Omaha Daily Bee Newspaper, March 8, 1889, Page 2

THE OMAHA DAILY BEE: FRIDAY i bT);fi STATE FARM HISTORY. Adaitional Light Thrown on the Billings Controversy. TAGGART'S SINKING FUND BILL. Board of Transportation Matters Dis- cussed in the House—Death of Represchtative Hays—leg- islative Gossip. Iniversity Muddle. , March 7.—[Speeial to Tne is & great dealof this Bill fugs controversy and university mudalo that is unwritten bistory,” says one in a position to know. “Atthe time it was proposed to engace Billings letters were received fre the east by Chancellor Manatt saying Bill ings had been visionary, quarrelsome and disturbing in the institutions with which he connected. -Manatt consequently op- posed his appointment. Billings did not wait to be called, but camne on and camped on the field of action. Regout Gere, of the State Journal, and Manatt bad been close friends previously, but Billings gained the ear of Gere, whose friendliness for Manatt thenceforth gradually cooled and changed into antagonism. There is no denying that Billings 1s & thoroughly posted man in his partict line and he 13 exceedingly slausible, I ean’t say just what arguments 10 used with Gere, but I sce on the desks of the legistators a Billings bulletin_of neurly five hundred pages that was printed at the State Journal oftice. At @ meeting of the regents of the state university, held just a year ago, Prof. Bes sey and Troasurer Dales brought in an esti- mate to appropriate §12,000 of the state uni versity’s monics for the agricultural experi- mental station. I believe £2,000 of it was to apply on Billings' salary (the other £1,500 to come from the government allowance of £15,000) and the remainder was for the equip- wment and operation of the station. Mannutt had given notice that he would oppose the diversion of the state’s money to be squan- dered on Billings and his hobby, and that made the open breach between Mannatt and Gere which led to the neeilor’s dismissal. In the meeung of the rewents the estimate was opposed by IRegent Burnham, of Omaha, and Regent Mullalieu, of Kearncy, and was defeated. This quarrel led up 1o the dis missal of Mannatt from the chancellorship in tae July followi 1 Regent Mallalieu is at the capital and was asked about the statement that an attempt was made to divert $12,000 from the 'univer- sity fund to the experiment station. canuot recall the circumstances of that mecting, without referring to the minutes. but you can say that I strenuously oppose all propositions to spend on the experimental station any state money in addition to the $15,000 allowed by the government.” “What about 1illings?” “I think I have received more petitions for his retention than for his removal. Bil- lings is educated, a scientist of ability, but he is narrow, onesided, controversal and impracticable. I think he has demonstrated tie existence of a germ in hog cholora. Asto the efliciency of inoculatiou, I think the ver- dict must stand ‘not proven.’ Billings him- solf admits that he 1s not qualified to carry his theory toa conclusion and make it of prac- tical beuetit. He wants to separate from the cholera germ the poison which produces the discase. That is a chemist’s work anda Bil- lmgs is not chemist enough to do it. Billings has long been a disturbing element in the umversity. I think Mr. Burnham and Mr. Hull, like myself, feel that his term of use- fulness has expired. Mr. Gere and Mr. Roberts are staunch supporters of the pro- fessor, und 1 presume that Dr. Davis is also, so that the board of regents1s equally divided, As long ago as last March there was talk of dismissing Billings, but he was in the midst of his cxperiments. If he had gone to an- other institution and been successful the regents would have been called fools for letting him go. But we did this: Instead of engaging him for a we employed him from month to month. He1s now engaged on that understanding—has no fixed term of office and may be dismissed at the ond of any month. Just now he is experimenting with smut and claims to have discovered its germ. He may come forward with a proposition to inoculate the hills of corn.” “*Would the regents heed a resolution of the legislature asking the dismissal of Bil- lings?" “I understand there is a gengral belief on the purt of the public that the regents would resent any interference by the legislature as unwarranted,” replied Mr. Mallalieu, ‘‘but I think the regents have bean misrepresented. While they are an independent body, elected by the people and not subject to legislative control, I think such a resolution would be taken as advisory, fully considered and have great weight in determining our conclusion, Of course 1 do not speak for the board. It is my individual impression,’ “When do the regents meet next, “We have a meeting called for month.” » “Will anything be done in the Billings watter?” “I do not know. Iam only oneof the six regents. But 1 will say this: Even if Prof. Billings be dismissed, 1 am in favor of con- tinuing the investigation for a preventative or a cure of hog cholera, The salary of the investigator is not to be considered 1f there s any prospeot of making a discovery that will #¥ave Nebraska farmers millions of dol- lars. There are other able scientists who can carry on the work as well as Prof, Bil- 1ings without his antagonisms and flights 1 other lines.” “What about the industrial college and state farm{” I favored selling most of the state furm during the Lincoln boom,"” said Mr. Mallu lieu, *‘retaining only thirty or forty acres for experimenting. That proposition was de- fouted, some of the gentlemen concerned thinking the boom was permanent. 1 then favored leasing the property, but that also ‘was defcated. 1 think tho model farm idea should be dropped. It is expensive and im- practicable. The young féllows from the Tarm don’t come here to learn to plow. They kuow more about practical farming than the professors themsolves. My idea is to onlarge the scope of the industrial school and model it after the manval training schools that huve proven so successful in the east. 1f wecould have sold the farm during the boom we would have had funds to establish such a school on a strong footing. I :am not sure but it may be the wisest thing even uow to convert the furm into money, whatever it will bring, and make a start in the right divection.” was next The Sinking F d Bill. Laxcouy, Neb,, March 7.