Outgoing Executive Addresses
the Nebraska Lawmakers.
CONDITION Of THE STATE FINANCES.
State Innlltiitloiis and Common Schools
Carefully Looked After.
memlutloiiH Hindu. S
Constitutional Convention.
To the Senators and Representatives
of the Twenty-seventh Session of the
Legislature of Nebraska. Gentlemen :
Complying with the provisions of the
constitution of the state of Nebraska ,
I place before you a summary of the
operations of the various departments
of state during the past bicuuium , and
offer for your consideration some sug
gestions as to what I deem the needs
of the state.
Too much of our legislation is built
upon the give and take plan a sys
tem "of you help me acd I'll help
you" between legislators. Logrolling
ing is notorious in almost every legis
lative hall , and all the way up to the
national halls of congress. The lobby
exerts undac influence. As a result
of these things we have a mass of ill-
considered laws , the meaning of which
is obscure , many contradictory , and
when submitted to the test of consti
tutional interpretation , utterly fail
and become null and void. We need
fewer rather than more laws. The
legislators who will repeal a large
number of laws now upon our law
books , which are and have been for
years dead letters , and will strip oth
ers of useless verbiage which tends to
obscure their meaning , and clothe
them in language so plain that the
"wayfaring man , though a simpleton ,
need not err therein , " and in the en
actment of the few needed laws frame
them so plain and direct that there
can be no room for any quibbling as
to their mearin/ , would arn for
themselves memorial tablets from
their grateful fellow citizens.
Many laws passed by the legislature
would fail of enactment if the voters
and taxpayers of the state had the
opportunity of expressing themselves
upon their desirability before they
went into effect. If every law had to
pass the test of popular approval the
number of statutes would be much
smaller than it is now. and the en
forcement of these approved would be
an easy task. Purely paitisan meas
ures would be unknown , and the oc
cupation of the lobijyist would be at
an enrl. I believe it would be to the
great benefit of the -tate i all arts
of the legislature , except emergency
legislation for the maintenance of pub
lic business and institution. Avere sub
mitted to the ratification of tbv. people.
FINANCIAL.
The state treasurer reports a bal
ance on hand at the close of business
November 30 , 1900 , of $615,018.34. The
bonded indebtedness of the state has
been entirely paid and a balance in
the sinking fund of $56,165.23. This
you should transfer to the general
fund and authorize the treasurer to
credit any further moneys coming in
to that fund to the general fund. No
further levy for the sinking fund has
been made , but some back taxes upon
that fund will be collected from year
to year. Our floating indebtedness rep
resented by state warrants is $1,727-
509.72. The school fund has invested
In $1,165,762.12 of this amount , which
has practically put the state upon a
cash basis so far as the purchase of
supplies and the maintenance of our
state institutions are" concerned. The
interest arising from these war
rants goes into the temporary school
fund , and is distributed again to tin
taxpayers through the school fund ap
portionment. The treasurer very just
ly remarks that a thorough revision
of the revenue laws should be made.
or an amendment authorizing a levy
of seven (7) ) mills for the < reneral fund
instead of five (5) ) mills , since the pres
ent levy does not keep up with the ap
propriations , ttiereby increasing , rath
er than reducing , our floating indebt
edness. To my mind a just assess
ment is much more preferable than an
increased levy. Our present levy of
five (5) mills would be all sufficient
if our assessment was what it should
be. The state's educational funds are
- invested in the securities designated
\ by the constitution to the amount of
b I $4,365,544.63. Each year finds it more
difficult to secure investment for these
funds in the securities required by the
constitution The constitution .should
be amended allowing a larger scope
for investment of the state's educa
tional funds.
I concur in the recommendation of
the treasurer , reducing the interest
upon state warants to three (3) ) per
cent. This will enable the treasurer
to secure practically all of these war
rants for the school fund investment.
The present condition of the state's
finances , as compared with even so re
cent date as four years ago , must be
a source of congratulation to the citi
zens of Nebraska. Should this con
dition continue , your best efforts must
be used and your wisdom ; devise ways
and means to keep the appropriations
within the limit of the levy permitted to
by law.
ELECTION OF UNITED STATES
SENATORS.
