if every officer and enlisted man allowed by law were commissioned or enlisted, varies from 15,000 in New York to 450 in Idaho. In 5 States and Territories there is no fixed limit to the strength. These States and Territories include Tennessee, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Wyoming, and Nevada.

COL. ALONZO B. COIT, 14th Regiment, Ohio N. G.

Infantry.-The 3 States having the largest infantry force available at the present time for active service are New York, with 12,159; Pennsylvania, with 7,638; and Ohio, with 5,125. The remainder of the States having over 3,000 infantry ready for the field are Massachusetts, 4,302; New Jersey, 3,369; South Carolina, 3,069; Georgia, 3,515; Illinois, 4,957; and California, 4,178.

Cavalry-Six of the 9 States in the North Atlantic division have cavalry militia. The same is true of the South Atlantic division. Of the 12 States comprising the North Central division, 5 only include cavalry. Among the troops available at this time 4 of the 8 States and Territories in the South Central division and 6 of the 11 States and Territories in the Western division have this arin of the service represented. The 3 States having the largest cavalry force are South Carolina, with 1,519, white and colored; Georgia, with 589; and Texas, with 290. The States having more than 200 cavalry in addition to the 3 States already given are Massachusetts, 285, and California, 261. Several other States, including New York, are organizing an additional force of cavalry.

Artillery. The only States and Territories without artillery militia, according to the latest available reports, are Maine, Delaware, Maryland, West Virginia, North and South Carolina, Michigan, Iowa, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Montana, Wyoming, New Mexico, Arizona, and Idaho.

The 3 States having the largest artillery force at present are California, 586; Ohio, 437; and New York, 416. Other States having 200 artillery or over are Massachusetts, 266: Pennsylvania, 245; Indiana, 200; Alabama, 204; Mississippi, 240; and Louisiana, 401.

Adults liable to serve.-The 3 States of the Union credited with the largest number of

adults liable to serve are Illinois, 852,635; Pennsylvania, 806,230; and New York, 750,000. The only other State able to furnish more than 500,000 fighting men under a special call to arms is Ohio, with 645,000.

The States able to furnish from 250,000 to 500,000 are Massachusetts, 389.529; New Jersey, 284,887; Georgia, 264,021; Indiana, 481,192; Wisconsin, 375.601; Iowa, 269,510; Missouri, 400,000; Kentucky, 361,137; and Texas, 300,000. Figures are not available under this heading for South Carolina and Oklahoma.

Organization.-The organized militia force in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Mississippi, Texas, and California is formed into a division of several brigades. The force in nearly every State and Territory is brigaded. The exceptions are Maine, Georgia, Ohio, Wisconsin, South Dakota, Kentucky, Alabama, Oklahoma, Montana, Wyoming, New Mexico, Arizona, and Nevada.

Hospital or Ambulance Corps.-Of the 49 States and Territories, from 15 to 20 are lacking in provision for hospital and ambulance force and equipment in connection with the State militia. Those included in the last Federal report as being most serviceable are Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania-being 6 of the 9 States in the North Atlantic division; the District of Columbia, Ohio, Illinois, and Oregon.

Signal Corps.-Corps for signaling purposes have been organized in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, Georgia, Montana, Colorado, Utah, and California. In 14 other States and Territories there are trained detachments ready to serve. In California one signal corps is mounted and equipped as cavalry. In Connecticut, Iowa, Colorado, and Utah the signal corps are mounted on bicycles. This last form of equipment is also used in connection with an Ohio regiment. Homing pigeons are utilized for signaling in the District of Columbia. The latest Federal report credits Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Montana with having attained the greatest proficiency in this branch of the militia service.

Encampments. In 1894 officially ordered encampments of State troops took place for practice drills and other exercises in 30 States. In some of the other States companies and battalions went into camp of their own volition. According to the latest reports, 15 States have ground set apart as State property for camp exercises. During recent encampments in Vermont, New York, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Texas regular troops were present.

Mobilization.-The time required for concentrating the entire command ranges, approxi mately, from three days in Oregon and California to twelve hours in Connecticut. This excludes the District of Columbia, where, for local service, the force could be mustered within three hours.