—[Special to Tug Bee, | -~Senator Taggert's siuking fund bill is one of the most important measures of tl session, but has attracted little notice. N + that it has found favor in the senate and been brought to public attention it is ex- pected that a hordo of couuty treasurers and bankers will rush to Lincoln to defeat iv in the house. “Phe bill will save the people of Neb many thousands of dollars cvery y plains Senator Taggart. **County bonds usually issued for a term of twenty yeurs, To meet their paymenta tux of one-tiventicth of the aggregato sum is leviod each year aud paid into & sinking fund kept by the county treasurer. The existing law provides that the sinking fund may be, invested in Unitod States or state securit As a matter of fact such investment is impracticable in o majority of cases and the sinking fund re mains in possession of the treasurer. Of course he doesn't keep it in his vault. Ho de- Posits it in pet buuks and gets favors in Toturn, whilo the county receives nothing for the use of its mouey, which continues to pile up for twenty years. On the other haud he county is constautly ordering labor, sup. plics, ete, without means of paying therelor until the next levy and collection of taxes. hut may be six months or a year, and in somo cases eighteen wonths in the futuy The consequence is the county hus to give its creditor & due bill known as a warrant. If the ereditor needs money, and he generally does, he goes to # bank or a shaver and gets his warrant cashed. These ‘warrants bear interest. Seven per cent s Pprobably the averuge, The shavers demand & discount of 10 per cont, Do you see how it workst The banker gets his cash from the county for nothing (except the divvy to the Sreasurer), aud turas around and gots 17 per L on it forurrymn the county’s debts, t is reasonaple to couclude that it the gred- can give a bauker & 10 per cent shave he could give the connty the benefit of the same disconnt on & cash deal, so that in_the long run the cotinty is actually paying 17 per cent for the use of its own money. My bill pro- vides that the county treasurer shall buy these warrants from the cash on hand in the sinking fund, the interest on the warrants to go into the fund, As an inducement for the creditors to sell their warrants ta the troas- urer instead of to a banker, the bill provides at the treasurer shall buy the warrants at their face. The bill will take thousands upon thousands of dol from the county asurers and the money lenders, but it will awve tho money in the people’s pockets. The bill is an’ amendment tos&cction 1 chapter 9, of the compiled statutes of 1587, entitled “Municipal bonds." sence of o chargo is budied in a proviso ing as follow “That the county there are outstanding warrants of the county, general; county, road or county bridge funds issued in compliance with sec tion 4, article 1, chapter 18, of the compiled B ntes, and there are no moneys in the ty treasury to the credit of said funds to Baid warrants, shall purchaso said war- out of said sinking fund of said county, for which he shall pay par to the amount of said sinking fund less amount required to weet annual or semi-annual interest on the bonds said sinking fund is intended to meet. urer shall register in the name of fund and pay them off in the regular order, same_as other warrants paid, reinvesting said sinking fund as W rants ure presented. The interest shall be nccounted for in the treasure, tlement with county clerk and commission- ers and be credited to the said county sink- ing fund.” new treasurer, whenever Morrissey Counldn't Prove It. Lixcons, Neb., March 7.--|Special Tele- gram to Tie Beg.| —The Scoville committee, which was appointed to investigate the charges of bribery in counection with the submission vote it the house preferred by Morrissoy, has filed its report and finds nothing to substautiate the charges. The full report is as follows, and is siened by every member of the committee: ‘We were met at the threshold of the in- vestigation and throughout its course with the difficulty inseparable from all investiga- tions of alloged bribery, namely, the mutual implication of the briber und the bribed un- der the law. As long as the law remains as it is now it will be extremely difficult if not impossible to convict persons guilty of brib- ery. We have spared no pains or effort to make our investigation thorough and certain. We sent for and examined under oath every witness suggested by Mr. Mor- y, as well as every one that rumor con- i with any knowledge of the subject. v was present at such examinations and was accorded every facility for sugges- tions and cross-examination of witnessos, While our inquiry has elicited much inter- ing information touching the submission contest in the house, it isof a vague and in- definite character as bearing upon the con- duct of individuals. Your committee, how- over, hus no hesitation in saying that the evidence shows that certain persons inter- ested in the defeat of submission furnished money to be uscd for that purpose. Mr. Iler, who testified before your committee, stated that he gave the sum of $3,500 to Mr. W. II. B, Stout, to be used in defeating sub- mission, and that he placed no limitations or conditions upon Mr. Stout as to how the money was to_be used. He also stated that Mr. Stout had returned all but about §1,000 of the money so furnished, but that no ac- counting had been made as to the §1,000, and hence he did not keow how it nad been used. Mr. Stout denied that he had received any money from Mr. Iler or other persons to be used in the defeat of submission. He also flatly contradicted Mr. Iler in other particu- lars. But whether the money so furnished was in fact used, or to whom it was paid, if to anyone, your committee is wholly unable to from the evidence produced. We have exhausted every means at our command 1o trace money into the hands of members of the house aud bhave diligently and without favor endeavored to fasten guilt wherever it ght belong, but we have failed to ascertain s sufficiently definite or certain upon ch to base a charge of improper conduct against any member of this house. We feel it our duty in concluding this report to e: press our severest condemnation of the rep- rehensible method and means which we think the evidence shows outside persons are willing to bring to bear upon this house, and to express a hope that this investigation will at least serve as a warning to all such per- sons that their corrupt designs are held m detestation by this honorable body. We herewith return to the house all the evi- dence taken during our investigation for such disposition as it may in its wisdom see fit to make of it. —— Billings Resigns. Lixcowy, Nob., March 7.