. And however great
their surprise," it will find -abundant
sympathy with the citizens of Nebraska
and Kansas, who are informed by solemn
history, that from the 39th parallel north
ward there is a great desert stretching
eastward from the foot 'ef the ' Rocky
Mountains, a distance of five hundred
miles without a blade of grass, a tree or
a flower, to "relieve the dreary landscape
of sand and stones. It is time that mis
representation and error should be met
and corrected, and that Nebraska' should
be vindicated against the false impres
sions produced by ignorance or interested
perversion.' 'Let facts and facts only
speak, for the plainest truth" i3 the sur
est safeguard. Some of these facts are
the almost miraculous production of corn,
melons, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, wheat,
rye, oats, barley, and Chinese sugar
cane, and every garden vegetable com
mon to a temperate climate ;' and as far
as experiment, has been pursued to re
sult we have satisfactory evidence that
all. the fruits .which thrive in Illinois or
Ohio win prosper here. I feel confident
that but a few years will elapse before
peaches, apples, pears, plums and grapes
of excellent quality, will adorn. and en
rich the ' farms and gardens of our peo
ple. Indeed, it' is well known that at
our Territorial Fair, in September, six
varieties of delicious peaches were ex
hibited, products from a farm not thirty
miles distant from "the Meridian of the
Mouth of the Platte."
That the exploring 'party of 1819-20
"comprised' a large number -of officers
and men of science," is well known.
But how they could pass the summer of
the year in examining the Lower Mis
souri, and the next winter at Old Coun
cil Bluffs (showing that they had not
gone twenty, miles from the Upper Mis
souri into the interior cf Nebraska and
Kansas) and proceed thence up the val
ley of the Platte to the confluence of the
North and South Forks, and continuing
along" the South Fork,' to its sour :e in the
Rocky Mountains, near the 40th parallel
and then striking the head waters of the
Arkansas in the same Mountiin, pass
dewn the valley of that river to its junc
tion with the Mississippi, how they could
do as ihe historian says they did, and
establish "by observation," that the en
tire Territory between the 29Lh and 49th
parallels, for five hundred miles east
ward frcm the Rocky Mouutains was a
desert ofisand and stones, passes com
prehension, and would make the most
confiding believer, curious to know, how?
And would, loave him, as it leaves you
and me, full of unbelief.
Nevertheless it is true, as the old pi
oneers' all attest, that the soil of forty
years ago bore no comparison to the deep
and affluent formation of to-day. In the
wilderness, "when there was no man,"
rain was almost if not altogether unknown
and now refreshing and abundant show
ers are supplied in needful season for the
earth. It is no longer a wilderness and
man is there. The country at one time
"covered with the short buffalo grass,
presenting the appearance of a poor and
unproductive soil," is now luxuriant with
the lofty grasses of the prairie, which,
even at less than full height, reaches to
the horses' bridles, . The footsteps of
civilization and improvement are prece
ded by divine preparation and all these
things are "the wondrous Works of Him
who is perfect in all his knowledge."
The gold fever, which during the past
twelve or eighteen months has raged and
remitted at periodic intervals, ha3 been
replaced by a calm and healthy confi
dence. It seems now to be settled by
sufficient and conclusive evidence, that
the question of large and rich deposits is
not any longer a matter of discussion cr
doubt. Since the Base Line between
Kansas and Nebraska has been establish
ed, it is plainly ascertained that a full
share of the gold fields is to be found in
the western portion of this Territory.
The influence which the discovery of gold
is to have upon the future, I will not. at
tempt to estimate ; but that it will hasten
the establishment cf a great and perma
nent public highway between th Mis
souri River and the Rocky Mountains is,
as I think, inevitable. And does it not
seem as if nature herself designed to end
the, dispute between States and States
men, politicians, Speculators, and all oth
ers, as to the, route of a railroad to the
Pacific Ocean? .'...'
Perhaps the most difficult and delicate
part of Legislation, is that which relates
to the revenue of a free and representa
tive government. The people, who are
the only source of power, bear all the bur
dens of government, either on their per
sons or property. Hence, there is a
natural, and intense interest and jealousy
on their part, cf all laws that relate to
taxation. This , feeling I would hot extin
guish cr remove, if I cculd. It serves
to accomplish what migdt not otherwise
be obtained, an economical and almost ne
cessarily an honest administration cf the
government. All other things being equal
taxation should be as equal as possible.
