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EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT

	Salary
Governor--Arthur J. Weaver	$7,500
Private Secretary--Dr. T. W. Bass	2,640
Chief Clerk--I. D. Evans	1,500
Chief Stenographer--Anna C. Braun	2,100
State Sheriff--W. C. Condit	4,000

     Territorial governors were appointed by the President of the United States.

      Francis Burt, first territorial governor, arrived in Nebraska on October 16, 1854. David Butler, first governor of the state, entered upon his duties February 20, 1867. The salary of territorial governors was $2,000 and that of state governors $1,000, until the constitution of 1875 fixed the salary at $2,500. The constitution of 1920 fixed the governor's salary at $7,500, until otherwise provided by law. Beginning with 1889 the state paid the rent of a residence for the governor until 1899, except during the incumbency of Governor Crounse, who refused to accept the additional payments. In 1899 the legislature appropriated $25,000 for the purchase and furnishing of an executive mansion. Of this sum $21,385.30 was expended. Succeeding legislatures, with few exceptions, have made appropriations for the maintenance and repair of the mansion and the extension of the ground around it. The supreme court has held that the constitutional provision that state officers shall receive no compensation in addition to their salaries is not violated by the maintenance of a residence for the governor, but several governors have refused to accept funds for maintenance. (State v. Sheldon, 78 Neb. 552.)

LAW ENFORCEMENT

      The prohibition enforcement act of 1917 made it the duty of the governor to enforce all the provisions of that act. He was empowered to use every authority of his position, and that of the attorney general's office, as well as of all local law enforcement officers to detect offenses against the liquor laws. The governor appointed an enforcement officer to have active charge of the work of enforcement of the automobile theft and liquor laws. The legislature of 1927 created the office of state sheriff to assist the governor in enforcing all the criminal laws of the state. The enforcement officer under the old law continues as the state sheriff with the added duties mentioned.

BUDGET

      The governor is the chief budget officer. He is required to present to the legislature a complete budget of all' expenditures for the run-

      The governor is required to--
  1. Efficiently and economically administer state affairs.
  2. Prepare the budget of the state expenses and present to the legislature.
  3. Give information by message to the legislature.
  4. Render account of all moneys received and disbursed by him.
  5. Appoint certain officers as required by the constitution and statutes, and fill vacancies in state offices.
  6. Serve as commander-in-chief of militia.
  7. Sign or veto bills by the legislature.
  8. Call elections to fill vacancies in office of representatives and senators in congress.
  9. Certify public accountants and notaries.
10. Issue requisitions for the return of accused persons to this and other states and countries.
11. With the superintendent of public instruction, manage escheated lands.
12. Have custody of state lands and property not otherwise disposed of by law, including the capitol.
13. With treasurer and auditor, direct investment of surplus funds.
14. Order election of officers in new counties.
15. Designate places of publication for proposed constitutional amendments and proclaim such amendments when passed.
16. Enforce the prohibition laws.

 Member of, and chairman--

board of educational lands and funds.

board of assessment and equalization.

board of canvassers.

board of pardons.

capitol commission

depository bonds board

game, forestation and parks commission..

 Member of--

state historical society executive board (by historical society constitution).

PUBLICATIONS

Messages.

Budget.

 The constitution of 1875 made the first provision for a lieutenant governor. During the sessions of the legislature he is paid twice the compensation of a senator, amounting at present to $1,600 for a session.

DUTIES

     The Lieutenant-governor---

1. Serves as president of the senate.
2. Acts as governor during that official's absence or incapacity, and succeeds to the office if a vacancy or permanent incapacity arises.

DEPARTMENT OF STATE 

	Salary
Secretary--Frank Marsh, Norfolk	$5,000
Deputy Secretary- G. B. Thomas	2,640
Bookkeeper--C. M. Sellers	1,200
Corporation Clerk--Pauline Hill	1,500
Recorder--Roberta Johnson	1,200
Stenographer and Copyist--Lydia Hill	900

HISTORY

     The territorial secretaries of state were appointed by the President of the United States. The duties of the secretary of state were first prescribed in an act approved June 24, 1867. These duties have been constantly added to until even a partial enumeration of them appears formidable.