One of the most important duties is
which you have to perform is the in
election of two senators to represent
Nebraska in the senate of the United
States. The experience of our own
state , as well as that of other states , is
in times past , recall to us the diffi
cultly attending this duty. The selec
tion of senators would be much sim
plified , and those chosen to that high
office more representative , if the people
ple themselves chose them by direct
vote. The time of the legislature ,
which is really too short for the care
ful consideration of legislation , is
taken up and the minds of the mem
bers distracted with the too often long
\ drawn out struggles in the election of
United States senators.
I would recommend that you mem as
\ orialize congress to submit a consti
tutional amendment providing for the to
election of senators by direct vote of
the people. Older states have very
keenly felt the necessity of a change
In the manner of election of United
Itv
States senators. A number of states
have passed resolutions upon this sub
ject by their legislatures.
STATE OFFICERS AND INSTITU
TIONS.
The state officers and the heads of
the various public institutions have
presented full and exhaustive reports
of the business management of the
state and the needs of the departments
for the next biennium. These reports
show the great care and business abil
ity with which the affairs of the state
have been managed , and their recom
mendations should receive a careful
consideration from you.
For your guidance in malting appro
priations for the next biennium for
the several institutions of the state , I
have had prepared and herewith sub
mit a table showing the exact cost of
maintenance of each institution ein
the state for the past nine years. A
careful scrutiny of this table would
be a most correct guide in making fu
ture appropriations. I commend this
table to your careful scrutiny :
THE LABOR BUREAU.
The work done by the labor bureau
for the past biennium as shown by
the report of that department , is of
great value to the labor interests of
the state. The compilation of labor
and industrial statistics , the unique
way of showing by a map of the coun
ties the surplus product shipment and
the incomes to the state therefrom ,
certainly affords one of the very best
means of placing Nebraska and her
resources before home seekers. The
money expended in the work of this
labor bureau has certainly been a
very profitable investment for the
state.
state.RELIEF
RELIEF FOR THE SUPREME
COURT.
There are now pending in the su
preme court of our state seventeen
bundled and nine cases , and notwith
standing the best efforts of the court ,
the number constantly increases rath
er than decreases. If no new cases
should bn filed and the court should
make the same progress in adjudica
tion they have been able to make in
the past , it would require more than
three years to clear the court docket.
As a matter of fact , under these con
ditions , the supreme court is regard
ed as the tomb in which lies buried
the hopes of litigants awaiting a very
indefinite resurrection. An increase
in the number of judges at once sug
gests itself as the most rational way
with which to meet this difficulty. No
one can dispute that an early deter
mination of honest litigation is de
sirable. If the number of judges were
increased the work of the court could
be brought forward and litigants could
have their suits disposed of promptly.
The condition which now exists is not
new. As far back as 1893 there were
1,285 cases pending.
The legislature of 3893 created a su
preme court commission , permitting
the supreme judges to select three
commissioners , taking effect March ,
1893. This was intended as a tempo
rary relief to the court , and was to
continue for the term of three years.
The legislature of 1895 extended the
term an additional three years , so
that it would cease by limitation
March , 1899. At that time it ceased
to exist , and after its six years woric
there were pending before the court
1,434 cases , or an increase of 49 cases ,
showing that with the assistance of
the commission the court had kept
almost even in its work , adjudicat
ing nearly as many cases as were
filed.
The consiitulion of the state deter
mines the number of supreme judges ,
so that that number must remain as
at present until the constitution shall
be amended increasing the number.
To my mind it seems desirable that a
constitutional amendment should be
submitted to the electors increasing
the number of supreme judges to at
least five. Pending the time , however ,
when such amendment shall have been
adopted and be effective , I would sug
gest that your honorable body em
power the supreme court to call to its
aid any number of district judges in
the state , not less than ten. With this
assistance the court would be-enabled
to clear the docket in a reasonable
time , and having it once clear , aud
with an increase the number of judges
it would be enabled to keep it so. At
present many of the district judges
in the state are not occupied to ex
ceed one-half of their time. Their
entire time belongs to the state. I
can see nothing unreasonable in ask
ing that their unoccupied time be
used by the state in relief of the su
preme court.
NEBRASKA NATIONAL GUARD.
The Nebraska national guard was
wholly disorganized by the Spanish-
American war. When I came into
office the Second Nebraska volunteer
regiment , which was largely made up
of the Second Nebraska national
guard , had recently been mustered
out of the service of the United States
and was being re-organized. The re.-
organization was continued under my
administration as rapidly as possible.