The percentage of the entire force that could probably be counted on to turn out for sixty days' active service, as given in the various State summaries preceding, is based on estimates furnished by commanding officers, and varies from 95 per cent. in New York, Pennsylvania, and North Dakota to 50 per cent. in Minnesota and South Dakota. The States and Territories reported as having well-developed plans prepared

to meet emergencies are the District of Columbia, North Carolina, Illinois, South Dakota, and Alabama. In numerous other States plans have been partially prepared.

Armed Resistance.-One reason why the synopsis of State summaries at the beginning of this article has been arranged by geographical groups is that some idea may be gained of the possibilities with reference to armed resistance on land in the event of threatened invasion.

For convenience of illustration, let it be supposed that New York city and vicinity required protection. From the statistics furnished in the introductory part of the article the aggregate strength of the National Guard within each geographical division can be easily noted. The first part of the entire force to reach threatened points in New York State would be, of course, that located within the North Atlantic division. Taking it for granted that the railroads give right of way to troops, and that no obstacles would be encountered in the matter of equipment or transportation to railroad rendezvous, and allowing twenty-four hours clear for the troops in each State to assemble at their selected points of concentration, within State boundaries, it would seem safe to say that fully 20,000 infantry, 300 cavalry, and 700 artillery, with at least 50 ordinary field pieces, 20 Gatling guns, and 8 howitzers, would be in position for immediate action within forty-eight hours of the first alarm. Of these, a large number would be ready for action within twelve hours, and more than one half within twenty-four hours. This force, equipped with at least 5,000 tents and supplemented by about 700 naval militia, would within another twenty-four hours or thereabouts be reenforced by quite two thirds of the organized militia of the South Atlantic group.

Each day thereafter, regiments, troops, and batteries of fully equipped officers and men with an ample supply of armament and ammunition, would reach their appointed rendezvous for attack or defense, those of the South Atlantic division being closely followed by the forces comprised in the North and South Central divisions and the Western division, with the net result that in less than six days, in round numbers, from 80,000 to 90,000 infantry, from 4,000 to 5,000 cavalry, from 4,000 to 5,000 artillery, and from 2,000 to 3,000 naval militia, fully officered, armed, and equipped, would stand at the points threatened, fully prepared to support the Federal troops and engage the enemy. The difference between the organized force and the total authorized strength being over 50,000, such an emergency as the one just referred to would bring into service a sufficient number of adults in each State and Territory to protect State interests during the absence of the organized militia troops.

Appropriations.-The largest regular annual State appropriation ($400,000) is made by New York. This sum does not include a number of allotments for special purposes. In 1894, other States appropriating $100,000 or more were Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Wisconsin, and California. The amount appropriated by Congress annually ($400,000) is divided among the States according to the representation to which each is entitled in Congress,

and to the Territories and the District of Columbia in such proportions as the President may direct. The largest Federal allotment is that granted to New York.

Ammunition.-All States and Territories except North Dakota, Arizona, Oregon, and California have on hand, ready to be delivered promptly to troops on arrival at points of concentration, amounts of cavalry and infantry ammunition ranging from 600,000 rounds in New York to 10,000 each in Florida, Missouri, Washington, and the District of Columbia. In addition to these amounts nearly every company throughout the United States keeps a fairly large stock at its armory or within easy reach. The batteries of artillery are usually kept fairly well supplied with artillery ammunition, the largest quantity being for Gatling-gun purposes.

Camp Equipage.-Nineteen States are reported as having sufficient tentage for the present force. A similar number of States are not sufficiently well equipped. Some of these are taking steps to supply the deficiency. The above 38 States own their tent equipage. The balance of the States and Territories are not yet satisfactorily arranged for in this matter. Only a few States have complete mess outfits.

Drills. The drilling capabilities of the State troops are continually improving. The interest taken in their efficiency by the Federal Government, as represented by specially detailed army officers, is producing excellent results.

