Omaha Daily Bee Newspaper, February 26, 1895, Page 2

abay 8o ?fl/unin‘ 7 TR YT o TAT AYFAMO r THE OMAHA DAILY BEE: TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1895 OVER OMAHA'S NEW CHARTER Discussion of Its Provisicny Ceonties the Attention of & fenate Committee, MARKET HOUSE A CAUSE FOR CCNTENTICN | Chiet Wrangle of the Day Came on the | Matter of Including Vonds for the Bullding in the City's Toial Indebtedness. LINCOLN, clal.)—The senat committtes on municipal affairs took up the Omaha charter for the first time during the | present session and in doing so entertained | a largs delegation of of | the metropolis nent | Omaha citizens b ex-Gov ineer Roo: water, tterson, D. H. | nspear, HLIKLI Jchn Grant, Frank H. Bartell, Archi- | Haskell and Ernest intorested ng the citizens present were Alvin Saunders, City E w. Poppleton, D. €. T Wheeler, Chairman W Hartman, Judge Estell Ransom, J. T. Wertz tect Bolndorf, Isaac Stutht Chairman Hahn stated that representatives from Omaha b Jection the bull would ba tak pecton, E. H. ¥ Governor Saunders were pre: an amendment which would enzble the city of Omaha (o erect a market house. He said | that he moticed that ral parties we present who were interested in metters per- talning to the of city engi thought it would b: better to tak tions in which parties pres:nt were and leave these sections ug there seemed to be no controversy City Engineer Rot believed that the fairest way would be to take the bill up section by scetion. By this mothod no accu- sation of unf: 38 could be brought against | any ane, Frank Ransom hoped that the committee would not complete the bill this afternoon, as be represented many lieavy taxpayers who desired to be heard, but who could not be prosent today It was finall eral & which present rnor Ch unless the d serious ob- | | up section by t and interested n wheh decided to call out the sev- serfatim, and to pass those to no chjection was made by any on Everything passed along swim- D. H. Wheeler explaining bristly made in each gection. To ction 11 artcr Major Wheeler offered an en- tirely new amendment, which he stated had been agreed upon by the revision committee. It provided that the city ccmptroller should not be elected at the same time that the | other city officers were chos His amend- | ment also provided that under the new char- | ter the ncxt comptroiler should be elected fn 1896, and the present comptroller hold his office until aftar that date, “Do you mean by that to extend the term of the § comptroller one year?" asked Vhy, was the response from the ur- bane Major Whealer. Vell,”” retorted Ransom, “you know what extend his term a asked Judge Bs- telle, awsuit over this thing T'lL bat you'll be in it. TO CONTROL WATER RATES. To section 64 Mr. Poppleton asked that the following provision be added to the end of the section: And the mayor and council of each city created governed by th shall have power to provide, by ordinance or contract With any competent party, for the su ing and furnishing of water, gas or ol dight or electric power, rivate consumers wit: he rates, terms and conditions upon which the samé may and shall be supplied and furnished during the period nameq in the ordinance or contract. There were several objections to thix. J. T. Wertz claimed’ that while he did not destre ta bo personal in his remarks, he felt it his duty to say that h= had heard Mr. Poppleton threaten to defeat the canal, even if he had to knock out the canal provisions in the charter. Mr. Poppleton denied any such statement and explained what he really had said. Mr. Werta begged pardon and the incident closed. City Engineer Rosewater made a brief explanatory statement in which he said that the section was omitted because It was not discussed after the material features of the charter were agreed upon. That is, these features that appertain to amend the other part supposed to be includsd in the original charter. This work was left to a committee of two, composed of Mr. Connell and Mr. Poppleton, -and he wos satisfied that that provision never would have been left out by the original committee if fts attcntion had been called to it. This 15 an important pro- vision. Omaha already has rates for water seven and one-half times what it is in Phila- delphia aceording to meter rates. The water company is discussing the advisability of charging meter rates in Omaha. If it does do 0, Omaha cannot be given any too much power in the matter of controlling this great corporation. Major Wheeler and others came to Mr. Poppleton’s reseue and the senate committee will undoubtedly add th> disputed clause to the sectfon, With reference to the right of the cl'y to condemn right of way for tne proposed canak to any point within the limits of Nebraska, Mr. Patlerson suggested that the limif be made sixty milca, He feared that the pro- vision as it stood would create opposition to the charters from weatern members of the legislature. When the committes reached that section of the charter giving the city counell power to levy an cecupation tax a large sized oppo- sition was engendered by Frank Ransom, In explaining the section Major Wheeler sald that the laws of Nebraska gave to every city in the stat2 except Omaha the right to collect an occupation tax. The section was copled from the Fremont charter, which had been reviewed by the supreme court and pro- nounced good law. Ransom said that it was this provision that the heavy taxpayers of Omaha, whom he represented, were opposing. He claimed that it was not just and right that the business men who were already heavily taxed upow the valuation of their property should be called upon to pay an additional license tax. OCCUPATIONS AIMED AT. Major Wheeler replied that it was not the intention of the revision committee to tm- pose any additional burden upon the busi- neas men, but It did want the power to tax auctioneers, employment sgencles, commis- sion merchants, brokers, insurance officers and agents, surveyors, engineers, architects, house movers, runners, hawkers, peddlors, telegraph, telephone or express interests. He pointed to the fact that the eity of Fremont had passed un ordinance levying an cecupa- tion tax upon the telegraph companics. This ordinance had beon passed upon by the su- preme court and declared good law. “Well, the supreme court may have de- clared it good law, but it didn’t decide that it was wise law, by any meaus,” replied Ran- #om, who added that the “heavy taxpayers,” whow he ropresented, would appear before the committee next Monday afternoon. This reference to a meeting next Monday was a new idea (0 many of the Omaha peo- ple present, who were unaware that any scheme was on foot to delay consideration of the charter for a whole week longer, and Wortz registered a strenuous objection. The committce pissed to the next section, and tnside of two minutes the dstingulshed representatives from the metropolis were engaged in the hottest kind of a controversy over he proposition to exempt market house bonds from the lmit of bonded In- | debtedness. The whole Omaha delegation | ranged themsclyes on one side of the propo- sitiop, and Frank Ransom took the other #ide, single-handed and alone. 