Wilson County Sun from Neodesha, Kansas • 1

Wxtetrn Jim Published Every Friday Far Truth and Reform. In the Interest of Neodesha, Wilson County and Kansas. One Dollar Per Tear. Job Printing a Specialty. VOLUME IV.

NEODESHA, WILSON COUNTY, KANSAS, FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 1895, NUMBER 46. tion (I know of no more sacred addi HIS MESSAGE. IN VEST1GAT KAXSAS LEGISLATURE. State Printer Election. The house of the Kansas legislature adopted a concurrent resolution for the assembling of the legislature in joint session, at noon o' Tuesday 15, tbe time appointed by the constitution for that act.

The resolution was sent to the senate, where Senator Dennison offered a substitute which would instruct the presiding officer of the joint session not to is-ue a certificate to any person failing to receive a majority of the votes cast by the members of each At present the two asylums at Topeka and Osawatomie seem inadequate to pro-r vide suitably for all of this unfortunate class. The detached building at Osawatomie for female patients, authorized by the last legislature, is now nearly completed, and when proper provisions shall have been made for furnishing and fitting it for occupancy, it will furnish accommodations for about three hundred females. This will relieve for the time being the pressure upon tho two institutions; but additional room will soon be required To provide for this need, the asylum at Topeka should bo completed by the erection of a ward building for women, and a center or administration building, xne original plan for buildings at Osawato In visionary expariments. The energy, industry and pluck of the people are the real tyisis of the development of any country, and upon that we must depend for the development of every part of our state. Wise and equitable law3 controlling the water supply of the streams that we have, may be necessary, but the chief source of supply, in my judgment, must come from what is known as the 'under-flow," and be utilized by pumping.

And as every man who owns his farm owns his water, and can own his plant, no legislation is necessary to aid him in the development of his farm. Experimental stations however, can be made valuable, and a thorough and systematic survey of that portion of the state may develop some new means of utilizing the present water supply. I most earnestly commend to your careful consideration the subject of reclaiming that beautiful section of our state. Uniformity of Text-Books. The question of state uniformity of textbooks is an important one, and should receive your serious attention.

As it now is, there is not even county uniformity. Indeed, in many of our counties the text-books change with the school-district lines. In some counties there ore from five to ten different kinds of textbooks used in the public schools, a family moving from one district to another is thereb needlessly put to great expense. The result is, that in the aggregate the people of the state expend many thousand of dollars for which they never receive any adequate return, which would be saved the people if we had a uniformity of text-books. This is all the more important because this burden- falls usually upon those who are least able to bear Issued.

The laws governing this board should be made more stringent, and severe penalties should be provided for any violation of them. Each commissioner should give a bond as loan oacer of not less than SltW.GOJ, and the law should provide that he should be held liable on that bond for any loss that might arise from the purchase of bonds not authorized by law. No more important duty devolves upon you than to guard with jealous care the funds set apart for educational purposes. Intemperance. "The great tv or or removing intemperance from our land must be done through the churches, schools and other elevating helps.

Law is only a help an assistant and never should.be placed before moral influences. It in fact can only be enacted when moral forces have created a healthy public sentiment against intemperance. It is valuable as an aid to help create and maintain a healthful pubiio sentiment, but ought never to be substituted for it. The great work uf advancing the cause of temperance can only be done by thorough organization and active effort along the lines of education and moral suasion, aided by laws fully abreast of the public sentiment. In 1830 an amendment to the constitution was adopted, prohibiting the manufacture and sale of intoxicating liquors, except for medical, scientific and mechanical purposes.

In 1S81, 1885 and 187, laws were passed providing for the enforcement of this provision of the constitution. Three legislatures have since been elected, and no attempt has been made to repeal or essentially modify these laws. It is, therefore, fair to assume that the people desire this to be the settled policy of the state upon this subject. The only fair interpretation to bo placed upon their action is, that "the open saloon shall not return to our state, and that they believe the effect of the prohibitory law has been to lessen the evils of intemperance. All laws ought to ir enforced for the open violation of any law is demoralizing to the public conscience.

It breeds a disregard for law, which is dangerous to any community. In this country the law is supreme. It is the governing power: and a disregard of the law is a disregard of the government itself. A continuation of the open violation of any law can only result in evil to the state. The duty of every officer is plain: the legislature declares what tho law shall be: it is the duty of the executive to obey and enforce it.

Assessment and Taxation. When one piece of property is assessed at 10 per cent, of what it is really worth and another piece is assessed at its full value, and other property is not as sessed at all, great injustice is done to some of the taxpayers; aad yet that condition of thing3 actually exists in our state to-day. Millions of dollars' worth of property escapes taxation entirely as a result of ignorance, inefficiency or willful dishonesty on the part of assessors. Other property is assessed at from 10 per cent, to 100 per cent, of its actual value, according to tional room must be furnished, or many of thesa Drave men win De compelled to go to the alms house. I urge upon you prompt and earnest attention to this matter.

Soldiers'. Orphans' Home. Measures to provide for the fatherless, da- penaenE or abandoned children of the state commend themselves to every lover of hu manity, we have at Atchison an institution wmcn all should feel a deeo interest. Many applicants have been refused admission for want of room. Provision should be made for the accommoda tion of at least 10 roorp.

in this connection I desire to suggest that some restrictions ought to be imposed upon tne bringing into the stats friendless children that are gathered up in the large cities of the east. Security should at 'east be required from those bringing them in against their be coming a public charge. Fish. -The subject of raisins fish In this state has, in my judgment, never received the consideration it deserves. As an article of food they are wholesome and much desired.

They can be raised as cheaply as pork, and are in every respect a better food article. Your spe cial attention is called to the report of the nsa commissioner, with the recommendation that some legislation be enacted to stimulate the production of this desirable article of food. Coal Oil Inspector. The law cr'ng the office of coal oil In spector should be s- "hanged as to require tM inspector to pay into the et.te treasury all the fees collected by him: and hi. salary and that of his deputies should be paid to him by the state treasurer upon sworn vouchers, the same as anyother state, officer.

It would bo well to require the county clerks to report, in addition to the statistics now re quired of them, a statement of the number of mortgages filed and released during the pre ceding year, and whether on farms or town property, the total amount of consideration in such Instruments, and also the number of mortgages foreclosed and the amount involved, and whether given for the purchase of prop erty or not, and whether upon occupied or abandoned farms. This could be done with out additional cost, and would be valuable in formation. State Institution. I commend to your careful consideration the reports from the different boards having charge of these institutions. With the limited time at my command, I have been unable to make the necessary examination to enable me to intelligently discuss their needs.