—[Special Tele- gramto Tue Bee)-—In an open letier ad- dressed to the stock breeders of Nebraska, Dr. Billings formally tenders his resignation as the head of the patho-biological labora- tory, the hog killing station, to take effect on the Ist day of next July. This move has created no surprise- 1t has been apparent for some days that the general assembly would settle the fiat that he must go; and the doctor forestalls a practical bounce by iudicating now what his action will be at the regular sitting of the board of rezents, h takes place carly in April. The letter he addresses to the stock breeders of the state is quite lengthy. Among other things he says that his principal reason for tuking the step is tho probable fact that the legisla- ture will cut down tne university appropria- tions, and especially the sum asked for the laboratory, because of him, but he prefaces this with the statemont that it cannot bo an immediate resignation because he has cor- tain work in hand that must be completed and published, which will show the farmers and breeders of the state how to protect their herds frem at least two diseases, but he leaves the reader to speculate as to what they are. He arraigns his encmies, espec- ly D. E. Salomon, chief of the bureau of animal industry, Washington, D. C., wipes his feet on the late state veterinarian, Dr. Gerth, and others of the live stock commis- sion, extols his friends apd then asks the question, “Why resign?”’ In concluding his letter Billings prouises to finish his work by the 1st of July and than depart for other ficlds, He indicates, however, that his ex- periments will be continued at some other point, Specht's Jury Bill. LixcoLy, Neb., March 7.—[Special to Tar .1—The following is the text of Specht's bill as recommended for passage by the house committee: ion 657, All free white males residing in any of the counties of this state, having the qualifications of electors, and being over the age of twenty-one years, and of sound mind ana discretion, and not being judges of the supreme court or district courts, sheriffs, s or jailers, or subject to any bodily infirmity amounting to a disability, and who have not been convicted of a criminal of- fense, punishable by imprisonment in the ‘ntiary, and are not subject to disabil- ity for the commission of any “offense which by special provision of law does or shall dis- qualify them, are and shall be competent pel sons to serve on all grand and petit juries, witin their counties respectively; provided, that persons over sixty years of age, minis- ters of the gospel, probate judges, county commissioners, licensed attorne ing physicians, postinasters, the ma) wetropolitan cities, or cities of tho fi sccond class, and ¢ States mails, shall not be compelled to serve Whereas, An emergency exists, Therefore, This act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage. A Charter Amendment. , Nob., March 7.—[Special to Tug 2. —~Following 1 the text of section 2 of the South Omaha charter bill as amended this morning by Senator Ransom for the sec- ond time: When any city of the second cli shall have attained a population of more than eight thousand inbabitants, the mayor and city council may, on ten days' notice, call an elec tion and submit w0 the qualilied electors the quostion whether such city shail become sub- ject to the provisions of this act. 1f & major- v of the voters voting b such election vote favor of the city becoming subject 1o the provisious of this act, the mayor shall cortify such factto the governor, wko sbhull, by proc- Llamation, so declure, and thereafter such city shall be' governad by the provisions of this act. The submission of the question, herein provided for, shail be by ordivanco und such ordinguce shall provide for the return and canvass of the voles cast at the election here- in provided for, and upon such proclamation being made by the governor, each and avery officer of said city, shali, within thirty days thereafter, qualify and give the bonds pro- vided for by this aot."" —_— Thayer Favors the Charter. Lixcouy, Neb,, Mai 7.—[Special Tele gram to Tre Bee. | —A bill was introduced to- day by Governor Thayer at the request of Omaha parties, authorizing cities of the metropolitan class to 1ssue bonds to build sowoers and condemn lands for parks. The introduction of the bill surprised the Douglas county delegation, and tho suspicton was aroused that designing parties intend to use the bill to defeat the charter. Thegovernor, on being interviewed, said he was stronely in favor of the charter bill, aud would not al- low himself to be used to imperil its passage. He believed the strect car companies should bo compell between the tracks, as the bill | and is emphatio m the declaration that if the bill introduced to- day i3 used to defeat the charter he will veto the bill itself should it pass. A License Olause Inserted. LiNcovy, Neb, March 7.—|Special Tele- gram to Tug Bee.|—It was stated on the floor of the houso that neither the Omaha nor Lincoln charter bill contained any pro- vision authorizing the licensing of intoxi- cating liquor, and a special bill supplyin; this omission and applying only to cities of the metropolitan class, was taken up in com- mittee of the whole ahd reported for pass- age. The power to liconse is vested exclu- sively in the board of fire and police com- missioncrs, The bill has aiready passed the senate, The Governor's Message. Lixcony, Neb,, March 7.