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About The McCook tribune. (McCook, Neb.) 1886-1936 | View Entire Issue (Jan. 15, 1897)
11 / I M'COOK TRIBUNE. M V. M. KIM ME LI , , rublMher. I McCOOK , NEBRASK , I Nebraska ; j Jt surces ful five days' bible mectin H Was b-jid m Chad ion. H Henry Urockman , who lives ion B miles northwest of West Point , droppe H dead in the kitchen at his home , froi H h art disease. H Andrew McCart was bound over t H the district court at Indianola b Bj Squire Beck , charged with assault wit H intent to commit rape on a Mrs. Ebci H ling of Lebanon. H The state board of school lands an H funds last week purchased $100,00 H worth of Saunders county 4 > per cen M bonds and the treasurer issued hi B I check for the amount. M ! While running to a fire recently on M | of the members of the North Piatt H , fire company fell and was run over b B ! the hose cart lie was badly bruised H but not dangerously injured. H . The McCook band , which played a K the state fair in Omaha , had a concer H recently , and the proceedings wer g wound up by presenting Director Sut 1 ton with a gold mounted baton. 1 • Hog cholera has been raging ii fl ] Saunders county for some time , but i K now abating. One man lost 122 head K another 137 , one 47. In some localitic : H | there is not a pig left to tell the tale. j Tlie citizens of Long Pine arc be H coming very much interested in thi Bj culture of game fish , especially tin i rainbow trout and brook trout. At n ( B ] place in the west have the reports beet w as favorable as there. K < The Omaha Savings bank , the oldes U of its kind in the city , has suspended H i The liabilities are nearly million del m | lars. The president claims that th < M deposits are well secured and that the m bank will pay out in time. B I Leander Jones , an old man who ha : B teen working at what he was able tc B do for a Pierce county farmer for sev B J eral years for his board and clothing , m froze his hands while at work some 1 time ago. His injuries were neglected m until it is feared he will not recover. H A farmer named Worth , living in H north part of Burt county , was robbed H by his hired man last week of SGI , the Bj = proceeds of a sale of cattle made the H day before. Worth's son took the cat- H | tie to Lyons and returned in the even s' ing with the money. His father not HJ being at home the boy retained posses- Bj eion of the money. He slept with the H ! hired man that night , and in the morn : Hi ing both man and money were gone. H ] Henry G Zehrung , one of Lincoln's B' best known business men , committed Hi Buicide last week by hanging himseli Hi ; to a rafter in the loft of the barn at his J residence on C street. Mr. Zehrung II ; was connected with the Standard Glass H8 | and Paint company , and with his part-j I jiff ner had bought out all the other inter- ] 9j ests since the organization three years ago. The business is said to have been B ; fairly prosperous. ; I The golden wedding of Mir. and Mrs. jB John Maxwell was celebrated at the B poor farm adjoining Nemaha , which M has been kept by them for about twen- ty-flve years. No people are more H highly esteemed than Mr. and Mrs * B Maxwell. About 125 people were pres- jm ent at the reception , besides the child- M ren , grand-children , and one great- H grandchild. Friends presented Mr. H an < * Irs- Maxwell with gold watches H In addition to other valuable presents. B ne case of the state of Nebraska B against William Baker on a charge of B burglarizing , was tried in the district H court at Wahoo. The jury , after a flj short deliberation , returned a verdict H of guilty. Baker broke into a barn at HB Valparaiso , June 1 , last , and stole a set HB of harness. He escaped to Lancaster HB county , where he was arrested by Sher- HB iff Trompen , who found the stolen har- HB ness in Baker's wagon , and brought HB him to Saunders county' , and he has BW lain in jail until now. HB The records of the office of the coun- HB ty recorder show that in Otoe county HB twenty-two farm mortgages were filed HB during December , aggregating 525,1,35. - Hfl GG. Fourteen releases were filed , in HB amount of S17,7GG. Six city mortgages , j amounting to S2,553.3S , and ten re- H leases , 83,943 , were placed on record. The record for the year shows 295 H farm mortgages filed , aggregating H 8421,239. OS ; 241 releases , S3G5,679.88 : H . 79 city mortgages , in amount of S59 , - H 252.8G ; and S2 releases , 548,970.13. B AtElmwood Rev. Pallister accused H the church janitor of going through his B desk and appropriating S15 which he B had left there. The janitor denied the H chaiges and after a wordy war the H minister struck him over the head with B his cane , breaking it into three pieces , H then he seized a chair and tried to com- H plete the chastisement with that Dur- H ing the encounter the janitor seized H 1 the stove poker and endeavored to re- HI turn blow for blow. Later on the two HI met at the minister's house and each Hgg apologized for his hasty actions and HO bad conduct HI The Fremont beet sugar company HJ | was incorporated last week with an HH authorized capital of SI.000,000 divided H Into shares of S50 each. The articles H were signed by Nils Johnson , L. D. HK Richards , L. M. Rene , B. W. Reynolds , HK R. B. Schneider , W. H. Munger and Hm Wm. Ruwe. Work on the organiza- HJj tion of this company has been in pro- HI gress several months. It is not the HM expectation of the company to furnish