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About Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922 | View Entire Issue (Jan. 8, 1897)
THE OMAHA ! ! DAILY BEE. . > ESTABLISHED JUNE 19 , 1871. OMAHA , FRIDAY MOltiNTiNQ , JANUARY 8 , 1807. SINGLE C liTVE CENTS. t Longest of His Messages Sent to the General Assembly. GOVERNOR ADDRESSES THE LEGISLATORS Points Out Many Matters that May Well Engross Attention , SUGGESTS CHANGES IN THE BALLOT LAW Would Avoid the Clash that Has Been Possible Hitherto , TREASURY NEEDS MUCH ATTENTION Suggests Some Radical Changes in tbo Methods Prevailing. WOULD REMEDY THE REVENUE LAWS System of Levying and Collecting Taxes to Bo Entirely Reformed. CARE OF THE PERMANENT SCHOOL FUND Magnificent Endowment of Public Educa tion Should Not Bo Neglected. FAVORS TRANSMISSISSIPPI EXPOSITION of ( lie Orcnt Kiitcrprlnc llrli'lly Set Out mill Mix-rill Appro priation tar NHiriixUii'N 12x- hllilt l LINCOLN , Jan. 7. ( Special. ) Following Is the full text ot Governor Holcomb'a second Inaugural messageto the Nebraska general assembly : GOVERNOR HOLCOMD'S MESSAGE. To the Members of Ihe Twenty-fifth Seealor of the Legislature of Nebraska : In the dls charge of the obligation Imposed on mo a : the chief executive ot the state to com mtinlcatc to jou mich Information and rccom mcndatlons as may suggest themselves , 1 7 deem It not Inapproprlalo to express mj gratification that this meesago In presentee' to a legislative body u majority of the mem bcrs of which I have rcaoon to believe an in harmony and Bympothy wllh Iho cxecutlv < department , and that wo can hopefully lool t for a hearty accord between the cxccutlvi and legislative branches of this state govern merit In the respective capacities to whlcl we , the servants of the people , have beer chosen by their suffrages to net , respecting tlio- plans to bo adopted and the policies w < tshull pursue. The existence of such har monious relations will , I am csure , enable ut to accomplish much good for our state. 1 feel confident that every branch of our utati government i Imbued with an earnest deslri to promote'the general welfare of our people advance thn prosperity of the state , guard , protect and encourage every Interest whlcl will add to iho development ot lie resouicei and preserve the rights of lUi citizens. 1 feel u deep sense ot gratitude to ms fellow citizens for tha confidence manifested In mo by my re-election and deed re only Ir the future to profit by the experience of tin past and thus prove myself worthy ot tin high honor bestowed upon me. In administering the affaire of the people In a government such as ours those chosen for that pur rose are but inslrumenta tc ascertain and Ihcn carry out the will of the people. This should bo done with diligence and fidelity. The faithful servant merits und receives the approval of a sovereign pee plo. and onJojH the satisfaction of mind which cornea from the knowledge of a dutj well performed In the discharge of weight ) responsibilities. That the members of tblt legislature arc Impressed with the grave responsibilities resting upon each ot them , nnd with the Importance nt tbo varied In y terests ot this commonwealth which are for a time coivmlttcd to their care , I believe / and shall arr.t.mc to bo true ; tbat you are de termined to discharge your duties faithfully and fearlessly for the best Interests of our beloved elate and the welfare of our fellow- citizen * , I doubt not In the least. MANY DIFKintlLT rUOULHMS. You will doubtless be called upon to solve many dtfllcult and perplexing problems ot great Interest to the xtato and I feel sure you will give to each Important question , as It In brought before you. that mature deliberation which should characterize all legislation affecting the welforo of a great commonwealth. 1 am not. In my Judgment , oversiatlng tlio case when I say that at no tlmo In the history of the state has there been more urgent need for wise and intelligent action on the part ot the law-making body , nor a more opportune time for the enactment of prudent legislation. Abufcctj and Imperfec tions In existing statutes , which permit of inequalities , wrongs and hardships upon a part ot our people , should bo corrected , bear ing ever In mind that the object of nil legis lation Is to cntlicly eradicate or reduce to u minimum thcro various forms of uvll in the enforcement of law and order. As a nation we confidently assert that our people are among the moat enlightened and jirogresslvc on the face of the earth ; and you have the honor U represent the people of a state having the smallest percentage of illiteracy of any In the union , und who are the peer of any people In the land In patriotism , Intelligence , Integrity and love of equality , truth und Justice In the affairs of mankind. UNWARRANTED STATKMBNTS. Our public schools colleges and universi ties testify to the love of our people for education. Situated geographically In the center of thu United States , wo are afforded every opportunity for constant and mutually profitable Intercourse with all parts of our common country. It Is to bo regretted that partisan newtpapern , having seemingly no regard for the public welfare and with a spirit of Intolerance entirely out ot place where frco Institutions are admired , have attempted to prejudice the minds of men who are unacquainted with our state and Its citizens , by the publication ot mendacious and slanderous articles reflecting on the intelligence and Integrity of the people of Nebraska. It has been Intimated by men high In the councils of our national govern ment , as well as by some newspapers of general circulation throughout the country , that the present session of the legislature ot Nebraska would undertake by vicious aii'l limtlle legislation to permit the repudiation of the debts ot Us citizens , to vitiate private contracts , and to discriminate In favor of one parly to a contract HO as to demoralize the business ot the people of tbe state. Thrse wanton attacks upon thu tree and enlightened people ot Nebraska would not be worthy of attention were they not calcu lated to Incite- the 111 will ot a class ot cltl- tens of older and more populous .Mates whose knowledge ot Ncbratkans U gleaned ftom newspaper comment and not from actual contact with our people. It has been threat ened that the people ot eastern states who I luvo money Invested In Nebraska properly would withdraw their Invtetments because the majority of our citizens have espoused a different political policy from that having general endorsement In the eastern portlor , ofour _ country. , unmerited reflections on tbo in- tclllgcuco and Integrity of our citizens will not , I am sure , deter you from discharging yonr full duty to your constituent * by enact ing any new laws or remedial legislation upon which you may determine. Hy wise and Judicious action you will dispel any doubts which may exist of the determination ot our people to be strictly Just to all men ; of their capacity , through their representa tives , to enact legislation for the protection of all Interests In tbo Intimate relations of our own citizens with each other , or with the citizens of other states , and for the conservation ot all legitimate business Interests. Nebraska IB not the child of any other state or group of states. She Is a sovereign slate among the sisterhood of states of the union , with equal privileges , prerogatives , duties and responsibilities. Her citizens arc Intelligent , Industrious , honest and patriotic. She has within her borders the natural and acquired resources and all the elements of strength and grandeur necessary to maintain her proud position as one of the foremost stales of the union. Ncbraskans demand only the right , and that they will maintain , of governing thalr own affairs , without any dedre to Infringe upon the rlghU of any other people. people.NOT NOT A DEPENDENT. A sudden change In the business relations existing between citizens of Nebraska , and citizens of other states would quite probably work much hardship and unnecessary suf fering upon many of our people , yet I am of thu opinion that ultimately greater perma nent Injury would be wrought to the fitatcs and communities adopting such an ex traordinary and unusual course toward our citizens. Nebraska Is not dependent on anyone ono state or section ot the country for the final or comple'e development of her re sources and the comfort and happiness ot her citizens ; and she docs not appeal as a de pendent to have accorded to her citizens the fair treatment and consideration which should , and usually does , exist among tbe people of ono common country , all having a mutual Interest In the development ot the whole. Rather , she demands this treatment because ot the elements of strength In reciprocal relations which she possesses , and the ability of extending Inducements to the business world , which make her territory an Inviting field for the Investment of capital and development of Industrial enter prises. That all property Interests now In exIstence - Istenco or that may hereafter be established will bo treated .with encred regard and scrupulous honesty should not bo questioned , To question It la to doubt the honesty of mankind and challenge the Integrity of a nation. Onr people desire friendly rela tions , commercially and socially , with the citizens of other states , and realize that In the maintenance and extension of mutual rnnllnl rnenrd nil are alike benefited. Ono and a quarter millions of patriotic lawabldlng people Inhabit the state of No braskn. They have bullded thriving cltlei and villages. They have broken the soi over which the Indians and the buffaloe roamed a few decades ago. They are i hardy. Independent people , and are proui of the great and growing commonwealtl they have created. The fertile fields o Nebraska yield grain sufficient to supply th nation ; horsca. cattle and sheep fatten upoi her broad prairies and meadow lands ; thou sands of carloads ot pork arc shipped an nually from her farms to feed the peopl < of other states and countries ; her trans portatlon facilities are unexcelled ; she ha factories for sugar , for chicory , for th manufacture of dry goods and various othci commodities ; the has mills for grlndlni grain ; great packing bouses and dairies al over the state In fact , everything whlcl makes a people prosperous In a great agrl cultural country , and goes to build up i great commonwealth. These are the advantages which an Intel llgent , Industrious , thrifty and energetic people plo present to the business world , and the ) will enable her ( o maintain , by virtue o merit alone , an honorable position amom the great Industrial communities of am country. The more Important of the subjects to hi considered by you wcro generally dlscussei during the recent campaign and the pcopli made knowr. tbr-lr desires by the clcctlor of officers committed to reforms In the man ageuicnt of the state's affairs , thereby rcn derlng lesa difficult for you to perform youi duty In executing the will of the peopli thus expretsed. 1 will merely call your at tcntion to such of these Important inalten as have ccrne under my observation durinf my term of office. lly a wise provision ) of the constitution the officers of the executive departmen and tlie .beads of all public Institutions ol the state are required at least ten day : preceding each regular sefslon of the legls laturo to make a repor * to tiie governoi concerning the condition of the state's bust ness In their charge , ouch reports In tun to be submitted to > the legislature. Thee < reports were not all presented to me wlthlr the time specified by the constitution , and ! have therefore been unable to give then the consideration I would have desired They are submitted to you for your carefu ! consideration ) , as they contain much valuabli Information which will bo of great assist ance to you In determining the needs of the different departments of the state govern ment and of the various Institutions for their proper management for the coming blcn- nlurn. lltM'KCTS IX TUB BI.HCTIUSYSTEM Sonic livllH AVlilc'li Should He Uunrdfil AKIllllNI. Ono of the most Important duties devolv ing upon you as legislators Is the amend ment of tbo election laws of the state. The legislature of 1S91 very wisely adopted the Australian ballot system , and it has un doubtedly had an apprcciablo effect In puri fying our elections. Experience In the use of the Australian system suggests many Im provements which will have a tendency tc render the perpetration of frauds still more dlfllcult and give additional 'protection tc the voter In the oxerclss of his right ol franchise. I heartily approve the general form of our ballot and believe It to be vastly preferable to the so-called "blanket" ballot system , In which the party tickets are each printed < ln separate columns , with provisions generally by which electors can vote tbo entire ticket by ono mark or stamp. The Independence of the voter Is encouraged by our system , which leads him usually to read the names of the candidates for the various ofllccs be fore casting his ballot , and ho Is encouraged thereby not to rely eolcly upon party designa tion. It has been urged by some as an objection to the form ot our ballot that it Is in effect the establishment of an educational test for voting. I do not regard this as a very serious objection. The voter has become - como accustomed to this form of ballot and any marked change In the general form , In my opinion , is entirely unnecessary and would aorvo no good purpose. There are other objections , however , and inoro substantial ones , which I regard more as the resu't of abuses than of the law It self and which can bo remedied by proper amendments. As an Instance , William J. llryan was nominated by the democratic party for the presidency. Atterward ho was also Dominated by the people's party for president. A convention of dissatisfied democrats met later and , styling themselves "aiatlonal democrats , " nominated John M. Palmer