It is a matter of profound regret that gross scandals have been publicly circulated in relation to the management of some of these institutions, and I would urge that thorough Investigations be made of these charges, in order that the guilty inay be punished and the innocent relieved of unjust imputations. Public Highways. The country is divided into small road districts; anyone is chosen supervisor who will accept; all who care to do so are allowed to work out their road tax at extravagant wages, and the result is that one-half of the tax judiciously expended under the direction of some competent and intelligent man, who has made a study of the best manner to improve the public highways, "would be more effective and produoe better results than are now obtained from the entire taw. A new system should be provided. The county commissioners should have charge of the roads, with authority to appoint a sufficient number of overseers to look after the roads of the county.

All road taxes should bo paid in money, and it should b3 expended in the most practical and economical manner possible. The county commissioners should also be required to personally view and lay cut new roads, and assess damages therefor. The present system of appointing road viewers should be entirely abolished. Township Officers. I recommend that the term of township officers be extended to two years, and that they be elected on years in which there is no election of state officers.

Maturing State Bonds. The following bonds of the state become payable in 1895 and 1896: 'March 15. 1895 $36,500 July 1, 1896. 70,000 All of the bonds due In 1895 are held by the state school fund as a permanent Investment, and $38,000 of those payable in 1896 are thus held. I would suggest that the state school fund be authorized to take up those bonds above named that are not held by them, and that the time of payment of the entire amount be extended, subject to payment at the option of the state, at the rate of 4 per cent, interest.

This would make an absolutely safe investment for the school fund, and would leave tho money in the hands of the people. Western Counties. I am very proud to say that there have been, bo far, scarcaly any appeals to me for help for that section: but I feel that I ought to call your attention to tho conditions existing there, in order that you may take such action as may be deemed for the best interests of the state. Lotteries and OambllngT. Your attention is invited to the provisions of the constitut: e.irohibiting lotteries and the sale of lottery There is no law to enforce this provision of the constitution.

If it is possible for one form of gambling to bo worse than another, this one is the mo3t fruitful of evil. It reaches out into every village of the slate, and the churches and the religious organizations are contaminated by It I wou.d urge the passage of a law prohibiting lotteries of every character and the sale of under any device, with penalties severe enough to make it effective. Bribery Law. I recommend the passage of a law making acceptance of a bribe by any public officer a crime, and providing adequate punishment therefor. Such a bill passed the hoof-i representatives in 1801, and again In Vsn-i, but in each instance failed to reach a vote ia the snate.

It should be understood and agreed by good citizens everywhere that no public officer hat any right to receive a dollar for any act of his whatever in his public capacity, except the salary or fees which the law gives him. Tha emolument, of legislators, city councilmen, and of some other officers of trust and power are very smalL But no man la compelled to assume such office against his will: and if he seeks it with the hope of making up deficiencies in his salary by using his official position for his private gain, he is an enemy to the public, should be in the penitentiary instead of in public office. Election Laws. The enactment of the Australian ballot law was a very decided and advanced step in the right direction, and has the unqualified approval of tho majority of our people. It would be well to provide that the county central committees of the thre9 parties receiving the highest number of votes at the last election be required to select the judges and clerks to which their party would be entitled, and place tnem in the hands of the mayors of the cities, or township trustees, at least tea days before the day of election.

This would place it bevond the of any official to select inefficent men to act for any other party. An amendment providing for a square at tha top of the ticket, in which anyone who desired to vote the entire ticket could make a cross, would facilitate voting. It would also seem as though some inexpensive provision might be made by which the votes could be counted as they are cast, so that the result might be announced in a few minutes after, the polls ara closed. Commissioner of Elections. The law providing for commissioners of elections should be repealed, and the mayor and council of cities should have charge of the registration.

The work can be better done, with far more satisfaction to all concerned, and at a much less cost. Conclusion- In conclusion, I would say that I have unbounded confidence in the future of Kansas. As it has steadily advanced in the years that that have passed, always true to its motto, constantly pressing forward and upward, so I believe it will continue to advance. It has vast hidden resources that will be developed In the future to add untold wealth to its present means: millions of acres of fertile soil which have as yet been untouched by the plows inviting the honest yeomen from other states. With proper encouragement, sturdy men can be induced to make their homes within its borders, and countless millions can be secured to develop its boundless resources.

Then let every citizen of the state, without regard to his political affiliations, be loyal to its interests, and ever ready to defend its fair name. E. N. MORK7T.U How to Mask the Smell or Kerosene. To mask the smell of kerosene add amyl acetate to the extent of about 1 per cent, (ten grams to the liter).

This not only modifies the disagreeable smell and converts It into a not unpleasant aromatic odor, bat seems to make tha flame brighter and whiter. It come more natural to fall in lov The first really business session of the leg. islaturo developed a desire to be in tbe advance line with bills; 46 were introduced iu the senate and 44 in the One of the house bills, by Hackbusch, of Leavenworth, repeals the Metropolitan police law. The first action taken on any bill in the house was upon Mr. Cubbison's house bills 1 and 2 relating to the suppression of lotteries, which were read the second time and will go direct to tbe committee of the whole.

It took Charley Martin two hours to read the governor's message and he is a reader with a record, too. razer, of Harvey, got a bill in for red is. tricting the state into eight congressional districts; making the eighth district comprise the counties of Harvey. Sedgwick, Butler, Kingman, Sumner, Cowley nd Chautauqua. In the sen te four amendments to the con.

stitution were proposed one by Householder regarding woman suffrage; by Dillard. for a constitutional convention, by Brown, to prohibit senators from receiving gifts, and by Shearer, for tha referendum. In the eenats Sterne, of Shawnee, introduced bills to limit tbe age at wh ch a child may begin work to protect railway employes from incompetent companions and for creating and regulating kindergarten schools. The senate amended its rules so as to take away from Lieutenant Governor Troutman tbe power to control the appointment cf such new members of committees as may be ordered by the scnata; by placing his appointments under tbe approval of a majority vote. Senator Landis is urging bills to place express and telegraph lines under control of tho railroad commissioners.

Senator Hou-eholder's bill to reconstruct the system of control of the stat-d charitable institutions has been introduced. Senator Brown's resolution instructing congressmen -nd senators to work for national aid for irrigation was passed. In the housa Trueblood proposed an amendment to tbe constitution providing for biennial county elections. The house passed Cubbison's two bills about lotteries and gambling. A resolution has unanimously passed giving th? governor the power to order coal, at his discretion, to be sent from the state mines for the relief of the destitute on the frontier, and for a committee to act with the railroad commissioners to secure free transportation of such coal by the ids.

Meridetb has bill to provide for tbe cora-olet on of the Hutchinson reformatory, appropriating $57,000 the first year and the second year. Notice of coutests have been filed from Haskell, Greeley and Pawnee counties. Beneficl has bill to permit natural gas companies to lay pipes along highways. Rorhbaugh provides for a revision of the statutes by five commissioners, to appointed by the supreme court. He also has bill providing for ti-h wardens in each county, to be appointed by the fish commissioner.