HC money to erect a factory and carry on Hb the business , but to be in shape to en- Hi list the co-operation of capitalists else- H where in the enterprise. HM George Popp.ayoung man living with HS his parents five miles southeast of Sut- HC < toncommitted suicide by taking strych- HH nine. He left a letter in his pocket Hlj bidding his father and mother good- HB bye. They were in Lincoln on a visil H at the time , and a messenger was sent HB for them. Hj The coroner's jury summoned to ex- HI amine into the suicide of Henry C Zeh- H. rung of Lincoln returned a verdict thai B\ ' the deceased came to his death by hi : HC \ own act , while laboring under a speli Hi \ of temporary insanity. So far as as- B \ certained the verdict seems to be sus- B \ , tained by the facts and meets the ap B' ' - . \ proval of those interested in the case , j GOTERNOR'S MESSAGI A VERY LONG AND ABLI DOCUMENT. The Nebraska Kxccutlvo DlncasRca Stat Affairs Thoroughly and With IJccoinlii Ulgnlty Defends the State and Slake a Number of Jlccoimucndatloua. SECTION ONE. To the Members of the Twenty-flfU Session of the Legislature of 'Nebraska.- ' Gentlemen : In the discharge of the obll Ration Imposed on me aa the chief execu tlva of the state to communicate to yoi such Information and recommendations a ; may suggest themselves.I deem It not in appropriate to express my gratlllcatlo : that this message Is presented to a leglsla tive body , a majority of the members o , which I have reason to believe are In har mny and sympathy with the executiv ( department ; and that we can hopefuilj look for a hearty accord between the ex ecutlve and legislative branches of this state government , in the respective capac > ltles to which we , the servants of the peO' pie , have been chosen by their suffrage ; to act , respecting the plans to be adoptee and the policies we shall pursue. The ex istence of such harmonious relations will , I am sure , enable us to accpmplish mucli good for our state. I feel confident thai 'every branch of our state government Is Imbued with an earnest desire to promote the general welfare of the people , advance the prosperity of the state ; guard , proteel and encourage every Interest which will add to the development of its resources and preserve the rights of its citizens. 'I feel a deep sense of gratitude to my fellow citizens for the confidence mani fested iln me by my re-election , and de sire only In the future to profit by the ex perience of the past and thus prove myselt worthy of the high honor -bestowed upon me. me.In administering the affairs of the people ple in a government such as ours , those chosen for that purpose are but instru ments to ascertain and then carry out the will of the people. This should be done with diligence and fidelity. The faithful servant merits and receives the approval of a sovereign people , and enjoys the sat isfaction of mind which comes from the knowledge of a duty well performed in the discharge of weighty responsibilities. That the members of this legislature are impressed with the grave responsibilities resting upon each of them , and with the importance of the varied Interests of this commonwealth which are for a time com mitted to their care , I believe and shall assume to be true ; that you are deter mined to discharge your duties faithfully and fearlessly for the best interests of our beloved state and the welfare of our fellow citizens , I doubt not In the least. You will doubtless be called upon to solve many difficult and perplexing prob lems of grave interest to the state , and I feel sure you wllll give to each important question , as It Is brought before you , that mature deliberation and wise consideration which should characterize all legislation affecting the welfare of a. great common wealth. I am not in my judgment , overstating the case when I say that at no time in the history ofthe state has there been more urgent need for wise and intelligent ac tion on the part of the lawmaking body ; nor a more opportune time for the enact ment of prudent legislation. Abuses and imperfections In existing statutes , which permit of inequalities , wrongs and hard ships upon a part of our people , should be corrected , bearing ever in mind that the object of all legislation Is to entirely eradicate , or reduce to a minimum , these various forms of evil in the enforcement of law and " order. As a nation we confidently assert that our people are among the most enlightened and progressive on the face of the earth ; and you have the honor to represent the people of a state having the smallest per centage of illiteracy of any in the union , and Who are the peer of any people in the land , in patriotism , intelligence , integrity and love of equality , truth and justice in the affairs of mankind. ATTACKS ON THE STATE. Our public schools , our colleges and uni versities testify to the love of our people for education. Situated geographically in the center of the United States , we are afforded every opportunity for constant and mutually profitable Intercourse with all parts of our common country. It is to be regretted that partisan newspapers , having seemingly no regard for the pub lic welfare , and with a spirit of intoler ance entirely out of place where free in stitutions are admired , have attempted to prejudice the minds of men who are unac quainted with our state and its citizens , by the publication of mendacious and slanderous articles reflecting on the intelli gence