Nebraska Newspapers

    THE DAILY FKIDAY , JAJSTUAKY 4 , 1880 ,
TIMER'S ' BIENNIAL.
The Governor's Mossacro Dollvorod
Before the Legislature.
STATE PROGRESS AND NEEDS.
Increased Funds Nocosaary to Run
the Publlo Institutions.
BETTER ASSESSMENT LAWS.
Ono Fund Rooommonclod For Both
f County and Stato.
1C.
EnPX
PX THE QUESTION OF RAILROADS.
KeconuncMiilntlon Not Con-
ourrcil In An ISIcctlvo TrntiHpor-
( ailini llonrd Tlio Omaha I'o-
IV i llco Commission A IMoa
I
ft Kor ( ho .Militia.
r
The Message.
I ? GnxTt.r.ui : * * or TUB Sn.v.vrn AND HOUSB or
Hl'l'lliSINTATlViS : : :
Under the blessings of Divine Providence
you iiro permitted to meet in the twenty-first
BCBslon of the legislature of tlio stnto of Ne-
brnslcn. It Is a subject of congratulation
Hint you meet under such favorable auspices.
During the year that closed , general licnlth
and prosperity linvo prevailed. The labors
of the husbandman have been followed with
bountiful crops , nnd on every side there are
evidences of general contentment and satis
faction. The excitement of our national
quadrennial election has ceased , to
bo succeeded , ono 'may 'safely ns-
Biimc , by a lienllhy confidence In
permanent public policies which shall guard
nnd foster American Industries and Ameri
can labor.
Under tlio Influence of fixed systems it la
reasonable to anticipate n new impetus to bo
given to the various brandies of business
pursuits , to bo followed by a degree of im
provement in all our material interests not
hitherto reached ,
The constitution makes It the duty of the
executive at the opening of each biennial
session of the legislature to furnish a state
ment of Ilio condition of our public affairs ,
iftid to recommend the adoption of such
'measures as , in his judgment , will best sub
serve the Interests of tlio state and promote
the public welfare.
FINANCES.
Your attention is invited to the reports of
the treasurer of tlio state and of the auditor
of public accounts , which will give you n
clear idea of the financial affairs of the com
monwealth.
The treasurer is the general receiver anil
disburser of nil the public funds , while the
auditor is the general accountant of the
state. The reports of these ofllcers contain
complete and most valuable information in
regard to the finances , which arc , of course ,
of deepest interest to the people. It will bo
your duty to give to them an exhaustive ex
amination. I believe the financial condition
of the state to bo highly satisfactory.
iiRroiir or THE STATH TUEASUKCK.
Balnnco In treasury November
130,1880. . . : $ 044,852.70
Receipts December 1,18SO to No
vember 80 , IbSS -1,230,528.01
Total receipts $5,180,831.70
Disbursements December 1 , 1SSO ,
to November 'M , 1883 * 4,214,5S2.08
IJalanco In treasury November
30 , 18SS $ 030,203.73
Receipts during the fiscal term to
November 30 , 1883 4,230.528.04
State tax received from counties , 2,237,003.43
Revenues from laud and other
sources 1,031,130.43
Transfers from other funds 203,299.01) )
Disbursements during the. same
time 4,244,532.93
Legislative appropriations war
rants redeemed 2,2 0OG0.55
School fund apportionment warrants -
* rants redeemed 1,000,025.18
Bonds purchased and miscellane
ous C04.092.1U
Transfers to other funds SGS.i.'OO.OO
Disbursements greater than re
ceipts 8,034.04
Balance in treasury November
30. 1880 044,333.70 ,
Balance in trciisury November
30 , 1888..i 030,293.73
Balances November 30 , 18SS , of the various
funds on and in the office of stnto treas
urer :
General $ 05,444.29
Sinking 181,081.41
School , permanent 270Hi3.70 (
School , temporary 20i,07.53 ! )
University , permanent ' . 7,198.14
University , temporary 50,120.0. ;
Agricultural college endowment. . 0,50i.5j :
Insane hospital 127,420.02
Normal endowment 0,255.05
Normal interest 731.51
Normal library 1,024.32
RtJito library 4,100.00
University library l,3STi.OO ,
Capitol building 1,4 55.07
Institution for feeble-minded. . . 07.57
Live stock Indemnity 1,003.10
Sullno Land stockyard ' 1,150.30
Sallno *
Capltal'salu of state lots 180.17
Total * 030,203.7'3 ,
iti-vixti : : ANMI TAXATION.
The assessed valuation of the taxable prop
erty of tlio state in 18S7 was $1 < JO,50I0(5.25 ( ,
being an increase of $ li,573,0)5.74 ! , ! ) , as com
pared with the assessment of 1SSO.
The asscssmont of 1883 gave the value of
the property of the state for the purposes of
taxation at ? 170,012S.U45 : , giving n total in-
crcaso for two years of $ ' 2,030,219.0' , . The
rate of taxation for state purposes for the
year 18S7 was $ ' mills , nnd forthoyoar 1888 ,
7 } mills on each dollar valuation , and there
lias been collected during that timu the sum
of $2,230,031.30 , distributed as follows :
General fund f 1,427,923.41
Sinking fund lOS.H.Vi.Oi *
School fund 2tO,072.r > 5
University fund 110,170.71
Penitentiary fund 08I.5U
State bond fund 40.43
Capitol building ruud 180,794.02
Reform school building fund 30,2111.52
Normal building fund ; . . . . 71.53
Institute for fcoblo-mludcd fund. 35,5$4.ii-j
Llvo stock indemnity fund 4 0,01-1,10
Total ? 2,2SO,031.80
The levy of 1687 will yield the followiuff
amounts :
General fund , 4 0-10 mill $ 703,431.85
Sinking fund , 4-8 mill 00,800.M
School fund , linill 1GO,500.'JO
University fund , % mill 00,180.72
Capitol fund , 0-8 mill 120,8ii .4l
Hoform school fuiid.j mill 20,003.'J4
Institute for feeble minded fund ,
Xmttli 20,003.24
Live stock indemnity fund,2-Snilll 40,120,43
Totfll 1 * * * ( ) ft.iO * 7R
* * ' ' ' ' ' ' i
The levy of'iss's 'will 'yi'eid'Yho follbwiiis
amounts :
General fund , 4 05-100 mills fs71OiW.Ul (
Sinking fund , 1-0 mill , , , . , 27,500.40 ,
School fund , 4-5 mill 140,001,87
University fund , % mill 00,001.80
Capitol fund , 0-8 mill 133,000.00
Hoform school fund , } mill 22,001.00
Institute feeble mludud fund , V
'
mill , . . . . 22,001.00 ,
Live stock Indemnity fund , 2-3
mill 44,003.20
Total. . . . . fl , 023,887.79
Appropriations askou for the operating
expenses of the state government to .March
31. 1891 , nnd for additional Improvements as
estimated by heads of respective depart
ments or the state auditor , and by the heads
of public institutions , are as follows :
Legislative expenses 21si ses
sion . , . . . $ 180,000.00
Governor's oftlco . 18,800.00
Adjutant general . . . , . 03,200.00
Commissioner of labor. . , . 4,200.00
Secretary tato. . . . . . 10,100.00
Auditor public accounts . 81,100.00
Treasurer . . . , . 12,000.00
Superintendent of public instruc
tion . . . 18.33.-i.00
Attorney general . 12,500.00
Commissioner of public lands
and buildings . 80,030.00
Board of public lauds and build-
M'8. . , . . . . , . . . . . . . 05,810.00
Uonrd of educational lands and
funds . . ; . . . . 8,320.00 ,
Hoard of purchase and supplies. . 'fOO.OO
Supreme court 40,010.00
.State library 10,000.10
District court 102,310.03
Normal school ( Vi > 10i.00 )
Penitentiary . , 127,723,00
Hospital for insane , Lincoln 323,000.00
Hospital for insane , Norfolk 170,0(11.1-3 (
Asylum for insane , Hasting1 * . . . . 117,0)0.00
Industrial school 215,3'.H.OO
Institute for blind 43OO.OD (
Institute for deaf nnd dumb 73,150.00
Homo for the friendless M.SOO.Oi )
Industrial homo 53,110.00
Soldiers' nnd sailors' homo 180.500.00
Institute for feeble minded H0ss2.0i
Live stock sanitary commission. . 8 * > ,7ut.OO
Stnto board of transportation. . . . 10.45n.00
Fish commission 10,000.00
Stnto board of pharmacy 701.50
State university 20. > ,000.K ( )
Miscellaneous 210,050(10 (
Total -2,8' 0,2' ' . } .57
Items in detail will bo found in the report
of the auditor. This , ns compared with the
estimate11 of two years ago. Is an Increaseof
$ .34U,72."i.S | . This Increase is easily accounted
for when wo consider the growth of the
state , new institutions , etc. These estimates
cover the furnishing nnd the running ex
penses for the next two years of thn new
institutions created by the legislature of two
years ago and for the new buildings now
asked for.