—[Special Tele- gram to Tne Bre ]—Governor Thayer this afternoon sent a message to the legislature with the bill amending the charter of metro- politan cities. This is a copy of thosc soc- tions of the Omaha charter providing for a board of park commissioners. oL, Neb., March 7.—|Special to Tme ~In the senate this morning the Scuth Omaha charter bill was again seut back to the committee of the whole for the amend- ment of section two, which provides for a special election for the adoption of the charter. The changes are two. The result of the election must be proclaimed by the governor instead of the mayor, and tho city officers must_qualify within thirty days and give the bonds required by the new charter, The commirtee of the whole considered the following measures and recommended that they do pass: Rhodes' house bill making it unlawful for others than members of the order to wear the insignia of the Loyal Legion or use it to obtain assistance, 1shing's house bill prescribing methods by which the executor or admiuistrator of an estate may complete contracts made by the person deceased for the sale and convey- ance of land. 's fence bill authorizing the owner of land lying along a railroad to notify such railroad 1o fence its track, and providing, if the railroad neglect to do so iwithin six months, that the land owner may erect the fance and collect its cost of the railroad. Taggart’s bill requiring county treasurers to invest the sinking fund in county war- rants. The death of Representative Hays was an- nounced by Senator Keckley at il o'clock, and as a token of respect the senate ad- journed until : APTERNOON SESSION, The scnate passed Ransom’s nine-hour labor bill, Beardsley’s register of decds bill, Khode's Loyal Legion bill, and Cushing's bill for conveyance of land by exceutor or administrator. The comuittee of the whole approved Cor- nell’s bill, allowing the 1ssue_of city bonds for waterworks at less than 7 per cent. Linn’s bill, limiting _employes of each house in the future to fifty members, was considered, but the senate stood 15 to 15, and it could neither be approved nor killed. Senators Keckley, Norvaland Dern were appointed a committee to attend the funeral of Representative Hays, and the scnate de- cided to adjourn over Friday. The South Omaha charter ‘and Norval's railroaa fence bill were passed, ! The senate adopted a resolution by Nesbitt, calling on the state librarian for a detailed statement of his financial affairs with the state, including the cost and receipts of com- piied statutes and of the supreme court re- ports. —_— House. TLixcory, Neb., March 7.—|Special to Trr Bea.]—Representative Gilbert of York arose aud staved that the sad auty devolved upon him of conveying the intelligence to the house that his colleague, Hon. C. W. Hays, had died near his home near McCool Junction, A motion to adjourn was withdrawn, and the reports of committees were then handed in, The railroad committee reported that house roll 411, a bill by Johuson to reduce the number of secretaries of the state board of transportation from three to one, be in- definitely postponed. Johnson moved to amend by placing the bill on general file and made a lengthy speech in fayor of the motion. He said the work of the board was merely clerical, and one member could do the work as well as three. Olmstead thought that if the raitroads could control three members, as itr i8 now claimod they do, it would be inuch easier to control one. Caldwell said the legislature could do noth- ing to suit the raiiroads better than to abolish the commission. He knew it was imperfect; hat the attorney general propared the briefs, sat on his own case, and executed judgment, but that it was better than no commission, McBride hoped the bill would be piaced on the general file, and would oppose the appro- priation for even one secretary. Burnham thought the present board should be maintained. Bailard opvosed the motion and defended the commission. Hall asked Ballard if it was not a fact that Judge Mason and Mr. Munger bott practiced law about six days in the week and only gave an occasional day to the service of the state! « Ballard was unable to say whether this was true or not, Hall was satisfied that the state board could get along with ono. Two of the sccre- taries perform scarcely any duty except draw their salaries, aud this they do with amazing regularity Cady believed the commission system would prove the final solution of the railroad probiem, but wanted fair play, and favored placing the bills on file, Johnson accepted an amendment making all railroad bills a special order for 7:0 Tuesday evenng, and the motion was adopted. House roll 449, a bill by Olmstead requir- ing all butcher stock in Nebraska to be in- spected on foot, was reported for indefinite postponement. The author moved to place the bill on the general filc aud stated that it was in the interest of local dealers and farm- ers who raised cattle, that the meats were now shipped m from large packing houscs located at outside points and the people had no means of knowing anything of the char- acter of the product, Cady moved that & commities be appointed to_draft resolutions expressing tho feclings of the house over the death of Kepresenta- tve Hays, which was adopted, and Cady Gilbert, Majors, Dempstor and Caldwell were named by the speaker, 3 While considering the Olmstead {nspection bill the house adjourned. AFTEKNOON SESSION. The speaker announced the following com- mittoo 1o attend the funeral of the late C.W. ays : Hampton, Haothorn, Yutzy, Winters, Whitehead, Robb and Delaney. A large number of reports were seut up. The committee consisting of Specht, Abrahsmson and Shephard, wppoiuted w investigaté the competency of engineers, reported that they found that Robert Emerson, the engineer in chief iu chiargo of tho hoisting engines, was incompetent and often under the influ- ence of liquor, and recommended that he be dismissed and a competent engineer be ap- pointed, and competent and regular assist- :nlnu emiployed. The report was placed oun e. On motion of Speaker Watson—Cady in tho chair—all the trust bills were made o special order for Mouday at 8 p. m. All bills reported by she committee on pub lic 1ands and byildings were made a special order for Tucsdiy at £:30 p. m. Much time wis consumed in attempting to fix