When the First Nebraska volunteers ,
most of the members of which had
formerly belonged to the National
guard , returned from the Philippines ,
and were mustered out of the service
of the United States , immediately the
work of reorganization of the First
regiment , N. N. G. , was taken up. In
the reorganization of this regiment
preference was given , first , to mem
bers of the First Nebraska volunteers :
second , to members of Second and
Third Nebraska volunteers , and then
former members of the Nebraska
national guard. In this way quite a
large percentage of the members of
the present Nebraska national guard
composed of men who saw service
the Spanish-American war. The
guard as now constituted consists of
two regiments of infantry , a troop of
cavalry , and a battery of artillery. It
a body of men of which the state
may justly feel proud. I approve of
the estimate made by the adjutant
general for the next biennium , and
recommend appropriations according
ly.RETURN
RETURN OF FIRST NEBRASKA.
When our gallant First Nebraska
regiment returned from the Philip
pines and arrived in San Francisco , 1
determined , if possible , that its mem
bers should be returned to their
homes without cost io them. I thought
this would be a fitting tribute to them , of
showing the appreciation of our so
state for their bravery and devotion
soldier duty. I first endeavored to
get special rates from the railway
lines. This I was utterly unable to
do. I then endeavored to get the rail
way companies to bring tlie regiment p ;
home and file their bill with the audi
tor as a claim against the state , to
be paid by your honorable body. They
refused to do this. I then endeavored
to secure a loan from the banking in
terests of the state. Failing in this I
appealed to the generous patriotic people
ple of Nebraska to advance sufficient
funds. The appeal met with loyal re
sponse. More than enough was sen ;
in and the regiment received a wel
come befitting the esteem in which it
was held by our people.
The amounts contributed are a loan
to the stete of Nebraska , and provision
for its payment should be made by
you In an early appropriation. The
amount contributed was $40,342.75. Of
this $36,315.45 was required to pay
the expenses of the return of the regi
ment. Of the excess $3,971.00 was re
turned to individual donors. The list
of those who subscribed to this fund
is a part of the files of the executive
office.
office.REVENUE
REVENUE AND TAXATION.
The Inequalities in our revenue sys
tem must be apparent to any one who
has examined it. A general revision
of the entire law upon the subject is
necessary. Numerous attempts have
been made in the past to accomplish
such revision , but the short time oc
cupied in a legislative session , the
vast amount cf work to be accom
plished , and the magnitude and diffi
culty of the task , have prevented its
consummation. It seems to me that
a competent commission authorized
to procure the revenue laws of the
different states in the union , and from
them formulate for our state a new
revenue law to be submitted for the
ratification of the next session of the
legislature , would procure for us a
revenue law which would be just and
equitable. This seems a long time to
await a revision of our revenue sys
tem , but past experience has shown
us the great difficulty attending the
task , and it seems to me a more care
ful and satisfactory revision could be
secured by the method above Indi
cated than in any other way.
RAILWAY REGULATION.
The question of railway regulation
is one that has occupied the attention
of the legislators in our state probably
more than any other. As early as 1876
this was a prominent issue upon which
members of the legislature were elect-
ed. The people demanded relief from
what they thought oppressive rates
of freight and passenger tariff. Each
succeeding legislature adjourned
without any measure being passed un
til 1885 when the members elected al-
most entirely upon this issue made the
most determined effort to redeem pre
election pledges. The first maximum
rate bill was prepared and strenuous
efforts made to incorporate it into the
laws of our state. This measure met
with defeat , but a compromise meas
ure was at last agreed upon by which
Nebraska had her first railway commission -
mission established. It was a makeshift -
shift to avoid the provisions of the
constitution , and a sop thrown out to
quiet the demands of the people. As
a member cf the legislature of 1885 I
voted against the measure , giving the
following as my reason :
I would recommend the submission
to the electors an amendment to our
constitution providing for the election
of a railway commission. Pending the
time when such amendment could be
ratified by the voters of the state , I
would recommend the enactment by
your honorable body of a maximum
rate upon the commodities in carload
lots , such as salt , coal , grain , live
stock and lumber. It seems to me at
this time that these two measures are
all that can be clone in the matter of
regulation of transportation charges.