DCSIIU : or corsTins TO nit-Arc STATE T\XA-
TION- ONE FUND ron cot'NTV AND STATR.
Under our present law governing assess
ment of property for taxation , In my opinion
there is Just cause for complaint , nnd In a
majority of cases the trouble arises with u
dcslro on the part of the counties to escape
as nearly ns possible taxation for stnto pur
poses. The auditor , > vhose duty by law Is to
make such recommendations as lie may sco lit
for securing uniformity and efficiency In the
levying aim collection of taxes , has recom
mended that the law be so amended that in
stead of levying a stao tnx.to bo extended upon
the tax list of a county , a certain sum ob
tained by proportion after nn equalization of
property values has been made by the state
board of assessment , bo certified to by the
different counties nnd paid Into the state
treasury in quarterly payments , That for
the support of Both county nnd state there bo
but ono fund. This recommendation , It
seems to me , Is a step in the right direction
tn simplify the work and entirely do away
with the strife to escape taxation.
The assessed valuation of nil property In
the state for the year 1333 wasM70,01SS20.25 ,
while if property hnd been assessed In Its
true value , this amount would have been
ton times as largo.
The auditor in his report shows n large in
crease of insurunco business in his ofilce nnd
recommends an additional deputy to take
charge of that , business. In my opinion the
recommendation is a good one , and I trust
the same will meet your approval ,
AMOUNTS I'AII ) TO TUB ST.VT1 ! OX SALES OP
rrm.ic LANDS.
I have received from the treasury of the
United States , two drafts , one for $27,030.07 ,
the other # 10,0)1.50 ! ) , which wcro paid over to
the state treasurer for which I hold receipts.
These funds wcro found to bo due the state
for the 5 percent of the sales of the public
lands.
DEI'AHTMRXT OF TUB 8ECUBTAIIY OP ST.VTB.
Tlio report of the secretary of state pre
sents a comprehensive showing of the busi
ness and labors of his department during the '
last two years. It gives a succinct history
of all the institutions of the state , the cost of
the buildings , the value of the lots occupied
by them , nnd a mass of valuable information ,
which is thus placed within the reach of
every citizen who takes an interest in what
ever concerns the honor and welfare of the
stato. It furnishes conclusive evidence of
the wonderful development of material in
terests and the remarkable progress and en
largement of all business enterprises.
As an evidence of the rapid increase of
business in his office , it may bo stated that
there were recorded in 1835 and 'SO. 271 arti
cles of incorporation , while in ' 37 and ' 83
there were recorded 510.
Total number of bonds recorded in 1835
and 'SO. 2,253 ; in 1837 nnd ' 33 , 4.,8iM.
Number of notarial commissions issued in
15S.V8I ) . 1,500. Number issued in 1387 and
1SSS , 2,231.
There were recorded In his ofllco 200 moro
pages of written matter in the last two years
than in the preceding fourteen years. These
facts illustrate the increase in business in all
the public offices. The report gives the
average cost per week of the inmates of nil
our state institutions.
It recommends that u property account bo
kept by every officer of furniture and sup
plies in his custody , which.shall.be inven
toried to his successor , und receipts takeu
from him. It also recommends that pro
vision bo made for the sale of all abandoned
property , or which has become apparently
useless. I concur in thcso recommendations.
rUlIUC LANDS AND IIUIL1MXO3.
The report of the commissioner of public
lands and buildings furnishes a largo amount
of valuable information in regard to the dif
ferent institution and properties of the state ,
especially in regard to the school lands and
funds. The tabulated statement shows that
the number of acres granted nnd confirmed
to the state for educational purposes is
2,834,303 acres ; 102,051.00 have been
deeded , leaving a balance of 2,722,310.34 ,
acres , title to which Is yet vested in the state.
There nro now under contract of sale
O.)0,451.10 ) acres , and under loose contract ,
1,427,400.10 acres , and G5 * > ,431.00 ncres that
have not yet been leased or sold. The In
crease In the permanent school fund in the
last two years has been about 13 4-5 per cent.
There is now in vested in United States securi
ties nnd registered county bonds the sum
of $1,807,142.35 , unpaid principal on sales
$4,432.0-18.51 , and cash on hand in tlio treas
ury 1-203,002.10 , making a grand total of the
permanent fund of § 0,533,702.05. Pursuant
to tin act of the legislature approved March
31 , 1387 , the board of educational lands or
dered n reappraisemcnt of the unsold educa
tional lands in about thirty counties. From
the returns received n marked increase In
value Is shown , being more than double that
of former appraisement.
ATTOicNisr OHNKKAL'S DKPAIITMBXT.
The report of this officer furnishes n state
ment of the business transacted In his de
partment during the past two years. Sixty
cases have been heard before the supreme
court in which the state appeared us plaintiff
or defendant.
The attorney general in his report suggests
that I call the attention of the legislature to
the great injury that would result to the people
ple of Nebraska should the bill now pending
in congress become a law ( meaning the bill
providing for un extension of time of the
payment of the debt now duo the govern
ment from the Union Pacific railway com
pany ) , and to ask that our senators and rep
resentatives in congress bo requested by you
to oppose such a bill.