18 A MARKET HOUSE WANTED. Mr. Bartlett preseated the proposed amendment ou bohialf of the Omaka Com- mereial club. Mr. Poppleton asked 'f it was not a fact that the charter already made ample provis- jon for a market house. He poinied out the first part of section 66, which authorized the oity to issue bouds for the purpose of bulidicg & market house. and stated that the esent bonded fudebteduess of tho city was ,000,000. The charter MNmited the total ndebtedness 1o $2,250,000, This, he said, would give an opportunity to bu'ld the mar- ket house without uny further provision tric o the public or hin auch eity, and | true ‘that | public at the last election the cfty voted pating bonds, which, when issued, would more than absorb the $250,000. Mr. Bartlett explained that while it was the city might possibly have the power to build the market house withont further amendment, that there was no cer- tainty that under the present provision the city would get the bullding. He and the | gentlemen on the committee with him wanted the market house bonds exempted from the charter limitation Governor Saunders made a clear state- ment of the position of the Commerctal club, The market house, he said, was demanded by all classes of citzens. It was needed by tho poorer classes and by the laboring men Ransom got up in reply and accused every- bdy of trying to pull the weol over the eyes of the committee. He sald that he did not claim to represent the poor man ot the labor- | ing man. He was here as th representative of the taxpa . and not of the rabble. Major Wheeler loosened the plaster on the | ceiling by n few stentorian remarks. He sald that tne pecple of Omaka wanted a market house, but he didn’t want the Kind of a market house that was proposed last year—with a public hall upstairs, He would oppose the amendment unless it was dis- tinctly stated that the market house should be o one-story bullding. Chairman Winspear sald that unless the Commercial club's amendment was adopted there would be no market house. Mr. Weller reviewed concisely ments In faver of the amendment. Mr. Bartlett in closing his side of the dis- cussion said he felt that Mr. Ransom was speaking worthily when he classed the labor- ing men of Omaha as the rabble. He said | that the people of Omaha insisted on the merket house. He was willing that the char- tor should limit the use of the building strictly to market use This statoment impelled Ransom to adopt new tactics. He claimed that he and the interests he represented were as anxlous o have a market house as anybody: but with the markel house they wanted a public hall for a laboring man's auditorium. He ob- jeeted to any proposition that would shut out the construction of a public hall. nest Stuht stopped the procession long pugh to ohject to the market hcuse, because people liviag three or four miles from the institution would have no opportunity of : themeslves of Its advantages. J.T. Wertz sald that if the whole matter was probed it would discover that the oppo- sition came from a few commission men. AGAINST THE PAVING COMBINE. Sngincer Rosewater next calldd the ticn of the committtee to the provision tained in sect'on 69 of the charter which recites that in all c ing, repaving, macada zing 1structing parmanent . there shall be used such material several Kinds of material as the ma- jority of the owners shall determine. In opposing this provisicn Mr. Rosewater made a strong statement showing how the oty of Omaha had been held up by paving combina- tions in the past. He sald that if the pro- vision remained as proposed the city would be at the mercy of any two members of the Baard cf Public Works, who could, by a deal | with paving contractors, designate any par- ticular class of paving material and the would have no recourse. For ln- | stance, he said, if the property cwners of any given ' paving district should decide upon asphalt for their district, a majority of the Board of Public Works could make. the plans and specifications call for Trinidad asphalt and it the provision was not amendad the owners of Trin'dad asphalt would have > competition. In the same ‘manner the board could designate Lyons sandstone or Galesburg brick. In such events the people would have to buy this particular kind of sandstone or brick. He said that under this provision Omaha has for years been denied competition. He asked that the provision sheuld be amended so as to provide that no source or cwnership of any material to be used shall he designated in any specification for public works to be done by competitive bids. No opposition was made from any one present and the amendment s likely to be favorably considered by the committee. ABOUT THE TAX COMMISSIONER Ferdinand Strite made an emphatic protest against the provision for the appolntment of the tax commissioner. He wanted the official elected by the people instead of appointed by the mayor and city council. Major Wheeler said that this matter had been fully discussed in Omaha and it was generally conceded that only by appointing the tax commissioner could honest results be obtained. Under the assessors elected by the people taxes were unjustly distributed, He knew of interests that owned $120,000 worth cf property that were paying taxes on less than $4,000. Mr. Rosewater stated a more flagrant cuse of tax shirking and alluded to the water works company that owned $9,000,000 worth o property, sent $600,000 in dividends east every year, and yet it paid taxes on but $73,000 werth of property. Before the committee broke up its session Judge Estelle stated that a proposition would be submitted providing that the park fund should be expended by districts, The committtee agreed that no final action the argu- of the | vanced to the general file. should be taken until after next Monday, in order that the clients of Frank Ransom might be present. i Mr. Biendort presented the following reso- utio: Resolved, It being the sense of the Builders and Traders' Exchange that the building ‘inspector be retained an inde- pendent office, and not placed under the Board of Public Works, that in the interest onomy the unnecessary help be dis- charged and the various building depart- ments be consolidated, Mr. Beindorf proposed that section 107 of the new charter be stricken out altogether and the law left as it Is at present. e Mark the difference between Dr. Price's and the other baking powders. It does not only immeasurably better work, but does it at half the cost. e BLEEDING NOSE AND BAD EYE Mr. Place Denlod Admittance to His Chil- dren and Fights with McDonald, First blood has been drawn In the Place family troubles, and it has been drawn from the nose of George A. Place himself. Yes- terday afternoon he rushed into the police statlon with the gore sireaming from his nostrils and excitedly asked for the city prosecutor. He wanted a warrant issued for the arrest of George McDonald, who, he claimed, assaulted him, - The prosecutor wa out and Place