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About Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922 | View Entire Issue (Nov. 30, 1888)
THE OMAHA DAILY BEE : FBIDAY. N0\ EMBER 30. ICSa-TWELVE PAGES. 9 OMAHA. A Few Facts Concerning the Gate City of the West , DRIEF RESUME OF HER CLAIMS. Clearing House Testimony as to Her Financial Worth , SIOO.000,000 FOR THE YEAR , Wat the Factories are Mm for the City , OVER I.EOO.OOO HOGS KILLED. Heal I'slilo ConHnms In ( Hood Demand Tmi NW llrliU'Ci Arrois thn Ml * * ! u.i Thirty Miles of Slrrot Car Lines-Cable , Motor and Suburban Service. The unique position assumed by Omaha , in Uio list of grout cities hns atlrnetcd to her the ttttuntlon of tlio country nt large , and lior story lias be come a twice told tale which has been perused ut some tiino by ovcry person to whom the the advancement of western imiiiK'lpiiltties through the various stages from hiunlut to city , is of inter- nut so that this article will bo con- lined merely to u roHimio of the notable events of her most modern history. It is , perhaps , just , in the beginning to say that in u great measure is the credit of the city's grad uation from a frontier trading post to a metropolis , the homo of 1'20,000 people , duo to her municipal government , in which regard at all tttnus , she has been especially blessed. The men who have at various times had the destinies of the city in their keeping are broad minded progressive citizens who , while their every not in connection with their duties has boon characterized by a conserva tive , business like principle , have not deemed audacious any plan which bore a reasonable promise to result bono- Jiuially to Omanu. The olVect o this is at once apparent when the visitor ob serves the miles of finely paved streets which stretch away to every point. It is a fact that this city can now without dispute lay claim to being the host paved of any in the country , and other public works arc not disparaged by comparison with the thoroughfares. This fact coupled with her natural advantageous situation at the gateway of the great west has made Omaha an inviting loca tion for the wide uwako business man. Her railroad facilities are such as to make a vast section tributary to her alone. The result of this is that the commercial interests o'f this city liavo developed to such an extent as to ren der her a formidable rival to thoio points which have heretofore deemed the western trade their exclusive prop erty. In consequence , the city bus be come the homo of a tralllo practically boundless in Us extent , as relates to that rocion west of the Missouri river , and eastern houses have found it lirst advisable , then imperative , to establish representation hero. The immediate effect has boon to build up a city in every derivation of the term. The as tounding rate of advancement of west ern cities generally has been a source of unbounded wonder to residents of the more o'istorn states who lind that while digesting u now idija , the cities of the west have assimilated the same and al ready bear the fruit of their progressive spirit. That Omaha has never been be hind in this march of progress , a brief commingling with her merchants , will amply demonstrate ; or if a visblo mani festation is required , a , glance at , the magnificent homes of trade which have boon erected within the past three years is all that is necessary. In llnancial matters this city has al ways retained a warm place in the hearts of the capitalists. Her credit has always been of the best , and her se curities in demand. The banking in terests of this city are in good hands for the most part those of men who have grown up with Omaha , from her infancy and whoso integrity merits the conli- denco bestowed upon them , while their ability as linanciors cannot for a moment be questioned. Of the seven national banks tributary to the clearing house , the following facts are given : The capital invested in these is &i,050,000 , ; the surplus # 108,0(10 ( , while their combined deposits foot up $ it,71-i.riti.OU : ) : ; the clearings for the cur rent year are $1150,000,000 , while the average increase over last year's trans actions of this nature is about 15 per cent , The prosperous condition of the local banks may bo surmised , when it is slated that in the last year , within iv radius of one block , three magnificent structures for banking purposes have Veen erected at an approximate com- lined cost of $1,000,000 exclusive , of course , of real estate. Those clearings do not represent the transactions of all the banks of which there are fourteen , in Omaha , and two in South Omaha. The tlattering condition of Omaha banking institutions cannot be claimed as a result of investment of eastern cap italists , but is to bo attributed to the ac cumulated earnings of the local mer chants , which IB in itself a striking commentary on the condition of the homo trade. In recognition of the city's claim to distinction in financial circles , Omaha him in the past year been made 11. national reserve city for lessor banks throughout this region. Perhaps Omaha's most original feat ure , and the one calculated to lend her fame throughout the world , Is her pack ing IndiiBtry. Situated in close con- triguity to the great ranges of the west , it would indeed bo strange if her enter prising clti/.ons should permit such op portunities a ? are thus presented to pass unheeded. Icalizing ( this , three years ago n number of local capitalists eon- Hlrnelod an extensive stock yards , at what is now South Omaha , a city of 12,000 people , , but which was at that time merely ; ' 'a ' point of live miles from the city. " The growth of tno business of the stock yards was unprecedented , mid in the rogulnr train of improvement attendant upon thisramo the first pack ing house , which was followed rapidly by others uutlltho city nowstandsthird in the packing industry of the world , \vbile second place is not far distant. ' The number of mon employed in the various packing institutions