and integrity of the people of Ne braska. It has been Intimated by men high In the councils of our national gov- jrnmenff as well as by some newspapers 5f * general circulation throughout the : our..ry , that the present session of the legislature of "Nebraska would undertake by vicious and hostile legislation to per- nit the repudiation of the debts of its citi zens , to vitiate private contracts , and to llscriminate in favor of one party to a : cntraet so as to demoralize- the business ) f the people of the state. These wanton Utaclts upon the free and enlightened iceple -Nebraska would not be worthy ) f attention -were they not calculated to ncite the illwill of a class of citizens of > lder and more populous states whose tnowledge of 'Nebaskans is gleaned from lewspaper comment and not from actual rontact with our people. It has 'been hreatened that the people of eastern itates who have money invested in Ne- iraska property would withdraw their in vestments because the majority of our- : ltizens have espoused a different politi cal policy from that having general in- lorsement in the eastern portion of our • ountry. REMEDIAL LEGISLATION CKU5T COME. These unmerited reflections on the intel- igence and integrity of our citizens will tot , I am sure , deter you from discharg- ng your full duty to your constituents by nacting any new laws or remedial legis- Ulon upon which you may determine. By . 'Ise and judicious action you will dispel ny doubts which may exist of the deter mination of our people to be strictly just o all men ; of their capacity , through heir representatives , to enaot legislation or the protection of all Interests in the itlmate relations of our citizens with each ther , or with the citizens of other states , nd for the conservation of all legitimate uslness interests. Nebraska is not the child of any other tate , or group of states. She is. a sover- Ign state among the sisterhood of states f the union , with equal privileges , pre- agatlves , duties , and responsibilities. Her itlzens are Intelligent , industrious , honest nd patriotic. She has within her borders le natural and acquired resources and all tie elements of strength and grandeur ecessary to maintain her proud position 3 one of the foremost states of the union. Tebraskans demand only the right , and lat they "Will maintain , of governing their ivn affairs , without any desire to lnfringo pen -the rights of any other people. A sudden change in the business rela- ons existing between citizens of Nebras- a and citizens of other states would quite robably work much , hardship and unnec- > sary suffering upon many of our people , at I am of tha opinion that ultimately reater permanent Injury would be rought to the states and communities lopUng such an extraordinary and unusual mrsa toward our citizens. Nebraska Is , > t dependent on any one state or section ! the country for the final or complete SYelopmeat of her resources and the cony- fort and happiness of her citizens ; and sh does not appeal as a dependent to hav accorded to her citizens the fair treatmen and consideration which should , and usu ally does , exist among'the people of on common country , all having a mutual In terest In the development of the whole Rather , she demands this treatment he cause of the elements of strength in re clprocal relations which she possesses , am the ability of extending 'Inducements t the business world , which make her terrl tory an Inviting field for 'the investment o capital and development of Industrial en terprlse3. PROPERTY RIGHTS SAOP.ED. That all property interests now in ex Istence or that may hereafter be > estab Hsheil will be treated with sai-red resr-.n and scrupulous honesty should not bi questioned. To question It is to doubt th , honesty of mankind and challenge the In , tegrity of a nation. Our people deservi friendly relations , commercially and sod' ally , with the citizens of other states and realize that in the maintenance aix extension of mutual , cordial regard al are alikebenefited' . One and a quarter millions of patriotlu law-abiding people inhabit the satco : Nebraska. They liave builded tlirlvinj cities and villages. They have brcker the yod over which the Indians and th < buffaloes roamed a few decades agD. Thej area hardy , independent people , and an j.roud of the great fields ami growing commonwealth they have created. The fertile fields of Nebraska yield grain suffi cient to supply the nation. Horses , cattle and sheep fatten upon her broad pral le : and meadow lands. Thousands of cat loads of pork are shipped annually from her farms to feed the people of oth. i states and countries. Her -transportator facilities are unexcelled. She lias fac tories for sugar , fcr chicory , for the man ufacture of dry goods and various othei commodities. She has mills for grinding grain ; great packing houses and dairies all over the state In- fact everything which makes a people prosperous in a great agricultural country , and goes to build up a great commonwealth. These are the advantages which an In telligent , industrious , thrifty and energet ic peopla present to the business worH , and they will enable her to maintain , by virtue of merit alc-ne , an honorable posi tion among- the greait industrial commun ities of our country. The more important of the subjects to be considered by ycu were generally dis cussed. - during the recent campaign and the people made known their detsires by the election of officers committed to re forms in the management of the state's affairs , thereby rendering less difficult fee you to perform yciir duty In executing the will of the people thus expresseJ. I will merely call your attention to such of these important matters as have come under my observation during my term of cflioe. By a wise provision of the iwnstltution , the officers of the executive department and the heads of all the p'iblic institu tions of the state , are required at l < sast ten days preceding each regular i-c-j.