Immediately started out on his trail. Three minutes later McDonald came in with a welt over the eye and began to tell his story to Judge Berka. He was tellng how Place had as- saulted him when the judge cut him off and told him to tell his troubles to the prose- ecutor, and McDonald went on the hunt for him. The ehances are that one or the other, or both, will have warrants issued before this morning. The trouble occurred at McDonald’s house at Seventeenth and Leavenworth streets. It will bo remembered that Place and his wife have had considerable trouble. A divorce suit is now pending in district court. They have two children, of whom each wants the cus- tody, and the strife over them has caused the utterance of a good many hot words, on paper and otherwise, IFor the time being the courts have given the children to Mrs. Place, and she is now living with them at the house of McDonald. Place claims that ho has anthority to visit the children at cer- tain intervals, but McDonald disputes this claim, He says that a stipulation to that offect Las besn entered into by the lawyers of the two parties, but he did not agree to it and he wil_not have Place on his premises. Place succe¥ed in seelng the children sev- eral times, but the last time he came Me- Donald refused to let Mm see them and told him if he came there again there would be trouble, terday afternoon Place made a visit. McDonald was around, and true to his prom- o there was troul Both parties came out of the encounter somewhat dlsdgured. According to McDonald's story, Place struck him in the eye first, and then ho returned the blow with several on Place's nose. Gasoline Stove Exploded. An explosion of gasoline occurred last night at the residence of O. Anderson at Hamilton street. The fire de nent called out, but'the stove from whicl the gasoline caught five was carried out of the house belore any damase was done, e He (ad a Lady's Dress. W. L. Crabtree was arrested last night by Officer Barnes at Sixteenth and Daven- ort while trying to dispose of 8 lady's e City Eogincer Rosewater explained that BARRETT SCOTT CASE AGAIN | House in a Deadlook on the Bill to Rsmove it from Holt County, MINORITY HAS THE WHIP HAND S3 FAR Majority Caught In the Trap of the Rules of Order—Barry Leads the Fight Against the Wataon Measure. LINCOLN, Feb, 25.—(Special.)—~There was & deal of trouble on the hands of the house dufing the greater part of tha afternoon ses- slon. It all grew out of Senator Watson's bill, senate file No. 259, which provides that the alleged murderers of Barrett Scott be taken from Holt and tried in another county. When the measure came up on the call for bills on third reading, Barry, Horst and Rhodes made a fight on it. They were sup- ported by twenty-four votes against fifty-two, and then the fur flew. Filibustering began and there were two calls of the house within ten minutes of each other. The bill had never been debated in committee of the whole, but had been taken out of the regular order on Harrison’s motion four days ago and ad- Not a word was then said In its favor; not a sentence was to- day uttered in its defense as against the sharp attacks of Rhodes, Howard, Barry and Horst. The bulky majority silently and sullenly voted steadily for the interests of the bill, but without argument. The minority of twenty- four buzzed and fluttered through all shapes of parliamentary phantasmagori, and finally forced an adjournment, having accomplished nothing. Under Roberts' rule, no motion can be en- tertained during a call of the house except that of adjournment. It is thought In some quarters that trouble over senate file No. 259 has but just commenced. Under the proceedings of the call of the hous extreme disorder prevailed. Groups of members sang war songs and hooted. One of them inquired if he could smoke. Cooley of Cass gave an excellent imitation of a steam calliope with his mouth. A computation ot the time and money to be lost to the state in the forcing of this measure through will make an interesting exhibi CHANGING THE BANKING LAW. The constitutionality of house roll Nu. 482 is being_discussed by members quite ear- nestly. This is a bill introduced by Munger by request. It provides in the first and only section that the stockholders in any state bank organized under the provisions of the statutes of Nebraska shall be deemed and considered as partners, and liable as such for all debts of such bank. This measure was recommended for indefinite postporement by the committee, but the committee of the whole debated it, and finally ordered it to the general file. Parties arguing in favor of its unconstitutionality point to section 4, article XII, Miscellaneous Corporations of the consti- tution, which provides as follows: In all cases of claims against corporations and joint stock associations, the exact amount Justly due shall first be ascertained, and, after the corporate property shall have been exhausted, the original ~ subscribers thereof shall be individuaily liable to the extent of their unpald subscription, and the liability for the unpaid subscription shall follow the stock. This section is supplemented by a note: Liability of stockholders, limited fo a com- pliance with the laws governing such cor- porations. Smith against Steele, 8, 18, Those who claim that the bill is constitu- tional point to this ruling of the supreme court. Kaup's bill, bouse roll No. 514, whieh has been printad, places all the express business of the state in the hands of the State Board of Transportation. It makes it the board's duty to see that all charges made by the several express companies shall not- exceed 70 per cent of the rate tn effect on January 1, 1895. The penalty for violation of this pro-| vision by any manager, superintendent or employe of any corporation is a fine of mot less than $100, and commitment until the fine is paid. Dempsey of the Fifty-third district fs the. author of a wife-beating bill. Its one sec- tion is short and decisive, and provides that any person who. shall wilfully or inhumanly beat, strike or kick his wife shall be deemed guilty of a felony, and upon conviction thereof shall be imprisoned in the peniten- tiary not more than five years nor less than one, Harte's drug lHcense bill, house roll No. 499, provides that every dealer in drugs and medicines shall pay a license fee of not less than $50 per annum, and that all applica- tions to sell drugs and medicines must be made to the Board of Fire and Police Com- missioners, in conformity with the law regu Iating the Tlicense and sale of malt, spirituous and vinuous liquors, for medicinal, mechan- ical and sacramental purposes. LOCATING RAILWAY OFFICES, A Dill has been framed in Lincoln and will bob up serenely in the house within a day or two, which provides that every raflroad company in the state of Nebraska, except those that do mot enter’ the capitol city, shall maintain general offices in the city’ of Lincoln. This specimen of anti- railway legislation is drafted, it 1s boldly claimed, for the purpose of pulling the Bur- lington offices out of Omaha. It fs