In the Federal summary, 1894, it is noted that the degree of proficiency in drill attained by large bodies of troops is reported as ranging from excellent in some organizations in Massachusetts, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, to poor. "The best-executed drills seem to be those of the company in close order, but little attention seems, as a rule, to have been paid to company extended order in most States. The drill of the cavalry is generally reported as being good; in some cases, excellent. The artillery drill is generally very good, and special mention is made of the proficiency of Battery A, Missouri National Guard, and of the Vermont battery. So much time is given to the ceremonies that they are generally better performed than the regular drills."

NEBRASKA, a Western State, admitted to the Union March 1, 1867; area, 77,510 square miles. The population, according to each decennial census since admission, was 122,993 in 1870; 452,402 in 1880; and 1,058,910 in 1890. Capital, Lincoln.

Government.-The following were the State officers during the year: Governor, Silas A. Holcomb; Lieutenant Governor, Robert E. Moore; Secretary of State, Joel A. Piper; Treasurer, Joseph S. Bartley; Auditor, Eugene Moore; Attorney-General, Arthur S. Churchill; Superintendent of Public Instruction, Henry R. Corbett; Commissioner of Public Lands and Buildings, Henry C. Russell-all Republicans except the Governor, who is a Populist, as is also the Adjutant General, P. H. Barry; Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, T. L. Norval; Associate Justices, A. M. Post and T. O. C. Harrison-all Republicans.

Finances. The State valuation in 1895 was $171,468,207.48, a falling off from 1894, when it

was $183,717,498.78. The decrease is in personal property. Improved lands have increased in acreage from 17,558,533 to 18,091,963, and in value from $61,411,598 in 1894 to $61,817,884 in 1895. The value of railroad property and sleeping cars is placed at $25,492,513.08. Horses are valued at $5,019,253, and cattle at $4,132 794. It is estimated that the taxes will be too small at 5 mills on this valuation to meet the expenses of the general fund for the coming two years, and that the floating debt at the end of that time will amount to at least $1,400,000. The total tax for all purposes is about 7 mills.

The Bureau of Labor, in the report of mortgage indebtedness for the year ending May 31, 1895, shows that the amount of incumbrances is decreasing.

The inspector of oils reports that the total received for inspection of illuminating oils in 1894 was $10,106.40, and the salaries and expenses amounts to $11,274.31. The gasoline fees, amounting to over $10,000, the inspector refused to pay into the treasury, lest they might some time be demanded of him on the ground that they were illegally taken. The State then brought suit against the inspector's bondsmen. The question whether gasoline was contemplated as coming under the law had been settled in the affirmative at a former term.

The case of the State against ex-Treasurer Hill (see "Annual Cyclopædia" for 1893, page 504) and his bondsmen was tried in the spring, and the jury failed to agree. The State appealed to the Supreme Court.

Education. The December apportionment of State school funds disposed of $216,336.33, and the rate for each pupil was 61 cents. The whole number of children was 352,028. The amount apportioned in May, 1895, was $256,996.42, and the rate per pupil was 70 cents. At that time 362,729 children of school age were listed, fully 10,000 more than the number afterward reported.

The regents of the State University, in their report to the Legislature, said that to make it adequate to the accommodation of the young men and women of the State who are flocking to it additional buildings, to cost over $400,000, will be required. The State has appropriated only about $25,000 toward the erection of the present buildings, which have cost between $350,000 and $400,000. A short course in agriculture was established, the Legislature having given for its use the Morrill fund received from the National Government. A class of 95 was sent out in June, the largest in the history of the university.

The Nebraska Wesleyan University graduated 16 at its last commencement. The original debt of $50,700 was paid then by subscription.

The Penitentiary.-The joint committee of the Legislature appointed to investigate charges of cruelty and misconduct at the Penitentiary reported that no ground was discovered for the charges; but they recommended that the contract system by which the prisoners were maintained and worked should be abolished, and that the State should buy the plant of the contractor in charge and itself maintain the prisoners and manage their labor. This was decided upon, and the contractor's property, together with the

value of his unexpired lease, was appraised at $33,400. The Board of Public Lands and Buildings appointed ex-Warden Beemer as superintendent and steward, with the power to lease convict labor. But the Governor disputed the right of the board to make the appointment, claiming that all business and the making of contracts ought to be through the warden, and that in the appointment of Beemer the board exceeded its authority by creating a new office. The matter was complicated by an application for an injunction distraining the Auditor from issuing the warrant to the contractor in payment for his plant. The board could not annul his lease until the payment was made, and appealed to the Governor to eject him, which the Governor declined to do. When this difficulty was over, the board directed ex-Warden Beemer to take control at the Penitentiary as the new contractor, but the warden, supported by the Governor, refused to admit him and would receive no supplies from him. The prisoners were kept idle while this controversy was pending. It was taken to the courts and was undecided at the end of the year.