Tlisre was an effort in the senate by friends of the Cubbison lottery and gambling bills to rush them through as rapidly as the bous3 did but it was decided to hold them long enough for Changes were made in standing committees by adding four to tbe committee on agriculture and irrigation: Cooke, Leeds. Brown and Wilcoxson. Senator Taylor offered a solution for a committee to investigate published charges against certain state boards. In the house bills are introduced locating state normal schools at Fort Scott and at Great Bend. There is also a bill prohibiting tL employment as teacher any relative of any member of the school district board.

Frazer, of Harvey, has introduced a bill to regulate the salaries of county commissioners. Salaries are to range from $100 to S8'J0 a year, according to ths populat'on of the county. One of Representative Cubbison's bills provides that in counties having over 25.0! inhabitants the county commissioners Shu 1 1 meet once a month in regular session and that claims shall be allowed monthly. A bill introduced by Mr. 9h-afor.

of Cloud, gives to city councils the authority to levy and collect ocean Hioo taxes. An amendment was offered bv Snator O'Eryan to the law holding stockbold -rs of corporations liable for aouble the amount -of tbeir stock in case of repeals the law as regards all private corporations except trusts, loan or banking institutions. Senator Parker has preentod a bill which confers probata jurisdictoa on district courts, whenever the proba judge is insane, sick, absent or disqualified. Senator Parker has a bill which aims at the increase of the numb -r of days for which county commissioners may be paid from nine to twelve in counties of froa to 25.0 X) inhabitants. Mr.

Fitzgerald, of ForJ, introduced a bill to encourage tho planting of tre. For each acre of foret or fruit trees planted oa a 160 acre froi bis bi.l would give an exemption of $150 on tbe assessed valuation of the farm. The exemption is to continue for fifteen years. A biil introduced by Mr. Allen, of Wyandotte, makes tb- fact that a government liquor license has be -n issued to -fendant prima facie evidence th the defendant is eogaged in tbe business of se ling intoxicating liquors at the place and during the entire time mentioned in the license.

Tbe senate passed and messaged to tbe house a legislative appropriation bill which provides 10.000 to that purpose as a starter. C. P. Bolmar is appointed clerk of the bouse com rn tee on ways and means. Mr.

Bolmar held a simitar position with tbe joint ways and means committee during all the sessions from 1874 to ISfsi. Governor Morrill's message was road in both houses and referred to special committees to be apportioned to appropriate standing committees. New bills appear in each house et the rate of from thirty to fifty a day. The election of J. K.

Hudson state prioter is related in detail elsewhere. Hackbusch, of Leavenworth, has a bill which provides that it shall be unlawful to mine coal at tbe state coal mine at Leaven, worth except for state and charitable institutions and for local wagon trade. Tbe senate rec ived a message from Gov. ernor Morrill saying that tbe records of bis office were so imperfect that he was unable to find out what had ben done. He withdrew the name of Senator Landis for the position on the board of charities, and all other appointments which had been mads but not confirmed.

Cubbison has bill which makes all chattel mortgages given to secure an indebtedness bearing a greater interest than 19 per cent per annum void. Caldwell has a II to encourage irrigation. It a ppropriates $15,000 for the years 1835 and 1896, to be expended under the direction of the state board of agriculture in making experiments. These experiments are to be made on school lands belonging to tbe state. Ingle has a bill which makes it the special duty of owners of Ian renters and road over-eers to lay for tbe Russian thistle on all occasions and exterminate it.

Assistant Commissionfji. Tbe president h8s nominated Thomas PSmith, of New York, to be assistant commissioner on Indian affairs, vice Frank C. Armstrong, resigned. College Aiamre. A meeting of college presidents in Chicago agreed to s-e that slugging and brutality in football games be spetdiJy abolished and took action to -limi-nate professionalism from college athletics.

Did Not Obkt. A general strike on all tbe street car lines of Fort Wayne, was ordered at a meeting of tbe Street Car Employes union. Only three men obeyed the order and all tb? cars are running as usual. Us deb New Duties. Trade in woolens hesitates because of large distribution from warehouses under new doties, but little change appears io prices aad heavy woolens are expected to open at about last year's quotations.

The Beak's Claws. Tbe St. Petersburg Novoe Vremya, in an article on tbe far eastern question, says that if Russia's peaceful and frendly overtures shall be ignored she will be compelled to support by her arms ber claims in Corea. No Sr-rDEN St am. Dun's Review says that neither the beginning of the new year nor the failure of the currency biil has brought any material change to business as yet.

Tbe idea that business wou take a sudden start after tbe holidays had le foundation than uwial, but th nope of strong revival a little later is stilt cherishei by The New Governor of Kansas Gives His Views on State Matters. PERMANENT SCHOOL FUND. Foreign Markets Constitutional Conven-. tlon Judicial IMstricts Taxation Insurance Irrigation Text-Books State Institutions Etc Topeka, Jan. 15.

Gov. Morrill Cent his message to the Kansas legislature -i-day, which is aa follows To the Senate and House of Representatives of the State of Kansas: A "ISlrS of a century has passeti sit.ce ansiss was admitted lata tne union, aad you meet In this session v.nder conditions strikingly in contrast with those that presented themselves to the first state legislature of Kansas. There has been a wonderful increase in wealth and population, a wholly changed, ol things, demanding an entirely different conside-atlon of I am not thut tjre is deratfd from the people for a radical change in the laws, but they do ask for relief from excessive taxation; that, the expenses of the state shall be reduced to the lowest possible point consistent with a wise and economical administration of the state government. Owing to the financial panic, through which the country has passed during the last years, in some respects the severest that has ever been known, and the partial failure of crops for the same period, there has been a serious depression in values and a decreased demand for labor, which renders burdens far more oppressive than they- would be in year3 of prosperity. It should be a source of hearty congratulation to r.U that Kansas has passed through the terri-.

crisis with so few failures, and so little to discourage citizens. While legislative enactments are important in opening the channels of trade, in stimulating Industries, in protecting the individual in his life and property and bis to pursue happiness according to his own judgment, there are laws of trade wnich will control business und which cannot be repealed by any statute of any legislative body. The waters of the river, obeying the law of gravitation, will flow to the sea, and while the of dams or putting in obstructions may retard the current, it will nut change its course, nor can it etop its flow. Wise legislation would provide for the removal of the driftwood and snags in order to accf lerale the current. So industry and economy wisely directed will always And their reward in a measure, regardless of what human laws may decree.

Still it is a recognize 1 fact that legislation miy disturb and restrict tradf Constitutional Convention. When the present constitution was adopted, a large portion of the state was an unorganized waste. Only 10,326 persons voted for its adoption, and 5.51 voted against it; the whole number of votes cast being only one-twentieth a3 many as.were cast at the last election. There tvero only thirty-live organized counties at that time; "seventy counties of the state had no legal existence. The population of the state had been so decimated by the terrible drought of 18fi0, that there were really less than a hundred thousand peop-e within the borders of the state when it was admitted into the union.

