Omaha Daily Bee Newspaper, November 4, 1894, Page 7

TALKS ABOUT CANAL BONDS Businéts Men and Experts Discuss the Proposition at Length, HOW IT WOULD HELP TO BUILD UP OMAHA Give In gineer Rosewater and Others Keasons for the Faith t 18 Them, Showing that the Canal Much has been sald to the voting of the canal bond proposition, whicn is to be ratl- fled or rejected at the polls next Tuesday. Upon that occasion the voters of Douglas | county will be called upon to decide whether by their ballots they will grant a subsidy of $1,000,000 to the enterprise, or whether they will turn it down. The proposition bas been the subject through the press, upon the platform and at the street corners. In order that the readers of The Bee may know more about the canal, what 1t will do and what it means for Omaha and Douglas county, City En glneer Rosewater, who has given the mat- tor much study, presents the following com munication upon the subject During a thirty ayears' residence in Omaha and, in a small way, participating in its development ftrom villagehood to the pro- portions of a metropolitan city, I have seen numerous propositions submitted for the pro- motion of the city's growth, none of them without some demerit as well as merit, and mone of them without more or less bitter opposition. Of all these propositions not one will remotely compare in its extent and importance with the proposition mow sub- mitted. In the consideration of this proposition the public care little whether Mr. Turner Is a millionaire or a pauper; or whether he works for a living or is a gentleman of lefsure. It cares little what Mr. John D. Howes’ opinlons on numerous subjects in the past have been, or what he Is opposed to at present. What concerns the public mainly at this time | First—Can 20,000 horse power be actually developed, as outlined in the proposition? Second—It . developed, will the rates for power be sufficiently low to justify a $1,000,- 000 subsidy? Third—Will the public generally derive its proportionate benefit from the investment? Fourth—Are there sufficient safeguards in the provisions of the proposition to warrant what Is promised them? Fifth—Is there any method of utilizing the Missouri river at our own doors that affords an equal or better opportunity for power development than that praposed. Sixth—When the power is developed, will it bring new industries and have we the raw materials at band to manufacture for home and outside markets? It these questions can be satisfactorily answered in the afirmative, no man without adverse interests can refuse to sustain the proposition with his vote, and no man who desires to accelerate the prosperous develop- ment of Omaha and Douglas county will neglect to vote yes. If these questions can- not be satisfactorily answered, then the prop- osition should be voted down. With respect to the first proposition, the answer depends upon the topography of the country and its capacity for water supply. Careful surveys have been made and veri- fied, which conclusively show that there is sufficlent fall between the Platte and Elk- horn rivers and Seymour park to enable a canal of forty miles in lengih, with an av- erage fall of one foot per mile, to be built to the top of the hill at Seymour park at an altitude of about 140 feet above the Papillion valley, immediately adjoining. With this fall I that Is necessary to develop the 20,000 horse power proposed Is 760 feet of water per second of a continuous flow. Careful gaug- ings of the water supply made both In the Platte and Elkhorn rivers at Fremont and at Arlington in 1893 showed that during that year an aggregate flow in these two streams of 2,648 cubic feet per second was found. These facts were fully verlfied by three dis- tinct surveys, Independent of one another, in the same month. One of the surveys made by the then county surveyor showed over 3,200 cubic feet. Measurements made in 1894, abouts the same time of the year, of the samo streams and nearly at the same point, doveloped an aggregate flow in the two streams of 1,423 cubic feet. These measure- ments were also verified by the measure- ments made by a second party, whose re sults were practically the same. A careful comparison of the relative flow in 1893 and 1894, as developed by these figures, shows that the flow of 1894 was only 64 per cent of the total flow of 1893. By examining the United States Signal Service department re- ports of the precipitation for the years of 1893 and 1894 we find that for the corre- sponding eight months, ending at the time of the meking of these measurements, the rainfall In 1893 was 23 26-100 inches and the rainfall of 1894 was 11 35-100 inches, show- ing that the rainfall for 1894 was about 50 pér cent of the rainfall of 1893. Thix is sufi¢elent to show that the ratio of the flow in the Elkhorn and the Platte rivers at the point mentloned correspond in their measure- ment to the ratio of the rainfall. The Platte wlver above the Loup Fork was substantially dry, so that whatever water it carried came from the Loup Fork river. A measurement made by an engineer residing at Columbus, about the same time that the measurement of the Platte and Elkhorn rivers was made, shows a