Charities.-The Governor appointed a new superintendent, Dr. Abbott, for the Lincoln Hospital for the Insane, and the appointment was confirmed by the Senate and was to take effect March 10. But the superintendent in charge, Dr. Hay, refused to retire, claiming that by the statutes he is appointed for six years, and hence there was no vacancy. The Governor declared that he would install his appointee by force, if necessary, and the superintendent applied for an injunction to prevent it. In April the Governor asked Dr. Hay to resign, and intimated that in case he did not, charges would be preferred against him and he would be removed for cause. Charges were brought and the superintendent's counsel laid them before the Board of Public Lands and Buildings with a request that the board grant a hearing on them. The charges-which were for extravagant management, negligence, and the permitting of abuse of patients by subordinates-were, however, heard by the Governor under protest from Dr. Ilay. Dr. Hay presented statements to refute the charge of extravagance, showing that the Lincoln Hospital for the Insane is maintained at less per capita than 16 asylums in other States, but one, the Colorado institution at Colorado Springs, costing less. The Governor also made an appointment of a new assistant physician, and this was resisted on the same grounds as the other. The Attorney-General asked the courts to settle the controversy. There was similar trouble about the control of other State institutions.

Agriculture.-The cultivation of beets for sugar was greatly stimulated in 1895 by the action of the Legislature, and will be still further increased by the introduction of improved processes of manufacture. Since and including the year 1891 the sugar factory at Grand Island has paid for beets an aggregate of $485,303. Of that sum the beet growers in the autumn of 1895 received $180,000, though much of the crop failed to bring the maximum price; but numerous instances were reported where beet growers realized over $45 an acre net profit. A

much larger acreage was devoted to the purpose than formerly, and it was estimated that the factories in the State would have turned out 4,500,000 pounds in the season. Local organizations for promoting the culture of beets have been formed, and a convention was appointed to be held in Lincoln Feb. 5 and 6, 1896.

The cultivation of alfalfa has been highly successful in parts of the State.

The corn crop for the year was estimated at 18 bushels to the acre.

The work of irrigation has made good progress. Many private plants are established with wells and windmills. The extent of irrigating canals is summarized by the State engineer as follows: There are 372 canals either constructed or under construction, having a total length of 1,908 miles, of which 1,156 are completed. These canals, when finished, will have cost $2,015,336, of which amount $1,271,808 has already been expended. The number of acres under ditch will be 866,180.

A law for dividing the State into irrigation districts and creating a State Board of Irrigation was passed, and all persons who have built ditches are required to describe them in detail in an application to the board, and state how much water they want.

A large irrigation convention was held in Sidney in December.

Omaha.-The bill for a new board of fire and police commissioners, passed by the Legislature, and applicable to Omaha, was resisted as invalid. The Governor vetoed the bill, which was passed over the veto; and he refused to act on the appointing_board, of which he was ex officio a member. The question came before the Supreme Court, and the law was declared valid.

The Relief Commission. The report of the commission appointed to distribute the charity contributed for the relief of destitute citizens, finished its work and made its report in August. Following are extracts from it.