said that the measure would also force the Mis- souri Pacific, the Elkhorn and the Rock Island to open general offices for the state in Lincoln. The Union Pacific ssves itself from the provisions of this drastic measure only because it happens to be in the hands of the federal court. As a booster for this bill it is claimed that some years ago Kan- sas_enacted a similar law and compelled roads in that state to remove their general offices to Topeka. - Governor Holcomb today transmitted to the house a message incorporating the re- port of Delegate Lamborn of the house to the Russian thistle convention at St. Paul, Minn. In the message he expressed the wish that tne legislature would carefully welgh the suggestions of Representative Lamborn, and do all that could be done in the way of exterminating the pest. The populists in the house are still in the position to give the majority a good scare on the general appropriation bill. Some of them say that this majority is responsible for the introduction and passage of (these bills. But two days remain when they can be introduced without intervention of the governor. The house is now In a deadlock over senate file No. 259, by Watson, pro- viding for trial of the alleged murderers of Barrett Scott outside of Holt county. It is hought that the minority can keep it in this ndition till they are in a position to dic- tato terms. The terms which they say they are willing to offer is recommitment of the bill to the committee of the whole for debate. Besides, there are quite a number of the majority who have bills in which they are personally interested, and which they want to Introduce. They object strongly to being held up to accommodate senate file 259, ROUTINE OF THE DAY, Following the oall Ricketts filed a request of the Commercial club of Lincoln for the use of Representative hall on the evening of March 1, in order that the club might tender the members a reception. The request was granted, Wait asked unanimous consent to intro- duce a resolution that authors of house rolls be notifled when senate commitiees are consideriag such measures, The resolution was adopted Senate file No. 259, the bill to take the al- leged murderers of Barrett Scott out of Holt county for trial, was jumped into the ring on_the eall for bills on' third reading. Barry sent up a motion in writing that the bill be resubmitted, for the purpose of striking out the enacting clause, He made a strong speech In, favor of his motion. Horst dwelt at considerable length on the alleged unconstitutionality of the bill, and read @ number of opinions and rulings in defense of his position. Suter read the history of the trial of the Olive gang in 1880, In° which the supreme court liad held in direct opposition fo the | provisions of senate file No. 259, Howard ed the following question, re- duced to writing, of the house: It has been boldly stated to me that this bill is directly aimed at the murderers of Bar and in order that this house may vote intelligently upon, this measure, I respectfully ask that the learned constl- tutional lawyer whose hand prepared the bill be requested to give this house such informution, as well as lead the memb ress. He was sent to t tation, He Wwas Bouked 48 h ‘Suspirious Sharmies to_light upon the following proposition: ‘Wold 1t'be possibie under the brovisions of this bill Molthe attorney general to bring the Dpuglas county murderers of Georgge Smith WAL rial i Sarpy, Washing: ton or Burt county? The yeas and nays were demanded on Barry's motiap N]fecommit, and betore the volo was anfbuNtld Barry demanded & el of the house. He then moved that it be raised, which was carried, and amended his own motion to'‘8#mmit for the purpose of striking out the-gmacting clause. This motion the speaker would not entertain, and the clerl proceeddd to. verity tho rolo call on the motion, which déelared lost by 62 to 24, Barfy ‘then moved that the bill be recom- mitted for the purpose of consideration in the committee of otti- whole, but the speaker again ruled against him. Barry then moved a recommitment of the bill for. the DUEDOME of amendment. Miles, In an excited maner moved the previous ques- tion, and Barry said: AL right, old boys, go ahead." Miles' motion prevailed and the debate closed. The vote recurred on Barry's motion. He called for the yeas and nays, Rhodes seconded the motion, but the speaker ignored it, put the question and declared Barry’s mo- tion lost. Filibustering continued and an- other call of the house was demanded. Nearly a dozen members were found to be absent, Barry made an error at this juncture, and moved that the absentees be sent for. A rule of the house is that following a call of the house this shall be done. But Munger, in the epeaker's chair, now ruled that the mo- tion was in order, put it, and it was lost, thus placing the minority at the mercy of the majority, determined to pass the measure. A motion was then made tnat further pro- ceedings under the call be dispensed with, but five objected, Higgins, Rhodes, Horst, Barry and Rothieutner. The sergeant-at- arms was directed to produce the absentees beforo the bar of the house. A motlon was made to adjourn. Rhodes objected. He sald that no motion would lie under proceedings of call of the house ex- cept a_motion to ralse it. The speaker looked up & rule in Roberts' Rules of Order, under which the house fs doing business, ‘to the effect that no motion would lie except a mo- tion to adjourn The house adjourned, and when it meets to- morrow morning it will be under call of the house, and the same disorderly scenes are likely to be re-enacted. SENATOR DALE ON OIL INSPECTION. New BIll to Rogulate the Administration of the Office 1s Offerad. LINCOLN, Feb.. 25.—(Special)—Senator Dale this forenoon offered a bill in the senate having for its object the correction of many abuses that have grown up under the pro- visions of the present law governing the in- spections of ofls. The present law is lame in that it gives the chief oil inspector authority to hold oft his final settlement with the state until the month of January each year. It is this provision that enabled Hilton to euchre the state out of over $5,000. Dalo's bill pro poses no radical departure from the present law, except that it provides for monthly set- tements instead of annual. The biil provides as_follows: The state inspector of oils shall receive goannal salary of $000, payable from the fees of his office. He shail also be al- lowed « 1 further sum as he may actually and nec arfly expend, whether for travei- Ing expe: ses Incurred 'in the discharge of his duties, or for the proper prosecution of any case of offense arising under the pro- visions of this-act. Bach deputy inSpector shall be entitledi to a salary, payable monthly, of not to exceed $100 per month, payable ' from, the, fees of said office, as erein provided:~! Bach deputy inspector shall be entitléd t6 ‘and allowed all actual and necessary, expenses for railroad, stage and steamboat fares, together with hotel bills not exceeling $Z per day, incurred in the discharge: of his duties as'such deputy tor, and for such other sums of on® (bY he” authority ‘of the state Inspector he may expend in the prosecus tions for offenses arising under the pro- visions of thig act. Al salaries 'ind ‘expenses provided for in this act shall'be‘pald by the state in- spector out of theimoney Tecelved for the inspection of olls as provided herein; Provided, That in case the amount of money recefved for such inspections nc- cording to_the' provisions of this act shall not be sufficiént %o pay the salaries and Sxpenses of the state inspector ‘and hia deputies, as pravided herein, the amount of such denckmr‘}‘ntu be deducted from said salaries’ 0 each; Provided, further, That In' case the amount of money recelved f e - tlon of olls according to the provisionscor this act shall be in excess of the sum re- duired to pay the salaries and_expenses of the state inspector and his deputies as provided hereinbefore, the amount of such excess shall be paid into the state treas- ury for the benefit of the general fund. The state inspector shail render to the auditor of public accounts a detafled re- port and account, fully itemized, of all the receipts and disbursements ot ' his office, showing the balances, if any, on hand, on or before the 10th day of each'month, for the last calendar month, and he shall also Incorporate coples of such reports and accounts in his annual report to the governor. GRIND OF THE SENATE. It was 10:30 a. m. before the senate was rapped to order this morning, and not until after 11 o'clock did the secretary complete the reading of the journal. McKesson asked unanimous consent, which was granted, that senate fle No. 129 be en- grossed and advanced to third reading. On reports from standing committees, sen- ate file No. 252, by Gray, relating to public highways, was ordered to general file, and senate file No. 130, by Hahn, a memorial and joint resolution endorsing the bill now pending in congress providing for ceding to the state of Nebraska all government lands within the borders of the staie. the title to which still remains in the United States, was ordered to a third reading. Under the call of the special order, Me- Kesson moved that, in view of the fact that a special investigating committee had re- ported that the services of all the present employes of tlie senate were necessary, the auditor of public accounts be instructed by the senate to draw warrants for their pay in full. The motion was adopted without dis- sent. ‘Watson moved that action on house roll No. 41, providing for a pension for injured firemen, be reconsidered. The bill had been indefinitely postponed, and his motion was adopted. Hahn gave notice that the committee on municipal affairs would meet at 2 o'clock to consider the Omaha charter, and the senate tock a recess until that hour. This afternoon in the senate Watson, from the committee on military affairs, reported back Smith's memorial 0 congress asking for the recession of Fort Omaha to the state of Nebraska. The original memorial favored the use of the site of Fort Omaha for a state military academy. The committee on mili- tary affairs recommended the substitution of the words “encampment of the Nebraska Na. tional Guards” instead of ‘“state military school” and recommend its passage. The senate then went into committee of the whole for the consideration of bills on general file, Hahn's Dbill, guthorizing cities of the first class with less''than 25,000 inhabitants to issue bonds not’to exceed In amount $50,000 for the purpose ‘of éonstructing electric light plants, was recommended for passage. Pope's pure 100d bill provoked something of a discussion, ll{,')lru,vldu for a pure food cont. mission, to conglst of the governor, lieutenant governor and .superintendent of public struction, with power to appoint a secretary, The bill opposed by Tefft and Graham, but was recomuended for passage. After Iluulllng' 10' a special message from Governor Holedmb, submitting the report of Senator Stewart‘and® Representative Lamborn, who attended a’ confprence at St. Paul to di cuss measures far (le eradication of the Ru slan thistle, thefsenate adjourned, B —— nzu-:vnmda-‘fimmm:u SENATOR! af State House the Scbne of u Soclal Affair of ConsiTerable Froportions. LINCOLN, Féb. 25.-(Special Telegram.)— Senator and ‘Mrs. Wright tendered a re- ception to the members of the senate and their ladies at the state house this evening. The reception was held in the senate cham- bers, the furniture belng removed for the occasion. The large room was completely transformed by the decoration of pulms and cut flowers. The reception commenced at 8:30, and at 10 o'clock music was furnished for dancing. The affair was something of an innovation, as soclal entertainments of .80 elaborate & character have been rare features of legislative sesslons at the capitol. Sen- ator and Mrs. Wright have established & pre- cedent for social entertainments at this ses sion which is Mkely to be followed fre- quently. Friday evening the Lincoln Commercial club will tender a reception to the legisla- ture, both the senate chamber and represent- ative hall having been secured for the pur- pose, n- M T A 3 HOLUB IN THE “BLACKLANDS" Famous Explorer Speaks About African Tribes as Ho Has Scen Them. LECTURE ILLUSTRATED BY DRAWINGS Coundition of Woman Dettered by the Christian Plow-Hottentots Too Cowardly and Luzy to Survive—Individual and Tribal Characteristios. Dr. Holub, the African explorer, lectured at the Young Men's Christian assoc'ation auditorium last evening. He was introduced by Bdward Rosewater, who sald that in past years geographers and men of science had sought in vain to penetrate the of Africa, but that in recent years portions of the dark continent had even been gridironed with rallways and other evidences of pro- gress which resulted from the courageous explorations of white men. He was pleased to say that one of these leaders, whose name was now famous the world over, was an Omaha man, Henry M. Stanley, Another man whose achievements ranked with those of Stanley was Dr. Holub, whose exhibit cf African products, weapons and trophies first attracted his attention in Vienna. Dr. Holub was applanded as he stepped to the front. With a graceful bow he ac- knowledged the ovation and at once com- menced his lecture on ‘“The Heart of Africa.” Near the speaker was a black- board, upon which was quickly sketched a map of the “black lands” showing the doctor’s line of exploration from Capetown to the Zambezi river, indicating the tribal colonfes of the Viafirs, Ma Ruts, Tiepulls, Ma Shhulumbo Vungono, Bechuanos, Hotten- tots, Zulus, Ma-Atables and a few way sta- tions with ‘*vestibuled” titles in African vernacular. The lecturer recited several Instances when he won the friendship of tha natives by curing them of their afflictions, an advantage which his profession enabled him to saccoss- fully secure. PLOW HAS HELPED WOMAN. In discussing the peculiar idea of woman- hood entertained by the masculine gender of some tribes he said that many of the Africans were cnly too glad to dispose