Theuttornoy general further says ; "The
only fair method of solving this grpat Union
Pacific problem is to declare ttio road in
solvent and to order it sold for cosh , and
then the state could control It. "
After discussing the matter further , ho
says : " 1 have challenged your | my ] atten
tion to the above facts for the pur
pose of having you line ] Inaugurate
some method to determine this much-vexed
question , and if , through our executive and
legislative departments , our congressmen
can bo made to act ki behalf of thu state of
Nebraska , the day Is not far distant when
the whole railroad problem will bo settled in
this state , the same as in OliioPonn.sylvuiilu , ,
Now York und other Btutos. "
It will thus bo seen that the attorney gen
eral asks mo to inaugurate n method by
which this whole.vexed , question can bo de
termined , while he had just previously de
clared the sale of the road , by the govern
ment to the highest bidder for cash to bo the
only fair method of solving this great Union
Puclllo problem ! I am frank to ad
mit that I am not equal to the
tusk of adjudicating this controversy ,
which has vexed the statesmanship of con
gress and the country for several years. Jt
may bo easily settled on paper It may bo
readily disposed of by a dash of the pen It
may be laid to rest by a simple assertion , but
When It comes to a practical , permanent ad
justment of the matter , it Is moro than prob
able that very grave difficulties may con
front these who attempt the settlement.
What becomes of tbs first mortgage bonds !
Who liquidates the first indebtedness i It
must be borne In mind that the government
holds only the second Hen upon the road and
Its franchises , If the government should
pay off or assume the prior Indebtedness , It
would undoubtedly Una Itself far moro
deeply Involved than before , for this Indebt
edness , both principal and Interest , must
now amount to moro than fifty millions.
I submit this matter to your honorable
body without making the recommendation
proposed , for the reason that I am not clear
that the extreme measures advocated by him
ire the ones to afford the necessary relief ;
: iut ou the contrary , I fear moro disastrous I
to tlio goveruuieut if tUoy '
should bo adopted. My own Judgment I *
adverse to such n recommendation , Further
more , congress has the supreme and only
control of iho whole sunloct , nnd at this very
time that body has It under consideration.
In the discussion of this question I divest
myself of all partiality , friendship , prejudice
nnd hostility , seeking neither npplnuso or
evading condemnation.
But while declining to concur In these
recommendations to you. 1 distinctly nsicrt
that the Union Pacific railway , and every
other railway and corporation dhlng busi
ness in this stnto , must bo subject
to ttio constitution and Inw.t of thia
stnto. No corporation can rlso nbovo
the Jurisdiction of the state In which It
transacts business. Thn Union Pacific cau-
not claim that it Is a foreign corporation
chartered by congress , and therefore exempt
from the operations of state laws , nnd yet
claim thu right of eminent domain in the
state nnd the protection of its laws. This
view is sustained by the decision of the supreme
premo court of the United Status , in voluino
8 Otto's Kcpnrtft , page 010 , Hallrond Com
pany vs Pcnlston , which say.4 "that the
company Is not a mere creature of the
United States , but that while It owes duties
to the government , the performance of
which may in n proper ease bo enforced , it Is
still a private corporation , the same as other
railroad companies , and , like them , subject
to the laws of taxation and the other law * of
the states in which the roiul lies , so far n t
they do not destroy Us usefulness as nn In
strument lor government purposes.1'
Sustained by this decision , 1 am utterly
averse to any action of ours which shall
concede the absence of jurisdiction on the
part of the stato.
That policy should bo adopted nnd vigor
ously pursued in connection with this road ,
whk'h will best promote nnd protect the
rights and interests of the government and
the people. This uind of settlement which
the Union IMcillc makes with the govern
ment does not Interest the people of Nebraska
nearly as much as the question of lower and
reasonable rates.
la the bill now before congress , known as
the Pacific railroad funding bill ( for extend
ing the Unie of payment ; , to wliich refer
ence has already been made , there Is a pro
vision subjecting the company to the power
of the states through which the road runs in
respect of state legislation nnd control , affirm
ing the decision above quoted. And yet your
interposition is sought to aid in defeating
that measure.
In regard to our delegation in congress. I
have this to say , Unit I have always found Its
members ready and anxious to carry out the
will of their constituents.
In regard to all railroads In this state , this
principle this right , must bo asserted and
maintained namely , that no higher schedule
of rates shall exist In Nebraska than prevails
In Kansas or Iowa , or other states. The board
of transportation now posscssi > s full power.
If , howovur , anything is wanting , it should
be given them.
The members of the board should bo
chosen by the people.
I recommend the adoption of n constitu
tional amendment providing for the election
of the members of the board , throe In num
ber , by a direct vote of tlio people.
TIIUNATIONAL nfAIUIS.
The report of the adjutant general will
give you full Information as to the condi
tion and operations of the national guards
since the law providing for its maiytenance
and increase went into effect on the 1st of
July , 1837.
Under that act ono regiment of infantry
was organized and added to the force , also
ono troop of cavalry , thus forming a brigade
consisting of two regiments of infantry , one
section of a battery of artillery , and ono
troop of cavalry , the whole numbering 1,2JO
men. New uniforms have been purchased
for the whole command , also now arms and
equipments for all , though a part , of the arms
were furnished by the general government
and the balance was purchased by the state.
These expenditures have largely increased
the cost of the national guards for the
two years ending the 1st of July next.
The two regiments are now armed with now
muskets , and the cavalry are furnished with
now equipments , with the exception of car
bines.
Reasonable appropriations only arc nsltcd
for the support of the national guards. It
may bo stated that the annual expense of the
militia in Nebraska is considerably less than
in several states which have a lesn number
of inhabitants.
In accordance with the provisions of the
law , nn cncam pmcnt of a week's duration
was held In Lincoln in 18S7 and iu Wahoo 'In
1SS8. These encampments are designed to
be and were schools of instruction , and the
two which have been held certainly proved
to bo of much advantage to officers and men.
Their whole time was constantly occupied in
hard work in both drill and battalion move
ments.
The command Is composed of excellent
personnel and material. They are a
body of intelligent , energetic , and
public-spirited young men , and nat
urally take an interest In seeing the
guards raised to a greater degree of profi
ciency. '
That the clamor emanating from certain
quarters against the national guards is not
the expression of the popular will is evi
denced by the fact that a spirit favorable to
the military organization Is manifested in
every community where companies are lo
cated. Applications from more than sixty
different towns and cities have been made tome
mo asking for authority to bo organized into
companies to bo admitted into tno guards ,
which have been declined. The constitution
of the United States expressly provides for
the organization and use of the militia of the
several states , and the constitution of every
state in the union also provides militia.
These constitutional provisions prove , con
clusively , that in the judgment and wisdom
of the able men who framed our national
constitution , nnd the constitutions of the
states , n well-trained militia was regarded by
them as a necessary safe-guard under our
farm , of government. Wo maintain no stand
ing army , as that term is used by the nation.
Our regular army is but the nucleus around
which to gather n strong force in time of
war. Our reliance In such an emergency is
upon the volunteer soldiery , and the
more practiced and trained it is ,
.ho more efficient it will bo
; f Its services should bo required. The
trained militia of the older states furnished
excellent material , in both ofllcers and men ,
for active service , when the nation was sud
denly confronted with the horrors of civil
war in 1801.
Congress has aimed to increase and
strengthen the militia as shown by the act
msscd Bomn three or four years ugodoubllng
the quota of allowance to each state , nnd by
luthorizing tlio details of officers of the regu.
ar army to act as Instructors in the military
art in the universities , colleges and schools
of the different states.
A nation's surest guarantee against war is
n being amply prepared for war. And what
s true of the nation is applicable to a stato.
1'hatHtato which is best prepared to sup-
iress riot urn ! insurrection is the least
11I I kuly to b caltuii upon to employ the mill-
.ary arm * u sustain the civil authorities ,
1'hls is economy for the state. The expense
of prevention is always far less than the
cost of cure.