PURE FOOD LAW.
The legislature at its last session
enacted a law known as the pure food
law , designating the governor of the
state , food commissioner , with author
ity to appoint a deputy food commis
sioner. Acting under this law I ap
pointed Mr. F. B. Hibbard of Irvington -
ton deputy food commissioner , who
proceeded to organize the department
and enforce the provisions of the act.
The law provided for the collection of
fees and licenses from certain lines of
business , and the expenses of the de
partment to be paid out of such col-
lection. When the salary vouchers of
the deputy and clerk of the department
were presented they were refused by
the auditor upon the ground that no
appropriation , as provided by the con
stitution , had been made by the leg
islature. The case having been sub
mitted to the supreme court , that
tribunal decided that the legislature
had failed to make specific appropria-
tion , consequently 'the salaries could
not be paid. As a result the work of J.
the department has been much ham
pered. The law is one which met with
general favor with the people and was
especially appreciated and desired by
the dairy interests of the state.
I would recommend an increase in
the scope of the present law , extend
ing to the suppression cf the manufac
ture and sale of all kinds of adulter
ated food products within the state. :
There has been collected in fees and
n
licenses by the department the sum
of $3,286 , which has all been turned
into the statf treasury. I herewith
sumbit you an itemized statement of .
the expenses of the department. I
recommend that an appropriation be
made to meet these expenses , as con-
templated by the- law itself , drawn
upon the fund which fees and licenses
has produced now in the state treas-
ury.
ury.LIVE STOCK REGULATIONS.
During my term of office there have n
been numerous calls upon this department - ?
ment relative to the suppression and P
control of contagious diseases among
live stock. That the live stock indus
try Is of paramount importance in the "
state all will admit , and it seems to in
me but good business judgment that
adequate laws should be made for the a
protection of this industry from the tl
ravages of contagious animal diseas tl
es. The laws we now have are cum
bersome , and if enforced with sufficient - tcfi
fi
ient appropriation to make them effec
tive , would prove a great burden upon
the taxpayers of the state. For this
reason no appropriation for live stock
protection was made by the last ses
sion of the legislature.
The law as now constituted pro- aisi
vidps that animals with contagious si
disease may be killed by the agents |
the state , and the value of animals ]
killed paid to the owners of such
animals. This would many times be a
the source of imposition upon the
state , and even though honestly ad
ministered , would entail a larger ex
pense than the state could afford to
pay. I would recommend , therefore ,
the repeal of the present law and the
enactment of a law providing for a
state veterinarian , with power to rec
ommend quarantine regulations when
In his judgment occasion demanded ,
and directing the proper officer to en
force his recommendations.
STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.
The state board of agriculture is de
serving of most liberal treatment at
your .hands. . No one power has done
more for the advancement of the agri
cultural interests of the state. The
work the board has done in advertis
ing the state and thereby inducing
Immigration has been of great value.
The last legislative session established ,
a permanent home for the board at
the Capital City.
I would therefore recommend that
the state provide suitable grounds and
buildings for state fair purposes and
annual appropriation sufficient to at
least pay the expenses for the main
tenance of the state board , thereby al
lowing the revenue arising from the
annual state fairs to bo used for the
collection of statistics and informa
tion , and the distribution of the same ,
and the increase in payment of prem
iums.
CONVICT LABOR.
The problem of employment for
the convicts in our state peni
tentiary Is one which should
receive your careful consideration.
Humanity demands that these who
are incarcerated in state prisons
should be kept busy. Justice to hon
est labor forbids that the work of con
victs should be brought into competi
tion with its effort. The contract sys
tem employed in so many states wher
eby prison-made goods are thrown
upon the market in direct competition
with the goods of free labor is mani
festly unjust and unfair to the honest
workman. Ho is not only taxed to
support the criminal in the peniten
tiary , but must sell his labor for un-
remunerative prices to enable him to
compete with the criminal labor.
It seems to me it should be the pol
icy of our state so far as we may bo
able to prevent this competition by
furnish ir.n empl-vnent to convicts
which in no way interferes with hon
est labor. The manufacture of goods
needed by the state for the wards of
the . stats in our various eleemosynary
institutions would be legitimate woik
for convicts.
STATE NORMAL SCHOOL.