-irm of the legislature to make a report t- > the governor concerning the condition cf the state's business in their charge , su h reports in turn to be submitted , to the legislature. These reports were not all presented to me within .the time required by the constitution , and I have therefore been unable to give them the considera tion I would have desired. They are sub mitted to you for your careful considera tion as they contain much valuable information mation which will bo of great assistance to you in determining the needs of the lifferent departments of the state srev- jrnment and of the various Institutions Tor their proper management for the ; oming biennium. Right of SufTrnKO. One of the most important duties de volving upon you as legislators Is the imendiment of the election laws of the • tate. The legislature of 1S91 very wisely idopted the Australian ballot system anel t has undoubtedly had an appreciable effect in purifying cur elections. Experi- mce in the use of the Australian system suggests many Improvements which will lave j tendency to render the perpetra- lon of frauds still more difficult and rive additional protection to the voter In he exercise of his right of franchise. FORM OP BALLOT. I heartily approve the general , form of > ur ballot and believe It to be vastly referable to the so-called "blanket" bal- ct system , in which the party tickets ire each printed in separate columns , vith provisions generally by which the elector can vote the entire ticket by ono nark or stamp. The independence of the roter is encouraged by our system whi - heads eads him usually to read the names of he candidates for the various offices be- ore casting his ballot , and he is encour- ged thereby not to rely solely upon party lesjgnation. It has been urged by some is an objection to the form of our ballot hat It is in effect the establishment of n educational test for voting. I do not egard this as a very serious objection. ? lie voter has become accustomed to this orm of ballot , and any marked change a the general form , in my opinion , is en- irely unnecessary and would serve no ; oed purpose. PARTY DESIGNATIONS. Other objections , however , and more ubstantial which I regard more the result f abuses than of the law itself and which an bo remedied by proper amendments , is an Instance , William J. Bryan was Lominated by the democratic party for he presidency. Afterward he was also omlnated by the people's party for pres- lent. A convention of dissatisfied demo- rats met later and , styling themselves national democrats , " nominated John M. 'aimer ' for president. The candidates laced in nomination by the Palmer wing > r electors , as well us for state officers , • ere denominated on the official ballot In rebraska as "democrats" with no means f distinguishing them from the regular smocratic nominees. The result of su'h course was necessarily the deception E many voters ? . I would respectfully jcommend that such amendments be ado to the lav. ' as would prevent the ? e of the party designation by "bolting" tctions for the purpose of deceiving .vot- rs. The regular party nominees only lould appear on the official ballot with te designation of the party which nomi- ited them. "Where one candidate has * m nominated by more than one politi- d party the party designations should ! i so arranged as to permit the elector > express by his vote his party prefer- lce as well as his preference for the mdidate. Protection should be secured. ' the voter who , unacquainted with tha imes of all the nominees on the ticket , desirous of casting his ballot for the ; > minees of the party he espouses. ELECTION BOARD. I would also suggest that each party L\ing a. fair proportion of the elector : * the state be given representation on e precinct eles-tion boards , and that > more than two members of any ones illtical organization be made judges in ty election precinct. The representa- . 'es of no one political organization ould have entire control of any election oth , and , where competent men repre- ntlng different political parties can bo cured , the result must be more satis- ttory to all concerned. C believe this matter might be satis- ctorlly arranged by vesting the power naming the judges and clerks of elec- > n In the county clerks or boards of unty commissioner ; ( and the mayors cities of the first and second classes ) , striding them to a choice from listH rnished by the chairman of the uounty r city ) committees of the various polit- il parties. Provision could be made owing at least one representative on the sctlon board to each political party re- vlnjr a certain percentage of votes cast the last general election held in the t-te , and providing that. In no event , ould _ any jme party have to .exceed fwo Judges and orib " clerk on any o1s < AIcj board. NO COERCION. In order to secure a free and untram melled ballot for every elector stcpr should be taken to prevent coercion , In tlmidatlon' and undue