It would hardly bo possible for the small number of people living in the state at that tirje, with nearly two-thirds of the entire state practically unsettled, to understand, or to anticipate, the wants and needs of a state as large as this has become. Tho practical limitation upon the sessions of toe legislature was at that time a wise one, with the small population and annual sessions; fcut now that tncj number of tho inhabitants is fifteen times greater, and tho sessions of the legislature are biennial, it is impossible for any legislative body to give tie calm deliberation und thoughtful study of the needs of the state that are imperatively demanded. There is an urgent demand for a reorganization of the judiciary system. Under the pres- ent constitution the number of judges of the supreme court is limited tonhroe, and the legislature is only authorized to provide other courts which shall ha inferior to the supreme court. The rapid increase in population and wealth has necessarily produced a large increase in litigation, until the supreme court is no longer abie to hear the cases as fast as they are filed.

litigant Is better satisfied with an adverse decision from a superior court than from an inferior one, as such a decision is not only a final determination of the case, but it is also a final determination of the law governing the case. in the event of an increased membership of the supreme court, the constitution should confer upon the legislature power to afford temporary relief when the court found itself unable to keep up with Its business. There should also be a change in our apportionment laws, by increasing the number of members in both houses. There should a prohibition of special legislation which should be universal, except in cases of the most urgent necessity. Trusts and combinations to enhance prices, should be prohibited in the There should be a limit to the value of the homestead exemption allowed, so that properties of great value mav not bo held beyond the reach of creditors.

The provisions with regard to the elective franchise should be so t-hanged that parties guilty of betting on elections, or of giving or receiving bribes, or of promising or receiving promises of emoluments, should not be entitled to vote. The receiving of passes, franks or special privileges from railroad, sleeping car. telegraph or telephone companies, should be prohibited to all public officers. The constitution should absolutely prohibit the appointment of any member of the legislature, during his term, to any offlee created by the legis'ature of which he was a member, and no member of the legislature should be eligible to appointment by the governor to any ofiiee, during tho term for which he was elected a member of the legislature. The care of the school fund, now amounting to more than involves great responsibilities, and ought not to be left to the absolute control of two or three inexperienced men.

A change in the constitution in this respect Is imperatively demanded. -Many other reasons, in my judgment urgent and unanswerable, might be presented in favor of a constitutional convention. The expense, I presume, would be the most serious objection urged against it: but I am satisfied that a simple clause limiting the power of the. legislature to appropriate money and to allow the incurrence of debt by muncipalities, and the further provision allowing the governor to veto any clause in an appropriation bill, would save the state more every live years than the entire cost of a convention. Xne supreme court.

Unless it is intended and desired to deny justice to a large class of our citizens, it is Imperative that immediate steps be taken to relieve the supremo court of some of its burdens. It Is doubt less true that the fact that the court is five or six years behind with its work, induces the filing of many appeals which would not otherwise be taken. There would be less induce-. ment for litigants ia many instances to take their cases to a higher court if tney knew a decision could be reached in a few weeks. litigation ought to be discouraged rather than encouraged: and while it may be a heaven-born right for the average citizen to go to law whenever he pleases.

I could never see the justice of taxing a community several hundred dollars to defray the expenses of a court la order that two stubborn men might have the ownership of a ten-dollar calf decided. Judicial Districts. Durinjj the years when the population of Kansas was rapidly increasing, and new coun-' ties were being organized at each session of the legislature, new judicial districts were created, many of them anticipating a future growth of the western portion of the state, that has not been realized. The number of judicial districts is far in excess of the- requirements of the people, entailing a needless expense of from $25,000 to 40,000 per year. There ought to 'be a complete redisricting of the state for judicial purposes, and a reduction of at least twelve districts in number.

This would save to the. state in salaries of Judges "alone $30,000 per year. Permanent School Fund. No penalty whatever is attached to -the violation of the law by the school fund commis-. sioners, in regard to of bands they "may purchase for the permanent investment of the various school funds.

There are now thousands of dollars invested in bonds which are not authorized by law, and which may prove total loss to this fund. Bonds have been pur-, fhased that are not even recognized by the tivjewe ii whicfc the purpsti to byo hea Kansas Railroad Assessment Looked Into. Sectarian Indian Schools Divorced From the Government In Five Years Street Car Tie Up Hin-shaw In and Out. Householder's Bill. Topeka.

January 16. The bill introduced in the fenf.te by Senator entitled "Code ot Charities and Corrections," is the result of several months work. Tha senator was appointed by the state board of charities to draft this bill and did so with the assistance of C. E. Faulkner, the superintendent of the So diers' Orplnns' home at Atchison.

Tha bill reduces the membership of the state board of charities to four and makes the governor ex-officio chairman with power to cast the deciding vote. The four members are to be chosen, two from the party casting the greatest number of votes at the last general election and two from the party casticg the second gre atest number. The ID cents tniletge feature ia dropped out altogether and a regular salary fixed at $2,000 annually, besides actual expenses. This bill will, if nnssed. renoal all others in relation to charities now on the books.

This board is to have an ofiice in the state house and tile reports there. The members mu-t employ all their time on this work. The removal of any of tho meinbere for political reasons is prohibited. Senatcr Householder's bill also comprises a commis- 8 on of lunacy, lhis body is to be com posed by two reputable physicians to be chosen by the probate judge. In ca-e of suppsjed insanity they will go to the home of thepa tient and make a private examina tion.

If the person is adjudged ins ne his amily will remove him to an asy lum. In this way the custom of trying an insane person as they would criminal is done away with. This commission will also hfive power to examine jails, poor-houses and lockups. Private asylums will be required to have licenses. Brooklyn on Foot.

All the street cars in Brooklyn, N. are tied up, the employes refusing to take out the cars. Over 5,000 men quit work. This includes motor men, conductors, electri cians, switchmen and others employed at the various power housef. All but one of the surface roads, and that a comparatively minor concern, are affected.

It is claimed that the strike will extend to the lines of the Brooklyn Elevated Railway company. Ibe government ut Washington has re ceived no rt quest for troops on account of interference with the mails by the Brooklyn strike, and it is said at the war department that it is not expected that any such call will be made. It is not believed that any neces sity for troops will arise. hue interference with the mails is con trary to federal law, it is also a violation of state law and no reason is seen wby the authorities of New York state ara not entirely competent to deal with the trouble without calling on the national government. Church Indian Schools.

Washington, D. January 16. The legislative feature incorporated in the Indian appropriation bill is a plan by which it is proposed to solve the vex-d problem of governmental relations with contract schools, so-called, most of which are under church control, and which have been tho cause of sectarian contentions, lha secretary of the interior is authorized to make contracts for the education of Indian pupils in thesa schools for the next fiscal year to an extent not exceeding 80 per cent of the amount so U3ed lat year and each succeeding year the amount is to be reduced 20 per pnt. tr tht at. the end of five vears all such mintpuMa clisill CPflHO Th4 TllnTI rio4H Ilt I i.i;lude public schools with which the bureau arrangements for the education of lti mdian wards.