for president. The candidates placed In nomination by the Palmer wing for electors' , as well as for state olllcers , were denominated on tbe official ballot In Ne braska as "democrats , " with no means of illatlngulshlng them from the regular demo cratic nominees. The result of such a course was necessarily thu deception , of many voters. I would respectfully recom- inund that such amcndnientu be made to thu law as would prevent the use ot thu party dealguatlon by "bolting" factions for the purpose of deceiving voters. The regular party nominees only should appear on the official ballot with the designation of the party which nominated them. Where ono candldatu has been nominated by more than one political party the party designations should to o arranged us to permit the elector to express by his vote his party preference a * well n his preference for the candidate. Protection should be secured to the voter who , unacquainted with the name * of all the nominees on the ticket , U ieilrous ot canting his ballot for the nomi nees of ( ho party ho cspoutcn. I would also lUKKtit tutt tch party having n fair proportion of the electors In the state bo given representation on the precinct election boards , and that no more than two members of any ono political organization bo made Judges In any election precinct. Thn representatives of no ono political or ganization should have c-ntlro control ot any election booth , and whcro competent men representing different political parties can bo nocurcd the result must bo moro satisfactory to all concerned. I believe this matter might be satlsfac- j torlly arranged by vesting the power of naming the judges and clerks ot election In the county clerks or boards of county com missioners ( and the mayors of cities ot the first and second classes ) , restricting them tea a cholco from lists furnished by the chair men of the county ( or city ) committees of the various political parties. Provision could be made allowing at least one repre sentative on the election board to each po litical party receiving a certain per cent of the votes cast at the last general election held In the state , and providing that. In no event , should any ono party hove to exceed two Judges and ono clerk on any election board. In order to eecnro n frco and untrammeled - moled ballot for every elector steps should bo taken to prevent coercion , Intimidation and undue Influence on the part ot the em ployers. Every citizen , wha'tcvcr may bo his station In life , should have every protec tion thrown around him In the exercise of his citizenship. Other etatca have seen fit to enact very stringent legislation to prevent undue Influence on the voter by hli employer. As an Instance , the laws of Indiana provide that whoever , for the purpose of influencing a voter , threatens to enforce the payment of a debt , to Injure the business or trade of an elector , or , If an employer threatens to withhold wages or dismiss from service any laborer in his employment , or refuses to allow employes time to attend the place of election and vctc , shall be fined not more than $1,000 nor lesa than $20 ; Imprisonment In the state prison not more than five years , nor I era than one year , and be disfranchised and rendered incapable- holding an office of trust or profit for any determinate period. The enactment and strict enforcement of any such provision In the election laws of Ne braska would lessen the Intimidation of voters and give encouragement to a free expression of the will of the people at the polls. Pro visions should also bo made directing all employers 'to allow each voter sufficient time on election day to deposit his billot. USE OP PASSES IN CAMPAIGNS. Some action might very properly be taken to discourage discrimination between polit ical parties by railroad corporations operat ing within the stale. Tlio Issuance of passes to an army of political workers and the giving of special rates for the political meetings make the railroad companies a power In shaping the political destiny of the state. Where this power Is all wielded In the Interest of one party and to the prejudice of another party , Its weight cannot wcl be overestimated. Railroad companies di the business of the public and should bi restrained by wholesome legislation fron active participation In party polities. Thi officers and employes of tatch railroad com panics should bo free to vote as may seen to them for thlr own best Interests. Charge , of fraudulent registration in the large cltlea of the ntate have been frequcntl ; mndo and I would suggest the advisability of having the last day of registration at leas ton dajs prior to election day In order tha the complete list of voters may bo scrutinize ! by all inquiring citizens and ample tlnn be afforded for the apprehension of thosi who fraudulently register. It Is obvlouy that one ot the chief source of corruption In election ] Is the use of mone ; In providing means or hiring the voter to gi to the polls and vote , by this meana placlni him under obligation and thus unduly in llucr.clns his vote , or to hire tbe voter ti .stay away from the polls , thereby causlni him to nrglcct his duty as a citizen. In order to encourage and stimulate tin free and honest exercise of the elective franchliio It haa occurred to me that It ojlgh serve a good purpose wcro a non-voting pol tax of reasonable amount levied against eacl elector who may relieve himself by voting a the general ejection , or by producing i certificate of slckncea or disability or of ab scnco from the state. Such a provision mlsb Incidentally be made a source of revenue ti the ntate and the burden fall upon a class o citizens who fall to discharge a very Im portant duty devolving upon every quallflcc citizen. . I suggest this Idea to you for youi consideration. I hope that you will take the nccccran steps for the remedying of defects In oui election laws with a view to giving ever : possible opportunity for a free and fair ex prceslon of tbo will of the people at tin polls. 