flow of 1,200 cublc feet per second in the Loup Fork, which agrees almost ex- actly with the flow as measured in the Platte tiver at Fremont. This is another verifica- tion of the measurement,.and shows that the two streams can be absolutely relied upon for a continuous water supply for this power canal, independent of the Platte or the Loup Fork and the Elkhorn, both of which are perennial streams, depending for thelr supply upon the rains within the state of Nebraska. Independent, however, of the Supply of these two streams, which in 1894, the driest season eyer experienced in Ne- braska, was twice as great as that required for the power canal, and In 1893 fully four | times, as great, more than the required sup- ply can be secured from what is known as the | underflow, though entirely unnecessary this case. Experiments at Kearney at Platte river upon an excavated ditch 1,200 feet long, entirely disconnected from any stream at its upper end, developed a flow of 100 cublc feet per second, which I per- sonally observed during last May. This same flow during the driest portion of the scason, when the Platte was seemingly dry on the surface, was unabated, as I am fn- formed by the engineer of the company at that place, and there can be no question but that this underflow properly developed by close sheeting driven across the width of the valley to the bed of hard pan below the sand and gravel would very materially in- crease the avallable water from this source, #0 that there can be no doubt as to the abllity to always secure a sufficient supply of water for the canal beyond .the extent required in the proposition. The parties who have seen fit to dispute the available sup- ply, though every opportunity has been of- fered them to verify their ciaims, have not been able to present a single person who could say that he measured these streams and failed to find the supply named. The only attempted evidence that there is no water in the Platte is on the part of those Who say they are willing to swear that the Platte between Kearney and Columbus has been dry numerous tim heretofore. No one disputes these statements, because they have no ring In this case. We are not golting water west of Columbus, but pro- Poke 0 gt It east of Fremont, and no per- #08 has ever seen the Platte at Fremont or the Rikhora below Arlington when either stream was dry. Now, baving disposed of the main propo- sitlon, namely, that we have ample fall and ample water, we now come to the second proposition, namely, if developed, will the maximum es for power be sufficiently In“"‘ th m to Justify a $1,000,600 sub- sidy. A carefully prepared report by Dr. Charles Emery, an acknowledged leading #uthority of steam engineering in the United %-‘, Which was read before the American in the y of Electrical Engineers in 1893, shows following to be the cost of steam power | ond falling from a helght equivalent to that | | hand to development under favorahle condition: America at this time: Engines. 6-horse 10-horse 15-horse 20-horse -horse 50-horse 20-horse 300-horse 400-horse B0-horse power ...... In connection with careful investigation power plants by our large power users Omaha in the fall of 1893, and though many cases absolutely correct, reports are difficult of attainment, in view of the im- perfect record, yet the following, reduced to & uniform standard of ten hours per day and 808 days per year, fs what I found In Omaha. The steam plant of the Omaha Street Railway Company Florence Station Omaha Water Work Tripl pansion Engine...... Izard Street Station Omaha Works ... Broadway 'St Walnut Hill § Council Bluffs Twentleth ""'and Poppleton Station Omaha Water Works River Station Council Biufts Water IVORMT S8 vou sk soi s s ki v Lincoln Street Railway, Phoenix Foundry, Omaha. .. § The maximum rates for water power, | measured at the wheel shaft, are fixed by the | proposition at $18 per annum per horse | power. This is 85 per ceat of the cost of the power produced by the water works com- pany with its triple expansion engines, while the cost of developing power by other large steam plants in Omaha and vicinity, as will be seen, is over 200 per cent greater. Now, as to electrical power. A ‘model steam plant of the best type of compound engines of 500 or more horse power capacity. cannot develop _electrical power for less than $42 per horse power on a 308-day basis of ten hours each. The max- imum price for 500 electrical power in the proposition Is $23. The cost of steam elec- trical power is therefore 83 per cent greater. In smaller quantities the ratio of economy, compared to the prevalent prices in other cities for electrical power, Is still greater, as the following table will show. Cost of cach electrical horse power per year of 308 days of 10 hours each in differ- ent principal citles, where contracted for, quantities from one to twenty-five horse power is shown to be: Per Horse Power. power e power power power power power power power power of steam in in of the cost 9167 tion, Omahs dge and Com- 3! wears | wrvars “19aum TR0 “zomod 10513 39U WNWXVY! SH0X “urers 4q pado | “reuwo 4q pedo podotasep Jemod [P 4q_pedotensp =g emod -pasp_‘TyRWO 2004 9804 JO JIQUINN, 11(8118 4018142 o8] 88 21| 102 0| 9 00| 72 86| 7104). 