is upwards of 8,000. whllo the aggregate kill will approximate 1,500,000 hogs ; 100,000 , cat tle , aud 15,000 sheep for the current year. This , of course , does not include the number of animals slaughtered for homo consumption. On October ItOth of this yearattended by appropriate demonstration , a new stool wiigon bridge joining the two cities of Omaha nnd Council Bluffs , lofftVj wns completed and the completion was made nn occasion to1 be remembered in the history of the two cities. While Its results will bo of a local nature , its advantages to the city of Omaha , by making it the market for the farm products for a largo section o western Iowa are' quite appreciable During the previous year , the Union 1'acilic railway bridge was rebuilt with nccomodntions for pedcstrnins and vehicles. The population of Omaha , is over on the increase ; real estate for residence 'purposes was never in bettor demand than at present ; property within a reasonable distance of the city's center , always commands good figures. With the facilities presented by thirty miles of street railway and the rapid trim sot nlTordod by cable and motor , as well as the suburban service rendered by the various railways entering the city , the resident hero finds in Omaha a most de sirable home , while the various advan tages in a commercial way attract to the city the business man , speculator and capitalist. AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS. This important mid in-owing branch of industry furnishes a valuable adjunct to the business activity of Omaha , ug- grcgntingin iiivestmi-ntan amount of no inconsiderable importance. The proximity of the great agricul tural state of Nebraska with her 47,077- . ' ( > ! ) acres of the most fertile lands to bo found in any part of tlio country tills alone would naturally make Omaha a point , of supply to a large extent. The merchants of our city in this line are wide awake to their interests and make it a point lo carry in stock a full line of implements of every kind , including the specialties of all the leading manufac turers. The trade is not confined to Nebraska but oxtondsiuto the fertilostates beyond into Colorado , Wyoming , Utah , and other states andtorri lories bordering on the L'acille slope. The trade has boon very active and in the past year has shown a very healthy increase , and with the steady development of the ag ricultural interests of those western states this interest is bound lo bo ma terially increased in the future. Quito a number of firms are engaged in this enterprise aud wo below give a repre sentation of the leading firm in the Hue. Ijlnu ! < : er t Mcto.ilf Company. This is the largest'wholesale agricul tural warehouse west of the Mississippi river , and is conveniently located with two railroads running into their .yards , affording them ample facilities for re ceiving and whipping. The warehouse and yards occupy a space of three acres , the buildings are four stories and are so arranged that it gives tlio largest floor space of any implement house in the west , giving thorn ample show rooms where samples of all kinds of goods handled can lie seen to a great advan tage. This firm dill'ors from ihuir com petitors by not being a branch house of one or more eastern factories , and by being on the market for their goods they have been able to gather into one complete line the best specialties that are being manufactured to-day , includ ing the Mitchell farm and spring wag ons , the Hock Island Plow company's full line of goods , Barlow's corn planter , Brown cultivators , OHver-Casadny sulky plows , .roliet Hiiroka power shelters , Victor feed mills , .rctfcoal combined hay loader and ( stacker , with a line line of buggies , carriages , carts , cutters , aud bob-sleighs , and a full line of im plements used by the agriculturists or farmers. Such is the demand for their specialties that they have established sixteen branch houses in the principal towns of the state to supply their cus tomers. , The.so houses are under the direct management of the Omaha ollice. This house is under the same manage ment as when the business was lirst in augurated. The business and interests is confined to Nebraska and is what might be termed a homo institution. Their entire energies ure devoted to the upbuilding of tlio state and to tlio increasing of its agricultural possibili ties. AUCTION AND COMMISSION. This is comparatively a new business in our city , although such houses are found in all large cities and are n great advantage to dealers handling this Hue of goods. Clothing , and boot and shoo manufacturers , as well as jobbers of dry goods , notions , etc. , having a surplus of goods which they are unable to dispose of to their own trade , consign their stock to the auction and commission houses to bo sold on commission , thus enabling them to sell to th'j trade at lower than regular prices and as cheap as in eastern markets. The firm rep resented below is the only one in this city. Koliu & Wells - < > H. 210 ami 1312 South Ulcvciith Slitter. The auction and commission house of Kohn & Wells , was established August 1 , 1887 , and is the only one of the kind in this city. The individual members of the firm are Bernard ICohn and Rob ert Wells , gentlemen who have a largo experience in their special line of busi ness. They occupy the first floor and basement of 208 , 210 and 21U South Eleventh street , in the Paddock build ing , which are well filled with their immense stock of dry goods , clothing , notions , carpets , boots , shoes , etc. Tiioy are wholesale auction and commission merchants for the sale of goods con signed them by eastern manufacturers and jobbers , consisting of only now and regular goods , which they are enabled to'soil totho trade at lower than regular prices. They hold auction sales U > the trade every week , aud also do a general jobbing business. A specially is made of cheap lines of clothing , furnishing goods , notions and carpets , of which they carry a largo and wo 11 solccto'.1 