Tlio military power must ever bo In coin-
ilcto subjection to the civil power. It can
inly bo called into requisition as an aid and
support to the civil authority.
When that Is subverted nnd overthrown ,
hen this reserve force of the state must be
employed to reinstate unu support the elvil
luthorlty , and to protect life and pronerty.
It "may bo called out , " says the constitution
and statutes , "to execute the laws , suppress
nsurrccllon , riots , ami repel Invasion , "
Sucli emergencies have arisen In all the
states. Within a year the governor of the
state of Kansas was obliged to put into the
leld two regiments of state troops to put
lown an actual war between the adherents
of two rival county scats , In whmh several
lersons had boon slain. The gov
ernor of Wisconsin was compelled two
curs ago to have recourse to the
lutional guards of the state to suppress an
anarchistic insurrection. What has occurred
nay occur again. It cannot be denied that a
plrit of anarchy exists in many of our cities ,
tllirdsu lodgment in this state. There is a
icst of anarchists in Omaha. It is only kept
n subjection by wholesome fear of the law
mil the power of the state to enforce it. It Is
cd by demugbgulsm. It is nurtured by'
hoSa who care naught for the public good ,
jovernoii by no correct principles , they
lourish best In times of excitement , for
heir purpose is to create strife , incite diso
rder , Inflame the passions and prejudices eCho
ho unreasoning , aud thua weaken the safe
guards of society. Those who create and
xclto mobs are opposed to the existence of
my power to suppress them. They would
bo bust satisfied were the restraints of law
ind order to bo overthrown , These men nro
ho pests of society , Some ono has tersely
vrlttcn that "if the demagogues wore hung
here would bo no anarchists to hang , "
bTATB UMVBUSITr.
Tlio niiHu aaiaual report of the board of ro-
gbnts of the university presents a concise
statement of the affairs of this institution
which appears to bo In n prosperous condl
tlon. It IIIH made rapid growth In every do
p.irtmcnt , save In Ilio medical branch , which
wa * suspended In KS" , The number of stu
dents has been ineronMiu ; regularly. The
enrollment for the term just closed show
130 In the colleges'ISA In the preparatory department
partmont and nlnotytfoiir in tlio school o
line nrts. i
Tlio university fUftnil < nt the head of the
public School system of the state
nnd should lie directly connected
nocted with the Wuh and common schools
It has already effected such a connoctloi
with twenty-seven.high schools In difforen
portions of the stfiti , and graduates fron
thcso are admitted to regular standing In the
university without further examination
upon the presentation of their diplomas
Tliln relation between the university am
the public schools Is ono which will ulll
mutely prove of great benefit to the state
and to our young men nnd wonion in sccur
Ing to them the opportunity of preparing
thpinsolvos fora full university o.lue.ition.
The university library contains about
cloven thousand volumes.
It gives mo treat pleasure to slate my con
viction that this institution lias , during the
past few years , made rapid advancement u |
to a higher crado and rank ninong the uduca
tioiml Institutions of thu country. It is ex
erting n healthy Influence upon cducatloi
throughout the state. 11 is an Inllucnco
which Is felt not only for the present , bu
through all time. All the people of the state
must feel nil interest in its success aud pros
purity nnd a pride In its good nnine It dc
servos your fostering care , for its advantages
are open to all the children of the state ,
rrw.ir iinrcATioN.
In no commonwealth in our union is there
n more general Interest in education than in
our state. The report of the state nuperln
teiidont of public Instruction shows tin.
schools to bo In n very prosperous condition
Tlio total nmomit contributed for public i-ilu
cation for theyoar just closed reached the
sum of f 1,037,274.Oil , an increase of K.1II0 ) * > IJ.S4
over thoninnuntof the previous year. The
value of school property is reported atf."i,123.
17 ! ) for 1SSS ; iJI,77DlI.2-J ( ! for iW. aiidtJ ) , ! ,
317 for ISS'V ' The total attendance of pupils
has increased from 101,021 in 1837 to 215,350
In isss.
Ono of the most striking features of ttio
rapid growtli Iu our educational system Is the
marvelous Increase In our town and cllj
graded schools. In 1SSO there were 1SS
graded and partially graded city and town
schools. In IS'-S'JI3 such schools are regularly
larly reported to the state superintendent.
These reports should receive careful study ,
showing as they do for the first time ,
the education afforded , the condition
of finances and the cost per capita
of education In the cities aud towns. The
schools In the rural districts are making
commendable progress. A united effort ii
being made to bring a largo per cent of all
children into school , anil then to give them a
systematic course of Instruction. There
were 73 per cent of the entire number ol
school children in the state netuallly nttond-
school in is ss. in 1SS7 , 70 per coat attended.
Seventy-five counties held teachers' normal
institutes during the summer of 1SS3 , These
institutesj wore attended by 0 , ISS toucher. *
who received training aud instruction from
the host schoolmen , to establish a higher
professional standing among teachers , that
the schools nnd pupils may receive corresponding
spending benefits.
The condition of our permanent school
fund is as follows :
Cash on hand Nov.'SO , 'S3 S 270,003.79
United States bonds. . ; . 15.0IID.OO
County bonds . . - . 1,377,200.00
State funding bonds 32r > ,2l'p7.ir ; >
Claims in ally , gen's hands 5.3S0.75
Dal. duo on notes' ' ! f 10111 sale of
school lands.J. ' . 3.053.203.41
, !
Total $ -,047,721.30
Till ! STATH XOIIMAIi SCHOOL.
No public institution of the state is moro
deserving of the fostering care of tin ; legisla
ture than the State Normal school located at
Peru. Four yoars'apfo it was found neces
sary to enlarge materially the Normal school
building in order to meet n rapidly increasing
attendance and to gWe < suci ! facilities for the
education and training of tlio teachers , as
were demanded by'lhe ' growing importance
of our schools. " " ' '
The aggregate attendance for the last two
years was 015. Thero'Vero ' graduated from
the elementary anrf advanced department
111 teachers , nearly all of whom are notv en
gaged as instructors i.u the schooU of the
stato.
The attendance for 1S37 was 453 and for
183 , 492. There are 310 students in the nor
mal classes the present term besides forty in
tlio training classes whoso names do not ap
pear in the catalogue.
As the advantages of employing teach
ers specially trained for their voca
tion becomes known the demand
for such teachers Increases until every part
of the state participates directly or Indi
rectly In these advantages.
That the normal school may bo prepared
to meet these demands and take a foremost
nuik in the onward movement , I bespeak
for it the continued generous patronage of
the legislature.
Till ! STATi : LIIllUllY.
The report on the librarian shows the num
ber of
Volumes on hand at date of last re
port 27,379
Uecoivcd by exchange , donation , etc. . l.Siil
Supreme court reports 5,500 ,
Total 31.740
Supreme court reports sold and dis
bursed 5,042 ,
Duplicates and session laws sold and
exchanged 87
Laws , journals and documents sent to
other states and public libraries. . . . 201
Total 5,030
Volumes on hand 23,610
NUW I.IIIH.UIV IlOOMij.