66 66 4 The Omaha power s $22.66 lower per horse power than the lowest named in this list At these figures 14,000 electrical horse power will save to this community $316,000 each year. The Interest on $1,000,000 in bonds is 340,000, and_deducting this from the other, we have $276,000 net saving each year. At this rate the public will within less than four years save more than thoe entire subsidy and interest combined. This is independent of the benefits derived from the establishment of factories, the taxable value of the canal and plant, and the labor employed in its con- struction. There are other benefits. Seven bundred and fity cublc feet per second of water is 486,000,000 gallons per day. This amount of water will ba delivered at Sey; mour park at an altitude of 170 feet above the Missourl river. Under the propositlon, Omaha and South Omaha will be permitted to take water for publio use at not to exceed $3 per 1,000,000 gallons. The diréct benefit to South Omaha needs no argument, and its possible benefit to Omaha as the key to the water works situation is not inconsiderable. Independent of the water benefit, the city can secure cu rent at Seymour park for transmission to Omaha at $23 per horse power. It takes less than one-horse power per arc light, and allowing liberally for the services of trim- mers, carbons, etc., both Omaha and South Omaha can secure .2,000 so-called candle power lights at less than $45 per arc light per year, as against $100 and over now paid. This, in connection with the lighting prob- lem of both cities, will save nearly, if not more, than the interest of the $1,000,000 sub- sidy alone each year. [ have thus shown beyond controversy that the maximum rates fixed by the proposition have been judiciously done and are far below the cost of steam power under the most favorable conditions that could prevail. And though the represen- tations in the circulars so industriously dis- tributed through the malls and published in the papers by the opponents of the canal proposition are absolutely without foundation, as their author has since voluntarily con- fessed them to be, their distribution is still continued. We now come to the question, ““Are there sufficient safeguards in the provisions of the proposition?" " While it {s claimed on the one side that this Is a mere real estate specu- lation and not intended to be carried out, al- most in the same breath the opponents claim that it 1s a gigantic steal. A careful perusal of the proposition will show that 1o part of the subsidy can be obtained without first, the acquisition on the part of the company of the right of way for the entire canal and the expenditure of specific amounts upon actual construction, and then only the payments are provided for in installments as the work progresses and a certain amount is reserved to be paid when the entire plant is in opera- tion. Now, in the first place, if this be a real estate speculation, the cost of the elec- ticn is already provided for and no loss can possibly result from votlng “yes," as no money can be paid until more than that amount is pald cul by the company. As an enterprise, it would not pay for property owners who are identified with it to simply spend what they get to leave a dry canal be- cause the opportunities for making money when it is built, both from their standpoint and from the public standpoint, are too great for them to do a foolhardy thing of that character. A candid view of the proposition from every standpoint, with the safeguards provided by the county commissioners, will convince anyone who is willing to be con- vinced that there are ample safeguards and that the proposition is a bona fide one on the part of its projectors. We pow come to the fifth question: “Is there any method of utilizing the Missouri river at our own doors that affords an equal or better opportunity for power develop- ment than that proposed?’ The Missouri river has a mean discharge of 30,000 cuble feet per second and the current of the river flows at the rate of four feet per second. The power that the Missourl river current itself can impart to a wheel can only be equal to the weight of the 30,000 cubic feet per sec- | 133 20f 110 15| | 103 ss| which will develop four feet per second, or | that of its current. A body falling from a height of four inches will develop a velocity of four feet per second. Therefore the total force of the Missourl river, theoretically, it it could be accumulated, would be equal to the weight of 30,000 cubie feet of water fall- ing from a height of four inches each sec- ond. A horse power is equal to a welght of 550 pounds falling through a space of one foot per second. By completing the com- putation upon this by it will be found that the total theoretical horse power of the Missouri river is 852. The best undershot wheel adaptable to development of current power will not yleld over 40 per cent of the current power. It will be seen, therefore, that tae total practical horse power that can be developed In the Missouri river, if a wheel having a length equal to the entire width of the Missourl river were suspended from sup- ports at each end would