stock. Their trade extends throughout the west , embracing the states of Iowa , Nebraska , Kansas and Colorado , which is visited by their traveling salesmen. Their trade has shown a general in- croasu since their establishment here and with gratifying results. ARCHITECTS. In scientific pursuitsOmaha is abreast of the most advanced citlesof tlio union. In archltnouiro an art in which nonu but a geometrician can excel , an art which has no , standard of grace , but which is dirffctly or indiroelly depend ent on utility , an art of which the cre ations derive a part , at least , of their majesty from more bulk our city can ouastof many very talented men. The streotsof the city present an appearance of bolidity and beauty. To appreciate the professional skill and ability of Omaha's architects one need but glance at the many substantial business blocks , public buildings , handsome nhurches and olegunt residences with which Omaha abounds. Not only in Omaha but also in neighboring cities may bo seen structures planned and built by our architects in such a manner as to ro lled credit , on any city. A few of the prominent mon engaged in the profess ion of our city are : P , M. Klllj , Room 1(1 , Fourteenth niyjl i > 'nrnaiu Streets. Tlio gentleman whoso name heads this article is one of the foremost arch itects in Omaha , and is one of that class to whose excellent tnsto is duo the nt- tractivo appearance of the city super ficially. Throe years ago , or to bo more exact , Jnnunry 1,183d. ho c.imo hero from Chicago , having been In business in that city , in Des Molnes , and in New York. Since that time ho has been prominent in architectural circles and has carried off a large share of the cream of the city's building , .lust now ho is completing his eighteenth public edifice for the state of NobrnsKu the asylum for the insane at Norfolk. The industrial school nt Kearney , the homo for the friendless at Lincoln , the deaf and dumb institute ut Omaha , Brownell hall nnd many fine residences and mer cantile blocks in this city are from his Clans , to secure which work he was rouirht into competition with architects of wide reputation. Many of the finest churches throughout the state wore de signed by Mr. Ellis. At present ho Is at work on a $ : > 00,003 court hou < > o for Lancaster county located at Lincoln , and the Love opera house at Kearney , which exceeds in beauty of construction us well as in all other features any theater in the slalc , with the exception of Bo.yd's. in this city. lie , has eroded two school buildings'in Omaha and as many in South Omaha this season as well as others in various parts of the county. Among thn residences built by Mu. Kllis Is the residence of II. W. Yates , beyond question the finest in the state. Ho is Hi''architect for different building associations , and it is a signifi cant commenlaryon the worth of his plans that of till the public buildings ho has constructed nol one but cost less than the estimate he gave. CIVIL ENGINEERS. Andrew Ho.scwntcrSJJO 1'axton Itti.til ing. This well-known civil engineer whoso professional practice dates back nearly twenty-live years , now exclusively con fines himself to the designing of grade and sewer systems and municipal public works. His engagement ns city engineer of Omaha for a period of ten years , ending in April , 18S7. embraces the most im portant space in the history of Omaha's public improvements. Mr. Hosownter not only organized the present engineer ing department of the city and super vised nearly ovcry important feature of Omaha's m'unicip'al public works , em bracing the street grades , sewerage systems , pavements and viaducts , but look an equally active part in shaping the needed legislations for their execu tion and direction. Mr. Koscwater's reputation-has secured - cured for him continued engagements as designing and consulting engineer by various western cities. Within the pa t two years he has been engaged by numerous cities in the west in designing and supervising grades , sewerage systems , and municipal public works. To municipal corporations con templating extended improvements and to individuals who are about to erect costly residences , and who want a per fect system of sanitary sewerage , would do well in consulting with Mr. Rose- water. Hunt & Way , 411O and J21 I'axluit Both these gentlemen arc old railroad engineers , having been connected with various railroads in this and other states. Although they opened their olllco here but two years ago they have already se cured a large and increasing practice. They do a general engineering business , making specialises of estimalcs for con tractors , railroad and topographical surveys , landscape gardening , and the platting of town si1e3 and additions. They give particular attention to any thing requiring careful and accurate work , their reputation in this regard being second to none in the city. Their facilities for doing work on short notice are excellent. They refer to a number of loading men in the city , and to any one by whom they have been employed. They have had charge of the extensive improvements made at South Omaha during tlio past two years by the South Omaha Land company and the Union Slock Yards company , including the sewer two miles long , from the stock yards to the Missouri river , passing through the hills 145 feet below their summit by means of n tunnel 1,700 feet long. They are now engaged upon the beautiful punt being developed south east of the city , by the South Omaha Land company. Mr. Way has recently accepted the responsible position of chief engineer of the Missouri Pacific railroad. Mr. Rust remains in Omaha giving his per sonal attention to the business hero. AT TORNEYS - AT-L AW. Young as is the bai of Omaha , com pared to eastern points it has attained an enviable reputation for legal ability. Among the old attorneys , those who were hero before the courts , may be mentioned : A. J. Popplctnn , IT. M. Wool worth , James Chapman , Gon'l Kstabrook , O. P. MasonClinton Briggs , Judge G. B. Lake and E. S. Dundy. The Omaha bar has furnished a U. S. senatorGen'l Manderson ; a member of the legislature , Hon. .T. M. Thiirston , a government director of the Union i'a- citie railroad ; J. W. Savage , and several United States district attorneys , George E. Pritcholl..lames Neville. E.Mv Hart- loll , Robert , Patrick , aud a TJnitod Slates district judge , E. S. Unndy. Tlio Omaha bar from the beginning 1ms contained nlrong mon men of breadth and ability ami extensive , legal knowledge. The legal practice in Omaha has required a broader range of legal kno\ylodgo than is requisite in many localities , notably the east Omaha being located in a compara tively now and rapidly prowing terri tory , where now enterprises are con stantly springing up , much of the busi ness hero relates to railroad and cor poration law , which is in many respects peculiar to itself. Omaha has never boon wanting in lawyers capable of do ing themselves credit in a.iy branch of their profession , and to-day the bar is a strong one , comparing favorably with our older western cities , and has many bright and promising young men enter ing upon the profession. lion , John M. TliurNton. One of tlio representative legal lights of our city is the Hon. John M. Thurs- ton , who graduated at the Wayland university in 1807 , and was admitted to the bar In Dodge county , Wisconsin , in May , 1809 , uhero lie practiced until Oc tober of that year , when ho removed to this city , whore he has achieved a com manding position in his profession. In 187-1 ho was appointed city attorney and while holding that position was chosen for the legislature in 1875 , Ho has been prominent in political circles ; in 1881 was chairman of the state dele gation at the republican nationalcon vention ut Chicago , ns well as being delegate and temporary chairman of the last republican convention held at Chicago cage , which nominated Harrison us president. On February lost ho was appointed general attorney for the Union Pacific railroad , which position ho now holds. His close application to his cases , his readiness of resource and his acknowl edged ability as a speaker has made him one of the most successful trial law yors in Ncbrnskn ns well ns ono of the leading lt wyerfl'in < lhe west , Hon. A ! j 1'opplclnn Hon. A. J. Popplolon luvs made Omaha his homo for oycr ; > thirty-throe years , nnd has risento the front rank in his chosen profession. I Mr. Popploton is a native of Michigan and n gradualo from Union Collegw , Sehenectndy , N. Y. , graduating in July , 18ol. He was admitted to practice in October. 18-5'- , after an examination by the supreme court of Michigan * ' Upon the pusaupo of the Kansas-Ne braska bill , he made arrangements to solllo permanently' in Omaha , locating hero in 1851. Mr.fTopplelon served as a member of the Nebraska territorial legislative assembly during the sessions of 18- > lo"and 13-T7-5S , and was mayor of Omaha during the years 18-j8-5) ) > . Ho received , with J. Sterling Morton , the vote of the democratic party for United States senator upon the admission of Neb'uska as a state in 1S07 , and wss the nominee of that parly for congress in 1808 , but was defeated , Ho was appointed attorney of the Union I'acifio by Vico-1'resldont Du- rnnt in 1803 , and continued his general practice until 186 ! ) . Upon thu comple tion of the road in thai year ho was ap pointed general attorney for this road , and has continued ns such over since. The fact that ho 1ms been twenty-four years in the service of the Union Pa cific , and his gradual advancement to the supervision of the entire nyslom , and the management and control of all its legal affairs in the west , is the strongest evidence of the success of his managoniont of the company's business. Ho has the reputation of an eloquent orator , an accomplished scholar , a fluent and classic writer'and occupies a load ing position al the bar in Omaha. Clnrk oii At Hunt , Kimnu tO.'S -107'Rrnnitc ' liloelc. This loading firm of attorneys the suc cessors to the law firms of Manderson & Congdon , ahd Ohirkson & Hunt , was established in May , ISA' ! . The individual firm is Isaac E. Cong- don. Joseph R. Clcirksoii and George J. Hunt. 1 Mr. Isaac E. Cougdon graduated in ton college , Maryland , in 187-1 , was ad mitted to the bar of Harford county , Maryland , 1870 , aiifl located here in 1878. li.olirm practice in all the courts , state and fodcrulJnnd have as large a practice as any in the city. They make a specially of real estate and cor poration litigutiot } , and have achieved an enviable reputation in their profess ion. Their elieiitiigo is gilt-edge in every respect and they have been re markably successful in their profession , ranking among thYl very foremost mem bers of the bar in Nebraska. i J.i. \Vilscr ! ( , Atjjirnry-.at-iiaw , Olliee I4O2 ltartuni Street. J. L. Websterono of tlio leading at torneys of the bar of Omaha , is a native of Harrison county , , Ohio , and a grad uate of Mount Uiiidn college. Mr. Web ster removed to tnis-city about nineteen years ago , and wafj admitted totho bar lioro in 18lii ) . Mr. Webster served in the Union army rtnd was elected some fifteen years ago' as a member of the slale legislature. Jn 1870 ho was chairman of the consti tutional convention which framed the present constitution of the state of Ne braska , and is to-'day the city attorney , which ollico ho haiyhBld since the elec tion of Mayor Broatch. ' Mr. Webster practices in the United States supreme and in the United'States district and circuit coiirls , in this city and Lincoln , and Jias been frequently called to tlio United Slates courts at Laramie , Denver and other point : ; . Ho has achieved a commanding position in bis profession , and has won a high posi tion as a lawyer , having a very large practice in the stale and supreme courts , and probably larger than any other attorney in Omaha. During tfoo past two years , on account of the large amount of litigation of oily affairs , lie has paid particular attention