The now rooms sot apart for the perma
nent quarters of the library in the mam
building of the capitol are ready for occu-
puncy , but no appropriation has been
inudo or is yet available from which
funds can bo drawn to move
the library and to furnish the rooms as well
as those set apart for the supreme court. A
suftlciiiiit appropriation is asked to cover
thcso expenses ,
IIUIIEAU OF r.Aiioit.
The deputy commissioner of labor presents
a comprehensive nnd exhaustive report on
the various subjects relating to the aim and
purposes for which the bureau was estab
lished. His report discusses the following
subjects : Uiso and progress of the bureau
of labor , labor organizations , views of labor
ing men , strikes , arbitration , manual train
ing , compulsory education , fanners
opinions on needed legislation , prison labor
statistics , farm areas , tenure and value
of crops , comparative valuoof farm proaucts ,
of manufacturing establishments , railroad
reports , wages , farmers' reports and statis
tics. It Iu to be hoped that the extensive re
searches made by the deputy
commissioner on thcso various
subjects , will prove of much benefit in so
shaping legislation as to advance the in
terests of the laboring classes wherever
legislation la needed ,
AIUIITIIATION' .
Conflicts still arise-between employers and
employes. In my Judgment the establishing
of a board of arbitrationis the most prtTo-
ticable plan for the settlement of thcso diffi
culties and which would bo fair and just to
the interest of both' 'parties. I therefore
recouimeud the establishment of such a
board. "
SOI.TIKU'9 HOME.
The Soldier's homo wus completed for the
reception of inmates on the first of July last
nnd it pow has fifty-two * Tito report of the
commandant proscnts.tho operations of the
home thus far. It Is made u. homo in reality
where old soldiers cart lire In comfort and
trnnquility , * >
It stands to the honor of Nebraska that
this Btiito was ainong-Um first to establish u
homo for the soldlcntitvhero families are not
separated , In order to accommodate lami-
lies it Is proposed to erect cottages ou tracts
of land of say two ami ono-hul f or live acres ,
which may bo cultivated by raising vegeta
bles , etc. , by the soldiers. The plan seems
far moro preferable than gathering together
many families and other Inmates in one
building. The main buildlncrcnn bo occupied
by those who have no families. According
to the best estimates which can DO formed
we may calculate on an average of 250 to 300
Inmates at tha establishment. To accommo
date them It will bo necessary to add two
wings to the present main building or to
erect another main building or two
buildings in addition to the cottages.
There was donated to the state by
the citizens of Grand Island the
munificent gift of fHO acres of land on which
to establish the homo. This tract of land Is
equal in value to thu original amount ; appro
priated by the legislature. The state thus
far , therefore , has boon reimbursed for Its
outlay of $30,000. Liberal appropriations
will bo needed to enlarge lUo canucltlctof
the Institution nnd ma'tn It commonsurat
with the demands that will bo made upon It
1 trust you will deal wltli It in & liberal spirit
Congress enacted a law nt Us last scsslot
providing for the payment to each stnto
which has n soldiers' homo , $10(1 ( n yonr fo
caoh Inmate of that homo. This will ah
largely in the payment of the running ex
penses of this Institution. The present strnc
turo is nmong the best In the state of ou
public buildings , , nnd was erected under Iho
ttmnndlato supervision of the commandant
Captain John Hammond , who has organize !
the institution nnd has put it on n succcssfu
running basis.
TUP. iio.M'iT.M , rou run IXIAXH.
.Tho report of the superintendent of the
INobraskiX hospital for the insane will show
that there were present December 1 , ISSO
U74 patients , 227 male * and 147 females ; tha' '
there have been admitted 421 during the two
years , 221 males and 107 females ; that there
have boon discharged 40.1 ; recovered , ir
mak's , 71 females , total 10S ; Improved , 23
males , 17 females , total 40 ; unimproved , ' . "
males , * ? females , total 30 ; eloped , 0 males , 0
females , total 0 : not insane , 3 males , it fe
males , total 0 ; died , 32 males , 2-1 females
total All transferred to Norfolk , 51 males
43 females ; total 07 ; xvholo number undei
treatment , first year 570 , second year , ( US
average number daily under , treatment for
the two years , 3SOiif ; percentage of recoveries
ios on whole numtKr admitted In two years
30.0 ; percentage of deaths on whole number
under treatment ) first year , 5.33 , second
year , 4.04 ; for the two years , 4.71
highest number In hospital , 411
remaining In thu hospital November 30 , is\s ,
: u ; males -U. and females , 173 ; total expense -
ponso for maintenance per capita , $213.1 :
annually , $1.00 weekly .
The report also acts foith the fact that the
hospital would bo crowded witii 300 patients ,
anil that there hail been prem-nt as many as
414 at one time. It will be evident from those
statements that , oven with the most stren
uous exertion , it must be difficult for tha phy
sicians to do full justice , either to the patients
or ihemsolves. The report also shows that
the hospital docs not possess the facilities
for properly classifying patients under treat
ment , owing to the limited number of wards
It urges strongly tlio necessity for additional
and much smaller wards.
XOlU'tll.K ASVI.l'.M roil Till ! INSANE.
Tlio rcportof the superintendent furnishes
a complete history of the n Hairs of this insti
tution , which was completed and opened for
the admission of p.xticnts on tlio 15th day of
February , 1SSS. Pursuant to tlio provisions
of the law the board of public lands and
buildings sot aside the following territory to
comprise the Norfolk asylum district , to wit :
The following counties , Antelope , Mlainc ,
Uoone , IJox Hutte , Urown , Hurt , Cedar.
Cherry , Colfax , Cuming , Dakota , Dawes ,
Uixon , Uodge , Oarficld , Oreoloy , Holt , Ivcyn
Palm , Knox , Loup , Madison , Nance , Pierce ,
Platte , Sheridan , Slou.v , Stunton , Thomas ,
Valley , Washington , Wuyno and Wheeler.
All Inmates of the Nebraska hospital for the
insane at Lincoln who were originally resi
dents of the above named counties , were
tnmsforcd from Lincoln to Norfolk. On the
15th day of February , isss , : \ transfer of
ninety-seven patients , fifty-four males and
forty-three females , was made from the Ne
braska hospital at Lincoln to Norfolk by n
special train iu charge of the superintendent
of tlio Nebraska hospital for tlio insane.
The transfer was safely made and without
accident. The total number of patients
under treatment since the opening of the
hospital has been 119. During the year
there have been fifty-two new cases admitted
iu the Norfolk asylum district. The two
now wings provided for by an act of the last
legislature huvo been completed and are
now ready for occupancy. When they arc
furnished , thcso wings will accommodate 120
patients. The Lincoln and Norfolk asylums
lira now filled to their utmost capacity. The
two wings at Norfolk and the asylum for the
ineurablo at Hastings , which are Hearing
completion , \yill relieve the pressure- for the
present : but it must be borne in mind that
after these-new buildings urc filled , there
will still bo a largo number of insane persons
in poor houses and jails throughout
the state not yet provided tor.
There is one satifsctory conclusion in connec
tion witli this subject , numely.the proportion
of insane In Nebraska is far below most of
the other status. The United States census
of ISSO shows that there was one insane to
every 545 of imputation. More recent local
statistics indicate that the proportion at pres
ent is probably ono in 500 or less. Australia
has one in 300 , Knglnnd one in3l'2 , Massachu
setts one in 370 , Now York ono in 3SO , Cali
fornia one in 370. Nebraska ( estimated ) ac
cording to the number of our insane , and the
population , one in l,00i ) . This estimate is
made by Dr. Ivnapp , of the Lincoln asylum ,
who has given the subject much attention.