only yield 340 horse power, which is not werth talking about. To build a canal In the Missouri valley, in order to get an elevated pont from which the water should fall, Is impracticable, because the river at this point has only an average fall of seven inches to the mile. A canal could mot be bullt with less than six Inches tall per mile, and would, therefore, even in 100 miles length galn only about eighty feet, which at this point is over half the rise of the river during the flood water; besides the topograpby of the country is unsuitable to the construction of such a canal, and its re- sults would be incomparable to the extra- ordiary outlay to produce them. We now come o the sixth proposition: | “When power is deveéloped will [t bring new Industries, and have we the raw materials at nanufacture for home and outside market 1 will simply enumeraie a few of the numerous classes of factories that it is possible to establish under favorable con. ditions of power development. All claises of wond working muchinery, tanneries, flour mills, paper mills, paper mills, woolen mills, glue worke, beet sugar factaries, hemp rope, wire nails, cooperages, glucose works, starch works, tin works, chemical works, agricultu- ral implements, aluminum reduction works and numerous others which in an offhand way do not oecur to me at this time. This canal power development will thus utilize permanently all the natural advan- tages, representing a_power expenditure equiv- Alent to over 300,000 tons of slack coal an- nually, and as already stated, fndependent of all the other considerations and indirect ben- efits. It also represents a saving to the community of over $250,000, per year in the reduced cost of power. The above facts, which are undeniable, are, in my opinfon, suf- ficlent justification “for the people of this county to give the canal proposition thelr hearty support To show how he views the situation, and that the public may know how he stands upon the proposition, the following interview with Dr. Mercer has been furnished The Bee for publication: Dr. Mercer, 1 have been requested to in- terview you and other gentlemen about the canal bonds, and would like your opinion for vublication, if you have no objection? At first T was in doubt, in fact opposed to the scheme: but upon thorough investigation and consideration of the matter I am enthu- slastically in favor of the bonds. What are the reasons that make you favor the bonds? Omaha is a great city, the center of our United States, geographically speaking, with lines of railroads leading in every direction, glving rapid and quick communication to and from all parts of the country. It is a cen- tral point from which all men can do busi- ness quickly In every direction. We have large buildings, paved streets and other Inter- ual improvements of great value; we also have stock yards, the smelting works, the various large shops and innumerable smaller manufacturing places, as well as a large line of commerce in every department of busi- | ness, trading east, west, portk and south, and our commanding location has made us a kind of a focal point for all western, southwestern and northwestern trade, even as far as fhe Pacific coast. ~ With all these natural and acquired advantages, and with an energetic, earnest population, still we have no speclal feature which marks or designates to the stranger this town as preferable to many other western cities. This feature can be supplied by the canal and give us a special name, not only in this, but in forelgn coun- tries; and when we roll this river of water over a precipice 135 feet high, in view of our own citizens and the world of travelers by, we will have gained a point that could nof be reached in fifty years in the ordinary way. A second reason 1s that while we pay $1,000,000 bonus for this we save to the peo- ple of this county, especially Omaha and South Omaha, within the next ten years, more than $1,000,000 in sewerage alone, be- cause this new river of water created by this canal will be accessible for all drainage trom the summit west of the Missouri river, thus saving cutting {hrough these big hill fo get our sewerage into the Missouri Saddle croek valley. Rl A third reason is that I belleve the In- crease of property values and population within tho next twenty years will cause an amount to be paid into the treasury for taxes, to say the least, equal to the bunds we give and the Interest thereon. If tols be.trus, as g00d judgment seems to indicate, the scheme is & good business one for the public, because It gets the money back, saves the amount over again for sewerage, gives us the canal, the business and the population, mot only without cost, but really with a large bonus for taking the same. And a fourth reason, which I believe to be true, is that the competition in power cre- ated by the uso of the canal water for run- ning the various industrial plants, will have A very beneficial effect in reducing the price of fuel. ‘The canal onc: built, the power must be used, because every minute's run is lost forever If it cannot be saved; therefore it will be sold cheaper, and the sale of this power cheaply will cause a revolution in the coal