of their daughters for their equivalent in oxen or cattle. The women would not be considered beautiful, judged from our standard, but they are much better looking than some cf the other tribes, and would be less repuls've it it were not for a kind of a snuff spoon which they use. It broadens and flattens the nose and disfigures the face. Within recent years woman's condition has been somewhat im- proved in one or two of the tribes. This has been brought about by the introducticn of plows by the m'ssionarles. Women are not allowed to use them, because they are not permitted to touch a domestic animal, and consequently the cultivaticn of the land devolves upon the men. Women, there- fore, now have less of the field labor than formerly. Referring to other tribal characteristics, Dr. Holub said that the Basuta and Bech- uana make villages, They reside along the Shoshon river, having villages in the valley. In the center of each village is the cattle pen or kutla. Around the Kutla are the king's palaces, and in the outer circles are the houses of the chiefs of the tribes, whose habitations are arranged in the same order with the pens in the center, but on a smaller scale. The kutla are used in the day time as a forum where the king and his chiefs de- termine all matters pertaining to the nation. In order to summon the chiefs to delibera- tion the king orders his servants early in the morning of the intended day to throw branches of the mimosa tree into the kutla of the chiefs. Among the Zulus each regiment has a town of its own. The cattle pen is placed on the crest of a hill around which are placed the barracks of the soldiers fn one or more circles. The Ma Rutse tribe live fn South Central Africa and among alll the Ba-N'Thu nations are the cleverest and most industrious. Here women enjoy a better position than among other tribes. The Ma-Rutse does not eell his daughter to another man unless she is willing, and women have even been known to reach the dignity of sovereignty and rule over the people in place of kings. Even where they are compelled to work they are allowed slaves from women of the other tribes. heart THEIR UNSEEN GOD. The Ma-Rutse are the only natives who betieve tm an all-powerful, unseen God. This supreme belng whose name they hold too sacred to even pronounce is known to them N'ambe. They say he lives in the blue sky (Mo Chorimo) and they respect and fear him. In times of disaster, when danger threatens them and they feel cause for alarm, they congregale upon the graves of some of their great chiefs and Implore them to intercede for them. They believe that their great chiets’ sp'rits go to dwell with the wonderful god, and they look to these spirits for help and protection. These graves they often adorn with Ivory, ele- phant tusks, and other things which seem to their fancy ornamental. This tribe has a peculiar civilization of its own, differing In many respects from any other, but in none more than in their weapons of attack and defense. Most savage people are content with one or two different kinds of arms, but the Ma-Rutse have twelve —one for fighting with men at a distance, another for close range, a third for elephant hunting, a barbed spear to kill one animal, another for some different kind. One of the most ingenious of their tools Is a hook fastened by several strings to a bunch of reeds, This is sald to be one of the most unique as well as the most effective way to catch and kil crocodiles that has ever been in- vented. It is the king of these people that we see seated upon a mat of palms partaking of the evening meal with the head men of the kingdom. King Sepopo who Is here represented, is now dead, as the result of interfering with the domestic ar- rangements of one of his subjects. The picture, however, shows (his residence (n Sheske, which consists of the king's own yard, surrounded by several smaller yards, the huts in the other yards being inhabited by two of the queens, In the king's own yard there are three rude huts, the one in the center is the reception hall, the one on the left the sleeping place, while thg one on the right might be considered a curlo store- room. Here are kept the various and sundry things which have been presented to the king by Europeans, including every- thing, from pillow cases and starched shirts to bits of brass and iron. No effort is made to keep this room. clean or preserve the contents from the Invasion of rats and mice, ’ When the king of this tribe seats himself at the dining table with his head men the latter are obliged to taste the food before it is passed to the king, to assure his majesty that no faithless subject has designs upon his life. Afterward, the food was passed to the guests and to the wives of the king, and all the others assembled. This course is usually followed by a beverage known as honey beer. The ceremony is extremely simple, the chief care of the king being to see that he is not poisoned. HOTENTOTS WILL NOT LAST. Dr, Holub stated that the Hotentots, first inhabitants of south Africa, are fast dying out. They are cowardly and lazy and are being driven to the sand tracts of the southwest coast by the Ba-N'Thu race, which comes from central Africa across the Zam- bezl. Of this race there are some twenty different nations or tribes. He sald the Hotentots are very unclear, and have lost sight of almost all of their old customs. The former native industry and superstitions have passed away, and instead those of the English and Dutch have been counterfeited. A certain secret soclety existing among them Is the only relic of their fathers They are very reticent In regard to this organization. A member can be twid by three marks branded on his breast. One belonging to this strange fraternity is alwaye cared for iu sickness and distress, and while on a tour his brother members are com- pelled to feed and lodge him. the Speaking of the periils of the dark con-| G tinent, the locturer said that in the viclnity of the Zambezi country lions are flerce and plentiful. Night after night they attack the villages and devour the inhabitants. In nearly all the villages the high platform is built as a placs of refuge, and when the Wild beasts make their attacks the natives rush to this citadel and from this clevation are able to hurl their spears apon the lion below with telling effect Dr. Holub, coming.into this village one day, found the natives huddled together in this way, expecting the lons, The plattorm was perhaps thirty feet high, ten feet wide, and twelve feot long. It held three men, four women and several children. A lioness had been killed a few days previous, and her skull they willingly exchanged for an empty cartridge box, which they utilized for snuff. Bach village is partially protected by high oles, which form a kind of pallsade, but in such sandy sofl they do mot offer much re- sistance to the ottacks of lions and oth Wild beasts. Tho huts as pictured are bell- shaped and covered with dried grasses, On his second exploration the doctor was accompanied by his wife, who displayed re markable courage and