The largely increased attendance at
the state normal school makes it im
perative that some increase in the fa
j cilities ; should be provided by you. The
assembly room there has a capacity
af
for seating five hundred. The atten
dance during the term last passed was
(1f
far in excess of that number , with the
probability of yet further increase
during the present term. There has
been constantly recurring before each
legislature for a number of years past ,
the question of building additional
normal schools in the state. I need
not ; point out to you that the creation
of ai ari'ional school o ; sch"ols
would create additional expense for
the management of the same. Each
school would require officers and con
veniences for the conduct of the busi
ness of the school. These are prac
tically the same for either a large or
small school. To create new schools
would require a duplication of these
necessities , and a corresponding in
crease in outlay. An increase in li
brary facilities , laboratory facilities
and other necessities of a school al
ready equipped would be trivial as
compared with the building and equip
ment of an entire new school.
CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION.
As indicated in what has gone be
fore in this message , there are in my
opinion a number of amendments
needed to our state constitution. The
experience we have had in times past
with constitutional amendments has
not been satisfactory. It seems to me
you should make provisions for the
calling of a constitutional convention
to formulate for our state a constitu
tion fitted to our present development ,
and making provision for our future
growth. Should This be done many of
the problems which now present them
selves would be solved.
Retiring from the highest office in
the gift of the people of our state , I
congratulate ; you as the chosen repre
sentatives of the most progressive and
best educated constituency in our
country. I congratulate you upon the
splendid financial condition of our
state. The past biennium has wit
nessed the payment of our entire bond
ed indebtedness. It has witnessed the
reduction of the rate of interest upon
our floating indebtedness to 4 per cent ,
'
and our state warrants 'at that low
rate , of interest selling at a premium
of 1 per cent , showing the confidence
of our own people , as well as capital
ists or other states in the ability of
our state to pay its obligations , and
the integrity of the management of
our financial affairs.
I congratulate you upon the economy
and business ability with which th'i
public institutions of our state have
been managed during the past bien
nium , as shown in the reports here
with submitted , not less upon the ex
cellent care given the unfortunate
wards of the state. Our eleemosynary
institutions are the equal of any sister
,
state in the union. They reflect the
progress and advanced civilization of
the state. The demands of civiliza
tion require the most scrupulous care
of those whom misfortune make the
wards of the state. Justice to the tax
payers requires this care to be given
in a way creating as little burden as
may be. The requirements of both
have been fully met during the past
biennium.
I trust that your duties in making
new laws and amending old ones , and
the repeal of those you deem detri
mental or unnecessary , may be pleas
ant : and all your work for the good of
the people and the advancement of
the welfare of our state.
I wish to return my sincere thanks
the people cf Nebraska for the con
fidence they reposed in me , and the
uniform courtesy always shown me
and the many kind and complimentary
words and letters commendatory of a
my administration received from so
many citizens of the state. In all my
acts I have had beyond all other con
siderations the welfare and best in
lerests oC the state. For whatever mis-
lakes I may have made I ask charit
able lieniency. The administration as
whole I submit to the honest judg- "
mcnt of an intelligent people. "
W. A. POYNTER _ , o
Governor. s ;
Executive Chamber , Lincoln , Neb. e
January 3 , 1901. Is
New Governor Speaks to New
Legislature.
MESSAGE SHORT AND BUSINESS-LIKE
GrcntH Members Heartily and
Ills KccomiiiumlatloiiA as to TTbat
AV111 l.o Hest for the Stuto In
the Way of
To the Senators and Representa
tives , Twenty-seventh Session of the
Legislature of Nebraska :
As your chief executive , I herewith
submit for your consideration the fol
lowing recommendations :
By the constitution , as adopted in
1875 , provision was made for six
judges of the district court , which
number , the legislature in the exer
cise of its constitutional authority , has
increased to twenty-eight , at a cost
to the state of about $115,000 per ana
num. ] It is generally conceded by
members of the legal profession that
a material reduction in the number
of district judges can be made without
affecting the adjudicating capacity or
the efficiency of the judicial branch
of the government.