market; the product will be cheaper at tho mines, the freights will be reduced, and when it reaches us as consumers we will pay from 30 to 60 per cent less than it now costs; this seems to be almost a ceriainty. This canal plant never can unite with the steam plants and make a monopoly, because tho canal will havo as many competitors as there are steam power plants in the city, and they cannot all unite. The {nevitable result must be that the conflict will reduce the price of fuel, and thus bring reward to every household, factory and institution in the city. It is my opinion that this coal saving alone will almost annually equal the total amount of money that is propased to be voted for these bonds. The above are enough reasons for me to decide In favor of the bonds, May I ask whether or not you are bolder in the company? I am not, nor do I expeet to be. My opin- fon is simply based upon cold-blooded, busi- ness reasons. What do you think about the supply of waler at the head of the canal? This is & question already answered a hun- dred times by experts who have gone over the ground, measured the channel, the volume of water and the loss by evaporatios and seep- age, and their evidence, 5o far as I know, that the supply is abundant, is unquestioned by any competent authority. However, if ail that should fall, still the proposition would bo safe, because it would take comparatively little money to feed the canal by tapping tho streams above, and there Is no question but that water enough could in one way or another be gotten to supply four canals of this size, if the conditions of business war- ranted the expense in getting it. Do you think this canal would benefit the farmers of Douglas county? When the Polish people were here, eighteen months ago, figuring on starting a beet-sugar plant, the chief obstacle seemed to be water; this canal will settle the question of sufficient water to run a beet-sugar factory, or a dozen it need be, and the factories would probably come. With these conditions every foot of avallable land In Douglas county ought to be cultivated and yleld large profits. Some days ago this lefter was addressed to_the officers of the canal company: We, the undersigned contractors, citizens and taxpayers of Omaha and Douglas county, respectfully represent that in the ordinary course of our business as contractors we em- ploy a large army of laborers, both skilled and unskilled, and that our employes are made up of citizens who reside in this county and Nebraska, and to contribute to the popu- lation and material welfare of this ecity and state. In order to employ these people it Is, of course, necessary that we, as contrac- tors, shall secure contracts for work calling for ‘such employment. We belleve that fn all public, and even private improvements and enterprises, due consideration should ba given to home labor and contractors in the vicinity of the work, in order that people who expect to live in ‘this community may be enabled to make a living on it. We therefore ask you for information on this point. In case bonds are voted for the canal In question, will your company give preference to home labor and local contrac. tors when awarding the contracts necess: rily connected with the building of the canal? Respectfully, Cash Brothers, Callaghan Brothers, Hannon stock- | & Welsh, AIf Brainard, John Conden, P, H, Mahoney, Ed Phelan & Co., 8. Sanlett, Henry Hall, Samuel Katz, Lamoreaux Brothers. The reply to the above has been received and s as follows: At a meeting of the directors of the Omaha Canal and Power company, held this 27th day of October, A. D., 1894, to take action on the foregoing letter, the following resolution was passed: Resolved, That In case the canal bonds to be voted on the 6th prox. by the c.(fi?... of Douglas county should carry, that it fs the sense of this company (the Omaha Canal and Power company) that in view of the fact that the county of Douglas votes $1,000,000 in aid of the canal enterprise, that in letfing the work preference should be given ta home contractors and to contractors who will agree to employ home labor in pre‘erence to all other labor, and to pay decent living wages. By order of the board of directors OMAHA CANAL AND POWER COMPANY. Michael Cudahy, head of the Cudahy Pack- ing company, with houses in Chicago and South Omaha, in writiug to Dr. George L. Miller upon the subject of the canal, says Yours of the 27th at hand; also your cir- cular relative to canal project. I do not see anything in circular but what is perfectly sound and practical. [ have always had my doubts whether you could carry the water to Omaha safely, but from the clear and in- telligent statement made in this circular it seoms perfectly feasible. It'goes without ying that it would be a great benefit to maha, and there i3 nothing for which they have ever voted bonds that would bring such returns as the canal project. s B Death of an Aged Steamboat Captain. COLUMBUS, 0., Nov. 8.—Captain John Shoup, an old steamboat captain of Pitts- bure, died here today aged 75. " LONDON THEATRICAL GOSSIP tan ] New Burlesque, “Af} My Eye-Van-Hoe, Falls Véfy Flat. e WILDE COMING TO AMERICA ir Meyer Lutz Has a New Mo on the Way—Celetitafing the Fourth Contennial of e Shoemaker Yoet, Saghs. OSCAR (Copyrighted 1894 by the Associated Press.) LONDON, Nov. 3.