devotion, and ful earned the distinction of being one of the few Whito women who ever set foot on the soll of perilous Africa. Speaking of the loyalty of African natives, Dr. Holub says that they are the truest of men when once one wins their friendship. They aro faithful and will die In defense of a Whits man whom they love. The professional guides and “courlers” in Africa are generally inclined to rob travelers, and will seldom leave the houndary lines of thelr tribal provinces. It is then necessary to hire new couriers and have a relay of guides, of his travels were men whose friendship be cultivated when he first started out on his expedition. TOO HOT FOR CROWNS Tt is too hot to wear burdensome crow in Africa, so the kings or chiefs abbreviat needless head ornaments as well as garbs. Dr. Holub reviewed some of his experiences with monarchs of the various tribes. The kingly amazement upon first sight of a white face “was laughingly described. The doctor illustrated some of the fashions of halrdress- ing in Africa with chalk sketches on the blackboard. Cattle stealing on the dark continent is a death penalty, and the speaker described the usual trial and execution which attended such event veapons, while crude, are effective, and the dexterity with which the natives han- dle six foot spears and kill men at a distance of sixty paces was cited as proof that the black men of the uncivilized land are masters in_a death-dealing specialty. The grass in Africa is s:ven feet high and the paths are only two feet wide. It Is often very dark in most places, and it requires con- stant vigilance, with a steady hand on the trigger of a good gun, to complete a Journey in safety and not allow a lion or a murder- ous native to get the Arop on a traveler. The great obstacle to explorers in Africa are the jealousies between the various tribes | and the suspicion with which they regard white men. Among the exciting experiences of the explorer was a narrow escape from death when he and his wife, with a faithful bodyguard, faced over 100 natives, who tried to spear them. The treachery of a chief who tried to poison them was another recollection of past perils, Several unsuccessful efforts to lure them to marshes and assassinate them were also reviewed. The speaker gave his auditors a few choice selections of Zulu nomenclature, and, in con- clusion, exhaustively renewed the mannerisms and life of the natives and the resources of the country which he explored with such re- markable endurance and undaunted courage, et e e Remember that Dr. Price’s Cream Baking Powder gives better results with one spoon- ful than any other powder does with two. REJECTED FIREMEN KICK. Complaint Agalnst Dr. Eaville—Men De- clared Sound by Other Physlclans. The Board of Fire and Police Commis- sloners held a regular session last night. A communication was received from M. J. Hannon, fireman, inclosing certificate of the perfect physical soundness of the writer from Dr. Lee; also one from Ames Mec- Willilams, another fireman, inclosing a cer- tificate by the same physician. Hannon was appointed substitute upon the death of Driver Kling in January. McWilliams was ono of three appointed about February 1, sub- ject to an examination by Dr. Savilie: Both were declared, after this examination, to be unsound, and were dropped from the depart- ment. They have been examined by Dr. E. W. Lee, who pronounces them perfectly sound. The matter of the reinstatement of these men was referred to the committee on men and discipline, A protest was read, which was signed by twenty-elght property owners, against the application of Henry Rohlff for permission to transfer his saloon from 2301 Leavenworth street, in the Second ward, to 2423 Leaven- worth, which is in the Seventh ward. Six of the property owners appeared and testified to the damage that the transfer would cause to property In the neighborhood of the pro- posed saloon. A counter petition, signed by thirty owners of lots in the Seventh ward, and several witnesses vouched for the char- acter of Mr. Rohlff and his business methods. The transfer was granted. An application was recelved from A. Haze, mounted policeman, for ten days’ leave of absence, with the privilege of five days ad- ditional, on account of 1l health. Granted. Michael Cavanaugh, driver of hook and ladder No. 3, was granted ten days' leave of absence for the same cause, A short executive session was held and was given cntifely to the discussfon of fire department matters with Chief Redell. —~— Missionary to Africa. Mr. Willlam Haven, well known in this city, is now In Africa. When leaving he had no Idea that he would conclude to stay in Africa and devote himself to mis- slonary work among the natives. He re- cently” advised Rev. Charles W. Savidge that he would remain abroad, and the People’s church of this city will under- take to support Mr. Haven in his new fleld of labor. The edifice of the People's church is not large enough to accommodate the people who desire to attend services there. Par- son Savidge may soon consider plans for a larger house of worship, PARAGRAPHS. J. H. Lowry, Neola, Ia., is at the Arcade. Bd A, Frey of Niobrara is a Merchants guest, William Smith of Fairbury it at the Mer- chants, L. W. Dellone. W. 8. Manley of Ord is registered at the Dellone. N. 8. Harding of Nebraska City is at the Paxton. W, C. Irvine, Ross, Wyo., Is registered at the Paxton. Robert E. Mellor, wife and child of Wayne are Millard guests. W. H. Thompson guest at the Paxton. W. R. Links and H. H. Melntire of Cozad were In the clty last evening. A. A. Kendall of St. Paul, Neb., took sup- per at the Merchants last evening. Fred Plessner, Saginaw, Mich., a knight of the grip for drugs, is at the Barke J. W. D. Oscher and T. F. McCardy are commercial men registered at the Barker from New York. C. W. Reed, proprietor of the Dellone, got out of his room yesterday for the first time in a week, having been confined with the Brip. At the Mercer: E. H. Colburn, Chicago; F. W. Bowden, Wisner; Theo Starks, Peoria; R. E. Wotzke, Bt. Louis; F. H. Russell, Deadwood; E. L. Bristol, Cheyenne; M. Hor- PERSONAL Russell, Glenwood, Ia, is at the of Grand Island s a Dr. Holub's faithful guards on most | BADE ALL HAIL THE COUNT Recoption Last Evening to Jobn A, Craigh= ton in His New Dignity, g OFFICIAL LETTER OF THE POPE READ Address by Prestdent Pahls of the Univer sity Endowed by Crelghton Benofaction ~American Flag by the Side of npal Colors—Significance of the Honor, cco Nobis Exoptatus Venit Insignis | Comes Dignus Leunts X111 a Latin chronos | gram meaning “Behold in our midst the one wo love best comes as a favored count worthy of Leo XIIL' was the motto strung across the stage in the college hall of Creighs ton college at the reception given last night by the president and faculty of the Institution to Count John A. Creighton. Tho letters In the chronogram forming in Roman numerals the present year wero printed in red, the others In black A curtain of broad stripes of the red, white and blue extended from the celling to the floor of the stage. At