Each person or property holder should,
as . a general thmg, te taxed in propor
tion to his substance cr ability. But thi3
rule is not always inflexible, and should
net be. What is fair in an eld estab
lished government, is not always so in a
new and struggling community. Open
ing up, developing and enriching a new
country, through much tribulation and toil
is, in one sense, and to seme extent,
a burden of government. It is true, that
the man who labors and improves his
own land, may be recompensed fcr all
that he does, but still he serves, in some
degree, both the government and the
community, in the very work that he does
himself. Further, he adds to the value
of every acre of public land there is in
or near his neighborhood. If that land
is held for mere speculation, is it not clear
that the owner looks to the labor of oth
ers for the gains that are to follow, the
enhanced value of his estate ? In re
gard to this subject, I wish to be explicit
and plain. It is a fact very well known
that hundreds of thousands cf acres of
the best land in Nebraska are held by
individuals who have never broken a sin
gle foot of sod with spade or plow. These
lands being unimproved, pay enly at pres
ent a small amount of tax. The man
who lives on and improves his property,
in town or country, has generally a rea
sonable amount of personal property.
For the purpose of making the burdens
as light as possible, where they should be
be light, I recommend that real estate
shall be made the chief basis of revenue.
I think it would be well if there was a
special exception, to a limited extent, from
all taxation made in favor cf the differ
ent kinda and varieties of stock and cat
tle. As; for instance, a certain number
of sheep, swine, oxen, horses, cows, &c.
The object' being, mainly to encourage
the tax-payers of the Territory to rear
and keep stock, especially such stock as
is valuable, and of the most improved de
scription of beed.
Although. I favor the" plan of making
real estate the chief basis of revenue,
the Legislature will not understand me as
recommending any material change as to
the taxable items, or articles mentioned
in the 2d Section of the Act of Nov. 1st,
1559.
While our climate is, in many respects,
all that could be desired, and our soil so
richly productive, it is not to be denied
that the want of timber on the prairies is
a great drawback, notwithstanding the
fair supply to be found on the Missouri,
and the inland streams of Nebraska. If
it is possible, in any practicable waj', to
encourage the planting and growth of
timber, it seems to me that it should be
done. But a very few years are re
quired to grow, to a profitable size, from
small beginnings, such trees as cotton
wood, walnut, black locust, ash, maple,
and hickory. I recommend to your con
sideration a plan of indirect bounty, by
which, I believe, great good could be
accomplished. If every settler could be
induced to plant and start into successful
growth, on his own land, a few acres of
the trees I have named, I feel satisfied
it would in the end be a decided and gen
eral gain, to. exempt a portion of his
land, fcr a specified period, from pay
ment of any Territorial or other tax. I
make the suggestion, in the hope that the
idea may meet with your approbation,
leaving the details entirely to your judg
ment and discretion.
I invite your friendly consideration to
the subject of a homestead law. Tho pas
sage of a bill which would exempt from
execution and sale sufficient real estate
for a home for every family, would be no
more than an act of justice and humanity
and would no doubt meet with,rery general
favor amongst the people.
How much in value cf amount should
be held sacred for so worthy a purpose, is
of course for you to determine. I need
hardly say that whatever 33 reserved by
law should strictly and in good faith be set
apart that a home for the otherwise home
less woula always be made sure. The com
mon objection to such a law 13 that it is
unjust to creditors. This objection i3 at
once removed, when it is remembered
that the exemption can be made to oper
ate only against debts contracted subse
quent to the passage and publication of
the law. The creditor then knows what
property he can and what property he
cannoi look to, in case he gives the cred
it, and the debtor afterwards makes de
fault. It is a matter of bitter experience that
the people of this Territory have been
made to pass through the delusive days of
high limes and paper prices, and the con
sequent dark and gloomy night of low
times and no prices. We have had our
full share of the financial spasms, which
for two years have afilictcd the great bo
dy of the American people. They are
gradually disappearing, but they will nev
er altogether disappear until tho produc
ing causes are removed. The chief and
manifest cause, so far a3 new States and
Territories are concerned, (not the only
one) is the enormous and overwhelming
rate of interest which is exacted for the
I loan of money for a common credit, in ma
ny cases, for the necessities of life, or
the brief extension and forbearance cf
an existing debt. It is idh to. look for
relief except in stringent and effective
legislation. I am not sure that the evil
can be entirely banished by law, but it i3
worth the trial. I therefore recommend
the passage of a usury Iaw,ccr;:rivcd u tho.
best pcssitlj way to everrrrn the present
system and practice cf cxtriviant and
ruinous rates cf interest.
It may bo taid that such a law will i'.rio
all capital away fron the Terrcry.
If the law can bo made tin dual a:.J. t.
fect:,'jf it may drive ell dcvc::::c:ccpi.
tal frcm amongst us. Ged g:u:.i that it
may be so, but fair and honest crjiia!,
which seeks cdy just and rtas'-r-zU rc
turns, will remain and incrcas-?.