—Playgoers have not had a first-rate’ novelty to interest them this week. “Truthful James,” a light comedy by James Mortimer and Charles Klein, was transplanted from the Strand theater to the Royal theater, where It died of innate feeble- ness, The new Theater Metropole, at Camber- well, opened its doors on Monday, after a tiresome number of delays. It fs an ex- ceedingly pretty house, seating over 1,800 persons. The long announced burlesque, Eye-Van-Hoe,” by Philip Hayman, was pro- duced at the Trafalgar Wednesday last. The plece was in two acts, and the music for it was written by John Crook, Howard Talbot, the author, Mr. Hayman, and Teddy Solo- mon. Some idea of this latest corrusication of London wit can bo gathered from the des- perate fun of the names chosen for the char- acters. These have already been pronounced by some of. London’s jeunesse doree as “aw- fully clever.” Here they are: Ivanhoe......... ....Mr. I. L. Shine Will Scariiting. M. Harry Grattan Robert_Fitzoof. .. Mr. Fred Story Zedie Wreck Mr. ‘Fred Wright, jr. The Prior of Jawfolks Abbey. 4 Mr. 1. M. Robson “Mr. H. M. Clifford ir. James Stoufson Mr. Charles Eden Tom Bad.. ‘Miss Clara. Jecks Nell Guitar. Biss Alice Lethbridge The Lady Soft Roline..Miss Maggie Roberts The Countess of Grundy..Miss Agnes Hewitt Boildon Olly, Esq.........Miss Bertha Myers Lady Alicin'Fitzwors. ijss Nita Carylon Miss Rebecea Hothouse-Peach.... 4 Vidents Miss Phyllis Broughton The piece proved to be absolute rubbish. It was greeted by the critics with a chorus of derisive contempt, and by the first night audience with unlimited chaffing. Mr. George Alexander has purchased Mr. Alfred Calmon's romantic play, Elizabethan period and locale, which gave plenty of op- portunity for scenic play. A Charles Warner produced at the Brighton theater a good melodrama Ly Sutton Vane and Arthur Shirley, called-“'Under a Mask.” The first appearance in London of Miss Evangeline Florence since her marriage to Mr. Creerar will be at the Mottl concert, on November 20. This she will follow up with a ballad concert at Queen's hall, November 24, and an appearancesat the Pope on No- vember 26. " AMERICAN SINGERS IN LONDON. Mrs. Catherine Fisk, the American con- tralto, will give a song fecital on the after- noon of November 8, ShAveral other Ameri- can singers are expected to appear here during the winter and, spring. Mr. Charles Wood,. yho set to music the vde written by Mr. Swinpurne for the open- ing of the Royal College of Music, has just finished the incidental music to the “Iphi- genian Tauris of Eafipedes,” which is to be performed at Cambridge this month. Dr. A. C. Mackenzie has written nine new pieces for the violih, entitled “From the North,” the thematig mpterial of which is derived from Scotch gaurces. Oscar Wildo, It is announced, will follow the example of Dr.;Conan Doyle and turn lecturer. Mr. Jerome “K: Jerume also has aspirations i this direction, and both of them are sai to be lookimg forward to.the United States lectnre platforms. {io0 “The vetadfous and edif¥ihig atory of “‘Blue Beard, or the Fatal Effects of Femlnine Curiosity,” Is to be the subject of Mr. Oscar Barrett's pantomime at the Crystal Palace next boxing day. The scheme for the winter series of con- certs at the Imperial includes five orchestral concerts, The band s to be made up ex- clusively of Fellows of the Institue, which, judging by the standard of receptions and public functions already held by the Fel- lows, does mot argue well for a high stan- dard. A cholr has been formed and re. hearsals begun. Mr., Randegger is again honorary conductor, Mr. Edward Bendig, as- sistant conductor, and Mr. Louis D'Egville will lead the violins. NEW MUSICAL PRODUCTIONS. One of the most important musical pleces on_the way to production is a work composed by Meyer Lutz, the musical director of the Galety for so many years, and written by W. Saftle, jr. It is named “The Sleeping Beauty,” and will be found a novel varient of that dainty legend. /Tt is hoped to find a home for it at a West End theater before Christmas. Slegtried Wagner's bow to the London musical world will be made at the first of the Wagner concerts at Queen's hall, No- vember 6. He is said to be left-handed, and not to have achleved any great success in Germany, though one paper says he conducts with evident “The Slegfried Idyll,” the and the “Flying Dutchman™ overtures and the ‘‘Vorspiel und Lisbestod,’” trom “Tristan und Isolds,” should afford him every opportunity to show his quality. Eugene Odin, who was recently stricken with paralysis, is somewhat better, His doc- tors report that he 1§ progressing as well as could be expected, but say that it will be a long time before he will be able to get about, even in his room The fourth century of the birth of Hans Sachs, the “‘Cobbler Poet,” will be celebrated at Neuremburg and elsewhere in Germany ou Monday. From Berlin, Leipsig, Dresden and Frankfort the Shoemakers' Guild will send large delegations to take part in the celebration. Sachs' poetry has taken a great hold om the people of modern Germany, and his na- tive town already wears an air of festivity in honor of the anniversary of his birth. At the Neuremburg theater there. will be produced in honor of the occasion a three- act plece by Genee, dealing with events in the poet's lie, including his wanderjahre, or working journey about the country after finishing his apprenticeship. There will also be a performance of Meister singers. Cele- brations in honor of the day will also be held in Berlin and Munioh. BEERBOHM TRY#'S LATEST. Beerbohm Tree, writing to the Associated Press concerning his next production at the Haymarket, says: “Jt's tive is ‘John o Dreams.’ It is the sobriquet of Harold Winn, a young poet mand/ dreamer, whom [ shall try and portraylin contrast to a real- istic_character played-by Mr. Charles Cart- wright. Both men aretplove with the same woman, who has thétiigh her worldly ex- perience learned to mefisure the length of love by the knowledge of its depth. John o' Dreams’, was not written with the view of enforcing s moral, nor of prov- ing anything, but rather of representing some human beings ms—they are with their human passions, and, tkdfefore, inpiring hu- man interests.” bt Paderewski writes that hereafter It 1s his intention to give upelay@great deal of his plano forte playing i {public, and to devote more time to composing. His physician has advised him to lead a more tranquil life, and “All My 8ir ‘Beandiber Gilbert. Mither Ithaaths Prince Johnnie. forego the excitement of travel, which will prevent his reappearance in America for a long time, perhaps for &} time. AT THE OMAHA PLAY HOUSES, Mr. Royle Talks of roducing Another Play of His Owa—Com Events. Bdwin Mufon Royle, the author of “Priends,” does not believe In selling the pro- ducts of his pen. He thinks he cannot afford to jeopardize his reputation by writing to order. He proposes to make the company now playing “Friends’. a permanent organ- ization for the produetion of his own plays. He has finished two mew plays which will be produced before the termination of the present season. One is a romantic, costume play of historic interest, and the other a comedy-drama of contemporary interest. Mr. Hovie and bis excellent company will close their engagement at Boyd's this (Sunday) evenlng, by glving the fourth performance of the fine comedy-drama, “‘Friends,” The engagement at the Boyd this year has been very successful. Following at the Boyd comes Nell Burgess' “County Fair,” on the 15th, 16th and 17th inst.; followed by Pauline Hall Opera company, ““Aladdin, jr.” Mr. and Mrs. Kendal, Robert Gaylor and Nat Goodwin in quick succession, There will be quits an array of talent at | theater for four nights | the Fifteenth Street and two matine commencing with today's matinee. In the company will be Mr. Banks Winter, Warren W. Ashley, H. C. C: Frank Clayton, Burt Null, George Thayer, Morris Lester, Prof. Charles L. Willls, Misses Evelyn Temple, Lula Ames, Allie Marshall, Mabel Maitland, May Duclos, Mattie Lock- etto, Mrs. Charles A, Loder, and last, not least, the eminent German dialect com- edfan, Mr. Charles A. Loder, in his mirth- provoking character of “Judge Herman Pott- gelser,” and “he will make you laugh until your sides ache.” The comedy in which these farce comedy artists appear is in the rip-roaring farce, “Oh! What a Night,” re constructed and "rewritten by Mr. Fred S Gibbs, author of “A Kentucky GIrl" “Voo- doo” and other succossful plays, and in its new version a performance ‘‘up to date’ Is promised. The songs are new, dances new, music new and specialties new, and, in fact, everything new, except title and char- acters. This afterncon the first of the six last times. ““A good thing.” “‘Push it along." Following “Oh! What a Night” at the Fifteenth Stroet theater comes ‘A Man in Black." This play, charming in conception and orlginal in execution, will no doubt please its pitrons, being interpreted, as it Is, by a company of excellent artists, including many old-time favorites. ————e HELP FOR SUFFERERS, Plans to Rolieve the Wants of Farmers in Western Nebraskn. A number of the ministers of the city were at the lecture rooms in the Young Men's Christian association building yesterday, where they met Rev. Ludden and W. N. Nason of the commission appointed by Gov- ernor Crounse to Investigate the destitution existing in the counties in the western por- tion of the state. These two commissioners stated to the meeting that there were many families in the drouth-stricken regions that were in need of immediate relief in the way of fuel, food and clothing, The system of disbursing charities would be complete, and all donations, they said, would be given out In an honest manner. Mr. Ludden ed that the city of Port- land, Ore,, had offered a train load of wheat, and that fie was devising ways and means to secure its free transportation to the state. The Burlington would furnish the transporta- tion from Billings, and all that lay in the way of getting It here was the question of whether or not the Northern Pacific would transport it from Portland to the Burlington connection. Mr. Nason stated that the commissi: secured room 408 in the Brown block, teenth and Douglas streets, where small