special ordefs, Insurance biklg were taken up in committee of the whole. { A long and cofiblicated measure by Baker to regulate assogsment policies was discussed at tength, Two bills authntizing and life comps in Nebraska were kilied. MeBride's bill aut horizing plate glass in surance companics with £100,000 capital to do business in this, state was favorably re ported. g By request of Cigvernor Thayer, a bill au thoriziug cities pfjthe metropolitan class to issue bonds for sewers and condemn for parks was introduged. The Lincoln “charter bill was committee of the whole. Ocmpster moved to_allow Butler thirty minutes’ time to come the house and state his claims. Cal EVENING SER810 The claim of ex-Governor Butler for 0,000 for expenses incurred in his impeachment trial, was considered at the evening ression of the house. Butler told his story and was sharply questioned by Fieldgrove Cady declared that the payment of the claim would be a very bad precedent, and mude a strong speech in opposition to the bill. He was supported by Wilcox and Weber, members of the committee on claims Buker and Iee advocated paying the claim 80 did Gilchrist. Olmstead favored allowing the case. Corbin opposed the bill. Collins moved to fix the amount at £25,000, and Dempster at §15,000, and while the mo- tion was pending the house adjourned until 10 o'clock Monday mutual tire do business oign ies to passed in ex-Governor befo 1ed. 000 to settle Legislative Gossip. LixcoLy, Neb,, March 7.—|Spocial to Tie Bee, | —**Tickets,” said Doorkeeper Hall to the lobbyists this morning as they presented themseclves at the doors of the house. Not being supplied with the pasteboards the tur- bulent crowd filed off and crowded into the galiery and quiet reigned on the floor for one session. House roll 459, a modified compulsory edu- cation bill, introduced by Mr. Stirk, was placed on the general file this morning. The bill provides that pupils shall be compelled to attend some public or private school taught in the English language for at loast one-third of the time the school is required to be kept open by law in order to draw the state apportionment. Representative Towle of Knox, who is fast forzing to the front as one of the most level- headed members, got a good joke on Olm- stead. When the gentloman fr Adams was speaking in favor of the inspection bill, and detailing how Armour was cutiing down the price of cattle raised by Nebraska farin- ers, Towle arose and said: ince brother Olmstead has taken to advocating the cause of the farmer, I think he ought to be sus- tained. The remark was appreciated by everybody in the house. The death of Hon. C. W. Hays, of York, was a great surprise to the members. Very few knew that he wus sick, and none that he was dangerously ill. He was a quiet mom- ber, but true as steel to the interests of the people. ‘Among tho visitors to-day was the Hon. J. E. Kelly, of Alma. He was a member of the legislature many years ago, from Platte county, and from 1864 to 1575 he wus a resi-* dent of Omal He is hera to help defeat the bill authorizing a bave majority of the voters to change the location of county se: Hampton, of Wabster, is proving a valuable member, He has a pointed wa asking questions ' that cannot be ecvaded. When the question of dismissing persons holding sinccure positions was up for discus- sion he asked: “If the state has nothing for them to do why should it pay them?’ No defender of thé sinecures was able to answer the question, and Hampton scored a telling point. Th ppropriation of £12,000 for the home of the pfriendless “to purchase aaditional lands was recommended for passage. Specht’s bill presevibing who may serve on juries was sent bagi from the committee on roads with a favorable report. he seat of the late Representative Hays was tastefully décorated with emblems ¢f mourning by two, lady clerks, Miss Clara Mercer and Miss §, S. Brock. Senator Paxton, who had resisted all pre- vious invitations to take the chair, wielded the gavel during the reading of the Omaha chartor, and amid much merriment untang- led several parlismentary snarls putup on him by the other senators. The membors scattored through the building during the tedious reading of the bill, and at1ts conclu- sion there was a call of the house. The ser- geunt-at.arms brought in Senators Ransom, Linn, IFunck, Wolbach and Wetherald. They were ranged in a row before President Howe like so many truant school boys, and asked for their excuses. It was a joke in which all took part, and tho various punishments pro- posed kept the assemblage in & sportive mood for fifteen minutes. The omission of a comma in the tele- graphic report of the Loyal Legion banque makes it appear that Senator Howe entor tained the senate cmployes and the report- ers. The gentleman from Nemaha was host to the members of the senate and its ofcers and the reporters, forty all told. Samuel B. Turner, of Harlan county, is out with a potition for the registership of the McCook land oftice. Senator Lindsay i candidate for the receivership. Congressman McShane wus a capitol vis- itor to-day. The senate 18 pushing its own work rap- idly in order to have a clear desk for action when the appropriation bills come from the house, Soie of the items will have a closer scanning than in the lower body. Al More Ticket Irregularities. Cnicaco, March 7.—The Western States Passenger association, which has been in session here for three days, adjourned to- day. It came outduring tho meeting that some of the ronds connccted with the usso- cinvion line selling irvegular a way as to enable scalpers duce the established tariff rates in western territory. Chairman Abbott at once communicatea with the managers of the lines whose tickets have been nnproperly issued, and before the close of the meeting he eived replies promising that the irregu- larities would be promptly investigated and stopped. Colorado tourist tickets, good over the lines leading westward from Chicago, have been found for sale in scalpers’ oficers at #44, whereas, tho regular rats 18 $i5. These tickets are issued by connecting lines, and not by the western roads themselves, - -— Gets the County Seat. St. Frascis, Cheyenne County, Kan,, March 4.—[Correspondence of Tux BEE.