It was found on taking up the work of investigating the loss and destruction of crops and the destitution of citizens from the hot winds of July last, that of the 91 counties of the State, 61 have been affected by the calamity, and that in 26 the crops had been totally destroyed. An imaginary line from Furnas County, on the southern border of the State, northeasterly to Knox County, on the Missouri river, comprehends on the west of it the counties referred to. It is believed that the agricultural loss to this section was equal to $100,000,000. In July, 1894, all crops promised an abundant harvest, and not less than 200,000,000 bushels of corn were to be considered as the entitled product, of which there were gathered not more than 13,000,000 in the entire State. Valuable contributions in kind were forwarded from various localities on the Ohio river in the East, from sympathizing sections of the South, particularly Georgia and Louisiana, and especially from Illinois and from Iowa, from the New England States, California, and Oregon. The most weighty obligation which rests on the commissioners is that due to the officers of the railway lines throughout the State for free transportation and remitted rates of freight. The telegraph and telephone companies contributed cach its service. The citizens of Omaha and Lincoln provided storage for all supplies delivered and awaiting transportation there. The Senators and Representatives to Congress and the Commissioner of Agriculture at Washington supplied 92,000 packages of garden seeds. The Merchants Exchange at St. Louis and

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the Board of Trade at Chicago, commercial bodies of large importance, extended their most substantial sympathies in liberal cash contributions.

The financial statement shows receipts of $79,449.63.

The Committee on Appropriations of the Connecticut Legislature proposed to send $5,000 from the State treasury, and other States offered assistance in the same way; but these proposals were declined by the Governor, and the work was left to voluntary contribution and the aid of the Nebraska Legislature.

The Barrett Scott Case-Several men were arrested on suspicion of being connected with the horrible lynching of the defaulting treasurer of Holt County (see" Annual Cyclopædia" for 1894, page 505), and 3 were held for trial. The case was carried to Boyd County, in order to remove it from the scene of excitement. Some of the accused were identified by the murdered man's little daughter and a young lady, both of whom were with Mr. and Mrs. Scott in the carriage when he was taken from it; and they were shown to have been members of a vigilance committee and to have been away from home at the time, and together; but they swore alibis for themselves and for one another, and the jury failed to convict.

Legislative Session. The regular biennial session began Jan. 1 and ended April 5. The members were divided among parties as follow: Senate-25 Republicans, 7 Populists, and 1 Populist-Democrat; House-4 Democrats, 72 Republicans, 4 Populists, and 19 Populist-Democrats.

John M. Thurston was elected United States Senator to succeed Charles F. Manderson.

Of 130 bills that were passed, 9 were vetoed by the Governor, and 3 of these were passed over the veto.

An appropriation of $1,375,479.21 was made for the current expenses of the government for the two following years, and one of $26,722.31 for the payment of miscellaneous claims against the State, and another for the same purpose of $80,833.02. For salaries of officers of the State government, State institutions and departments $808,075 was appropriated. For defending in the Federal court the maximum-rate law (see "Annual Cyclopædia" for 1893, page 503, and for 1894, page 505), an appropriation of $21,648.75 was made. For payment of the Legislature $85,000 was set apart, and an additional $40,000 for incidental expenses. An appropriation of $50,000 was made for relief of the sufferers by the drought, and an act was passed to give distribution. $200,000 to provide seed and feed and for its

The registration law was amended, making it apply only to cities of over 7,000 population, and providing for three days instead of five for general registration.

Amendments to the election laws prescribed the manner of voting for amendments to the Constitution, of designating newspapers to publish proposed amendments, and of placing on

the official ballot names of candidates nominated by petition.

The State banking law was amended so as to require all State banks to be chartered under the seal of the State by the State banking

board. Four public statements are required annually. Two directors are required to be present when a bank is examined. Bank examiners' bonds are raised from $10,000 to $25,000. Instead of uniform fee for examination, fees are graded according to capital of banks. Banks must keep 15 per cent. of deposits on hand, and in cities of 20,000 population or over 20 per cent. Incorporated banks are prohibited from buying or holding any part of their stock. All banks are required to set apart one tenth of their net proceeds until they have a surplus of at least 20 per cent. No bank can hold any real estate, except bank building and fixtures, to exceed one third of its capital, unless taken to satisfy a debt, and it must then be sold within five years. Notes by any bank or banker or partnership can not be carried as an asset. No dividend can be made where any bad debt or loss is carried as an asset.

It was made unlawful for any railway to use any car or engine not equipped with automatic couplers after Jan. 1, 1898, and to run any train not having enough automatic brakes so that the engineer can control the train without requiring brakemen to go between the cars.