The plan, says the report, 13 understood to have tho approval of the secretary of the interior and the comraissionei of Indian affairs. HInshaw Out. The last executive session of the Kansas senate before the change of administration, voted to reconsider the vote confirming the appointment of llinshaw as member of the state board of charities; the previous vote confirming him not having been messaged to the governor. It is stated that bad bargained for his confirmation by agreeing to immediately resign, which he immediately refused to do. As soon at.

Jriinsnaw was rejected a message from the governor made its appearance in the executive se-sion, which covered the nomination of Senator Land is to succeed Hinshaw; but it appearing to the satisfaction of enough of the senators that this message bad got in surreptitiously, and not in regulation routine, ihe senate adjourned without action thus leaving the place on the chartitks board vacant. The Blar Crowd. There were three centers of attraction in Topeka on inauguration night. In the senate chamber which was ar ranged for the purpose, a reception occurred, where multitudes filed before the new state officers, as many as practicable gra-ping a hand of each. It was a scene to be remembered.

In Representative hall the inaugural ball was proceeding; a crush and a jam. At Metropolitan hall the veterans held a camptire and listened to speeches and stories until a late hour. The westher of the day, after midday, was well suited to the comfort of a crowded con dition of the streets. The sleet of the mo.n- ing. which was slop at noon, was all gone by 2 o'clock, when the pavements were dry and the air like a spring day.

Senate Will Look It Up. Topeka, January 16. The railroad assess ment of 1891, by which the state board of assessors gave to the Santa Fe railroad a reduction of $1,790,000 in its assessment, will be investigated by a senatorial investigating committee. The committee is composed of three pop ulists and two republicans, which was announced by Lieutenant Governor Percy Daniels, as follows: Senator A. W.

Dennison of Butler county, chairman; Senator Ed win Taylor of Wyandotte county, Senator H. F. Landis of Barber county, Senator K. E. Wilcoibon of Logan county, and Senator Charles F.

Scott of Allen county. This committee was appointed in compliance with a resolution Senator Taylor of Wyandotte. Lewellins- Defied. A dispatch from Leavenworth relates that Mrs. Black man and her associated members of the metropolitan police board refuse to give up control of the police board, notwithstanding thy have been removed by the governor.

On last Tuesday they were requested to resign. On refusal to comply they were notified of their removal. They kept the fact of tbeir removal quiet and continued to act as commissioners until Sunday night, when Mayor Uodsworth was notified by Governor Lew-liing to take charge. The commissioners refused to turn the books over to the mayor and claim that they have not bent legally removed. They also issued an order for collecting fines, which they wanted paid over to tbe matron of the city jail.

Mtyor Dodsworth prorxiptljyeacinded this order and Chief Cranston notified him thst they would obey his orders and refuse any longer to recognize Mrs. Black man's board. Colored Officials. Law-kencz, January 16. S.

A. Harvey, the 'colored clerk of tbe district court of this county, has appointed a young lady of his own race as his deputy. Mr. Harvey, who is now serving his second term of office, has concluded to make a change of assistants. Miss Carrie M.

Langston, the new deputy, is a graduate of the Lawrence High school ncd has been a student until recently st the Emporia state normal. The appoint ment was not made for political houe as a separate body. While this was being discussed the hour arrived for the joint session, and Lieutenant Governor Troutinan said "Gentlemen of the Senate: I am the guardian of no senator upon this floor, nor the keeper of any conscience save my own. The law fixes this day as the one on which we must meet in joint session to elect a slate printer. Custom has made noon the hour for such a joint scs-sion, and custom, in the absence of anything better, is law.

I desire now to I erforin thut duty, and I qo now adjourn tlies nat- in order that may fulfi I a con titutional obligation. I trust all the senators nud many of the officers of the senate as are necessary will go with me to the house of repres ntalives." "I appeal from the decision of the chair," said Senator Dennuon, but Lieutenant Governor Troutinan nnswered calmly, senate is adjourned." He then followed the republican senator- into the west wiDg. The only populist senator who went with the repub icans was A. E. True, of Wabaunsee county.

Senator O'Bryan voted with the republic 'ns. The only othr democrat. W. P. of Bourbon coun'y, left the cenate, but did not vote in the joint session.

Alter I he republican senator had gone tht president pro tern of th- senate assumed the chair and eoms angry speeches were made. During this time word was brought in that the joint convention, tho i in session, had ordered th? sergf ant-at-arms to bring ja absent sen it' ire. The senators hi were till in the t-enate chamber, on motion, ordered tbo doori locked; but soon after adjourned unti1 2 p. m. In joint i-esiion a motion to instruct the pergeant-at-arms to bring the recalcitrant renators in was carried, but reconsidered on motion of Seuator Lucien Baker.

Senator Baker ihtm moved that the election of state printer be proceeded with, which motion prevailed. The result of the vota stood J. K. Hudson 104 Georga W. Cr.iue 1 E.

H. Snow 26 George Wagner 3 W. P. Tomiinson 2 Senator Parksr, of the republicans, was not in the city. The two democrats voted for Tomiinson.

"Having received a constitutional majority of the two houses of tho legislature, J. K. Hudson is hereby elected state printer," said Mr. Troutinan, and upon motion of Mr. Benedict the joint convention was dissolved and the senators retired, and the house took a recess.

When the senators returned from the joint session to the senate chamber Lieutenant Governor Troutman called the senate to order, and the machinery of legislation started on. Some Committees Named. Topeka, January 17. Speaker Lobdell, of the house, announced the following committees Municipal Corporations Robinson, chairman: Cox, Cornell, Beekman, Eckstein, Winters, Lewis. Stale Affairs Caldwell, chairman: Sher man.

ltemer, filurpby, Clark of Uaiiace, Lambert of Lincoln, B-rnett. Mileage Chandler, chairman; Baker, Johnson of Nemaha, Heminger, Dickson, Mott, Vilotte. Public Buildings and Grounds Spicknall, chairman: Sherman, Goodno, Wilson of Stanton, Bradley, Sprague, Vilotte. Printing razer, chairman Simons, bat-terthwaite, Dennison, Gardenhire, Conger, Trueblood. Cities of the First Class Butler, chairman: Hackbusch, Eckstein, Seaton, Cubbi-Eon, Veal, jVighswonger.

Judiciary Johnson of And-rson, chairman; Lambert of Xivon, Rohrbaugh, Hopkins. Cole, Miller of Morris, Moore, Shaefor, Kobinson, Sutton, Bone of Clark. Cub bison. Barkley, Brown of Pratt. Railroads Remington, Chairman; Rohrbaugh, Moore, Seston, Warner, Cos.

Marshall, Spicknall, Andrews. Ilanna, Hackbusch, Pratt, Cannon, Campbell of Stafford, Trueblood, Schiyer. Barnett, Judiciary Local Bobrbaugb, chairman; Cornell. Cox, Butler, Eckstein, Marshall, Street, Moss. Buck I in.