to this branch of the law. M-r. Webster is confessedly one of the leading lawyers ii | the west. Hits close npplicalion to liis : isos , bin readiness of resuree , and his .acknowledged ability ; IB a speaker , make him one of the most successful trial lawyers in Nebraska. Craiioiw -II , Itoonn n-l- : --5 < l , liarkHiBlock. . Among tlio leading law firms of Omaha the firm of l-'nvnnagh Crane & Atwell take a prominent position , f-ihe firm was formerly Cuvanagh & Crane , established iii Juno , 1887 , Mr. Atwell being admitted ii ( January , 1888. They-occupy one of the finest ollices in Omaha and their library is as oxten- mvo as any in the cily , embracing a full line of text books and the United States supreme court reports of fifteen differ ent stales. Mr. , T. A. Ctminngh , the senior member of the firm , isa graduate of St. Xavier college , Kankakeo , III. , and was admitted to the bar in Chicago in October , 1877. Ho has charge of tlio the ollico business of the firm and was for two years attorney for the Union Trust company of this city. Mr. Thomtiti 1) . Crane was admitted to the bar at Springfield , January ( i , 187-1. and located'hero in 1887. Mr. Crane is the court man of the firm , and as such has boon rumnrkably successful , especially so in the recent case of the Kit Carter cattle company vs. the Harlem cattle company in the United Slates circuit court , before Judges Dundy and Brewer , in which some of Iho leading lawyers of the slate were engaged , lyid which involved property valued at upwards of half a million dollars , lie being highly com plimented for his innnngomonl of the same as attorney fomtho defendant. Air , II. C. Atwoll is u graduate of the University of Vorniont , and was ad mitted to the bar JiulSS" . Ho has gen eral charge of tiio ; correspondence of the firmand assists'in the trial of cases. Prior lo enloring J.lio profession he oc cupied the position ak private secretary to the Hon. J. C. Strublo , of Washing ton , D. c. : The firm do a per eral law business , practicing in both federal and Htato courts , and arc at prpsonl attorneys and counsel for live different banking and other corporatiouH , and number among their clients a majority of the leading mercantile and manufacturing lirms of our city. ' Orcon , MatplA ; & Imxtcr. This firm have built up a fine reputa tion an loading lawyers at the bar of Omaha. The firm consists of C. J. Greene , C. II Murpla and Irvin'g I-\ Baxter. Mr. Greene is n native of New York state , and graduated at Clark sem inary , Aurora , 111.in 1808. Ho was ad mitted to the bar In 1871 in Chicago. Ho located nt Lincoln in 1872 and re moved to this city in 1875. Mr. Croon served as a private In the union army , nnd as distrlctattornoy of the third ju dicial district of thin state. Ho is at torney nnd eoun.se ! for the B. & M. railroad , and also for the eastern de partment of the Wt F. and American express companies. . Mr. Greene , has attained distinction in his profession , aii /prominent among the number of cases in which he haa won prominence wns his prosecution of the Unrko murder case , nnd also a * at torney for the C. B. v O. . during the great railroad strike , in which he ob tained nn injunction from the United States court againsttho Locomotive En gineer Brotherhood , restrainng them from interfering with the operations of that rond. C. H. Mnrplo is a graduate of Union College , of Pennsylvania , and wns ad mitted to the bar in 1880 al Philadel phia. Irving P. Baxter is n native of Syra cuse , N. Y. , and wns admitted to the bar in 1887. The firm practice in all the courtsand make a specialty of corporation litiga tion , having a very largo share of the business in Omaha. They have been almost universally successful in all their cases , and occupy a leading position nnd are classed among the very best firms in our city. BANKING. The solidity of the banks of Omaha through the past , is but nn index of the conservative management which has governed their affair * , and from this fact , as much as from any other source , can be attribuled the continued growth and prosperity of our city. Prom time to time new institutions have sprung up to meet the growing demands of our oily and the oxtention of business over n more extended or developed territory , while Iho established national banks hero increased their capital stock lo moot the requirements of business , the increase for Iho past yenr aggregating $ ! 0,0K ( ) . Notable on the part of the bank inslilutions of Omaha in the erec tion of elogan't buildings and which are not excelled oulsido of New York or Chicago. The combined capital of the seven national banks tributary to the clear ance house aggregate & ! ,0" > U.)0I ( ) ! , with a surplus of S-1KS,000 ( , and the combined peposits foot up over $1 : > , OI0OIIO. ! In 188' ) Ihe clearances showed n total of $ , : ! ! ) : ! , > ! ) ; in 188(1 ( the amount was increased to ? ! ( , ' ! , " ! : ! .700 ; in 1887 it was the enormous amount ot $ M8.101,0.'W ! an increase ol .Wi , 100.8 : ! ; ! , was reached. The clearances for the twelve months from November 1 to November 1 , show a total of 811)0,000.000. Tlitj Klr.U Nntion.il IVink. This bank , now occupying its new , commodious , Riibslnnliulnml thoroughly lire-proof quarters at the corner of Thirteenth and Kurnnin streets , is ono of the oldest and most , slaunchost , insti tutions in the west , being Iho first bank organized in the stati of Nebraska under the national banking laws. It 1ms steadily irrown in t.ho esteem and " confidence of "the business community until its transactions , small at first , now extend into millions , requiring the services of n multitude of elerlts-niid employes to conduct the daily routine of its affairs. The bank commenced business in 180'i in a small frame building nearly oppo site its present location , succeeding to the business of Kountze Brothers. Ed ward Creighton was its first , president and Herman Kountzo the cashier. The capital of the bank nt starting was $ . " > ( ) , - 000 which has bcon