Influence on th ( part of the employers. Every citizen whatever may be hl3 station In life , shculc have every protection thrown arrund h n in the exercise of his citizenship. Othei states have seen fit to enact very s-ir 'ng n legislation to prevent undue influence or the voter by his employer. As an ins-tarn * the laws of Indiana provide that whoever for the purpose of influencing a voter threatens to enforce the payment of i debt , to injure the business or trade ui an elector , or , If an employer threaten. to withhold wages or to dismiss fron service any laborer In his employment or refuses to allow employes tlmo to at tend to the place of election and vote shall be fined not more than lfl.000 noi less than $20 , imprisonment in the s at : prison not moro than five years , nor les1 than one year , and disfranchised and ren dered Incapable of hoIdin-5 any office ol trust or profit for any determinative per iod. The enactment and strict enforce ment of some such provision In the elec tion laws of Nebraska would lessen the Intimidation of voters and give encouragement - mont to a free expression of the will of the people at the polljt. Provisions should also be mude directing all employ ers to allow each voter sufficient time cm election day to deposit his ballot. RAILROAD DISCRIMINATION Some action might very properly be taken to discourage discrimination be tween political parties by railroad corpo rations operating within the state. The Issuance of passes to an army of political workers and the giving of special rates for the political meetings make the rail road companies a power in shaping the political destiny of the state. "Where thl3 power is all wielded in the interest of one party and to the prejudice of another party , its weight cannot well be over estimated. Railroad companies do the business of the public and should be re strained by wholesome legislation from active participation in party politics. The officers and employes of such railroad companies should be Jlrse to vote as may seem to them for their own best interests. Charges of fraudulent registration in the larger cities of the state have been fre quently made and I would suggest the advisability of having the last day of registration at. least ten days prior to election day in order that the complete list of voters may be scrutinized by all Impairing citizens and ample time be af forded for the apprehension of those who fraudulently register. THE USE OF MONEY. It is obvious that one of the chief sources of corruption In elections is the use of money In providing msans or hiring the voter to go to the polls and vote , by this means placing him under obligation and thus unduly Influencing his vote , or to hire the voter to stay away from the polls , thereby causing him to neglect his duty as a cltlsan. In order to encourage and stimulate the free and honest exercise of the elective franchise R has occurred to me that it might serve a good purpose were a non voting poll tax of reasonable amount levied against each elector who may re lieve himself by voting at the general election , or by producing a certificate of sickness or disability or by absene from the county or state. Such a provision might incidentally be made a source of revenue to the state and the burden fall upon a class of citizens who fail to dis charge a very important duty devolving upon every qualified citizen. I suggest this Idea to you for your consideration. I hope that you will take the neces sary steps for the remedying of defects In our election laws with a view to giv ing every possible opportunity for a free and fair expression of the will of the people at the polls. Relief of Drouth SufTorors. "When I assumed the duties of the office af governor of the state , two years ago , ; he people of Nebraska were distressed , lot only by reason of the general de gression In business affairs , low prices ind steady and continued depreciation in property values , but also from the result jf an unpreo3dented and disastrous Irouth. Those adverse climatic condi- ions were not confined to Nebraska alone , mt prevailed In various parts of the coun- ; ry. It was an abnormal condition and nay not be experienced again during a feneration of our people. Absolute want md distress could only be prevented by > rompt and efficient organization for the ) urpos3of supplying the pressing needs > f the unfortunate drought sufferers until mother season should bring the usual > ountiful harvest. GENEROUS CONTRIBUTIONS. I found that , under the direction of my • redecessor , steps had be n taken looking 0 a systematic method of collecting and listributing provisions to alleviate the im- nedlate wants of the people in the af- ected portion of the state. "When it be- : ame generally known that provisions vould have to be made to relieve those mpoverished by the drouth , there was . generous and spontaneous response rom all sections of the nation. The con- ributions became so liberal that it taxed he ingenuity of those in charge of the listrlbutlon of these free offerings to lace them in the hands of those most eserving of assitance and , at the same Ime , to not tax the generosity of the enevolent people to a greater extent than bsolutiely required to prevent suffering. 