Ways and Means Benedict, chairman; Remington, Hunt, Fitzgerald, Veale, Lam. lert of Ljon, Meredith, Tucker, Allen. White, Knipe, Biair, Morrow, Wilson of Barber. Newman, McKinnie, Street. Assessment and Taxation Shefor, chairman Chandler, Smith of Ottawa.

Bender, Claycoinb, Lambert of Lincoln, Engle. Kansas Historical Society. The meeting of the Historical society, held at Representative hall, Topeka, ws full of interest and was well attended. Four fine addre-ses were given. The first addre of the evening was by W.

L. Brown, of Kingman. The past work of the soci ty was his theme and his eulogy of the faithful, earnest work of those in charge was indeed a flattering testimonial. A. R.

Greene, of Lecompton, related the story of Ihe battle of Wilson creek, and graphically described the noble stand taken by the little band of 1,700 union soldiers. Professor O. E. Ohn, th- state agri-' cultural college, spoke of "The Romance of Kansas History." Hon. John Speer then entertained the audience for an hour with "Incidents of tbe Pioneer Conflict." He began his remarks with an interesting sketch of the men who framed the Leaven worth consti ution.

From this topic be drifted easily along the tide of ear Kansas history. Many incidents were related the "trials and experiences" of P. B. Plumb, W. A.

Phillips. Lane and Thacher the men whom President Buchanan bad declared outlaws. The president appointed Hon. F. P.

Baker, Colonel D. R. Anthony and Fred Well-house committee on nominations. The following officers of the society were elected: Preaident, Solon O. Thacher; vice presidents.

James B. Abbott and Harrison Kelly; secretary, F. G.Adams; treasurer John Guthrie. Flowers From Veterans. After the exercises in Representative hall the new governor, Major Morrill, and Mrs.

Morrill. Mr. and Mrs. J. L.

Bristow and Miss Kate Adams went to the executive office, where Colonel F. J. Close did the honors and turned over to Major Morrill the keys to the governor's desk. Mr. Close also gave the keys for his dek to Mr.

Bristow privatj secretary to the governor. At the same time J. B. French, Governor Lewclling's executive clerk, gave the keys to bis successor, Professor O. C.

Hill, of Hiawatha. Governor Morrill had bren in his new office exactly three minutes when Dr. D. C. Jones, bead surgeon of tbe National Military hoaoe at Leavenworth, addressed tbe governor and presented to him a box of beautiful roses as a tribute from tbe officers and inmates of the home.

The delegation accompanying Dr. Jones on his mission consisted of three members of Thomas Brennan post, G. A. at the home. Captain T.

A. Montgomery, G. A. Wallace and A. H.

Smith. A delegation from the Keeley league at the home accompanied the party. The veterans were Thomas White, John Egan, Reuben Serface and B. W. Bronson.

Governor Morrill accepted the roses and thanked the donors, cordially expressing at tbe same time his appreciation of the gift. "I am glad yeu thought enough of me to come over to-day," said Major Morrill. First In Many Years. Washington, D. January 17.

Congress was given a dee'ded surprise by the committee on judiciary, which decided, by a vote of 7 to 6, to report a resolution for the impeachment of Judge August J. Ricks, of Cleveland, for malfeasance in office. This is the first case of tbo kiDd in many years. The friends of Judge Ricks, declare that there are large possibilities that tbe impeachment may not be undertaken. They depend on members who were absent from the stormy committee meeting to unite in making a minority report- Senatorial Elections.

Four states elected United States senators 'thi week: Michigan re-elects McMillan; Xorth Carolina elects Marion Butier; Nebraska sends Thurston and New Hampshire. mie has, I understand, been carried out. After the completion of the original design for buildings at Topeka no more should be erected at either place, but whenever additional accommodations are required a location should be secured in the western part of the state, where patients from that section can be cared for, in order that they may be more easily accessible to their friends who desire to visit them. The cost of commitment would be materially reduced The present laws for the commitment of the Insane to the asylum seem to be relics of barbarism. There is something absolutely repulsive to me in the sight of a sheriff taking a young lady from her home as he would take a person accused of a crime, and bringing her before the court, where a gaping crowd of curious people have gathered to see her tried by a jury like a thief.

I cannot see where there could be any danger of a person being unlawfully deprived of his liberty if the probate judge were authorized to appoint a commission of two or three reputable physicians to go quietly to the home of the unfortunate, and make the necessary examination. And when any person is adjudged insane, it would seem much more appropriate to employ some friend in whom the insane person had confidence, to take him quietly to the asylum. And in case the patient is a female, a lady attendant ought in every case to accompany her. Reformatory. The legislature in 1885 appropriated $60,000 to purchase a site and to commence the erection of buildings for a reformatory, for the confinement of a class of young criminals whom it would be possible to reform and turn to lives of usefulness.

Other states have adopted a system of reformatories with marked success, and I suggest to you a careful investigation of their systems and the results that have followed, with a view of carrying out the original plan for a similar system in this state. In pursuance of the act of the legislature of 1885, a commission was appointed, and a site for a reformatory was selected at Hutchinson, the citizens of that county donating 640 acres of valuable land for that purpose. Two, hundred thousand dollars have since been appropriated by the legislature, and nearly the entire amount has been expended In the erection of buildings, some of which are completed while others are in an unfinished condition. It is claimed that a small appropriation for the purpose of putting ia heating apparatus and completing tho cells would render it fit for occupancy, and that the labor of the prisoners could then be utilized in completing the work, giving them constant and healthful employment, and thus avoiding bringing them into competition with other industries of tho state. Many of the states have a system or paroling prisoners who have served the minimum sentence provided by law for the crime for which they are sentenced, and who have by their uniform good conduct shown that they are worthy of confidence, and who have the promise of steady employment.

Your thoughfui attention is invited to this matter, with a view to the enactment of a law providing for a system of this kind in this state. State House. The state house ought not to be allowed to remain long in its present unfinished condition. The wise course, in my judgment, would be to make a special levy of a small amount to carry on the work, so that it can be gradually and substantially advanced by completion. A levy of of a mill for the years 1395 and 1898 would raise at least $160,000, and this would probably be as much as could be judiciously expended during that time.

Provision should be made so that the work might be commenced at once. A small appropriation should also be made for Improving the state house grounds. A competent landscape gardener should be employed by- the executive council to prepare plans, and then all work should be along the lines of those plans State University. The superior institutions of learning are receiving an attention that was never before bestowed upon them in the history of the country, and there is a spirit of emulation awakening in most of the states to place the state universities upon a high plane. Our university ha3 always been the pride of Kansas, and it should be the purpase of our state to make it a great university in the widest sense of the term, equal to any in the United States.