4 UII.IIP OK DIIOUTII SUKKEUEIIS State nmlnlloii llcNpomUMl > ly ti tin- Cull for A 111. When I assumed the duties of the office o governor of the state * two years ago the people of Nebraska were distressed , no1 only by reason of the general depressloi In busine-ss affairs , low prices and stead ] and continued depreciation In propcrtj values , but also from the result of an un precedented and disastrous drouth. Thcs ( adverse climatic conditions were not con fined to Nebraska alone , out prevailed Ir various parts of the country. It was ar : abnormal condition and may not bo ex perienced again during a generation of our people. Absolute want and distress could only bo prevented by prompt and cfllclenf organization for the purpose ot supplying the pressing needs of the unfortunate droutli sufferers until another season should brine the usual bountiful harvest. I found that , under the direction of my predecessor , steps had been taken looking to a systematic method of collecting and distributing provisions to alleviate the Im mediate wants of the people In the affected portion of the state. When It became gen erally known that provisions would have tc bo made to relieve those Impoverished by the drouth there was a generous and spon taneous response from all sections of the nation. The contributions became so liberal that It taxed the ingenuity of those In charge of the distribution of these free offerings to place them in the hands of those moat deserving of assistance , and , at the same time , to not tax the generosity of the benevolent people to a greater extent than absolutely required to prevent suffering. I deem It my duty , In behalf of tha unfor tunate people who wcro affected by this calamity , to express to all who so nobly responded to their distress by contributions of provisions or money , and also to the rail road , express , telegraph and telephone com panies which so liberally assisted In the work of alleviating suffering , our sincere gratitude and lasting thanks for their mani festations of human sympathy and benevo- Icnco exercised during this trying period. Since that unfortunate calamity , as before , Nebraska has been blessed with bounteous crops and the disagreeable experience It passed through appears to tbo people as a hideous dream. After the organization of the legislature an act was pasted creating a relief com- mltslon , composed of flva well known citizens , giving to them entire control and management In the discharge of this Im portant work. The report of the relief com mission lias been submitted to me. and you will doubtlciss bo supplied with copies. You will observe by this report , us well as by reference to the acts ot the last legislature , that the state contributed $50.000 , which was placed at the disposal of the relief com mission , and an additional sum of $200,000 , which was , by the relief commission , dis tributed among the several counties of tbe state where the people were regarded as being entitled to assistance of this character for the purpose of purchasing seed grain for the following crop season , making a total appropriation by the legislature of { 250,000. In addition to these cash donations by the legislature and the people of the country at largo , an Immense amount of suppllc. ) and provisions of different kinds were contrib uted , to obtain an accurate estimate ot which requires a careful study of the report In detail of the commission , The work ot the commission of necessity WHB of the most difficult character , carried on under trying circumstances , and I am ot the opinion that thu work of distributing supplies was done In a most 'thorough and uystcinatlc manner. CUMBERSOME AND EXPENSIVE. I iran ot tbo Impression at tbo time , and have elnco found no reason * | o change ray views , ( lint the organisation nail method of distribution of relief 'supplier wan upon n cumbersome and expensive pUn < By nn ex amination ot the report U will'bo observed that there were funds jde-nijlofl In the sum ot $28,999.38 and realized from the general and special appropriation * of the legislature the further sum ot $52,364.70 , .tcaklng a total of $81,364.03. Of this Amount Micro was ex pended $18,113.82 In printing , ( traveling and transportation chargrsjftnd office expenses. The freight charges airtoutited to $36.809.03 , divided Into two ltpms < one denominates ! "transportation , " being In the sum of $30- 181.67 , and the other designated "In-freight , " being In the sum of $ C.627.3 ( > , leaving the sum of $11,304.79 to reptyeent the other ex- ponpcfl of the relief commission In carrying on this work from Its Inception until Us close. * . It Is perhaps proptr to Remark In this con nection , and It la a sourca of gratification to myself , en I have no doubt It will b6 to all others who examine Intrf the details ot thin work , that our own people who were more fortunately situated than their brethren con tributed most generously to tbls work of relief and did their full { iharo In alleviating want and distress among 'their fellow citi zens. With a generosity xmcqualed , the people ple of every section of our country vied with each other In doing everything necessary to prevent want and suffering. It Is to be sincerely hoped that no such calamity will again reduce our people jtp the necessity of asking or receiving aid from their more fortunate fellow country mpn ; nor Is there occasion to believe that under the Influence ot the ordinary laws of nature they will ever again be called upon to 4o.so. Appreciating the magnificent generosity of our fellow countrymen , displayed in this Instance , Ne braska will ever stand jrcady to extend a helping hand to the unfortunate and suffering of mankind wherever the ? may bo found. IJKVKMH'MKXT OV IHIUOATION. .AIn iiMllcH of Dltcli Alri'niljDim nml Mnrt Uiiili-r 'AVny. The drouth has not bccjn. without Its ICEV Fonn , which will doubtlcsfi add much to the material welfare and permanent prosperity of our people. In no state In the union Is the rainfall more uniform , both In time and amount , nor can the' precipitancy of the moisture bo determined with greater accuracy. In any pdrtl'lr ot Nebraska a study of the climatic conditions will dls- c'oac with reasonable "ccrliilnty the average amount of rainfall during the crop growing season , thus enabling tlio-pco'plo to determine in what portion of the state jhey may safely engage In agricultural pursuits , relying upon the material rainfall to cause the crops to grow to maturity and ripen In perfection. In the extreme western portion of the state experience has demonstrated .that agriculture cannot be safely carried oA with reliance upon the natural rainfall for a sufficiency oi moisture to successfully grow and mature the cropa. This condition .bee been made more apparent by tho''dijnttrou9 | season ol 1S9I , and the people have promptly turned their attention to Irrigation , which has been developed with grout rapidity and which has replaced partial failure of crops with Its attending dlsa'ppolntraent , want and suffering , with bounteous crops , which can bo relied upon with certainty as regular ! ) as , the seasons follow each other. The non- Irrlgablfe' portions of the country within thk ' territory being exceedingly' well adapted to the raising of clock , the western part ol Nebraska Is thereby made one of the mosl Inviting fields for Intcrtdlng settlers of any part ot the great west. - In the report of tlaVBocrotary of the Stati Hoard of Irrigation will be found mucl Interesting and useful Information. It 1 : very gratifying to note the rapid , devejoprnen of this phase of agricultural -industry , . . Thi work la as Vet In Its 'Infancy , butV'so raucl has been accompllsheeV lt/may confident ! ] be predicted that that ) portion of our stall which Is In the scml-nrld region will BOO : become one ot the most attractive placet in any agricultural community. Mlllloni of acres of Nebraska Und will be hrougb under the favorable Influences of Irrlgatloi and made to produce the most bountlfu crops , and there Is no limit to the develop merit 'except by the exhaustion of the watei supply before this result has been fullj accomplished. The Imrhenac wealth , brough Into existence through' the , ; development o Irrigation and that which la created an nually by the production Qf bountiful bar vests gives assurance ot plenty and prca pcrtty to the Inhabitants ot this favorec portion ot the state. U will be seen from the records In tin office of the secretary of the Hoard of Irrl gallon that there have been computed 3,74 ( miles of canala , and that there arc In proccn of construction 1,045.0 tntlcs , making a tota mileage at the present tjme of canals com pleted and In process construction o : 4,785.6. The estimated cost will cxceet $3,000,000 , of which qvcr'half has alrcadj been expended. This will bring under Irrl gallon 1207,960 acres of 'land. Incrccsinf the value ot the land'nearly $10,000,000. Ir addition to this there are application or flic for contemplated canals-of a total mileage of 2.94G. These statistics -'can but Imprest you with the importance giving to tblt subject such further consideration as rnaj bo necessary to correct any Imperfection ! existing In tbo present law , and of providing for a continuation of the work so auspl clously begun. LEGISLATION ON THESUIUECT. . The first general law upon the subjecl of Irrigation was enacted In 18S9. This law was found entirely Inadequate for the proper development of the Irrigation Interests ol the state. This law was superseded by a much moro comprehensive' enacted b > the last legislature , since which the work has progrcEscd more satisfactorily and with much greater rapidity , Many suggestions have been made respecting the wisdom ol amending the present law. In considering the subject 'of amendments , however , I deem It advisable to call attention to the fad that no amendments should be madq which would materially change the underlying , ccaenttal principles of the present law , which brjj the sanction of the highest Ju dicial tribunal of our land. The principles Involved In this subject having been forever settled by a Judicial decision of the char acter referred to , It would seem unwise , except upon urgent necessity , to so change them by legislation as to , render less cer tain the principles Involved and pcrhapa Invlto further litigation with its attending tcdlousncEs' and wearlaomo delays. The advocates of irrigation Interests , as I understand It , favor amending the law relating 'to the or ganization of Irrigation districts so as to pro vide for uniform Issues off UondH under the Inspection ot the State lojudof ) ? ; Irrigation , cs well as legislation touching tbo Issue and negotiation of the bonded obligations of the Irrigation districts o as tojjaffocd thu tax payers all needed protcctlofl.uw well as hav ing due regard for the Intermits ot tboso who purchase such obligation * . /It has also been suggested tbat an amendment might prop erly bo made with reference to the organiza tion and central of irrigation dlstrlchi no ante to permit every rccldcnt freeholder to par ticipate in and have a volije Jn the selection at officers and all other matters pertaining to the affairs of ouch dlatrfcU ; also that thu Dfllces or district treasurer and assessor might bo abolished and-the.tlutlea of these officcra be Imposed upon the county and township treasurers and asseosorn. Other imcmlmentH to the prevent law of more or OFH Importance have likewise been suggested tnd will no doubt b'o presented to you for your consideration , I carncutly hope that > 'ou ; nay be able to make such needful Im- [ irovemanto as may erem advisable to on- : ourago further and Jo tbo utmost extent this . cry Important feature of the agricultural lovclopraent of the state , and that all neces sary appropriations 'may bo , mude In order that the work mayibo carried on with n > ' icwed vigor. % CO.MUTIO.V OP .jtjJT.vriSI'lNANCUS. . HuiinurfiiiiMit f' ( h , . Truinuri-r'N Ofllce .Si'V.-t-cl } > Crim-UVil. I desire to earnc.stly call your serious at tention to ( he condition of the cUte't finance * . This la a subject cf mnro than ordinary concern , to every taxpayer in Mebratka. Several factors contributed to the unfavorable condition- the financial . I ' I "i - 9' * ( Continued on Second Page. ) TURNING OVER TIIE OFFICES Republicans Give Up Control of the Destinies of Nebraska. POPULISTS HAVE FULL SWING NOW UverOlllco of the ( Jnvcrnmciit In Their llnniln tiiul All Scttlc- niciitH MM titKxeupt that of Trcnuurcr. LINCOLN , Jan. 7. ( Special "Telegram. ) The executive departments of the etato gov ernment were formally transferred to the populist party this evening. The Induction ot the new etato officials came very late in the day , owing to the tedious delay In can vassing the state returns and the extreme length ot Governor Holcomb's biennial mes sage. The latter contained nearly 30,000 words. It was a biennial message and nn In augural message combined , and was listened to wHh the most Intense Interest , In spite of Its unusual length. The governor read It throughout In his clear , penetrating voice and his diction added much to the Interest of the paper. Governor Holcomb's official force rcmaln practically unchanged , and with ono excep tion all of his appointments remain as they were. Lieutenant Governor Moore leaves his office with the esteem 'of all members of the senate. As a presiding officer of the senate he has probably mode moro earnest friends In all parties than any Nebraska ! ) who has fulfilled the duties "of that position. The esteem In which he IB held by the people ple with whom he has come In contact dur ing his official term Is one of the pleasant features of the state administration for the past two years. Secretary of Stale Piper , Attorney General Churchill , Commissioner Huasell , Treasurer Dartlcy , Auditor Moore and Superintendent Corbctt all expressed their relief at being able to rctlro from offi cial life to resume the quiet career of citi zens of Nebraska. Their books , papers , rec ords and archives were all In rcadlncca for the transfer , and their successors wcro able to commence their official duties without In- ; convenience. MESnilVE WILL HEQUinE CASH. State Treasurer Mcservc and ex-State Treasurer Hartley held their first formal conference tonight. Treasurer Mcsorve stated afterward that the details of trans fer of tbe office had not been fully ar ranged , but that one point had been set tled conclusively the transfer of the fund ! for which ex-Treasurer Hartley and his bondsmen arc liable will be made In cash. Treasurer MeFcrve Elated that he would accept nothing else. With reference to the funds on deposit with the state depository banks , Mr. Meservo says that a number of questions will be submitted to the su preme court for elucidation , There are polnt.i In regard to the dc-porltory law which are yet undetermined. Before Treas urer Mcscrve settles the depository account ! with the outgoing treasurer he desires the opinion of the supreme court. The points which will be submitted to the court ap ply to all of the depository banks and tc no one of them In particular. Further thar this Treasurer Meserve will make no state ment at present. MESRHVB'S LIST OF SURETIES. Tlio official bond ot State Treasure Mcservp was approved today by Govcrno .SMlna-A. Holcornb and filed in the office ' of tli secretary of state. Ths bond Is for' ' $2,000 , 000 ; 2nd Is signed 'by the following ; Nnme nnd nddresn. Qualifies for George Ilackncll of Red Willow county $100,00 V. Franklin , Rod Willow f,0.00 J. W. Hupp. Hed Willow 10,00 N. S. Ilnrwood , Lancaster COO 00' ' K , K. Drown , Lancaster 150,00 C. M. Crawford , Lancaster W,00 J. W. Kullerton. Lancaster 40.00 Charles A. Hannn , Lancaster 40.0TI J. . II. Evans. Douglas lon.ro " ErastUH A. Ilcnson Douglas 2"i.0 > Hc-orgo K. Barker , DoiKlnu S0.09 William S. Hector , Douglas 23Ki ( A. U. Clark , Lancaster , 103,00 Mary Fitzgerald , Lancaster 1.10.00 Frank Koiidelc , Saunderrt , f.O.