|— The election for permanent county seat passed off quietly on the 20th of February last, resulting in favor of St. Francis by the handsome majority of 200, On Saturday, March 2, the county records were quietly moved from Bifd City to this place. Tho utmost good feoling and harmony prevails throughout the. pounty. Situated as St Francis is, on the soidth fork of the Republi- can river, with tfié "beautiful valley at her feet, and a magnifident farming country on either side to deawy from, with the B, & M. railroad already Hérs, and this point desig nated by the roud’ a8 an important division and as the point feoi which it 1s to build at least three differgpt lines west and north- west, it is not surprising that citizens are feeling very jubilapf over the outlook. Lmportant Kgfiroad Consolidation. COnicaco, Maroh 7o—A distinguished party of railroad magndted, headed by Cernelius Vanderbilt, Chauncey M. Depewjand Presi- dent Ingalls, of the **Big Four,” "arrived in this city this evenini after an inspection of the Bee line and- “Hig Four” systems. When asked If a cansolidation of these Lines is o be effected, Mr. Depew said he thought it was; in fact, o committes had been ap- pointed to meet in New York and make the necessary arrangements. The consolidation does not ‘exactly mean an absorbtion of the “Big Four,” and very few changes in the or< ganization of the latter road will be made, I Democratic Senators Oaucus. WasHINGTON, March 7.—After adjourn ment of the senate to-day the.democratic members held a caucus at which the subject of represeptation upon committces was under consideration, There was a sentiment ex- prossed favopuble to abolishing certain com- mittees thatyhave practically no duties to perform. et A Cannd ¥ Fails, MoNTkEAL, March 6.—The wholesale s dlery firm of Hanry & Lacroix has assigned, labilities of uvout $200,000. ROBBED HIM IN THE STREET, A Farmer Held Up in Nebraska City. AN INTER-STATE ASSOCIATION. Three Nebraska and Two Kansas G. A. 1. Posts Unite—A Brakeman Loses His Log—Fast Water Pipe Laying. AG. A R 1 Rep Crovn, Tie Bee.] tor-State Association, Neb., March 7.—[Special to his morning witnossed the closiagof a very interesting and enthusiastic meeting of Grand Army men and old sol- diers and sailors, called for the purpose of organwzing an inter-state ussociation of tho G. A R.men in the counties of Webster, Franklin and Nuckolle, in Nobraska, and Jewell and Smith countles, in Kansas, Such organization was duly effected, with the fol- lowing ofiicers elected: President, J. L, Miller, of this city; secretary, R, B. Fulton, Red Cloud; treasul B, MeNitt, Red Cloud. In'all there were cightecn posts rep- resented, seven from Kansasand cleven from the Nebrasia counties named, “The exceutive committee was instructed to advertise for bids from the several towns for the reunion, said bids to be opened May 15 at this city, when both place and time will bo decided on and due notice given. General J. B. Davis, department com- mander, accompanied by P. A. Gatchell, his assistanteadjutant general, arrived last even- ing and were escorted to the hall, where a rousing camp fire was held. Commander Davis made an able and patriotio address, The assistant adjutant gencral also offored a few remarks, as did also several of the com- rades. The exercises i with singing numerous old and standard war songs. A Prehistoric Monster. LiviNestox, Neb, March 7.—Special to ]~While digging a well on the homestead of S. B. Shumway, near Living- ston, Banner county, Grant L. Shumway found embedded in the sand ut & dopth of fifty-four feet, the remains of a prehistoric animal, of mammoth proportions. He suc- ceeded in removing a portion of the upper jaw, containing two teeth, one of which measured eight inches in length and four in breadth and weighod seven and one half pounds. The rest of the monster is still im- bedded, where it has lain for ages, and can be excavated at no great expense. The peculiar manner in which the tecth woro set in the jaw of the animal differed from ever heard of here. There was apparen but two teeth in the upper jaw. A fow other smaller bones resembling the fins of a fish These fins ave about the Fuarther ex vations and otherdiscoveries will-probably be made. Long Pine's Chautauqua. Loxe Pixg, Neb, March 7.—[S; Tue Ber.]—The Long Pine Chautauqua for 1880 will surpass all former efforts, and it is hoped by the management that there will be such an increase in the sale of lots this yoar that they will have a sufficient amount of money to build and rebuild some necded buildings. In all Nebraska it would:be diffi- cult to find more picturesque Long, Pine is a neat and th v, and a week spent upon the Chautauqua grounds and in the pleasant young city will bo a weelc long to be remeinbered and uever for- gotten. Siock County . Basserr, Neb., March 7.—/ ial to Tne Bre.|—The county scat question is ubout the only thing being discussed in this sec- tion. New varties are prolitic in charging various citizens of Bassett with using money throughout the county to influence vote while Bassett retovts with “‘you're another, and ch that Newnort had lots of boodle, and that it was used where it would do the ‘most good, and that as a defense, and for their own peace they were compelled to “isee” Newport and g6 her “one better.” A World Beater. , Neb,, March 7.—[Special to Tne Bie|— Howard county against the world, Some three weeks ago Mrs, H. Hunt gave birth totwins. Two weeks later the family cow had three calves for the young granger. Allare alive and doiug well. This cow has a history. first ‘s were three in number, but w dead. The next time she had two, which are ulive. ‘This year three arrived, making eight calves in three years. S1. Pav Plenty of Patriots, O'Neni, Neb., March 7.—| Special to Bre. | —Holt county is fairly well filled with patriots who would like to warm the seats in the Unif tes iand oftice here now held by John R. Markley and A. B, Clarde, and many of them are not backward in making their desires known. The warm weather of the past few days, combined with the inaugu- ration of the new administration, has brought them out of winter quarters and the spring camgaign has fairly opened. Fire at Columbus. Corunnus, Neb., March 7.