I invite your attention, cLc to ihq ha?
regulating the cimp-2r.atK,u cf pulli: of
ficers. The'cxiV.i-:g tar;:;' cf fees clear
ly requires carc-ul revision ar.d nini'td.""
ment. In sr.me cases, it it' prolate, tha' '
compensation is no mere than hi ii and
fair, but in a great many it is phhi that
material and large reductions are r.:ces- '
sary and right. Every cflicer is entitled
to a reasonable recompense for L'.s rc
spcnsilility and kilcr, a::J I ft.d sure that
your efforts will be to do no mere or l?sa
than equal and exact justice to all. , . .
The annual reports cf the Territorial
Auditor and Treasurer have been re-,
ceived and are herewith' submitted. Thu
balance in the treasury is necessarily
small, owing to the fact that tho rcrenaur
frcm the different counties this- year is,
not payable until January next. Acccrd-
mg to the Auditor's report, the present
liabilities cf the Territory are 31,003.
On the 20th of September, 1S3, they,
amounted in Warrants to 15,771 C5. '.
Between the 20th cf September, 1 iZ3,. '
and November 1st, 1S-59 in accordance
with various laws, Warrants were isaucd"
for S16.459 95, making the current ex
penses for that year appear to be .tho
whole of that sun. Bi.t fully o::e-ha!f c
tbe amount cf these Warrants was for ,
liabilities incurred during the year 1B57
08, making the actual current expensed
for this year to be in fac; only about 8,
COO. The revenue for taxes due Janua
ry . 1, 1S59, as repcrttd by the din'Vrtn:
counties, (Pawnee County exceptad )
amounts to S19,;iS7 57, so that the whole'
debtcf the Territory may besc: down at
Sll.CSO CG mere than the tatir.r.itcchie- '
sources cf the year ending Dec-. t.-.beCl,
1S59. Hence uc arc able to c:c that the.
entire Territorial debt can very ccn. e
niently, and without any increase. cf tax
ation, be extinguished in leas than two
years. Indeed, with retreiichm.cn: ar.d
conscientious economy, both cf-which I
cannot too earnestly recommend, the ex
isting burdens cf taxation can be materi-
rially lessened, and still, in a short t;ms,
the Territorial debt be paid.
I submit, also, the report cf the Terri
torial Librarian.with a complete catalogue
of the ccoks in the Library. Within
the past year a great many volumes, that
had been improperly taken from the "Li
brary, have been gathered in by the di
ligence of tha present Librarian. Lr.ryu
additions of Miscellaneous and Law book
have been received from different ttitea
ar.d Territories, in return fcr volumes cf
Laws and Legislative Journals transmit "
ted to them. Besides thce, 237 vol
umes of law books have been added to .
the Library, which I purchased with the
portion of the original appropriation ly.
Congress, and which I found unexpended
when I entered upon tho duties cf my -present
office.
The policy cf the Territory should bo
to protect a3 far as possible, and in a-just '
way, all improved real estate, end encou
rage the improvement cf that which in va-'
cant and unimproved. I request your
consideration to the subject of an exten
sion law for real estate levied upx by ex-
ecution. For the purpose cf convenience"
and brevity, I submit my views iu tho
shape of an abstract cf such a law, a.3 I
thixik would be just to all parties and ben
eficial ia its operation. A provuioa re-'
quiring the sheriff cf every county to
summons a jury of inquest prior to each. "
general return day, to which jury cil writs .
with liens on real estate shall be submit-
ted, their duty being to inquire whether
the property is vacant or improved. If
improved, to ascertain whether the annu
al rents, issues and profits, at a fair esii- .
mate, would pav the judgment debts and
other liens, wita costs and interests, in a
certain time, say seven years. It bung
ascertained that the annual rci.ts weul.i
pay the debts ia that time, then to mark
the property extended, fixing the amcunt
of the rent and the manner of its pay-'
ment. Such a law would be humane to
wards debtors, who have improved their
real estate, whatever it may be, and
would be both fair and just to creditors,
all cf whom would be secured to tho
amount cf their liens, each hen being
paid off according to its age cr priority, h
is almost superfluous to say that by u for
ced sale of improved real estate- (which
by an extension might be sufficient to pay
all demands against it) a majority of the' ,
creditors are usually sacrificed at the
same time with the unfortunate debtor.
The administration of the criminal law
is rendered ineffectual, for lack cf means
to punhrh felons and other convicted of
fenders. We have no penitentiary or
other public prison for their confinement
and the law does cot sufficiently provide
for their custody. If an arraign. ent
could be made by which ft Ions .c'd be
sent to some adjoining iv.ate lor confine- '
ment in the penitentiary, particularly'
where they are made to tr. prion tht rri
selves by labor, it would evidently be a
most excellent scheme, and save cc - -id-erable
expense to the Territory.
A large and euterpriziu p .. pr.hu ioa in
the Western part cf this Territory, mot
ly in the "mining region," are without
the benefit of county crganizatic-a,
consequently, in a great "m-.-a-ure, with
out the protection of law. The c-rgsiti-i-
.
. . 1