&n W. C. Klrchman , Saundera f > 0CO < Henry Fisher. Sauruteis 20,001 Thomas Blmanek , Saimder.s 20fi W. J. Harmon. Saundcrs 2TiOi H. C. Peters , Snundera BCOi J. J. Johnson , Saundcrs 2.f.0i F Klrchman. Snulidcrs Z'J ( Oaf UerKurcn. Saundera 2.,00 C. H. I'armelee , Ctiss CO.OO ! J. M. Patterson , Cass 40 W John M. Ilagnn , Adams 2o.0 i C. M. Hunt , Douclas Z006I J. 15. Curtis , Douglas C.OOi Amos Gales. Sarpy -lO.OO1 Elizabeth Howard. Douglas -110i A. W Trumblc. Uouplas 20.001 Henry Ley. Wayne 10KK ( O. A. Lulkhart , Madison 20,001 S. K. WnrrlcU , Mtidlson f,00 < Fred Schpcirer. Madison 15.001 L. H. Haker , Mndlson MMM Henry Mnssman Madison 15,001 J. W. Illsk , Mndlson 10 < xx Herman Hogrefc , Madison 25OC < F. H. L. Willis. Madison 10UC ( D. Rccs , Madison 15001 H. L. Smith , Lancaster 50,001 ' John Wilson , Polk 30.0' ( L. 11. Headstrom , Polk r,0 ( > ( R. Gold , Pollt 5.WX Lewis Larson , Polk li,09 < John Colson , Polk li.OOl Dana D. Little , Polk n.OO , 0. W. Rarnes , Polk 2.fo : J.r. Wilson , Polk r. or < John Erlckson. Polk , r,00 < L , nioom. Pok ! 5 , < J. Dostrom , Polk 5OCK F. W. Johnson , Polk 5.COI Samuel Dowers Polk 5,0 * J. W. Horst. Polk 7.HK H. 15. Samuelson , Polk riCKK William A. Wolf. Gage 50.0CK W. A. Paxton , Douiila ? 150.CKX OTHER OATHS AND BONDS. The official oaths of office ot John S. Kirk- Patrick and William Neville , who claim tc have been elected to the supreme bench , were taken loday before Notary Public C. II. Eu bank at Lincoln. The oaths of office are nou on flla In the office of the secretary ot state , The official bond of Governor Sllao A. Hoi- comb was filed today with Secretary of State Piper. The bond Is for $ oO.OOO , and la elgued by Herman Dlcrks , Hans Dicrks , H. G. Rog ers. O. P. Perley nnd J. S. Squires. The bond of State Auditor John F. Cor nell for $50,000 Is signed by J. T. Sedlsegood , Daniel Rlley. J. W. Patlereon , W. S. Sailors , Qcorgo Watklns. Jesse Weaver , A. U. Foutch , G. E. Hall , J. II. Halt and S. n. Hoffcnall. Constantine J. Smyth , attorney general , ( lira a bond for $50,000 , signed by John A. Crclghton , John F. Coad and Edward W. Nash , Lieutenant Governor Harris' bond for (50,000 ( Is signed by Jeff Van Debergh , Janice Kcnncda , William Peterson , John Carpenter and George .H. Peterson , The bond of J. V , Wolfe , commUuloncr ot [ lubllo lands and buildings , amounts to $50- DOO , and Is signed by tbe following.sureties who qualify for the amounts stated : William Leeso $40,000 J. H. Harley , 6,000 1. B. Miller , . 25,000 John McMnnlgnl 10,100 Daniel Kelley 6.000 W. D. Fitzgerald 10.0JO 1'liomaH Cocbran. . . . . 5,000 Mex Bchlcgcl 2,000 r. 8. Allen 1,000 i'orlH Wlluon 5,0)0 ) II. W. Hurdy i5(00 II. O. Korti.a 30X1 ! ' . A. Kormncyer G.OW L. C. ampin 2.500 i * U. Law I on 2,500 All of the deputies In the olflces of necro- tary of state. land commissioner , superin tendent of public Instruction , treasurer and auditor have filed their official bonds. Au ditor Cornell has appointed Victor O. John son of Geneva to bo bookkeeper In his of fice * , Mr , Johnson succeeding Mr. Ilabcock. Norman Llchty will be Insurance deputy and W. I ) . Price of Lincoln Insurance clerk , succeeding Mr. Worthen , Tlio populist memberof the house held i caucus this evening which did not ad- ourn until 11:30 : and when the meeting jroke up all of the places at their disposal vere allotted. The following appointment ! ) voro agreed to ; Pagea Oscar Philips , Dundy : ounty ; Willy Smith , Ted Schnerlngcr of Juater county ; ono page from Hamilton lounty yet unnamed. Malt carrier Dan. flurhard , Nemaha county. Assistant cusf todlan ot cloak room L. S , Druno ot Mcri rick county. Janitor John Vnndcnberg ] Assistant bill clerk II. F. Wcsmund. Kn ? greeslng clerks D. A. Way , Omaha , J. C. Wilson of Piattc couty , J. M. Whlacnand of Thayer county , T. W. Murray of Flllmorc county. _ _ SU.VATIJ'S IMM ) KOUMA SUSS1OX. Sovcrnl lloiillno Matter * runncil nml n IilritliMinnt ( .ovomiir Iiixtnllnl. LINCOLN , Jan. 7. ( Special. ) The senate had no particular reason for assembling to day , but a pro forma session seemed to be necessary. All members wcro present , for first tlmo the present session , Mr. Mufflcy of Mndlson being the last to take the oath. A committee , consisting of Representatives Sheldon , Rich and Clark , appeared at the bar of the senate and announced that the house had been duly organized , and was ready for business. In a communication Ad jutant General Harry Invited Lieutenant Governor Moore and the members of the ECU- ale lo a rcccpllon to be tendered to Governor Holcomb and the new state officers , and the Invitation was accepted. Mr. Heal of Custer moved the appointment of a committee ot three senators to confer with n like committee from the house , In order to fix a time for the two houses to meet In Joint convention to canvass the votes cast at the recent election. Lieutenant Gov ernor Moore appointed as such committee Senators Deal of Custor , Conaway ot York and McGann of Unonc. The most Important work of the brief ses sion wan the appointment of a committee of seven senators to make up the list of stand ing committees of the senate. This com mittee was appointed by resolution , offered by Mr. Johnson ot Clay , who named the commlttccmcn In his resolution. Tha fol lowing senators make up the list : Dcarlng of Cass , McGann ot Iloonc , Osbornc of Paw nee , Feltz of Keith , Grothan of Howard , Mutz of Kcya Paha , and Ransom of Douglas. On motion of Mr. Grothan of Howard a committee of three , to act with a like corn- mtllco from the house , was appointed to wait upon the governor and Inform htm that the legislature bad been duly organ ized and was ready to receive any com munication ho might desire to make. The lieutenant governor appointed ns such com mittee Messrs Grothun of Howard. Steele of Jefferson and Dundas of Nemalm. In duo time the commltlco announced lhat Governor Holcomb had signified his de sire to meet the senate and house In Joint convention fatcr In the day. On motion of Mr. Talbot of Lancaster the secretary was directed