1 deem it my duty , in behalf of the nfortunate people who were affected by his calamity to express to all who so obly respondeel to their distress by con- ributlons of provisions or money , and lso to the railroad , express , telegraph nd telephone companies which so liber- Hy assisted in the work of alleviating uffering , our sincere gratitude and lasting tianks for their manifestations of human vmpathy anel benevolence exercised elur- ig this trying period. Since that un- ortunate calamity , as before , Nebraska as been blessed with bounteous crops nd the disagreeable experience she assed through appears to her people as hideous dream. THE RELIEF COMMISSION. After the organization of the legislature n-act was passed creating a relief com- tlssion , composed of five well known citi- ms , giving to them entire control and mnagement in the discharge of this im- ortant work. The report of the relief jmmission has been submitted to me and ou will doubtless be supplied with jpies. You will observe by this report , 3 well as by reference to the acts of the st legislature , that the state contributed 0,000 , which was placed at the disposal ' . the relief commission , and an additional lm of S200.0CO , which was by the relief mimisslon distributed among the sev- • al counties of the state where the peo- e were regarded as being entitled to as- stance of this character for the purpose I purchasing seed grain for the following ' t op season , making a total appropriation , - the legislature of $250C00. In addition ' these cash donations by the legislature id the people of the country at large , an lmense amount of supplies and provis- j ns of different kinds were contributed , obtain an accurate estimate of which ' quires a careful study of the r'eport in itail of the commission. The work of ] o commission of necessity was of the , est difficult character , carried on under . ying circumstances and I am of the ] tinion that the work of distributing sup- ] ies was done in a most thorough and ( stematic manner. I was of the impres- , 3n at the time , and have since found • reasons to change my views , that the ( ganizatlon and method of distribution , relief supplies was upon a cumbersome td expensive plan. By an examination the report it will bo observed that ere were funds donated In the sum of I.999.3S and realized from the general and [ * eclal jipproprlatiojis _ ol IJoe legislature mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm the furtner sum at jc2736J7i5 ; " making - total of JSl.C3i.03. Of this amount thci waa expended S4S.113.S2 in printing , \.ra.\ elllng and transportation charges on office expenses. The freight charge nmounted to $30,609.03 , divided Into tw items , one denominated "transportation being in the sum of J30.181.67 , and th other designated "ln-frelght" being i the sum of JG.C27.30 , leaving the Bum c $11,304.79 to represent the other expense of the rallcf commission In carrying o this work from Its inception until It clocc NEBRASKA CONTRIBUTIONS. It is perhaps proper to remark In thl connection , and It is a. source of gratl Mention to myself , as I havw no doubt i will be to nil others who examine lnt the details of this work , that our ow people who were moie fortunately situ ated than their bretnren contributed moa generously to this work of relief and dl their full share in alleviating want am distress among their 'fellow citizens. "Wit a generosity unequalled , the people o every section of our country vied wit ! each other in doing everything nccessar ; to prevent want and suffering. It is t be sincerely hoped that no such calamlt ; will again reduce our pcoplo to the ne cesslty of asking or receiving aid fron their more fortunate fellow countrymen nor is there occasion to bellove that tin der the influence of the ordinary laws o nature they will ever agah bo called upon to do sc Appreciating the magnificent gen crosity of our fellow countrymen , dis played In this instance , Nebraska wil ever stand ready to extend a helping ham to the unfortunate and suffering of man kind wherever they may be found. DROUTH LESSONS. The drouth has not been without it lassons , which will doubtless add mud lo the material welfare and permanen prosperity of our people. In no state li the union is the rainfall more uniform boil : in time and amount , nor can thi precipitancy of the moisture be deter mined with greater accuracy. In any portion tion of Nebraska a study of the cllmati < conditions will disclose with reasonabh certaJnty the average amount of raln.fnl during the crop growing season , thu : enabling the people to d"termlno In wh- ' portion of the state they may safely en gage in agricultural pursuits , rely. ng upor the jiatural rainfall to cause the crop tr > grow to maturity and rli > en In per fection. In the extreme western p r ior of the state , experience lias demonstrator that agriculture e-annct be rafely carriet on with reliance upon the natural rain fall for a sufficiency of moisture to suc cessfully grow and mature tne crops , Thl3 condition haa been made moe ap- pare.nt by the disastrous season of 1SJ ind the p-sr.plt have promptly turned Uw.U attention to Irrigation , which has been Ifeveleped with great rapidity .and which has replaced partial failure of crops wltli its attending disappointment , want and suffering , with bounteous crop ? which car b3 relied upon with certainty as regularly 3S the seasons follow each other. The uon-irrigable portions of the country within this territory bing exceedingly well adapted to the raising of stock , the ivestern part of Nebraska is thereby made me of the most invitin < fields for in timi ng settlers of any part of the great west. Irrltcntlon. In