The superintendents of tneso institutions
the Lincoln and Norfo'lc asylums have clone
all that possjbly could bo tlono to meet the
constantly increasing demands made upon
.hem to provide for additional patients. And
[ can say for the satisfaction of relatives and
Friends of inmates , that every thing which
cindncss and intelligence , devoted care and-
nttcntioii could do for their comfort has been
done.
A'.Yl.UJl FOIl IXCUKAIII.C9 AT HASTINGS.
This building is fast approaching -complo-
.ion ; but an appropriation will bo necessary
for furnishing and fitting it for the reception
of patients. As to the amount necessary ref
erence is made to the estimates.
IXDUSTIIMI. 1IO.MB AT MILFOIll ) .
This building is nearly ready for use , but
an appropriation will be nccessuiy in order
to furnish it and prepare it for occupancy.
IXSTITL'TE FOH TUB IBAP AMI DU.M1I.
The Institute for the deaf and dumb located
it Omaha , during the last two years has
made good progress in the work for which it
wus organized and is sustained. There huvo
> con 150 children cared for and in
structed during this period. It is the
design of this institute to give its
lupils n good common school education ; also
, o instruct each in some handicraft , by
which they may bo enabled to gain a liveli-
lood on leaving school. This institute was
.he first in the country ! to introduce what is
cnown as thu aural method of instructing
mrtlally dnaf children , and was the first in
Vmorica to establish a seporato "auricular
Icpartmout. " It will thus bo soon that in
.ho . methods of instructing this unfortunate
class of our country , Nebraska is among the
advance guard.
XbTiTL'Tii roil Tin : nuxn AT NKnuvittv CITY.
There have been admitted to the olind in
stitute during the biennial term ending No-
ember 30 , 1833 , thirty-ono blind children ,
vho for the first time huvo enjoyed the ad
vantages of the institution , nnd the total ou-
ollmont has reached fifty-six. The number
> rcseiit at this date is forty-one. The
vork in the several departments has
) regressed steadily and In a satisfactory
naiinor. Tlio reuulur school department is
organized upon iho same gpneral plan , nnd
he course of study pursueu is identical to
hat of our best public schools. It embraces
among'lho higher branches , algebra , geomo-
ry , physics , astronomy , rhetoric and Kng-
isli literature , nnd Is ordinarily completed in
line years. The report in detail will bo
found of much interest.
INSTITUTION I'Oll FKlfllI.n-MIXW'l > YOUTHS.
Thu report of the superintendent of the in
stitution for fcoblc'iiiindcd youths exhibits
ho condition and needs of the institution ,
t was opened for the reception of inmates
May 25 , 1BS7 , rapidly filling up until ttio full
capacity of the present building was reached.
There nro now 143 applications for
admission. The building just completed
and ready to occupy will aucommodate sev
enty-two boys. This will not increase the
capacity of the institution to that extent ,
lowover , as the increased number will re
quire more room In the present building for
lining rooms , school rooms , etc. Thus it will
bu soon that the two buildings already
reeled will not bo sufficient to accommodate
hose for whom applications have been made
up to this time , The number of inmates at
ircscnt is seventy , The school department
ms been organized but llttlo moro than a
year. Three teacher ! * have been employed ,
'ho results of the training have been beyond
expectation. All show improvement in dis-
lositlou and deportment. Individual work
s necessary with all , and It , ulono will no
omplish any result in the beginning. The
naUiods used nru a * * nearly ns possible
daptcd to the peculiar needs of each
hlld , much prominence being given
o object teaching nnd kinder-
union work in connection with
ihysical work , such a * gymnastic *
mil calisthenics. Thn law provides that the
nest improvable cases between the ac'es of
ivo mid eighteen hhall bo given preference
vor others Iu admission. Thu must unfor-
unato and helpless , and those over eighteen
'ears of ago , have boon practically debarred
ty this cluukc , being compelled by reason of
ho crowded condition of the institution to
eject all such applications. lie nays uu
syluin department for the care of these por-
ons , who are not suitable nubjects for the
raining school , ohouM be established In collection
ection with the institution at un early day.
'here are at least two hundred of this clans
n the stato. Tlu-y are distributed tn county
) oor house * , and in homes made cheerless
ud iu SOLUO cuica oven di'solute by reason of
the great carp necossarv for their mainten
ance , making life , n burden to frtther and
mother , and even preventing the education
nnn training of their moro fortunate brothers
nnd sisters. The superintendent report *
that there nro over seven hundred feeble
minded ncr.ions of nil ages In the
state , and now that the Institution is in
successful operation , nnd Its necessity
nnd utility nro demonstrated' , ho nsks that n
reasonable appropriation bo mndn in order
that the institution can bo thoroughly effect
ual and useful.
STATR tvnr < Titm , sritoot. VT Kiunxnr.
This institution , known ns the state reform
school until the session of the legislature of
1837 , Is In n prosperous mid healthy condi
tion. It is operated under the open or fam
ily system in contradiction from the conijro-
gate or prison system. No high walls
or fences , no grated windows or
doors to terrify the boy or girl
on his or her arrival. Instead of these ,
the school room , tlio reading room with Its
attractions , amusements and an abundance
of elevating readingtho lighter forms of shop
nnd out iloor work , the play ground ,
kind words and firm discipline , nil Indicate u
good homo nnd wholesome restraint. Suf
ficient and healthy food , such as is character
istic of a well regulated country household ,
is provided for the Inmates , and comfortable
clothing , beds , budding and sleeping apart
ments are furnishoil them. Iu audition to
moral reformation and physical development ,
each inmatu has an opportunity te obt.iln a
common school education. As far as prac
ticable , each is required to attend school four
hours a day and work the same number of
hours. Ample time is further Riven for
recreation , reading and self-improvement.
Ono of the most Dressing needs of this insti
tution Is a system of workshops , in which
each inni.Uo of sufficient ago aud capacity
can learn u useful and prurtic.il trade. The
sup'Tinlciidont , in his report , says ; lt is
thu imperative duty of the legislature
to give the school facilities for
teachiuij trades. No argument should
bo required to show that such facilities are
badly needed. The organic law contemplates
their establishment ; the interest of the In
mates demand them ; the state nt largo ex
pects them. " There are now in ntlomlanca
( il girls and 1S4 boys a total enrollment of
215. The present attendance shows a not in
crease of 10'J ' over that of two years ago.
Since the organisation of the school , but one
death has occurred and this was the result of
an accident. Tlio results of the teachings
and training of this school are very com-
mondnblo. It Is safe to assert that 7 , " > per
cent of these honorably discharged are doing
well. From personal visitation nnd observa
tion , IIH well an from current reports , 1 am
confluent the children are kindly treated and
cared for , that they linvo a good homo and
proper influences exerted in their behalf ,
and that the school is managed In
n praise-worthy and beneficent manner.
I therefore advise that encouraging support
which this responsible character building
work requires. ,
IIOMB rou Tin : riitnxni.vss.
The report of the homo for the friendless
shows what has been done by that Institu
tion for the last two years.