to see that the flag of the United States bo displayed over the senate wing of the capltol while the senate Is In regular cession. WILL CHECK UP PROPERTY. An unusual feature of the forenoon's de liberations was the adoption of a resolu tion having for Its object a determination to locate the senate property turned over to the Bccrctary of slate nt the end of the cession two years ago. The resolution was offered by Mr. Gondrlng of Platte and pro vided for a committee of three to call upon the secretary of state nnd check over the list and report what property was on hand and what was missing : The llcutcnanl governor appointed as such committee Messrs. Gondrlng of Piattc , Spencer of Lancaster and Miller of Otoe. A resolution was offered by Mr. Sykcs of Adams , directing llio Bccrelary of Ihe scn- ale lo furnish the reporters of Ihc dally newspapers with typewritten copies of all resolutions , bill titles and needful station- cry for their use. It went over one day under the rules. The hour for the Joint convention of the two houses , was fixed for 1 o'clock , and thu senate took'a recess until that hour. After recco the senate Immediately pro ceeded tothe ball.of the house of rcprcsonta- .lives lo parllclpale ; In Ihe canvaM ot Ihe voles and In Ihe Inaugural ceremonies. After the Joint convention had adjourned the sen ate reconvened , with President Ransom in the chair for tbo first time since hl3 elec tion. tion.A committee of three , composed of Messrs. Deal of Custer , Caldwcll ot Nuckolls and Osbornc of Pawnee , was designated to watt upon Lieutenant Governor Harris and escort him to the presiding chair of the senate. Mr. Talbott of Lancaster offered a resolu tion directing the secrelary of slate to fur nish all necessary supplies for the officers and members of the senate , upon requisition of the secretary of the senate. Objection being made by Mr. McGann , the resolution went over ono day under the rules. Mr. Grothan of Howard offered a resolu tion providing a Monographer for the secre tary of Ihc senate. It was agreed to. On motion of Mr. Howell of Douglas , the lieutenant governor was authorized to ap point for his owa service a clerk , a custodian for his own office and a page. Lieutenant Governor Harris was at this point escorted to the chair and Introduced to the senate by President Ransom. The lieutenant governor read the following grcel- Ing : Gentlemen of the Senate : Should I follow rny predecessors I would assume the duties Imposed by tbo constitution as president of this honorable body without a word of greeting. The wisest of Israel's kings tells us that "n word fitly spoken in like applet ) of gold In pictures of silver. " Silence maybe bo golden , but the stiver setting Is Solo mon's conception of words fitly spoken. The tnsk upon the twenty-fifth session of the Nebraska legislature Is no light one. To undo what may have been done amiss Is a duly no less Important than lo perform a , duly ycl undone. A legal ncl Ihnl adds burdens Instead of blessings Hbonjd be re pealed. To be economical and yet not pa'r- xlmonlouti In expenditures , to be Just , lion- orablo and honest with each and every Interest - torest and Individual In matters of legisla tion , Is the demand made by iho people of Nebraska of tlitlr public servanls entrusted with the duties of legislation. My duty and yours are reciprocal. It Khali be my purpose to pnmt equal recogni tion and equal privileges to each senator composing this honorable body. 'To be Just , rather than generous. Impartial , firm nnd courteous is my on ceptlon of the duties In- posed upon your presiding olllccrs. For ihem I Invoke Hint sweet charity , "that sufferctli long and Is kind , envleth not. vaunttth not itself , Is not puffed up , doth not bcbnvo Itself unseemly. sct-Veth not her own. U not easily provoked , think- eth no evil , " which na a ma'ntel covers nil errors. I await the duties nnd pleasure of the senate. The greeting of the lieutenant governor was ordered spread at length upon the Journal , and tbo senate adjourned until tomorrow. HOUSi : PUTS IX UUSY J1AY. More Cli-rkH Apimliilril anil IIII-IIIN fur .Supplli-H LINCOLN , Jan. 7. ( Special. ) Speaker Gaffin'o gavel fell promptly at 10 o'clock and Chaplain Marlcy prayed especially for the young men who are nowIn the house and trying to shape legislation. Ho asked that their hands and hearts might bo kept clean. At roll call ninety-four .members rc- nponded to their names , llurman , Hlle , Mills , Mitchell , Schram , Shull and Steb- blns being absent. During this , the first reading of tbe bourse Journal , Secretary Sch wind appeared on the floor and an nounced that the tonato was now perma nently organized and ready for business. Tli 6 flrft two days of the house session have been carried on the Journal as one day , the house not having perfected Us organi zation until yesterday afternoon , Sheldon of Dawcs moved that further reading of the Journal be dispensed with. Jenkins of Jefferson , protested an the ground that It was Important to have the proceedings to far had In the 'house ' per fectly comprehended , The speaker sus tained this protcnt , adding that It was Im portant that names of membera and em ployes bo corrected , Sheldon withdrew his motion and tbo reading of the Journal pro ceeded. At the concluolon of the reading of tbo Journal Sheldon , ( rom the committee ap pointed to wult on the senate , announced that the duty had been performed. Jenkins of Jefferson , on behalf of the re publican members , moved that the speaker bo allowed a private clerk and page and that the speaker appoint them. Waoatcr of Mcrrlck moved that a commit tee of three , to act with a committee of two , ( Continued on Sixth Page. ) I N AT BANOUE Quest of the Silver Branch of Chicago's Democracy. FAITHFUL CELEBRATE JACKSON DAY I.nto Aniilrniit to the I' Tnlkn to Illn Comiintrlotn Sn > ' , HiI'oHiH No 1.1 > iiuer. IIH ' n ( 'ami111uti' . CHICAGO , Jan. 7. In the banquet hall of the Trcrnont house the silver branch ot Urn democracy held tonight Its banquet In cclc- grallon of "Jackson day. " The banquet was under iho auspices of the W. J. llryan. league and was held ono day In advance * of Jackson day proper , na the guest ot the league , William J. llryan , could not bo prc-n- ent tomorrow night , having an engagement In Omaha. The banquet'hall was tastefully and lav ishly decorated with greens , cut flowers and the national colors and presented an ex tremely handsome appearance when , at 10 o'clock , the doors wcro opened to 300 fol lowers of Mr. Drynn. As the members ot the league marched Into the hall every member bore upon Ills left breast the badge of the league , which WAS worn tonight for the first time. It Is ot purple satin and hangs suspended from a silver bar. upon which Is printed the narno of the wearer. Mr. Dryan's picture Is upon the badge In the form ot a medallion pet In silver and the background of purple Is relieved by elaborate trimming ot silver. Carter H. Harrison , the first president of the league , was at the