the reports of the secretary of the ; tate board of irrigation will be found nueh interesting and useful information. ; t is very gratifying to note the rdpid levelopment of this phaje of agricultural ndostry. The work is as yet in its in- 'ar.cy , but so much has been ac"om - - > lsbed It may confidently be predicte-1 hat that rortlon of our state which i * n the seml-arld region will soon bacomo > n > i of the most attractive places in any igrlcultural community. Millions of acres it Nebraska hind will ha brought under he favorable influences erf irrigation and m de to produce the most bountiful crops , .nd there is no limit to the development xcept by the. exhaustion of the water upply before this result hus been fully Lccompliihed. The immense wealth , wrought into existence through the tlevel- pment of irrigation and that which is rc-ated annually by the production of loimtiful harvests , gives assurance of Jenty and prosperity to the inhabitants if this favored portion of the state. ' NEW CANALS. It will be seen from the records In the ffice of tlio secretary of the beard of anals thut there have been complete 1 ,740 miles of canals and that there are in roeess of construction 1.0I5.R miles , mak- lg a total mileage at the present time of anals completed and In process of con traction of 4,78.KtJ. The estimated cost , -ill exceed $3,000,000 , of which over half as already been expended. This will ring under irrigation 1 , 07,9W acres of snd , increasing the value of the land early $10,000,000. In addition to this there re applications on file for contemplate * ! anals of a total mileas-i of 2,940. TSe = c tatistics can but imprests you with the nportance of giving to this subject su ill jrther consideration as may bo net.ee- ixy to correct any imperfections exist- ig in the present law , and of proviil-g ir a continuation of the work so aus- ieiously beqmn. IRRIGATION LAWS. The first general law upon the subject C irrigation was enacted in JSS3. Thi : ; .w was found entirely inadequate for ie proper development of the Irrigation iterests of the state. This law was iperseded by a mucli more comprehen- ve one enacted by the last legislature , nee which the work has progrensol ore satisfactorily and with mtuh gr. .tt- rapidity. Many suggestions have bec-i ado respecting the wisdom cf amending te present law. In considering the sub- cts of amendmc-nts , however , I deem it Ivisablo to call attention to the fa-t ta-t no amendments should be ma < 2e hich would materially change the un- • rlying , e ssemtia ! prmeiplf-s of the pros it law. which lias the sanction of the ghest judicial tribunal of our land. Th- • Inclples involved in this subject have ; en forever st-ttled by a judicial dci - on of the character referred to , it would em unwise , except upon urgent neccs- ty , to so change them by legislation a < = render les certain the principle o in- rived and perhaps invite further Hti- ttlon with its attending tediousness and Earisome elelays. The- advocates of irri- ition interests , as I understand Jt , favor nending the law relating to the crjaniza- ) n of irrigation districts so as to provide r uniform issues of bonds under the rection of the state board of irrigation , i well as legislation touching the issue id negotiation of the bondeu obligations the irrigation rii r'- : • ro affor'i e taxpayers all needed protection , as ill as having due regard for th. : Inte-rosr * those wno purchase such obligations , has also been suggested that an .imer.d- mt might properly be made with ref- .mce to the organization and control irrigation districts so as to permit ev- f resident freeholder to participate in d have a voice in the selection of offi- rs and all other matters pertaining to 2 affairs of such districts ; also that j officers of district treasurer and as- ssor might be abolished and the dut' ' * " ! these officers be imposed upon the jnty and township treasurers and a - ; sors. Other amendments to the prcs- t law of more or less importance have ewlse been suegfited , and will no doubt presented to ye-u for your considera- n. I earnestly hope that you may bo le to make such jiewlfu ! improvements may seem advisable to encourage furi i : r and to the utmost extent this very i portant feature of the agricultural do- | opment cf the state , and tJi .it all nec tary appropriations may be made in j ler that the work may be carried on Lh renewed vigor. > I State's Flnnnce * . desire to earnestly call your serious entlon to the condition of the state's inces. This Js * subject o ? more than ordinary Concern to every 'taxpayer " 01 H Nobratka Several factors contributes to the unfavorable condition of the flr.an.Cal f A Interests oif the state us wo ut present jjfe l find thorn. The very general depnysslon In f& m business and the low prices re.olvcd for H the products produced by the pcoplo of v < H our state are of themselves sufficient to fj l render the stato'st finances much moro > | unsatlBfaotory than might bo expected H under normal conditions. This Ux pr : M vented the prompt collection of taxc * due- H the state , and required In order to mee t H Its necessary expenditures , so that at th > B present time It appears * there Ih a very * B large amount of delinquent state * tuxrfl. * H In addition to thl the method of handling - H ling the finances of the state and mce ting - H ing Its obligations , could. In my Judgment , J j H be very much Improved upon. Not only H is it commendable to secure the