The university has already accomplished a wonderful work. It has an able andenthus.astio faculty, and its business matters have been managed with signal ability. It is the pride of every Kansan who appreciates its great worth, and it is bad policy and worse economy to withhold from it any needed aid. State Board of Agriculture. There is one interest in Kansas overshadowing all others, and that is the interest of the farmer.

Whatever promotes that interes-t develops the state. He is a public benefactor who can. by arousing a new zeal, or by developing a better mode of farming, increase the productions of the soil: and one of the instrumentalities that have done much to elevate farming in Kansas is tho state board of agrl-cultute. The great service rendered to the state by its board of agriculture has long been recognized not only in Kansas and America, but in foreign lands, in all of which its useful publications are sought and studied as the highest authority on matters pertaining to our condition, prosperity and progress. In fact, the high standard of its work and effi ciency has become so well understood that older states, dissatisfied with abortive at- tempts to do a like work with political are now asking to be shown the methods bywhich Kansas has been able to accomplish such far-reaching results along these lines at such a minimum of cost.

Much of the success of this department is undoubtedly due to its having been held aloof from party politics maintained as a strictly non-partisan body, a servant of all the people alike; and the highest wisdom suggests its being kept on this basis. For doing the helpful work, which present conditions are making demand for ia greatly increased volume, proper and generous provisions should be made in the line of clerical, printing and postage funds. Whatever enables this board to enlarge end extend its work benefits almost the entire population of Kansas, and it would be a wise policy to Increase the appropriations in its behalf, even though it be done at the expense of some other less useful department. Banking. There ougnt also lo be a provision that mi fees for examining banks should be paid directly to the state treasurer and not to the examiner.

The appropriation for this department should be reduced to the lowest possible limit that It can without diminishing it3 efficiency. There is a constant tendency in all ti departments of the state to increase expenses, which ought to be cl ecked before taxation passes the point of endurance. Historical Society. The State Historical society should have a warm place in the hearts of the people of the state for nearly 0 years it has, with comparatively little help from the state, made an earnest persistent effort to gather within its rooms everything pertaining to the history of Kansas. It- has more than ten thousand bound volumes of Kansas newspapers and magazines; and there Is no better lord of the progress of the state than can be found within these flies.

Every section of the state is interested alike In encouraging the efforts of the The collection they already gathered Is of priceless value. Special arrangement should be made, in completing the capitol building, to provide ample and commodious rooms for the society, and reasonable appropriations should be made to enable it to carry on its work. State Board of Health. The salary of tne secretary, in my Judgment. Is excessive for the work that needs to be done.

Being the secretary of the board need only take a part of the time of a physician, and would not prevent his practice of One thousand dollars would amply pay for the services necessary to be rendered. I would, therefore, recommend that the salary "be reduced to that amount. Soldiers Hoqn, The hard times which have pressed so heavily upon all the people of the country for the past two years, together with the advancing age of the defenders of tho flag during the war or the-rebellion, have caused extraordinary calls to be made for admittance tohe Soldiers' home. It has been found absolutely impossible to receive aH who have applied. If we are to care for those who offered their lives ia defense of their country, who ia their earlj manhood forth battia (or th fic it.

The farm tenant, who changes his residence from year to year, or the laborer, who, seeking employment, must move from one city to another, is almost invariably compelled to buy a new set of bpoits for his children. This is imposing upon him an unjust burden, and compelling him to spend quite a large amount of money uselessly, because the books which he is compelled to dispense with are just as valuable, and as useful for the instruction of children, as the new ones which he is compelled to buy. There is no valid argument against the system of state uniformity, and there are many arguments for it. and where it has been tried it has proven very advantageous, diickamaua. In that memoraDre cattle KMnsa, was represented by Gen.

Robert B. Mitchell, commanding a division of cavalry; Col. John A. Martin, commanding a brigade, and J. L.

Abernathy, commanding the Eighth regiment of Kansas volunteers. The battle was one of the most important of the war, and the Kansas troops fought with much bravery, reflecting honor on their state. The loss of the brave Eighth has seldom been excelled by any regiment on any battlefield. They went into the engagement with four hundred and six men; they came out with one hundred and sixty-three; forty-four were killed and one hundred and ninety-nine were wounded or missing. It is important that the position occupied by that regiment in that contest should be properly marked, and it is but a fitting recognition of their distinguished services.

Eighteen states have-already appointed commissions to assist the national commission in the work of locating positions. The Eighth Kansas regiment should have one monument near the Viniard place, where it fought on Saturday, the 19th, one at Orchard Knob, and one on Missionary Ridge. I would most earnestly recommend that the sum of $3,600 be appropriated for the erection of these three monuments, and that the further sum of $-100 be appropriated to pay the expenses of three commissioners, to be appointed by the governor, from the survivors of that battle, to select the proper monuments and to decide where they shall be placed. Public Printinj. In the matter of pubiio printing than is.

in my judgment, an unwarranted expenditure of public money. The amount paid for this work by this state every year i3 exorbitant much in excess of that paid by other states that ara larger in population and wealth, even for tho same quality and amount of work. Our law i3 defective, and our constitution is in thisre-saect at fault. The legislature has the power to regulate thl prices which shall be paid the state printer. The laborer is worthy of his hire, and a fair, honorable and just compensation should be paid by the state for all work performed for it.

Whatever is paid beyond that is so much unjustly taken from the tax payers of the state, and ought not to be tolerated. The state oi Iowa has a similar law to ours. The price3 paid for printing there is about one-third less than those paid by us. For printing laws, journals, reports and, circulars, the state printer of Iowa is allowed 5J cents per 1,070 "ems" for composition, and 70 cents per 1.003 ems" for table work. Kansas pays for printing journals, reports, laws, circulars, 75 cents per 1,000 -ems" for straight matter, and fl.lSH per 1,00) "ems" for table work.

For press work the Iowa state printer receives per 1,000 for 16-page forms. We pay per l.OCO for 8-page forms. In fact, however, the state printer never runs an 8-page form. He runs one 16-page form and charges for two 8-page forms, making the actual price paid by the state $3.75 per impressions against 51.50 paid by the state of Iowa. The state of Kansas pays 50 per cent, more for composition than the state of Iowa, and 150 per cent, more for press work.

Illustrations of these extravagant prices paid for printing can be multiplied, but it is unnecessary. Another very important matter in connection with the state printing, that should receive your attention, is the voluminous matter published in the reports cf the departments. A great deal of matter which is of no importance whatever is embodied in these reports. The executive council should be authorized and required to limit the Bize of reports, and to determine the character and expense of binding. The appropriation for pubiio printing for the years 18 jo and 1809 should not exceed $80,000, thus saving the state more than SSO.OjO.

The matter demands the immediate attention of the legislature, and a thorough revision of the prices paid for public printing should be immediately had. Fees and Salaries. I Your attention is called to the abuses which have grown up under our system of fees and salaries. The most- practical way to reform I these abuses would it is at all feas; ble, to abolish the fees system and substitute ft fixedalaryjor all officers. Enrolling Clerks.

