HE house of representatives of 1897 elected as its chief clerk Frank De Witt Eager, a journalist and populist politician, eminently qualified for the position. He was born on a farm in Rock Creek precinct, Lancas-

ter county, August 27, 1872, his father being among the earliest settlers who came west after the close of the civil war, in which he had served three years. On the homestead and pre-emption claim Frank spent his early days, farming, and studying in the public schools,

entering the State University at the age of fifteen, and graduating from the scientific department in June, 1893, with the degree of B. Sc. He also received a commission as captain in the military department. He taught the sciences for two years at Worthington Military Academy. He made a brilliant race as a candidate of the democratic and populist parties for the legislature. in 1893, receiving the highest vote accorded to any one candidate on his ticket. In 1895 and 1896 he was secretary of the populist state central committee. He is the proprietor of the Nebraska Independent, the state paper of his party, and has shown both political tact and business ability in its management. He is a young man of strict integrity, agreeable address, clean methods, and has a bright prospect for the future. He is unmarried.

HE choice for first assistant and journal clerk of the house fell upon Ulysses E. Foster, of Plainview, and he has served with efficiency. He was born in Wisconsin February 26, 1866, and lived with his parents at Fort Atkinson for about thirteen years. He received a fair education in the district schools, and entered the high school, when his parents

moved to Iowa and he was unable to complete the course. They settled on a farm near Spencer, in the latter state, and Ulysses became an apprentice in the office of the Clay County News, where he continued for four years. In 1886 he was married to Miss Ida Crozier, of Spencer, and the next year moved to Sioux City, where Mr. Foster engaged in the printing business until 1889, when he accepted a position as foreman of the Norfolk (Nebraska) Daily News. He was promoted to city editor in 1893, but soon after resigned and leased the Norfolk Herald, which proved a poor investment. In February, 1894, be assumed control of the Plainview News, of which he is still the publisher. Mr. Foster has been a "middle of the road" populist, active and energetic in the councils of his party. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and the Sons of Veterans.

OHN W. BARNHART, of Auburn, Nebraska, was honored by the house as second assistant clerk. He was born November 8, 1856, in Mount Joy, Pennsylvania, and was educated in the public schools and at Cedar Hill Seminary. He came to Nebraska in the summer of 1877, sojourned briefly in the capital city, afterwards locating at Sterling, where he began

the publication of the News. Two years later he removed to Tecumseh, and with C. W. Pool established the Johnson County Journal. In 1881 he purchased a half interest in the Daily State Democrat of Lincoln from General Victor Vifquain, who was succeeded in interest by Hon. Albert Watkins, and the firm became Watkins & Barnhart. Mr. Barnhart retired in 11883 and established the Elk Creek Echo. Five years later he established the Nemaha County Herald at Auburn, where he still holds forth, and owns one of the best job printing plants in southeast Nebraska. He married Miss Claribel Foster in 1883. Mr. Barnhart is a writer of force and has always been an ardent supporter of Mr. Bryan. He assisted as a member of the congressional committee in nominating and electing that distinguished gentleman to congress in 1890. He also was foremost in advocating Bryan's nomination for the presidency.

EV. JAMES MAILLEY, chaplain of the house of representatives, was born in Scotland, of Irish and Scotch parentage, and came to America when nine years old. He left home at the tender age of twelve, and drifted away on the ocean of life, losing all trace of his parents. His early boyhood was a struggle for existence in various localities, and particu-