DUTIES AND POWERS

The secretary of state is required to

  1. Fix the seal of state to commissions issued by the governor and keep a register of them.
  2. Approve depository bonds.
  3. Pass on and approve each voucher drawn in payment of, claims against the state.
  4. Receive and have custody of all bills that become laws, and to index, publish and distribute them; also, to
      furnish certified copies of them upon the payment of the required fees.
  5. Report to the governor the amount of all fees collected by him.
  6. Receive abstracts of votes from county clerks and tabulate results for the legislature and canvassing board.
  7. Keep a file of all articles of incorporation, consolidation and changes in articles of all corporations, or other
      associations, also collect filing fees and annual license fees from the same.
  8. Receive filings of certificates of nominations for state office, initiative and referendum petitions, and arrange the official

ballot for both primaries and elections; 'also, print and distribute proposed constitutional amendments.
  9. Record trade-marks, brands and labels, and collect fees for the same.
10. Endorse registration certificates of public bonds.
11. File reports of county clerks as to county offices.
12. Deliver state publications to state librarian and historical society.
13. Receive and file testimony in certain election contests.
14. Receive and file bonds of state officers.
15. Inspect business records and accounts of money loaners.

The secretary may --

1. Administer oaths and take acknowledgments upon payment of customary notarial fees.

RELATION TO VARIOUS BOARDS, ETC.

Member of--

board of equalization and assessment.

board of educational lands and funds.

board of canvassers.

board of pardons.

 PUBLICATIONS

Biennial report.
Corporation laws.
Notaries' public laws.
Brand book and laws.
State constitution.

AUDITING DEPARTMENT 

	Salary
Auditor--L. B. Johnson, Omaha	$5,000
Deputy Auditor--Donald W. Smith	2,640
Funds Bookkeeper--Margaret McCalpin	1,644
Appropriation Bookkeeper--Lucille Robinson	1,704
Bond Examiner--Ralph Lawrence	2,484
State Accountant--C. A. Sommer	3,000
County Treasurer Examiner--Frank Honza	2,220
County Treasurer Examiner--Oscar G. Peterson	2,220
Warrant Clerk--Margaret Marsh	1,320
Warrant Clerk--Nadine Wassell	1,320
Stenographer--Naomi F. Schenck	1,320

 HISTORY

     The auditor's office was created by act of the first territorial legislature, approved March 16, 1855. The auditor was thereby made general accountant and revenue officer of the territory, with a salary of $200 per annum. Amendatory acts prescribing duties were passed by the territorial legislature on January 26, 1856, February 15, 1864, February 9, 1865, and February 13, 1865. The act of February 15, 1864,

combined the offices of auditor and school commissioner, with a salary of $900 per annum.

     The salary of the office was so small in the early days that its work was slighted. Papers accumulated without being organized, and on March 3, 1873, the legislature passed a joint resolution declaring the accounts, books and records of the office to be in 11 an unintelligible condition," and appropriating the sum of $500 for services of a skillful accountant to investigate and balance the accounts therein.

     The legislature of 1875 fixed the salary and outlined the duties. By act of legislature in 1913 the insurance department was separated from the auditor's office.

DUTIES AND POWERS

The auditor is required to--

  1. Be general accountant of the state.
  2. Adjust and settle. all claims for services or expenditures of state made by authority of law, and to draw warrants
      upon treasurer, for the same.
  3. Settle accounts with all collectors of state revenues.
  4. Keep accounts with other states and the federal government.
  5. Direct prosecutions for official delinquencies in relation to assessment and revenue.
  6. Procure descriptions of all taxable lands within the state.
  7. Give information to legislature, to report in detail upon all the fiscal affairs of the state, and to furnish estimates
      of the revenue and expenditures.
  8. With attorney general and treasurer, settle claims of state for moneys due.
  9. Examine and register state, county, municipal and other public bonds.
10. Receive upon deposit the securities of burial associations and other corporations.
11. Certify annually to county clerks amount due on county bonds.
12. Inspect county treasurers' books and establish a uniform system of accounting.
13. Certify names of new towns or changes of names.

The auditor may

1. Administer oaths and affirmations in matters pertaining to his office.
2. Inspect the books of certain charitable institutions.
3. Examine surety companies.

RELATION TO BOARDS, BUREAUS, ETC.

Examiner of public accountants:

Member of---

board of canvassers.

board of equalization and assessment.

PUBLICATIONS

Biennial reports.

Statement of legislative appropriations.

	Salary
Treasurer--W. M. Stebbins, Gothenburg	$5,000
Deputy Treasurer--William Oelkers	2,640
Bookkeeper--J. F. Ullstrom	2,400
Appropriation Bookkeeper--Emily Wilson	1,800
Cashier--B. H. Harper	1,800
Bond and Securities Clerk--Mary Bolton	1,800
Gas Tax Bookkeeper--Elsie Shorter	1,680
Assistant Gas Tax Bookkeeper--Blanche Konkel	1,320

     By the organic act of May 30, 1854, the governor and the secretary of the territory were made the medium through which the funds appropriated by the United States government for the territory were expended. An act of the territorial assembly, approved March 16, 1855, created the office of treasurer of the territory. The constitutions of 1866 and 1875 provided for this office.