There are nearly one thousand seven
hundred cases ready for trial before
the supreme court , and it is estimated
that it will require about eight years
before any new action can bo prose
cuted to judgment. It is well known
that persons aiming at the adjudica
tion of equitable claims arc being
made the prey of unscrupulous and ir
responsible contestants by reason of
the delay incident to the congested
condition of the supreme court docket ,
thus entailing unnecessary hardship
and loss upon legitimate claimants ,
at the same time discouraging invest
ment of capital , and making it diffi
cult for the honest borrower to obtain
loans. This is an abuse of justice
which impairs the credit of both the
state and the individual , and which
neither the state nor the individual can
afford to license. Innumerable cases
now pending before the supreme and
district courts would be dismissed if
a speedy trial could bo had , and
knowledge of the fact would no doubt
greatly restrain litigants in the fu
ture. I therefore recommend , with
a view to temporary relief , that an
act be passed empowering the su
preme court to appoint referees whose
duly it shall be to assist said court ,
and whose tenure of office shall be
for the immediate biennium.
I also recommend the submission to
the voters of the state of a proposi
tion to so amend the constitution as to
empower the legislature , under proper
restrictions , to provide for such an
increase in the number of judges of
the supreme court as shall insure per
manent relief.
The laws of Nebraska need amend
ment in mary essential particulars ,
and should bo codified. I recommend
the creation of a commission of suit
able persons , learned in the law , to
submit for the consideration of the
next legislature , a codification of out
laws , and suggestions of change. ?
where necessary , and to also prepare
a revenue measure providing for an
equitable taxation of all property
throughout the state.
Section 26 of article 5 of the consti
tution should be so amended that the
legislature shall have authority to
create a state board of control for the
management of our state institutions ,
and I therefore recommend the sub
mission of an amendment of that pur
port to the people without unneces
sary delay.
Your attention is directed to the
pan-American exposition which is to
be held at Buffalo , N. Y. , this year.
A reasonable appropriation to be used
for advertising the resources of our
state will meet with my approval.
Nebraska should be properly repre
sented at the exposition to be held in
St. Louis in 1903 , and a liberal ap
propriation should be made for that
purpose.
Your attention is hereby directed
to the inadequacy of tbe law applying
to the crimes of kidnapping and child
stealing. I would recommend that the
law be so amended as to make kid
napping or child stealing a felony ,
punishable by imprisonment in the
penitentiary for a period of not less
than five nor more than thirty years ,
that the age limit be removed , and
that the unlawful or forcible holding
in captivity of any person at a place h
other than the natural or lawful domicile - .
micile or abode of said person shall
constitute a crime of kidnapping. I
also recommend that an appropriation iih
be made , to be placed at the disposal iih
of the chief executive of the state , for
use by him in apprehending such
criminals or repressing this sort of
crime.
Ic
The state has several cases pending
in the courts against sureties on offi
cial bonds. The prosecution of these
cases has been attended with great
expense , and has continued for several
years. In the interim , some of the
sureties have died , many have become -
come insolvent , and the chances for
ultimate recovery on the bonds seem
to be growing less. It is the excep
tion , and not the rule , that personal
bonds have been satisfactory. Private
corporations deem it for their interest in
to buy surety company bonds for
their employes. Our present state
treasurer finds it impossible to fur
nish a satisfactory personal bond
without subjecting himself to terms
and conditions which have proven to
be annoying and disastrous to others
who have held the same position , and
he has been obliged , as was his pre
decessor , to purchase a surety bond at fl
cost incommensurate with his sal-
c ,
ary. I submit that the law should
permit corporate surety bonds to bo tc
given in all cases where i bond is re tcw
quired , and should provide that any w
public officer may be compelled to fur P <
nish a corporate surety bond , the cost tl
thereof to be defrayed by the state or
municipality for whose benefit such
bond is required.
The game , song and other Insectiv
orous birds are the property of the
state and are being ruthlessly slaught
ered. I therefore recommend that the ing
laws for the protection of these birds SOO
bo so revised as to prohibit tholr ex
portation from the state , and to pro
vide for a state game warden whoso
duty It shall bo to BCO that violators
of the law nro duly prosecuted.