—[Special Tele- gram to Tie Bre.]—A fire broke out in the basement of the grocery store of Hickock, Haln & Co., at 7 o'clock this morning. A lighted lamp' in the basement is supposod to have been the cause. Tho fire was promptly extinguished by the/ fire company with only slight damage, except by water and smoke. Tho loss is covered by insurance. Street Car Upsot. Kuansey, Neb., March 7.—[Speoial Tele- gram to Tk Bek.]—A stret car, in crossing the Union Paciflc track this aftornoon, was struck by an engine and upset. None of the passongors wero injured, but it was o nar- row escape for the driver and some children 1n tho car. The causo is reported to be vave- lessuess on the part of the driver. Out anda In. OscEoLa, Nob., March 7.—[Special to Tug Bee,|~G. W. West has sent inhis resigna- tiou as postmaster of Osceola and L. J. Blowers hus sent in_his application for the place, together with @ petition signed by about three hundred names of citizons, b sides a numbor of private letters, So far as is known at present he has no opposition. On Trial for Murder. Keanxey, Neb,, March 7.—[Special Telo gram to Tug Bew.|—To-day in the district court the time was occupied in the trial of Royal S, Adams for the killing of Waltor West last Octobor near Lexington, this state. The cnso was brought here on & change of venue from Dawson county. Special highway robbery occurred on one of our brincipul streets last night. A farmer named Barney Garrity was lieid up by two men, wud robbed of in cash and a checl for $75, As usual thero was no clue to the thieves. Bost Bound Over, Corumnus, Neb., Murch 7.--]Special Telo- gram to Tup Bee.|—John Bost, the young mnn who was urrested for forging two notes on the 4th (nst., had his preliminary exam ination to-day beforé the county judge, and was bound over to the district court in the sum of $500. The Worlu's Record Beaten. KEarNEY, Neb, March 7.—|Special Tele- gram to Tae Bee. |—The world’s record was beaten to-day by the laylng of 13,000 feet of water muns for the West Kearney water- works. Lost His Right Leg. JacksoN, Neb., March 7.—[Special Tele gram to Tae Bee)—A brakemun named Haller was run over st Hubbird ut 2:80 this morniug and lost his rigat leg. i Lkt The Duc D' Aumale Forgiven, Pamis, March 7.—The cabinet has re- scinded the decree of exilo - agalust the Duc D' Auwale. THE HOUSE OF COMMONS, A Schome to Increaso ‘the Navy Une der Consideration. Loxnos, March 7.—In the commons to-day Lord George Hamilton, first lord of the ad miralty, stated that the government proposed to build eight first class men-of-war of 14,000 tons each, and two of 0,000 tons; nino first class cruisers, twenty-nine smaller cruisers, four of the Pandora type of oruisers, and eightoon of the Sharpshooter type of torpedo vessols. The total tonnago of all these ves. sels will be 318,000, total cost £21,- 500,000, Lord Geor; ilton asked that £10,000,000 be appropriated for a consolida tion fund for the proposed increase of tho navy, and that the remainder of the sum re- quired bo provided for in the ordinary osti- mates, He promised that tho admiralty's programme would be executed within four and a half years, Hamilton said £10.000,000 of the work would be put out at private contract, while the remainder would be done in the govern ment dock yards. The schome muststand or fall as a whole. Thorefore he hoped the op position would treat the proposals in a patri- otic spirit, Tord Charlos Beresford complained that the government gave no real reason why just 8o many ships, no more and no less, should be built. "He gave notice of an amendment declaring that England's naval strength ought to be equal to the navies of France und uny other great power com- bined, The radicals will oppose logislation connected with Lord George Hamilton's scheme. It is expeoted th Gladstone will iead the opposition attack on the government every stage of HA N A Divorce Specialist Jailed. Citeaao, March 7.—C. J. Beattie, a lawyer who makes a specialty of divorees, was jailed to-night, charged with furnishing bogus de coys and introducing perjured ovidence. A decreo was given to Mrs. Ada Gordon, who subsequently married a New Yorker named Arthur Wilson, The genuine decree was not entered until some months after, and when this was discovered the marriage had to be performed again, To-day Mrs, Gordon’s first husband, who had been ab- sent in South America, informed Judge Jam - ieson that Beattio had never served notico of the divorce suit. Much evidence was ad- duced to show that the evidence of Beattie's witnesses was manufactured, — The indica- tions are that the divorce will be set aside, and that Mrs. Gordon, after being twice married to Wilson, must begin proceedings against ber first husband again, g The New Italian Oabinet. Row, March 7.—King Humbert has cented the new cabinet as arranged by Sig- nor Crispi, as follows: Iresident of the counell, minister of the interior and minister of forcign rs, Crispi; financ treasury, Zioletti: justice and affairs, Zanardelli: war, Viale: marine, Brin: commeree, industry and agriculture, Miceli, public works, Fimali; posts and tele Lacava. Crispi, Viale, Brin, Miceh nardelli retain the portifolios held them in the last cabinet. It1s believed the cabi- net will command a considerable majority in the chamber. e The Ripper Writes a Letter. MonuiLLroy, Ark., Maveh. T.—Au inco- hercut letter, signed'*‘Jack the Ripper,” was received to-da heriff Shelby und turned over to the grand jury. The writer says he murdercd John M. Clayton, republican can- dulate for congress, because years ago Cl ton caused the lives of the writer's fat! and other persons to be talken. Judge Cun- ningham's charge to the grand jury was o vere avraignment of the crime and an carnest plea that nothing be left undoue to uncarth the perpetrator. The Guano Company's Affairs, Bostoy, March he stockholders of the Pacific Guano company, at a_ mecting to- day, listened to the report of a committee showing $3,500,000 liabilities and 000,000 quick assets. These asscts do not mcludo the four plants of the company at Woodshill, Charlestown, Chisholm Island und Island. In the liabil incluaed $ 000 of acceptances Glidden were not proper liabilities of the Pacific Guano _company. It was voted that the re- port of the committee and Glidden’s state- ment be sent to the stockholders. - The fron Works Failure, PiurapELPuis, March 7.