I would suggest that the law be so revised as to place the employment of assistant engrossing and enrolling clerks, and the entire control of the work, with the secretary of state, and that the enrolling clerks be required to take charge of the bills from their respective houses, delivering them to -the secretary of state, taking his receipt therefor, and when the bills have been enrolled or engrossed, receive them from the secretary of state, receipting to him therefor. This would deane clearly the duties of the different officers, so that each could be held strictly accountable for the discharge of his duty. The act referred to provides for the compensation of clerks at a stated sum per folio, and no authority exists for employing assistant engrossing or enrolling clerks by the day. The disregard of this law by the legislature has cost the state thousands of dollars biennially and has caused an unseemly scramble for places, in many instances by persons utterly unqualified to discharge the duties of enrolling clerks. State Boards.

Several propositions have been discussed looking to a change of the powers and duties of the state boards, but I doubt the wisdom of making any radical changes this respect, increase the efficiency of these boards, and it would be we.l for you to consider the propriety 1 of abolishing entirely some of them. It would I seem that either the board of public works or the office of state architect might be dispensed with. The office of silk commissioner can be abolished without any detriment to the state. The state board of health might be made less expensive without materially diminishing its efficiency. The office of state veterinarian might be abolished and the office placed under the control of the professor of veterinary at the agricultural college.

In these times of depression it is your duty to cut off ail expenditures not absolutely necessary. There has never seemed to me any reason why members of the st3te boards should be paid mileage. It would be far more reasonable and sensible to pay them their necessary traveling expenses actually paid, and their per diem for all time necessarily employed, and I know no good reason why the per diem should be increased. The treasurer of the board of charities handles a large amount of money, and gives only a small bond as member of the board. The business-like way to do would be to abolish all these minor treasurers and require all moneys to be paid by the state treasurer.

But if this not done, he ought to be required to give a bond sufficiently large to cover any moneys belonging to the state that may come into his hands. -Insane and Insane Asylums. The dictates of humanity demand that tne tenderest care should be given to our unfortunate fellow-citizens who have been bereft of -their reason. No reasonable expense should be spared to provide for their comfort or to turoisSi vh test odicl atveuaaact.iiai0hi the judgment or whim of the assessor. After a patient and careful txamfhatlon of the law, I am unable to see where it fails to provide for an honest, impartial assessment.

The fault seems to be rather in the administration of the law than in the law itself. If the proper officers complied- strictly with every provision of the law3 relating to assessment and taxation there would be little cause for complaint. More severe penalties might be attached for violations of the law, but that remedy would hardiy accomplish the desired results, for when an assessor makes his return, with property assessed at from 10 to 25 per cent, of its real value, and swears that he has to the best of his judgment given the true value, he knows, and everybody else knows, that he commits willful perjury. But how can you prove that he has not used his best judgment in deciding values? It would be a great step In the right direction if there were but one assessor in each county, and he should be appointed for a term of four years by the judge of the district court in which that county is lo-catod, the appointment to be approved by the county commissioners! who should also decide the number of deputies that he should have, and should also approve his selections. By having the appointment of the assessor made by the judge and for a period of four years, he is removed from the temptation to favor parties for their political influence, and he would be far more independent in his attempts to discover property that is withheld from assessment.

Now we have cbout sixteen hundred assessors, largely men with little practical experience, selected more because they have little ellse to do and are "good fellows," each trying to keep his assess ment down so that his township may pay less than its honest share of the taxes These men are elected for one year, and are dependent for their re-election upon the men whose property they are valuing. But there is little nope ot improvement until a more faithful ad ministration of the law can be had. It makes less difference what the law is than how it is Bdtninist3red. There ought also to be some right of appeai from assessments that are grossly and outrageously unjust. Now the assessor Axes the valuation, the commissioners refuse to change it, and the taxpayer is obliged to submit to what he knows is legalized rob bery.

I am wl aware that the right to appeal would have to be restricted, but the very fact that the right to appeal existed would make the county commissioners more willing to do justice. Collection Laws. The legislature of 1833 enacted a law to regulate the sale and redemption of real estate m-der execution, etc. It was doubtless the purpose and desire of the framers of this act to furnish relief to those who had mortgaged their homes and were unfortunately unable to meet their obligations: but the law seems to have had directly the opposite effect from what was intended. Believing that the theory upon which the law is based is a pernicious one, I desire to call your attention to its practical workings.

Capital Is proverbially timid: it goes only where it is protected; it scents danger as quickly and as keenly as a wild animal, and as promptly seeks safety. Capital cannot be driven by legislative enactments to make investments where it Is not safe, and any attempt of that kind drives it quickly from the state. This result is as sure to follow as water is to run down hill. The past two years have witnessed a rapid withdrawal of capital from the state, and the amount would have been much larger if it could have been collected. It is estimated that $15,000,000 have been withdrawn the past two years by parties in tho east, who had loans secured by real estate, and who have lost confidence in Kansas investments: while nearlyall the large insurance companies and savings banks which have been accustomed to make loans here, positively refuse to take any new mortgages until the laws are changed.

The proceedings in foreclosure" should be made as simple and inexpensive as it is possible to make them, with a due regard to the rights of the mortgagor. The Missouri form of trust deed hasproven.after many years of trial, very satisfactory. Something cf that character, with a provision that the mortgagor should have the privilege of redemption for twelve months, by paying taxes, insurance and interest, would doubtless be satisfactory to the bor rower and lender. I am confident that the best interests of all classes would be promoted by the enactment of such laws as would tend to restore confidence in our ability and willingness to promptly meet our obligations. Insurance Laws and Insurance Department.

The laws relating to insurance corporations and the transaction of insurance business in this state ought to be carefully revised and amended. The act creating the insurance department, and most of the laws since passed providing for the creation of insurance companies in this state, and their government, contain provisions which ought to be separated. Irrigation. The subject of irrigation Is one of vast Importance to the people of this state. In nearly one-half of the state the scant supply of the rainfall makes general farming uncertain and precarious business, and renders comparatively valueless, except for grazing purposes, millions of acres of the choicest lands in the state.

With "an ample supply of water at the proper season at least twenty millions of acre3 of land now not worth on an average more than two-and-a-half dollars per acre, could be given a value of twenty-five dollars per acre, adciicg at least four hundred millions of dollars to the wealth of the state aad making that section the garden spot of the state. Numerous theories for the prevention of drought have been advocated and tested, but they have proven failures, and the people are now turning to the subject of irrigation. There are some difficulties that confront them. The amount of the water supply, and its availability tor irrigation purposes, are the chief problems to be settled. The western settlers, in their struggles to develop that part of our state, deserve the hearty support of every A more brave.honest and intelligent class of men never cast their fortunes in a new An appropriation of the pubiio money to a limited degree, to be expended under the direction of the state board of agriculture, or toe agricultural college, may be advisable.

But we should carefully avoid aj tt et 9hUq mow.