Number inmates la home December , ISSO. 72
Numb or admitted sin cc 375
Total 417
Number of children surrendered to friends. 123
Number of children placed in homes , . . . . . 75
Number adults returned to friends 33
Number for whom work was found 35
Number sent to other institutions U
Number of deaths 44
Total 331
Number now iu home no
Total 417
In this institution the wulfs of humanity
find comfortable homes and kind , motherly
care. It is conferring a blessing upon
this state and upon humanity.
Those in charge are imitating the example of
their Divine Master in relieving human suf
fering. They are gathering in and saving the
abandoned ; their institution is in reality the
liomeof these who have no home. I trust you
will regard it with favorable consideration. "
XCIIAMA ! I'lIXITKXTIAUV.
The report of the warden of the penitentiary
with the accompanying statistics presents
with minute details thoaff.urs ami operations
of that institution. There have beenjreceived
II to the penitentiary since it has been cstab-
.ishud. 1,405 convicts ; number of those who
: iavo been discharged or pardoned , 1,118 ;
lumber 01 * deaths , ' .I ; leaving iu prison. No-
vemoer 30 , 1838 , 333 ; number in now , 323 ;
showing an increase of ten in two years.
S'umbcr received by committment during
this same two years , ending November 30 ,
18S3,310. The number discharged in the
same time under the good time act ,
.i'l'i. ' Important changes and improvements
uivo boon made since the lust biennial re-
> ort. A two-story brick building72x300 foot ,
las been erected , and is now fully occupied
jy work shops , laundry , bath rooms , etc.
L'his building adds largely to the capacity of
.ho working departments of tho"prison. .
} thcr improvements have been made which
mvo resulted in increasing the efficiency ,
comfort and security. Measures should lie
iiken to give u better system of sewerage to
ho prison.
1.1VB STOCK SANITAIIY COMMISSION .
The work of the live stoelc sanitary coin-
mission has been quietly and steadily curried
on during the two years last past , and the
results therefrom , as embodied in the report
ecently submitted , show a benefit to the
armors and stock raisers of Nebraska not
lasily calculated. The law creating this board
ms been proved an excellent ono in its general -
oral purposes and adaptability to practical
vork. Stringent measures have been
adopted for the purpose of preventing the
ntroduction of contagious plcuro-jmou-
nonia and Texas fever. Tlio report shows
hut four outbreaks of the latter have oc
curred during the last two years , but in each
use owners had purchased native cattle
vhich hud been exposed before shipment
mo tills .state. There have been no viola-
ions of the quarantine rules during this
) onoil. The state veterinarian was directed
o make an examination of the dairy herds
f the state for the purpose of usccrtHining
f tuberculosis existed , and , after thorough
nd careful work , tut six cases of tubercu-
osis were discovered , these being among the
attlo in Douglas county or in the vicinity of
Dmaba. Those animals were immediately
ostroyed. and no further developments of
lie disease have occurred. Too great value
annul be attached to the extirpation of
uboroulosls , which is so readily communi-
atcd to man through dairy products. No
uses of plouro-pncuinonin have developed
vithin the state , us thorough quarantine rog-
latlons nro In force against all plouro-pncu-
nonia districts , and liltlo danger need bu up-
irehended. Among contagious and infectious
ilisoiiscs in this state , ( -landers and fnrey , in
horses nnd mules , is the most widespread and
destructive. At the beginning of the work
if tlio board , it existed in nearly every
county in thu state. The fight against Its in
vidious ravages has been and is still u deter
mined ono.nnd so fur successful thnt at the
present time forty counties nro reporting no
cases. Tim law , as amended at the last leg
islature , allowing the payment of indemnity
for animals destroyed by the state , has greatly
facilitated thn reporting of suspected cases ,
and prevented the secreting of the disease. It
has proved n blessing to poor and deserving
farmers , many of whom are entirely depend
ant upon their horses and mules for n means
of support , nnd to whom the payment of this
Indemnity Is n boon , while the state is being
relieved of a terrible scourge , dnngorons
alike to man and beast. Several persons
have died of it during the past two years in
this state , having contracted it by caring for
afflicted animals. Klght hundred and thirty
horses and mules have been destroyed by
the llvo stock commission since November
HO , 1830 , to December 1 , 1833. The amount
af Indemnity allowed for the same was fiMJ , .
U71.no , averaging $13.50 per head , These
animal * were destroyed in sixty-six counties ,
showing un immense amount of labor , nro to-
cut od in all seasons of the year : and it nns
only been by the most energetic efforts upon
the part of the board that such a result can
bo shown , The work Is most satisfactory to
the people of the state whoso interests
are directly connected therewith.
I'lio labors of the live stock agents und vet
erinarians have been arduous and unremit
ting. They have been soul for by farmers
In all tioctfont * of the state. Thu cails for
Ihoni huvo benn mnro numerous than they
: ould give attention to. Tliolr services have
peon ino.st useful nnd effective.
on , ixsi'KCfiox.
The report of the state oil inspector covers
n period of seventeen months. Thu number
if barrels of oil und gasoline inspected wus
U9.200 ; total fee * collected , # 14,020.00 , Sal-
tries und expenses of inspector and deputies
Tor six months ending December 31 , 1337 ,
f4,537,27 ; turned over to the state treasurer
January 1 , 1838 , 1701.03 ; sulurlo * und ox-
iionsosof liiMioctnr and deputies from Jan.
jury 1 , l-UjS. to December 1,1838 , $3.003.18 ;
balance on hand December I , ISiS , (723.82.
i'ho work has been done by the inspector nnd
live deputies located in live different part *
> t tlio statu. Tiio law Is buing regularly en
forced and Is giving general satisfaction
The Inspector recommends that the law bo
so amended ns to prevent the sale of ono
grade of oil for thnt of another of a higher
crude. l'\ir Instance , there nro n number of
brands of oiM known ns "prima whlto , "
"water whlto" anil "hoadllght. " The latter
commands n hlchor price on the market than
the former. There should bo seine provision
made to protect the consumer from fraud In
this way of substituting the cheaper ( -wiles
for the higher. Ho also recommends a
change in the law regarding the ni > | > ointmcnt
of deputies similar to the Iowa law , where
the stnto Inspector can appoint u suit-able
number of deputies and their compensation
bo regulated according to the amount of bust
ness done. The olllco is piitircly self-sup
porting , I'onsoquently I think the law should
bo amended so us to got the best service pos
sible for all Interested. The result of the op
eration of this law has beer , to give the con
sumer bettor grnnos of oil , whllo all the ex
penxo of Imprvtion Is borne by tjie shipper
nnd the price has not boon inerea'Uil.
The doings of the fish commlssloiunnd
the operations of the state hntehorles
fully sot forth in their detailed report. .Tlio
work of the commission has been carried
forward during thn your 18S8 with good sue
eosfl. The total number of young fish , thrco
to six months old , nnd fish frv produced nt
the slate hatcheries durini : t ho year ending
December ill , 18S8 , Is I7,7VJ,721 ; , against
10,500,100 in the year 1S37. All of these fish
have been planted In tnn lakes , , ponds and
streams of the stnto. Tlio per colitngo of loss
in transportation has boon less than In any
former your. The number of ouch species of
fish handled during the year 1833 Is as fol
lows : Wall eyed Pike fry , Ul.050,000 ; lake
herring fryA4r > ( ) ,0H ( > ; brook trout fry. JMP.OOO ,
rainbow trout fry , Wt.ikH ) ; gornmti carp ,
,200 ; blnok bass , -3,000 ; spotted catfish ,
52. ) . In addition to the foregoing the com
mission obtained through the courtesy of
Colonel McDonald , United Status commis
sioner of fish and fisheries , ami lion , S. 1' ,
Hartlett , of the Illinois fish commission ,
00,000 native fishes of the state of Illinois ,
consisting of bass , rockllsh , pike , pickerel ,
croppies and porch. They were transplanted
from Illinois into the interior of Nubrushii
iu two United States llsli cars of
300,000 each , without loss and deposited In
the waters of. the state. These fish were
from a few months to a year and over old.