increased from time to time until it is now S-500,0'10. ' with a surplus of $10,00 ) ( ! mid in the meantime its deposits luivogroivn to the enormous sum of nearly sH.000.000. The steady growth of this institution is gratifying a.s an index to the won derful advance in population nnd mate rial prosperity of the city of Omaha and blnlu of Nebraska and the states and territories west of us. Its bunking oftico is one of the features of Omaha. Its sie , finish , conveniences and appointments being unexcelled any where in the United States outside of Now York and Chicago. Its i flicers at present are Herman Kountzo , president ; .John A. Creighton. vice-president ; I < \ II. Davis , cashiorj and William II. Mogquior and II. E. Gates , assistant cashiers. In the basement of the bank are com modious , convenient and thoroughly lire and burglar proof safety deposit , vaults. Merchant'National Hunk , Tliiileentli and r'arnnin Streets. Tiie financial institutions of Omaha are a source of gratification to patrioti cally inclined citi/.ens , and of the fourteen banks located here none are more prosperous with greater reason than the one the name of which appears above. This bank was organized Octo ber 1 , 18rfi : , and after six years of con tinued prosperity 1ms developed inlo ono of the foremost financial institu tions of the city , occupying to-day the most perfectly appointed edifice , archi tecturally and otherwise , of any rival. The business of the bank lias never faltered , and to-day , with a capital of if.-l,00 ( ( ) ! ! , a surplus of $100,000 , and de- posils amounting to $1.750,000 , it pre sents a picture of a flourishing business indicative of the general prosperity of the city. The ollicers of the bank arc : Frank Murphy , president ; Samuel E. Rogers , vice president ; Ben B. Wood , cashier ; Luther Drake , assistant cash ier , and the balance of the board of directors is made up of John 1 < \ Coad , Charles C. Housel and George W. Dome. All llieso gentlemen are well known as being possessed of hound and conservative judgment in mailers of finance , and under their guidance the affairs of the bank and its patrons will be carefully and conscientiously guarded. The Oniilia : National Hunk , Thirteenth Streetliet\vien Kiiriinin and DondnH Of this bank but few words will sulllco. . It needs no commendation other than Lhat trained by ils trnntvacllons in the past , Organized with a band of linan- tc'i'8 at its head whoso information on milking mailers was gained by years of practical experience , it has always been it the front of the van. On the first of September of this year ils capital was increased from $ . .00,000 to $1,000,000 , causing it to lead in local banking circles. It is one of the six banks which , jy clearing-houao reports , have lifted Omaha inlo prominence in financial nutters , and not the least is the fact of .lie advances in the banking business of , ho city duo to the Omaha National. The surplus is now $10o,000. Its busi ness Iras never lagged oven during Iho ilormicst days of financial disaster , and ts doors have boon open every business lay since its organization. It transacts i general banking business , and oilers nducements not presented by other con cerns , The United HtntcH Niuioniil Hank , SoiithwcHt Corner of Twelfth nnd J'Vtrmun Strnclu , This institution is deserving of spe cial mention not only for its creditable ocord but for its enlorprl.se in keeping ibreasi of the times. Tnisfeaturo gives t to-day ono of the finest buildings in ho city , being n nix-story edifice of slono an architectural triumph. Concerti ng' the bank itself but llttlo can bo said hat is not already well known. Its table character is best known from the act that it is the government reserve establishment for it larger portion of ho lessor banks throughout this region. Die United States National is the pi oneer of this city , having been opened n 1800 by Willnrd Barrows , Ezra Mil- ard and S. S. Caldwoll. In 1805 it was nkon under the management of Messrs. Caldwell , Millurd and CV. . Hamilton. In 1808 its Affairs wore taken in hand by Messrs. Caldwcll. Hamilton nnd M. 1\ Harlow , In 18SU it was organized as n national bank with a capital of $100,000 , which was increased in 188i ( to JL'AO.OOO , and it was also designated as a United States depository and the capital has since been increased to that of the pres ent capital of100,000. . The olllcors now are C. W. Hamilton , president ; M. T. Barlow , cashier , and C. Will Hamilton , assistant cashier. A general banking business is trans acted , whereby customers arc afforded every convenience anil accommodation found in the mo.st approved institutions of finaueo in the country , Tltn llnnk or Commerce , Corner of Kllteentli null Fnrnnin Streets ; North Hlxippiitli Street. Of the eight private banking concerns in the city the bank whose card appears above is l5y no means least. Its stock holders embrace Iho most conservative investors of the city , and its board of olllcors numbers mon who have grown up in the business aud whoso ability to manage Iho institution to the interest of patron and stockholder alika cannot be questioned. Besides its down town bank this organization has a branch house on North Sixteenth streettocaro for the business of that scotiou of tlio city. The otlk'ors of The Bank of Com merce a iv George E. Barker , president ; E. L. Bierbowcr , vice president , and P. B. Johnson , cashier. The directors are Charles Mel.1. . N. Cornish. E. A. Benson - son , J. L , Miles , .1. H. McConncll , William Siovors. S. W. Crov. Gustavo Anderson. S. R. Johnson , A.T. Hector. L. B. Williams and George Peterson. It has a paid in capital of $500,000 , and is doing a properous business. It num bers among its correspondontsTho Com mercial National Bank of Chicago , as well as the inslilution of the same name in Now York. BOOTS AND SHOES. Among the many articles of the wholesale trade IIOIIO H of more import ance than that created by the demands of footwear. Unquestionably Omaha is the most