The executive mansion should bo
cither sold , or an appropriation nmdc
for Its proper maintenance. It should
bo cared for us any other public prop
erty.
erty.Another
Another matter to which your at
tention is called IB the boundary line
between the states of Nebraska and
Iowa. The original Intention un
doubtedly was that the center of the
channel of the Missouri river should
form the boundary line between these
two stsitcs. Owing , however , to
changes In the river bed. the channel
in many places has been BO changed
that Nebraska territory lies east ot
the said river , Iowa territory lies west
of the river , while in some Instances
the question of jurisdiction is In doubt
and dispute. This state of affairs
leads to a condition of lawlessness ,
especially in the disputed territory ,
which should not exist. It Is recom
mended that a boundary commission
| be provided for by joint resolution of
the two houses to act with a like com
mission from our sister state of Iowa ,
that shall have power , with the con
sent of the federal government , to es
tablish a permanent boundary line be
tween the two states.
Your attention will be called to the
advisability of establishing a state cir
culating or so-called travelling library
which In other states has proven to
be a great success.
The century just closed has boon Im
mortalized for all ages to como by
the gallant achievements on land and
sea of the American soldier and ma
rine , and by the patriotic sacrifices of
our American women. Lot us. then ,
in this , the first year of a new century ,
show our appreciation of their dceda
of valor and love for country and hu
manity , by appropriating a liberal sum
of money to erect a fitting monument
to the memory of our heroic dead.
Committees should be appointed at
once to visit our various state insti
tutions , with instructions to mahc an
early report of their needs , so that the
legislature may have ample opportun
ity to act intelligently in the matter
of appropriations.
In conclusion , I wish to state that
every act of yours or mine , should be
governed by that same honesty of
purpose , and business tact and care ,
as though our state and her institu
tions were our own personal belong
ings. ( Sitrncd )
CHARLES II. DIETRICH.
A Novel 1'etltlon.
A correspondent of a. southern
paper writes of an odd petition. It
was drawn up in the year 1734 by 1G
young women of South Carolina , and
was addressed to the governor. The
petition stated that , whereas the
widows of the colony captured all the
matrimonial prizes , his excellency's pe
titioners did humbly pray that all
bachelors should be prohibited from
marrying widows from that time forth.
TTntor Supply for Taniplco.
English engineers arc making sur
veys and plans of Tampico and the
surrounding country with a view of
supplying the town with drinking wa
ter and a complete system of sewer
age. Should these works be carried
out there will be an excellent opening
for the sale of plumbing supplies. At
present there is no plumbing estab
lishment in the port.
Killed Mexico Twenty-Four Yearn.
When the presid tial term closed
on Nov. 30 General Porfirio Diaz
had controlled the affairs of the
Mexican republic for a period of twen
ty-four years , and under his wise , ben
eficent and energetic rule he has seen
Mexico rise from a condition of indus
trial , commercial and political prostra
tion and disturbance to a position
which places it in an eminent niche
among nations of the world.
Klectrlc Flro Engines KconomlcaL.
The chief fire engineer of the Nevr
Orleans , La. , department has figured
out that the relative running cost as
between a three-horse hitch engine of
the first class and an electric power
engine is SCO a month for the former
and ? 27 for the same period for the
latter. These figures show a clear gain
of ? 33 per month and $400 per annum
in round figures for the electric power
o.nrrina.
Uolr to Italian Throne.
It must be confessed that the new
heir to the Italian throne is quite as
interesting as the new occupant of
that throne and his chances of becom
ing king of Italy are good. The duke
h a cousin of King Emmanuel III. He
h the father of two sons , whereas the
new king , who was married four years
ago , has no children. While the king
frail and dislikes physical exertion ,
the duke is devoted to sport and is one
of the best horsemen in Italy.
Milk Attracts DMeaie Germs.
Place a jug of milk near fish for a
few hours and there will be a fishy
flavor about it. In this same way that
milk is susceptible to odors , so It at
tracts disease germs ; diphtheria , tp-
phoid fever , etc. , are often contracted
this manner. This is not always
due to carelessness , for these bacilli
are In the very air we breathe. The
only true safeguard when contagious
disease is about to sterilize the milk.
Corn Stubble CuU Throat.
L. T. Davis , a farmer living near
West Union. W. Va. , had his throat
cut by a corn stubble and almost bled
death before assistance reached him.
While hauling fodder he fell from hia
wagon , his throat striking the sharp-
pointed stubble. A tearing gash was
the result.
Within 800 Mile * of Pole.
Dr. G. E. Borcligrevink has made a
great advance into the colder and
more perilous Antarctic regions , carry
the line of exploration to v ithln.
miles of the south pole.