It will bo borne In mind that wo have nn
area of territory two hundred by four
hundred miles ; that a largo part of thoVwut-
era to be stocked with valuable food fish
lies west of the sixth prlnrii.il | meridian , n
distance of ono hundred to four hundred
miles froin-tho hatcheries , and too far to ad
mit of the carrying of the young fish sa'cly
by the heretofore only method within the
reach of the commission , namely , the ordin
ary tin can by - : - - t * or by u special messenger
songor In the railroad baggagL oar. Kella-
bio information from persons * o whqui
young fish have been delivered
for Btoi'ltiue streams and ponds ,
both by letter and in person ailords Incou
testable evidence of success In this good
work. A largo number of lotiors annexed to
the report will afford to the skeptical n source
of instructive reading upon this subject. The
labors of the commission have been attended
with very gratifying success , and they have
been of great utility to the people of the com
monwealth , Many of our streams have been
stocked with various kinds of fish , and they
have become nn important element of food In
the economy of life. Some have stocked
ponds for raising fish for tlio market , nnd
already nro reaping a fair reward on their in
vestment. The fish commissioners deserve
encouragement at your hands. They have
for years given their time to this work with
out fee or liopo'of reward. Their labors have
been entirely unselfish , and for the public
good.
IlOATIIt OP TIIAN8POUTATIOX.
The report of the board of transportation
shows that at the time of the taking effect
of the law creating the board of transporta
tion ( July 1 , 1SS7) ) , there were throe casei
pending before the board of railroad com
missioners. Since that date thirty format
complaints have been filed with the board ,
making a total of thirty-throe considered
since its creation and until .Iiino 30 , 1SS3.
December 20 , 13SS , llvo of these cases were
stitl pending and undetermined , lour had
been dismissed , four had been withdrawn by
the complainants , and twenty hud been de
cided In favor of the complainants , and the
order of the board In each case has been
carried into effect. There have been nearly
twice as many informal complaints uiado In
the form of letters , which have been consid
ered by the board , and wherever the board
has had Jurisdiction of the subject mutter it
has succeeded in securing a satisfactory ad
justment of the differences.
UAII.ItOAIl rilKKIIlT IIATRS.
While railroad freight rates are a neces
sity to the people , the people are a necessity
to the railroads. The relations they sustain
to each other must bo mutual nnd should bo
so adjusted that the interests of both would
be promoted and protected. These who In
vest their means in railroad property have n
right to expect a fair return on their invest
ment. These who labor have the same right
to expect a fair reward for their labor , which
is their capital invested. K.ilwuys.should ! so
adjust their tariffs of charges that farmers.
grazers , manufacturers , merchants , aud nil
who ship over them , can do so and receive a
remunerative- profit from their business. Tlio
power of the legislature to establish nnd en
force reasonable charges on the part of com
mon carrinrs has been 'fully established by n
ilccision of the supreme court , und that power
must bo exorcised in all cases where the pco-
lilo arc subjected to extortionate charges.
The rights of the people must bo protected.
The power that creates is greater
Lluin that which is created.
The people create and their power
is supreme , and they speak through the legis
lature to the agencies which have boon oro-
Uod for executing their will.
ASSESSMKXT AS1) TAXATION.
Your earnest attention is Invited to the
necessity for n revision and amendment of
present laws regarding assessment and taxa
tion. That great injustice and inequality
Drevalls under our present system is too np-
mrcnt to require argument to induce con-
Diction. Furthermore , it gives rlao to u
"alHO impression and does great injustice to
.lie stnto. Upon the face it Is inudo to up-
ioar that Nebraska sustains tlio highest tux-
itlon of any state in the union , save No-
. udu , which is utterly untrue. The
statement Is thoroughly deceptive
mil pernicious , and it results from our ex
ceedingly low rate of assessment. 1'roperty
n Nebraska is assessed at u smaller vuluu-
.ion than In any of the states. To prove the
.ruth of this assertion in regard to four
states , for Instance , the following table Is
iresantc-d of the assessment vuluti of the
irlnciplo kinds of property In Minnesota ,
vansas , low.v and Nebraska , which will at a
'lanceshow the correctness of my statement :
Minn. Kan. Iowa. Nub ,
Land per acre. . . * 7.40 ? 4.21 7.03 J 3.53
Uorsos 07.30 31.01 31.50 10.07
Cattle . 21.21 O.MI 10.07 fi.Ki
Mules . 03.53 10.07 23.01
Hogs . 2.47 1.00 1.01 1,07
These figures nro taken from the ottlolal re-
> orts of those states and are authentic. You
, vill roudily observe that land , horhos , cattle ,
nulos and hogs are rated at fur IOHH value
n Nebraska than in Minnesota , ICundiis
mil lowu , Land at loss than one-half
, vlmt it is In Minnesota and Iowa ; horses In
Minnesota at moro than thrco times the
aluo of the same animal * in our stato. This
ow adse.siod valuation oxplul ns this apparent
ileh rate of taxation , and also shows the
'allucy of the statement that Nebraska is the
liighust taxed state in the union. The truth
s , the rate of taxation Hero is , In reality ,
iiolow what It Is In the three states named ,
mil in KOIIIO other Hiatus. Our tax per capita
n 1H35 upon thu basis of the population im
oturnud by thn ceimim of ISiO , was f2.47 ,
, 'hile the tajc per i-apitu for the same your
ipon the assL'Hsud valuation of the thrco
itatos united , which have been selected for
sompnrUon , was according to the aggregate
uiiount raised by them ? J.b5 as nnulnst $2,47
n Nebraska , The state cunsusof 1SS5 showed
nir population to bo 740,045. The amount
if taxation fur the HIIIIIU year , raised for
ituto purposes was ? I.W7OI8.U3. Taking tlio
inpnlatloii for that year and the amount of
ax raised us Just stutod. the tax per capita
vas f l.U3 f. Nonrnsku hu * thui been made
o suffer from the reputation of being the
ilghest taxed state , except one , which ruim-
alien rests on un entirely false basis , This
vrong must ho remedied. This fnlve 1m-
irosiloti must bo rumovod. The rate ofas -
lestmont must bo largely Increased. It Is a
veil proven fact that a vast amount of
iropcrty , both real and personal , escapes
axutlon. Mcn who maintain un un'uon- '
loncd reputation for Integrity whoso word
me ] bond are good in ull business circles ,
vlll deliberately cheat the assess-
irs , and will regard it us mi
) Vldcnco of shrewdness and sumitncs *
f they succeed , They conceal tlio iiossos-
iloh of notes , certificates of stocks and mart-
ages , while the property und little homo of
h'j toUor Is soon and known by ull. and ilpcs
[ Continued l'u < j .i