important distributing point for boots and shoes in the west , and has been recognized as such , and as being the best and chgaposl point by the trade in all sections of thu country. The growvh of the trade has been quite astonishing , ranking only second to the grocery trade in the jobbing interests - terosts of Iho'city , aggregatingbelwci'ii two and three million dollars during Ibis year. The great advantages possessed by this market comes from the fact of hav ing direct communication with the larger eastern manufactories which enables our jobbers to keep constantly slocked up with all grades of goods , and laid down to the trade at the same prices for which they can bo bought in eastern markets , thus saving the trade the difference in cost of transportation and time , enabling them to have a clean stock without being compelled to carry too heavy a stock of the different lines , an important feature to any retail mer chant. The trade covers an immense terri tory extending as far as the Pacific slope , aud is thoroughly drummed by a large corps of traveling salesmen. A. T. Austin , AUIMII. American Iliind Sewed Shoe Company. This company is conspicuous among the manufacturing boot and shoo trade of Omaha and was established hero in 188o. They are wholesale dealers in men's , boys' and youths' , ladies" , misses' and children's boots , shoes and rubtiers. They are also solo agents for the sale of the 'Gpodvcor , 'I. R. Glove Company's goods in tlio west , which are recognized as the finest rubber goods made and are furnished to the trade at factory prices. The company keep constantly in their warerooms a full assortment of the kinds and widths such as the company make , distributing thorn to the trade upon the same terms and basis as if ordered from the company's factory in Boston , saving tlio buyer Ihe difference in freight and lime in transit and in suring them prompt delivery. In consequence of Iho above advan tages tlio growth of their trade is rap idly and constantly increasing. The premises occupied by tlio firm are located at 507 , oOIt and oil Soul.h Thir teenth street , which are completely stocked with a full line of goods to meet the demand of the trade and Ibis terri tory. They do an exclusive wholesale business , thoirtradeextending through out western Iowa , Nebraska , Wyoming , and Colorado. Klrkcmlnll , Jones At Co. Wholesale ItootN , Hhot'H mill Itiihht ! ! * ( > ODH , 11O12 , 1 1O1 and I KM ! llnrncy Street. As far back as 187does ! ) the establish ment of this stable concern date. Al lluil lime it was organized under the firm imino of Road , Jones & Co. , but on the death of Mr. Read the present name and the present firm succeeded. The business since that time has quad rupled in volume , and to-dny th com pany occupies ono of the finest build ings in the city , being the commodious six-story edifice at the intersection of Harnoy and Kleventh streets. The house is headquarlors for Iho western trade in boots , shoes and rubber goods , and is Iho most extensive in this line of any establishment on the Missouri river west of St. Louis. They are agents for the goods of the Bo.slon and Bay Slalo Rubber company , whoso wares need no introduction to tlio trade , being well known to dealers and consumers throughout this region , and are fur nished lo Ihe patrons of this house at factory prices. The firm keeps con stantly on the road twelve ene rgetic talesmen , who traverse twelve distinct Htatos and territories The operation * of the commercial trav elers for Kirl < ondall , Jones & Co. , ex tend as far west as the coast , but not so far as to bo beyond the pule of popular ity of their goods. The firm manufac tures its own goods to a largo extent , having a manufactory at Columbus , O. , us well a as jobbing hou o at the sumo place , whereby Iheir patrons may ob tain goods from first hands , saving mid dle commissions , and the same arra.igo- monls permits purchasers , by dealing wil tlio Omaha house , to save freight rates , and to carry , at all times , a fresh stock , with the opportunity afforded for replenishing tlio latlor , making it un necessary to have co largo a line as any olhorplan of operations would com pel. WII < IJA.MSVAX AIOKNAM At HAUTE Wholesale HuotN , s.'iors nnd Slippers. The dihtiuico of Omaha from the man ufacturing points of the east hns long boon a Korinus drawback to her other wise unparalleled progress , The long delay and heavy freight tariffs have resulted , in a measure , to thu detriment of the consumer as well as making the tranbuclion of business to the merchant who adhered to the old methods unsat isfactory. This was especially true of articles of wearing npparoland itwas for Lho purpose of obviating this difficulty in their peculiar linn that the firm of Williams , Van Aernam < fe Harte was organized January ] , 1887. This firm , composed of O. B. Williams , W. J. Van Aernam and H. G. Hnrto , does a leod- nf ; wholesale business in boots , shoes , ( dippers and American rubber goods , in ill branches of which they carry a full inc. They determined upon the ex- loriment of acting as manufacturers' agents and thus furiiibhijig local re tailors with a fresh stock nt mnmifno * ' hirers' prices without the additional freight rates which dealing with thfc factory necessitated. Besides tills thn firm Is cnanlcd to deliver its goods promptly when desired , and long dolfty * arc thus obviated. So satisfactory hnB this method of stocking up become * with local leather and rubber goods dealers that Williams , Van Aernnm .fe Hart * control an extensive part of the bushiest of the city , and their operations extend into Western lown , Noliraska"Colorad nnd Utah. The ostublishmont 1 located nt IUOO-1' OS Douglns street. " DRBWI3R1133. Beer has grown to bo the drink ot the musses in America , nnd its con sumption is daily on the increase. The history of the bVewiug business of the United States dates back to'tho dn.y when the first industries wore planted on this side of the Atlantic , Science nnd intelligent enterprise ) , together with now appliances oxponslvo machinery and improved methods have consequently made the brewing busi ness a great and growing industry em ploying n largo amount of capital anil giving employment to a great number of workmen , The brewing interests of Omnlm are most exlonsive and cetibllluto an inn portnnl faction of Iho olty'A commercial prosperity. During the year just oml- ing llioro has boon considerable tul- vauco made in establishing the reputa tion for Omaha as being ono of the loading brewing cities in the country. Wo have tluvo largo breweries in the city which compute favorably with any breweries in the Untied states in tlu > quality of beer ami extent of businnM. ' Their'buildings are all handsome nml substantial structures and compare fav orably with any of our prominent man ufacturing establishments. They give employment to upwards of 1-0 men whoso wages will average $76 per month. Besides giving employment lethe the hands in their breweries , the brewing ing interests pornientos every branch ol industry from the fanner , who rnisoH tlio hops and barley to the dilYoiont trades lhat furnish Iho wairons , hariols and machinery for the prosecution o their business. They have nearly $1.000,000 invested in their hiisinewi and Iho interest is in the hands of pro gressing and enterprising citizens whox lake special pride in keeping up the excellent reputation Omaha has at tained in her manufacturing interests * Frederick Kruj ; . FrederickKrug is the pioneer browqr of Omaha snd his present establishment is one of tlo | best appointed in the country. The business was originally established in 185 ! ) , being then located on Kariiain street between Tenth and Eleventh. In 1801 ! the quarters prov- inir inadequate for his growing business " ho" removed lo Iho present location , which covers an area of six full city lots , and Iho buildings are from ono to seven stories in height. The buildings consist of the brow house , cold storage ) ice machine department , boiler rooms , malt houses and stables. The entire plant > s magnificently and llioronghly equipped throughout with the latest and most improved modern appliances for the conduct of their busi ness. The ice machine department is a model of beauty containing two thii'ty- ftvi- ton ice machines of Iho Cujisoli- duled Ice Machine company of Chicago. The boiler rooms are equipped with , four imnienso boilers , each of eighty horse power , making a total capacity ot ; ili ( ) here pow.er , which are utilized lo furnish power for the establishment. The plant has been cuasiajitly. . .im proved from year to year , until to-day it has no superior in the west as re gards cleanliness , ventilation , size or capacity. lie brews the standard lager beer and also cabinet brand , a special brdw of pale beer used for export and bet tling. The Kales for the past year have bee a upwards of * > 0,000 barrels and are con stantly in cruising. They give employment to fifty men in the various departments , and hnvo consumed about 1M,000 : bushels of Ne braska , barley , which is made into malt for brewing of their prodncls , Their beer has a reputation for purity and ex cellence wherever known , and thoip trade cxlends throughout the city : IB well as throughout Iho stale of Nebraska - braska , the beer for outside points being - ing shipped in refrigerator cars. Mr. trod K'ng is the proprietor of this model establishment , and Mr. Wil liam King the general manager. Story. At Her , Coliimllln Brewery. The Stor/ & Her brewery is ono of tha best known cblablishmcnls of the kind in the west. Tt was originally estab lished in 180-1 by James Bauman , tlio present firm , composed of G. Story and J. 1) . Her , succeeding in 1881. The plant covers about ono ncro ot ground , the * building * ) consisting of brew bouses , ice cellars , malt housed and slables. The entire plant is thoroughly equipped with the latest improved machinery necessary for the transac tion of their busines. Since Ihe present firm have hud charge of Iho brewery llioy have constantly been enlarging and making extensive improvements , and to-day the brewery is as fully equipped as any in the city. They are brewers of standard lager hour and also export beer for bottling purposes. During the past year a new bottling house lias been added to their estab lishinont filled up with the Iniost hot lling machinery. They have increased the capacity of the brewery from 10,000 , when they look charge , until now they have u capacity of (1(1,000 ( ( barrels. They giva employment to about fifty men and have twoty-four horses and twelve de livery wagons in constant use , their sales being about thirty-five thousand barrels during the past year. The Storx tc , llur boor is ono of the most popular makes in the west and' commands a ready Hiilo both at homo ; and abroad , being known wherever sold for the purity and ejcclliMicoof quality. Their motto has always been to manu facture an excellent quality of beer nnd their increased sulcrf demonstrate that their efforts have boon appreciated. Their trade extends throughout the city and vicinity , supplying the lending saloons , hotels and roslauru'ilB. The past year has been a most prosperous ono with the firm and Omaha la juilly proud to possess such a firm us S torfa her. COMMISSION PRODUCE. Generally speaking , there is no business - ness so difficult lo .conduct , and eond , ut Bticcessf ully , as thai of produce and ujiiu mission , and so great are the drawbacks and KO numerous and stupcnduous the obstacles to be overcome , that , to make the business a succeed , energy , ability and capital in more than ordinary quan tities are requisite , together with a fa vored location. All these bcem to bo found bore. Omaha is peculiarly situated for thu upbuilding and success of ( ho commis sion business , being in uay accost to some of the ricliobt agricultural ami fruit growing dibtriuts in the United States from which to draw supplies , an well as an extensive country to supply. This intorcbt numbers amuui ; its pro-