—A meeting of the creditors of the Reading iron works was held this afternoen. A statement of the financial condition showed the total i ties to be $1,927,783 and the assets $ After consiaerable argument it v to appoint a committee of three to conduct the mills temporarily, A careful apprais ment of the assets will be made. Anothv committee will prepare a plun of reorganiza- tion, —— Edison’s Patent Declared Void. OTrawA, March 7.—The meandescent elec- tric lighting putent held by the Edison Elec tric Light company, has been declared null and void in Canada on the ground of fuilure to comply with the patent regulations, which provifle that any article thus patented must be manufactured in Canada within one year from the issue of patent, and importation of the same patent from the United States must cease within two years, Major Lydecker's Successor. WasuiNaToN, March olonel Wilson, of the engineer corps, has been placed in THEY WEARIED OF THIS LIFE And Concluded to Take Ohances in the Noxt. A QUARTETTE OF IOWA SUICIDES, Their Anamosa Infested With a Gang of Burglars—A Drug Clerk's Fatal * Mistake—Death Ploncer. of a Ohject to the Quara Drs Morses, la., March cial “Tola- gram to Tue Bee, |—C. W. Steelo, of Cory- don, has beon employed by the local board of health to defond them in the action pending inthe Wayne county district court for a mandamus. He writes to the state board of nealth for a cortified copy of thoir regulation fixing forty days as tho time for afflicted por- sons to loave a louse in which they have had contagious disenses, Tho mandamus pro- ceeding is intended to force the board to allow scarlet fever pationts to attond school before the time oxpires. The state board furnisnod Mr. S the document and will stand by the 1 board 1w enforeing tho quarantine, Death of a Ploncer, Warenioo, Tn, March 7.—[Special Telo: gram to Tk Be. | —Robert Manson, an old pioneer of this state and city, agof! paventy three, died suddenly at this eity & Ho was the father-in-law of Judge Couch, and perhaps the wealthicst man in the city. Mr. Manson built the Chicago & Northwestern ralway from Codar Rapids to Council Bluffs, and the Dubuque & Sioux City from Dubuque to Waterloo, He was also one_of the principal contractors on tho Union Pa- cific railway. Doceasod had been in poor health for w number of years prior to his do- mise. He will bo rememberoad s a pioneer in early railway construction in this state. Preforrod Death to Insanity. Bunuixaroy, la — [ Special Telo- gram to Tur Bue. |- H. Blick, a boarding house keeper, took tou grains of strychnine to-day and was dead in fifteen minutes. His whole family conneetion seews to be tainted charge of the work on the Washington aque: duct extension, relieving Major Lydecker, who will by triéd by court-martial on the 25th inst., for neglect of duty in connection with this improveme; Steamship Arrivals. At New York—The Lahn, from Breman, At Hawburg—""N Francia, from Balti- more. At Baltimore N )‘muu-mnm, from Liv- with insanity. About two weoks ago his cousin, a strong, healthy man, was removed to the asylum, being the sixth or seventh of the kinship to mecet with that affliction, Brooding over that matter and the probabil ity that he himself would share that fate prompted Elick to avoid it by death. He has al brothiers who are under the same A Carcless Drugglst. Drs Morses, In., March 7.—[Speeial Tele- gram to Ti Bee]—D. H. Shull, living ten miles northwest of Barley, Sac county, drove to Schaller, in the same county, and bought of a druggist a half pint of alcohol. it in the store while he went out onan erran and, returning, the elerk could not find it, but put up what he supposed was th stuff, but it proved to be carbolic acid. & took it home and drank some and died very soon. Another Farmer Suicides. Dows, Ia., March 7.—Svecial Telegram to Tine Bee.|—John Kramer, a wealthy C man farmer residing five miles south of here, committed suicide by taking strych- mne. Domestic trouble is said to have been the cause of the rash act. Mr. Kramer was about forty vears of age. He leaves a wife but no children. A Grocery Store Robbed. Axavosa, ln., March 7.—[Special Tele- gram w Tue 2ok | —Burglars last night went through Shaw & Dutton’s grocery store b, of the cellar, making good their estape with over £300 worth of goods, inciuding a €5 shot gun. There is no traco of the thicves. This is the seventh burglary inside of six wonths. Fell From a Bridge. Ovrowwa, In, Mareh 7.—[Special gram to Tus Bee|—A man named B.B. Warren, aged twenty-four, was knooked off a trestle bridge on the Wabash about two miles uth of the city at 10 o'clock yester- day and was quite scriously hurt, having four or five ribs broken and his bucl badly bruiscd. An Old Man Haugs Himself. CLINTON, Tn., Marc [Special Telegram to Tur Be ~The dead body of August Juke, aged nearly s was found by his nging in a woodshed. He was sub- ject to fits of despondency. He leaves a , Lwo sons and one daughter. He Was Tired of Lite. 0sKkAL00SA, la., March 7.—[Special Tel gram to Tup Ber.]—A young man named Charles Dickey,residing four miles northeast of this city, aged nineteen, committed suicido by hanging last night. -1o loft a letter say- ing he was tired of life. - Another Fight § Arwoon, Kan., March 7. alto ‘Tme Ber.]—A telegram has just been received announcing that the case in the supreme court of ISansas involving tie re-location of the county seat of this county, has been dis- missed. ‘T'his is a complete victory for At- wood, and no sooner was the contents of th telegram made known tha several imvol tant real estate purchases of city prope were closed. Boulanger's Klcction Veriflod. Pauts, March 7.—In the chumbor of dep utios to-duy the election of Genoral Boulange to the chamber for the Department of Seine was verifled, Fair white hands; Brightclear complexion Soft healthfal skin. s PEARS’~Th 6reat English Complexion SOAP,—Sold Everywhore.” ‘v WORLD MADE ONLY gy~ %~ Cro AMACBETH&CO. PitTsBHRGH.PA. Hardware and Cutlery, Mechanics’ Lools, Fine Bronze Builders' Goods and Buftwlo Scalos 1405 Douglas St., Omaha.