its foot was arranged a large variety of potted plants and bouquets | of flowers. In the center were two portrait the one on the right of Pope Leo X111, the one on the left of the Count Crelghton. On the right of the stage was hung the flag of the republic, on the left the three colors of the papacy. _In front was an audience of the most prominent Catholics of the city, separated into two divisions in the center by a broad alsle, at the head of which sat the honored guest of the evening, with President Pahls of the college on his right. Such was the ple- ture of the hall when the exercises began last | night. The first part of the evening was taken up with a program of addresses by representa tives of all the Institutions with which the Creightons have enriched the city. Presi- dent Pahls spoke In behalf of the Creighton university, Jesse V. Owens in behalt of Creighton college, Edward S, Furay, A. M in behalf of the Creighton Medical college, Edmund V. Krug in behalf of the Creighton Memorial hospital and Joseph A. Madden in behalt of the Convent of Poor Clares. All the addresses were sincerely congratulatory in_tone, full of thanks for the benefits con- ferred by the recipient, of honor and of many well-wishes for his future. President Pahls, who made the address in behalt of the entire Institution, spoke subs stantially as follows ““We have assembled here for the purpose of honoring one whom the supreme pontift of the universal church has recently deigned to honor with the title of count, as we learn from the brief which reads as follows To Our Beloved Son, John A. Creighton, by Favor of His Eminence, Cardinal Ma- Beloved Son—Health' and Apostolio tion. Whej We behold thee ally estecemed for thy virtues, inas- much as to the love of religion and plety thou unitest a munificent liberality in be- half of Catholic undertakings, to-wit: By founding and maintaining schools, mon- steries andhospitals; therefore thou ap- t to us worthy' of a most exalted title of honor, both as a due reward for these thy benefactions as well as a_signal proof of our good will in thy regard. *"Wherefore,” In virtue of our authority, by 'these presents, we create, constitute clalm thee a count, in’ such wise, er, that such title belong not by right of 'transmission to thy posterity. To thee, therefore, beloved son, we grant that in public and private documents, and also in all apostolic letters whatsoever, thou mayest and canst lawfully be called and addressed by same title of honor, and that thou mayest use and enjoy all the dig- nities, privileges, prerogatives and indults which ‘others distinRuished by the said title use and enjoy or are and shall be al- lowed to use and enjoy, all things what- soever to the contrary motwithstanding, “Glven at Rome, at St. Peter's, under the Fisherman's seal, the 15th day of January, 1895, of our pontificate the seventeenth year. C. CARDINAL DE RUGGIERO. “In commissioning Cardinal Mazella, who is an American c'tizen, to be the conveyor of these presents the holy father shows his ac- customed good will and respect for our American institutions and proprietes, “After the eloquent tribute of praiss, love and honor bestowed upon Omaha's favored son by the great Leo XIII it would be pre- sumptuous in me to say anything save to express to his hollness our most profound and unbounded gratitude for his graclous recognition of the virtues and services of our esteemed patron and friend, the guest of the evening, the Right Honorable Count Crelgh- ton. Permit me now in behalf of the facuity of Crelghton college to salute you with all hall, to congratulate you in your new and exalted dignity, to wish you much joy and to cherish the hope that ‘when you visit th eternal city you will present yourself ln person“to Pope Leo XIII and will express to his holiness our most sincere thanks for the high and distinguished honor he has conferred upon you.” After the addresses had been concluded Count Creighton arose and briefly testifled to his heartfelt thanks for the honor shown by the faculty and students, and expressed the hope that all who went out from the institutions endowed to the memory of his brother would do so with feelings of kind- ness toward them. At the conclusion of the program and amid tho strains of a mandolin orchestra, the guests spent a couple of hours in personally tongratulating Count Creighton on the honor done him. Light refreshments of cake, 106 cream and punch were served. The title of the count of the papal court was conferred on Mr. Crelghton on January 15, but ‘the documents have only recently arrived, He had previously held the title of Knight of St. Gregory. The new title was bestowed in recognition of the work done by him in founding the institutions which bear his name. It makes him & companion of the pope himself, and gives him access to the court of Rome and honor In all the Catholic courts of Burope. It Is an exceedingly rare honor, only one other American ever having borne it, Count Mur- phy of San Francisco, You never need use more than half as much of Dr. Price’s Baking Powder as of any other, A single trial will prove this, ——— To Practice for Prizes. The Thurston rifles will make a hustle for the prizes which will be hung up at the national drill, which will be held at Memphis, Tenn, from May 13 to 20, inclu= sive, That they may put themdcives n training the boys have called Captain Scharff from Denver. He arrived (n the city yesterday, and from now until they leave for the south they will put in tho greater portion of their spare time pre- paring for the contest. At the Memphls contest the sum of $10,000 will go into prizes and for these the Thurstons will compete, entering the national, malden and sever other drills, ~ Yesterday the Thurstons rented the Coliseum, to take possession March 15, and from that date until June 1, they will go Into camp in the old” build ing, drilling from 4 until 6 o'clock each morning and from 8 until 10 o'clock each evening. . Spring is Coming But if your blood I8 Impure, your vi- tality low, your nerve strength exhaus- ted, it will bring you little pleasure un- less all these symptoms are speedily overcome. If you wish to be able to en- joy the coming of spring and summer you must make sure that your blood Is pure and healthy, and the best way to ton, Chicago; George B. Foyle, Chicago; H. hicago: M. I. Blolcky, Creston, Cohn, Shelby, Iu.; T. P. Dement, teher, Cleveland, 0.; J. €. Colorado, at the Hote Barker ugust Dorman, Wi McGinuis, Hastings; W. W. Col and Mrs. C. SBhields, Fremont; Lincoln; Thomas Coleman, . Bpringfield; Willlam Lloyd, | North Platte At the Arcade—C. A. Beatrice; R. Carp Fontanelle; J. J. Trompen, i J. Blackburn,” Arlingt " H. and W ter, J. L Hickman do this is to take . Hood's Sarsaparilla A few bottles of this great medicine will enrich and vitalize the blood, and drive out all mpuritics and give strength, health and happiness. Remember that Hood's Sarsaparilla 1s the great blood puritier, English, Grand Island; A.'J. Bolster, York; . Gates, Cralg; M. J. Birry, Woodbine: | Hood’s Pills fiyesiouly wis