Nebraska Newspapers

    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. )