prompt H collection of taxes levied for the purpodo m of meeting current expenditures , but also M the prompt payjne-nt of the taxes tluw | H collected In satisfaction of the stato'n M obligations. Good builnesa judgment H would dictate the. prompt discharge o M trw state's outstanding obligations a * rapidly - B idly as money may 1k accumulated by _ thu ordinary method of collecting taxca ! to meet the s.inie. aVAVJ STATE OBLIGATIONS. JVAH Prom the report of the state treasurer VKBKBJ n brief summary dlsclos" * . ? this follawinjj , H ( ik to the state's obligations : | Bonds outstanding , issued In * AVA ] funding the state's indebted- -fl l ness ut the time of the ndnp- tion of the present coiHtitu- BVAV lion > 419.25757 VMVJ Bonds issued under the present * j H constitution In 1891 and yet aVAV outstanding 19,000 00 H General fund warrants outstanding - h standing $ t.934V ; ' i 13 M Total . . . . „ $ X10 : ' .33' OS , ttfl STATIC CREDITS. \i J H To meet the-so obligations we ha.ve the B j k following credits : * ' Ml Sinking fund to meet bonds M first above mentioned $ 317.S40 0-1 H Sinking fund to meet bonds last J H above mentioned 324 39 M Uncollected taxes due to the ? fVJ general fund $2.330C92 7(1 ( H Cash In the treasury , general AVI fund CS9.370 S9 ' H Total ? 3.23SX7C3 ffl In addition to the liabilities already In- M curred. and of which mention has heretofore - H tofore bet n made , there is also the addl- . VM | tfonal liability for current expenditures VMV yet to 'be mael * for the remainder of the VMfl biennial period for which the last I glMa- VM | turu made appropriations and which can vAVJ be approximated ascertaining the total AVJ unexpended balances as shown by the VM ] report of the state auditor. These will H have to be met from the uncollected taxes JVA ] above mentioned H ( continukd ) JVM | DIFFERENT WAYS OF SLEEPING. H Europeans T.Ike Soft IMIlow , but iastorn V VJ RmH I.lko Illocks. VMV Though it is true , : ls the author of a H school composition once assorted , that H "sleeping is : i universal practice H among all nations" it is also true that } H there is a great diversity in the M methods of sleeping among people of M different nations find different ways of H life , stiys the Youth's Companion. k The things that one needs to make him M sleep are precisely the things which | would keep another awake all night , | Even the sedative medicines which H put one person immediately into a H heavy slumber excite anothr-i- into a. H condition of nervous restlessness. H The European or American , in order H to sleep well , ordinarily requires a / H rlowny pillow under his head ; but the K H Japanese , stretching himself upon a ' H rush-mat on the lloor , puts a hard , J H square block of wood under his head , M ind does not sloop well if he does not | The Chinese makes great account of H lis bed , which is very low. indeed M scarcely rising from the lloor but is | ) ften carved exquisitely of wood : but j J t never occurs to him to make it any ' | my softer than rush-mats will render | While the people of northern coun- H ries can not sleep unless they have H ) lonty of room to stretch out their H egs , the inhabitants of the tropics H ften curl themselves up like monkeys | | tt the lower tingle of a suspended H lummock , and sleep soundly in that 1 The robust American often covers i l timself with a pair of blankets and. H hrows his window wide open to the | .ir. even in the winter time , and-ho j H Iocs not complain if he finds a little j H [ rift of snow across the top of his bed | a the morning. H The Rujssitin , on the contrary , like3 j | o sleeping-place so well as the top of H he big soaptone stove in his domicile. < H brawling out of this blistering bed in 3 | lie morning he likes to take a plunge M n a cold stream , even if he has to H reak through the ice to get into it. | The Laplander crawls , head and all. ] kite ito a bag made of reindeer skin and J M leeps warm and comfortable within < | The East Indian , at the other end. / H f the world , also has a sleeping-bag , H ut it is more porous than the Lap- J H mder s. Its purpose is to keep out | losquitoes more than to keep the S H leeper warm. H While the American still clings to l H is feather pillow he is steadily dis- l l u-Jing his old-fashioned feather bed | i favor of the hair or straw matress. H he feather bed is relegated to the H Duntry and many people who slept H pen it all through their childhood M nd themselves uncomfortable upon it 1 i their maturity. H The Gern-ans noc only sleep urjon a H tather bed , but underneath one. * The | ; ather covering used in Germany , M owever , is not as large or thick as M ie one which is used as a mattress , M nd the foreigner who undertakes to- M eep beneath it often finds his feet : M lffering from cold , while his should- j H • s are suffering from heat. H A llg Shower or Meteor * . H Of the 14 huge masses of meteoric | on which fell on a spot less than 61 M mare miles in area , near Fort Dun- M in , Mexico , .the largest is bec-hivo / | h.aped and is buried five feet in the y 1 jil anel rises four feet above the r-ur- " 7 | ice. The second mass in point of size | as been moved , to the national mu- | : nm at Washington. It weighs over | 000 pounds. The other 11 pieces | eigh from 9 K to C30 pounds. The | • hole mass of fragments as mentioned. | | bove are scattered over an ar a of C4 > | luare miles with Fort Dunoan. at. | bout the centof the point of dis- | orsion. H