bundles and contributions could be left. It was requested that tomorrow, both morning and evening, the pastors of the churches of the city announce from their pulpits that there were hundreds of needy families In the state, and that contributions would be re- celved and forwarded. gt SECRETARY GILLAN'S PRIZES, Pian to Arouse Interost In Eloention Among High School Puplis, Secretary Gillan of the Board of Educa- tion has made a proposal to the members of the junlor and senior classes of the High school regarding an entertainment, which, cording to the proposal, will be given some timo in March. Mr.Gillan offers to donate three cash prizes, to be contested for by the members of the two classes, in an oratorical contest similar to those given annually in many of the other schools of the country. The contests include a competition betwoen two puplls in orations and recitations, and an additional prize for a debate, in which two pupils shall participate. The participants in each case to be chosen in preliminary con- teats, of which the winner shall be eligible to the final event. The judges are to be busi- ness or professional men outside of the schools, who are to be chosen by the superin- tendent of schools, the president of the board and the principal of the High school. ‘The proposition will probably be considered by the pupils at the regular class meetings which occur Friday, and it receives the ap- proval of the principal and superintendent. —— Oregon Kidrey Tea cures all kidney trou- bles. Trial size, 25 cents. All druggists. = e Mules and Horsos larned. A stable belonging to M. Milestone, in the rear of 44156 North Thirtieth street, was burned last night about 10 o'clock. A span of mules and a team of horses belonging to Mr. Milestone were also burned. The shman, | but | damage to the stable was $100. The loss s coversd by Insurance. pramien.ses "SI Short Court Notes. The Lemp Brewing company has com- menced a suit in the district court against 8. 8. Remer and wife to recover $1,700 with Interest, which it is claimed is due the brew- ing company on a promissory note. Weasell Bros. have recovered $162.25 from one of the drivers for Cudahy's packing com- caused by ono of their horses jumping agh Wessell's window. Alphonos Taylor Is suing his wife, Helen, for divorce on the grounds of desertion, alleg- ing that she left his bed and board two years ago. They were married in South Butler, Y., In 1871, The Jury in the damage sult against Banker | Johnson was out all day, and at a late hour last night had not been able to reach a ver- dict. - “While down In the southwestern part of the state some time ago”" says Mr. W. Chal- mers, editor of the Chico (Cal.) Enterprise, “I had an attack of dysentery. Having heard of Chamberlain's Colic, Cholera and Diar- rhoea Remedy 1 bought a bottle. A couple of doses of It completely cured me. Now I am a champion of that remedy for all stomach and bowel complaints.” For sale by drug- glsts. For Steallng Furs. B. V. Haze, a negro, opencd | North Thirty-eighth In front of G. K. Shukert's fur store, &t Fifteenth and Harney streets, last night, and was busy concealing skins about his person when the proprietor came out. Shukert oaught hold of the nogro, and a scrap started and continued for some ten minutes, Hase s a strapping negro, while Shukert s & little man, but the latter held on untll he attracted attention. He was considerably bruised. The negro is in Jail. il St e Fonernl of funeral of the late Mrs. lizabeth Dwyer, took place yestorday at The followed by a cortege numerous friends, removed late residence, 718 street, to St. Cocllia's church, where solemn requiem mass Was offerad for the departed soul. Rev. Father Callahan delivered a most touching eulogy, in which he dwelt at length on the virtues of the deceased, who was oducated at the Academy of the Sacred Heart, where she leaves behind her In the hearts of her sus perlors and companions memories which time cannot efface. The floral offerings were profuse and beau- titul. The remains were interred at Holy Sepulcher cemetery, The pall benrers were Mossrs Frank Coad, Charles Furay, Edw Furay, Alfred Beaton, Charles Gibbon, Mat= rice Hussle, Hartnett Murray and Harry Gallagher. The Byrne, 11 a large were nee remains, of from the Benson, 555 o, CHILDREN Coming in Continually Don’t miss getting one of our Souvenir Tickets. ARTISTIC FURNITURE DESKS, ROCKERS, LOUNGES, BOOKCASES, CHEFFONIERS, floor, where LOWEST PRICES. Our Drapery Department is now located on the first Jarge and beautiful line of new novelties. SIDEBOARDS, China Closets, Music Cabinets BRASS AND IRON BEDS. we show a BEST QUALITY. Dewey & Stone Furniture Co., 1115-1117 FARNAM STREET, WE DO THE OMAIIA. [AILORING Not only of Omaha) but of the United States! Why Shouldn't We? We've got the largest stock—the best variety to select from—the most skillful cutters :and fitters—the best workmen—and last (but by no means least) the Put yourself on the inside of one of our Business Suits —c=— $20 ~ $25 + and you will be economically dressed. We have every new design in Trousering— most moderate prices! PS-$S-P7-$S-$9 Shrewd buyers are placing their orders with us! We Mail Samples Upon Request. DA