The treasurer is required to

1. Receive and keep all state moneys not expressly deposited elsewhere, to disburse the same according to law, to keep accounts,
    to render statements and make reports, and to account for and pay over to his successor all moneys received.
2. Act as state fiscal agent.
3. Collect gasoline tax.

Member of--

board of educational lands and funds.

board of equalization and assessment.

board of canvassers.

Treasurer of vocational education board and custodian of its funds.

Biennial report.

State Superintendent--Charles W. Taylor	$5,000
Deputy State Superintendent--Fuller L. Austin	2,640
Director of Certification--Herbert L. Cushing	2,500

Director Secondary Education--G. W. Rosenlof	3,300
Assistant Director Secondary Education--F. E. Bowers	2,400
Director Rural Education--Chloe C. Baldridge	2,500

Stenographer--Wilma Amsler	$1,140
Stenographer--Pearl Barker	1,260
Stenographer---Doris Erickson	1,140
Stenographer--Hazel McBride	1,200
Stenographer--Dorothy McCall	1,200
Stenographer--Viola E. Mayborn	1,200
Stenographer--Florence Meduna	1,140
Stenographer--Verneda Whitney	1,140
Stenographer--Fay S. Poteet	1,200
Stenographer--Violet Reeves	1,080
Chief Clerk of Examinations--Claudia B. Dole	1,500
Clerk of Examinations--Mrs. C. F. Bush	1,080
Clerk of Examinations--Julia Heine	1,260
Clerk of Examinations--Elsie B. Heller	1,140
Filing Clerk--C. F. Stilwell	1,200
Adult Immigrant Education
City Hall, Omaha
Director Adult Immigrant Education--S. R. Elson	2,400
Stenographer--Ruth Gishpert	1,800

      By an act of the territorial legislature approved March 16, 1855, the territorial librarian was constituted superintendent of public instruction. The legislature of 1.858 provided for a territorial commissioner of common schools to be elected for a term of two years. The legislature of 1861 consolidated this office with that of the territorial auditor. By act, of the state legislature of February 15, 1869, the office of state superintendent of public instruction was created. The constitution of 1875 put the office on a constitutional basis and provided in section 24 of article V that "there--shall be no allowance for clerk hire in the offices of the superintendent. and attorney general." Under the decision of the Nebraska supreme court (25 Neb. 669), made in 1889, it was held that "clerk" as here used had its common-law meaning and did not include deputy or stenographer. The revision of the constitution in 1920 changed this section to fit present day conditions. The legislature of 1917 put the election of state superintendent on a non--partisan basis. A constitutional amendment adopted September 21, 1920, extended the term of the superintendent to four years, beginning in 1923. The legislature of 1927 created a division of adult immigrant education in the State department.

The superintendent is required to

  1. Organize teachers' normal institutes and attend them if possible.
  2. Visit schools and advise with teachers and school officers.
  3. Decide disputed points in school law, these opinions to have the force of law until reversed by the courts.
  4. Prescribe forms for making reports and regulations for proceedings under the general school laws.
  5. Publish and distribute annual reports.
  6. Apportion state school funds.
  7. Designate normal training high schools and prescribe conditions of admission to classes, and inspect these schools.
  8. Expend appropriations to aid weak school districts.
  9. Prepare all questions for examination of applicants for teachers' certificates and prescribe regulations for such  examinations.
10. Supervise instruction in agriculture, manual training and home economics in certain high schools.
11. Prescribe a uniform system of accounting for all public school districts.
12. Prepare an outline for the teaching of morals in all the schools.
13. Supervise the instruction of adult immigrants.

 MEMBERSHIP ON VARIOUS BOARDS

Member of--

library commission.

board of education of state normal schools.

vocational education board.

 PUBLICATIONS

Biennial report.

Education directory (annual).

Certification bulletin (irregular).

Normal training bulletins.

Fire prevention bulletins.

Character education bulletin.

Adult immigration education bulletins.

Rural school bulletins.

 
COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC LANDS AND BUILDINGS

Commissioner--Dan Swanson, Fremont	$5,000
Deputy Commissioner--G. E. Emery	2,640
State Surveyor--E. C. Simmons	1,800
Bookkeeper--J. W. Kerns	1,500
Stenographer--Jennie Hitchcock	1,500
Delinquent Clerk--B. R. Anderson	1,500

© 2002 for the NEGenWeb Project by Pam Rietsch, Ted & Carole Miller