head ot tbe table and acted as toaslrnartcr. Mr. llryan being ; seated Immediately at bis right. It was fully midnight when Mr. Harrison rapped for order and In a few pleasant , well chosen word. ! Introduced Mr. llryan. The latler was greeted with great applause when bo rose to speak In response ! to the toast , "Andrew Jackson , " and frequently throughout - out his address he wast compelled to pauro whllo his bearers took tlmo to demonstrate their approval of his fcntlmcnts. Mr. Bryan's addreen was as follows : In view of the facl Hint the club under whoso auspices we meet bad done me tlio honor to take my name. I fcvl thai It la only Just to the club and to myself to re peat hero what I have wild elsewhere , namely , that my Judgment disapproves of the use of my name In connection wuu democratic or silver clubs. My objection Is a two-fold one. In the first place. I believe that a caitsn Is no much preater limn any Individual Hint It should not be burdened by any mistakes which he may mule * . While a. man lives ho Is liable to err. and his er rors arc apt to Injure any cause with which ho Is closely Identified. During a cam paign a cause must be Idcntllleil , for the time being , with candidates for public of fice , but when the campaign Is over ana thu candidate no longer stands In a repre sentative capacity. 1 believe It Is wise to disassociate him from HIP cause us fur na possible In order that public atlcntlon maybe bo centered upon principles anil pollclca rather than upon men , The other objection Is n pprKon.nl ono. I do not want to stand for four yearn In Ihe. attitude of a candidate for the presi dency. I do not want zealous friends to- be continually nlarniod lest I should do some/thlnK lo allriiale some of those who have Rivenme Ihelr confidence and sup port. In Ihc pa.il I have spokrn out upon public questions \\lilch In my judgment needed to discussed , and I desire to- occupy tlio snmo position In thu future. When the next campaign opens It will ho tlmo enough to select a candidate , alul wo can then .select n candidate milted to the conditions then existing and lit for the work then to bo done. Kully npprc- flntlnir the high compliment paid me and. derp'.y grateful therefor , 1 still repeat rny suggestion Hint my nainn ha no longer connectiil with the names of clubs. As we are assembled upon this occasion to do honor to thu memory of Andrew Jackson , we may properly dUruss the rc- lallons which should exist between tha democrats who endorsed thn Chicago plat form and the .so-called democrats who * aided In the election of a republican pres ident. ident.HAVE HAVE A niGHT TO THK NAME. The democrats who controlled the Chicago convention earned their rlsht lo the rnrty organization ami to the party name by whatever rule their claims may be meas ured. A democracy Is a government In which the people rule1. In other words. It Isn government sueh as Lincoln described : "A governme-nt of the peoples by the people and for the people. " Ami a democrat In the broadest sense Is one who believes In this form of government. When I say believes In this farm of government , I mean actual , sincere , heartfelt belief , not a formal ana enforced submission to that form of gov ernment. Measured by this definition , these who supported the Chicago platform ara democrats because Ihcy assert the right of the people lo' govern IhciiiHelVfs and Uio riuhl of. Ihc American people to legislate ) for themselves upon all questions regard less of the wishes of those who live In other Kinds. In a technical pence , democracy Is out lined and defined by the democrallo iinrty. The democratic party of the United States In national convention , iifsonililed ac cording lo custom , adopted a plat form which received the uanetlort of nearly two-lblrds of a very largo proportion of the democrats of bho nation. That convention hud a rlghl lo de- IIno democracy In a parly sense und wo hiivp a right , to declare thai Ibose who en dorsed that platform are democrats nnd that those who refused lo support the plat form urn nol democrats. It Is slrnngo that them should bo any contcBl over this point. It Is strange that t'hoF-o ' who secured for Ihelr candidate less than 1 per cent of the popular vote of the United States should Insist that they arn entitled to be called the real democrats nnd Ihe-n urge Ihelr claim lo respectability in numbers on the ground that the majority of them voted for the republican candf- dntt-s. If a minority has a right to give a. party definition of democracy , Ihon there may be as many definitions us there are Individuals. If those who bolted thu Chicago cage nominees have a right to call them selves' better democrats limn lliosn who pir.tporlcd pucli nominees , tlien Ihe holtlnir democrats who bolted the bolting ticket nnd voted for the republican nominees Imvo a right to call themselves better democrats than the bolters who supported the boltlna : ticket. HIGHT OP THE MAJORITY. The right to the pUrty organization he- longs to the majority , nnd thn right to the party must also belong to tbo majority. Them should be no difficulty In under standing the relations which should exist between the democrats who remained In Iho parly and those persons who went out of the party. A party Is defined ns ( in association of persons who agree upon nn Important qucB- tlon or questions and who undo to clvo < n'i'Ct to Ihelr Ideas. The money question liecarno the paramount issue or the day ; the democrats In convention took u posi tion upon the question nnd made a gal lant fight In defense of tber platform adopted. If the money question was now considered Belt led another IHHUC could betaken taken up nnd a new alignment mado. Hut the money question is not settled. The contest for the restoration of tbo money of the coiiBtltullon will go on with/ renewed vigor. The people who advocated frco silver before tlio election advocate * It now. Tbo election IIIIB decided the prcuU dency for four years , nnd It lias ) deter mined the complexion of congress for two years , but It has not overthrown the convictions of those uio | licllcvo that tha gold standard Is a conspiracy nKalnst the welfare of the producing manses , nor hna it changed thu convictions of those who bcllovo that trustii must bo abolished and corporations nmdo to obey the law , This campaign has shown Urn Irnposslbll. Ity of keeping bimetallism and gold stand ard lid vocal en In th Hamo political organl- znllons , nnd It will bo n more difficult tank In the future than It ban been this year. To use a common Illustration , n lion In always disturbed If Him has In her brood a fe/w ducks which | m < l t upon paddllnir In the water whllo the chickens are con tent to scratch upon the land , The dem ocratic party will In like manner be 111 nt case If It has a few well-foiled mem bers who Insist upon crossing the acnin for their Ideas wlillo the great majority of the parly are willing to find their po litical food upon American Roll , Not only Is this separation between the ( Continued on Seventh 1'ago. )