Corporations working under the mutual assessment and other similar plans for life and accident insurance must give bonds and show applications for at least 250 lives, for at least $1,000 each, and must be licensed by the Auditor, and make annual statements to him. Accumulations shall be invested in United States bonds, State or municipal bonds, or in notes secured by real-estate mortgage or in district irrigation bonds not to exceed 40 per cent. of the value thereof, and deposited with the Auditor.

The statute relating to the formation of new counties was so amended as to make 450 square miles the minimum territory, and the votes necessary to the establishment of a new county a majority instead of a three-fifths vote.

A bounty of of 1 cent a pound was ordered for the manufacture of sugar by established factories and to those hereafter established, and the same for chicory. The sugar beets must have been paid for to the grower at a rate not less than $5 a ton, and the chicory at not less than $10.50. The sugar must contain not less than 90 per cent. of crystallized sugar, and the chicory must be 99 per cent. pure. This law is to be in force for three years. It was enacted that any person making or keeping for sale any imitation butter or cheese shall be fined not less than $10 nor more than $20, but the manufacture of substitute butter not colored shall not be prohibited. Each package shall be stamped 'imitation butter.'" Other acts were:

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Providing for boards of health in cities of the second class and villages.

Allowing cities of the second class and incorporated villages to issue bonds to the amount of 5 per cent, of the assessed value of their property for extension or enlargement of their waterworks.

Authorizing councils in cities of the second class and village boards by ordinance to levy a special license tax not to exceed $5 per annum upon every fire insurance company transacting business in such city or village, the tax so raised to be used for the support of volunteer fire departments.

Providing for boards of park commissioners in

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cities, and empowering cities to issue bonds for park purposes. Regulating the practice of dentistry.

Raising the age of consent from fifteen to eighteen

years.

Imposing a penalty of one to ten years' imprisonment for cattle stealing, buying stolen cattle, or harboring cattle thieves.

Imposing a fine of $10 to $50 for the manufacture, sale, or giving away of cigarettes or cigarette nuterials. To protect Mongolian pheasants. Making daylight burglary a felony. Russian thistle to grow upon their lands. Imposing heavy fines on landowners who allow the Providing for the establishment of a branch soldiers' home at Milford.

Twelve constitutional amendments were proposed, the principal of which were:

Providing that all votes shall be by ballot, or such other method (voting machine) as may be prescribed by law, the secrecy of voting to be retained.

Providing for the investment of the permanent school fund in registered school district bonds.

Authorizing the Legislature to provide that in civil actions five sixths of the jury may render a verdict.

Authorizing three fifths of both houses to change salaries of State officers.

Adding 3 railroad commissioners to the list of State officers.

Authorizing the Legislature to increase the number of supreme and district judges.

Limiting the number of State officers, except on concurrence of three fourths of each House. Authorizing the Legislature to create an appellate

court.

Among joint resolutions were the following: That Nebraska shall hereafter, in a popular sense, be known and referred to as the Tree-planters' State.

Authorizing the Governor to appoint 3 commissioners to act in conjunction with a like commission of the State of South Dakota in ascertaining the true and correct boundary line between Nebraska and South Dakota as far as the same may be the boundary between the counties of Clay in South Dakota and Dixon in Nebraska.

Asking Congress to provide for payment to all Union soldiers who were confined in rebel prisons during the war a pension of $2 a day during the time so confined and $12 a month for the remainder of their lives.

That the Legislature of Nebraska hereby declares the flower commonly known as "golden rod" to be the floral emblem of the State.

Political. A justice of the Supreme Court was to be chosen this year, and 2 regents of the State University. At the Democratic State Convention, Aug 22, in Omaha, the free-silver elein favor of free and unlimited coinage of gold ment was in control, and the resolutions declared and silver at the ratio of 16 to 1. The candidates named were: For Justice, Charles J. Phelps; for Regents, A. T. Blackburn and the following before the convention as a miRobert Kittle. A delegate attempted to place nority report:

We recommend the administration of President Cleveland, as being able, patriotic, and honest, and reaffirm the platform adopted by the Democratic National Convention at Chicago in 1892.

Scarcely had the first word been uttered when the whole convention was protesting. There was such a roar that order was not established for