Hon. R. W. Furnas was unanimously elected President. The following were also elected:

   Hon. C. H. Gere read his report as treasurer, which was accepted and adopted.
   The report of the librarian was presented, but not read in full owing to the lateness of the hour.

   Mr. Barrett called attention to the fact that in the resolution on the deaths of members the name of Hon. G. M. Lambertson had been omitted. His name was ordered inserted.
   "This Society records with a deep sense of irretrievable loss the death during the past year of J. Sterling Morton, author of Arbor Day and honored President of this Society the past eleven years; of H. A. Longsdorf, one of the pioneers of Bellevue; of James E. Lamaster, of Tecumseh; and G. M. Lambertson, of Lincoln. In public and private life each of these pioneers has been a worthy son of this state. Ordered that this resolution be spread upon the records and copies thereof be sent to the families of the deceased."
   Mr. J. H. Broady gave an estimate of the lives and works of Stephen B. Miles, J. C. Lincoln, and E. W. Thomas, early and valuable men in Nebraska's history.
   Adjourned. H. W. CALDWELL, Secretary.  

   Present: C. R. Gere, C. J. Bowlby, C. S. Lobingier, the Professor of American History, and the Secretary, H. W. Caldwell.
   The Secretary reported that the legislature had made an appropriation of $10,000 for the biennium, and recommended that the expenditures for the years 1903-4 be as follows:

 were appointed as consulting members to aid Mr. Barrett in devising plans to carry out the undertaking.
   Mr. Bowlby then moved that two hundred dollars from the Society's funds in the bank be appropriated to pay preliminary expenses in the attempt to raise money for the historical building.
   Carried.
   In order to give Mr. Barrett a better recognition for his work, and to enable him to carry out his plans more successfully, his title was made to read "Curator and Librarian of the Nebraska State. Historical Society."
   There being no other business to come before the board it adjourned. C. S. LOBINGIER, Vice-President.   

   H. W. CALDWELL, Secretary.

   Present: Governor Furnas, Vice-President Clarke, C. H. Gere, H. W. Caldwell. Moved, seconded, and carried that the salary and expense list, passed on at the meeting of April 14, 1903, be ratified:
   In regard to display at St. Louis, the meeting felt that the Secretary and Treasurer might carry out the plans outlined at the meeting, April 14, or secure a lump sum as they find most feasible, after consultation with Mr. Morrill.

H. W. CALDWELL, Secretary.     

   The Society was called to order by President R. W. Furnas at 8:10 P.M. The President, after making a few general remarks in regard to the condition and prosperity of the So-

ciety, announced the program of the evening, "The Constitutional Conventions of the State." In the absence of Judge Lake, the first paper of the evening was presented by Judge Wakeley on "The Defeated Constitution of 1871." Other papers were presented on the convention of 1875. The first, by Judge Broady, considered especially "The One-Night Constitution"; the second, by Judge W. M. Robertson, discussed the debate on the "Separate Propositions," that were submitted to the vote of the people, in regard to the election of senators by popular vote and location of the capital.
   Judge Wakeley then gave a brief discussion of the reasons for the defeat of the Constitution of 1871. There being no other business, an adjournment to 8:00 o'clock on Wednesday evening, January 13, 1904, was taken. R. W. FURNAS, President.  

   H. W. CALDWELL, Secretary.

   The adjourned meeting of the Historical Society was called to order at 8:25 P.M. by President Hon. R. W. Furnas.
   The program of the evening consisted of a round table on the Convention of 1875, under the guidance of Hon. J. L. Webster, of Omaha, who was president of the Convention of 1875. Mr. Webster opened the discussion by noting the conditions in the state in 1875, and the effects on the character of the constitution formed. He then called on various persons who were members of the convention to give their recollections of the various movements in and the decisions of the convention.
   Judge J. H. Broady was first called on, but he asked to be excused as his paper of the previous evening contained his contribution, and now he preferred to hear from others. Hon. C. H. Gere was then called on. Mr. Gere discussed the reasons for the incorporation of various features peculiar to the Constitution of 1875, and found them in the conditions of the state at the time. Judge S. B. Pound then gave an

account of his experiences in the convention of 1875 and especially discussed the struggle over salaries for state and judicial officers. After Mr. J. A. Barrett had made a statement in regard to letters received from members of the convention who found it impossible to be present, Hon. M. B. Reese made a very interesting talk on the personnel and discussions of the convention. After a few remarks by various members of the Society Mr. Webster made a few additional observations and brought a very successful discussion to a close.

   Mr. A. E. Sheldon called attention to certain documents of very peculiar origin and interest, but found no one who could throw additional light on their meaning.
   On motion roll call was then dispensed with, the minutes were read, corrected in one item by Mr. C. S. Lobingier, and were approved.
   Mr. Barrett's annual report as curator and librarian was then presented, and on motion placed on file. The Treasurer's report was read, received, and adopted. The Secretary then made a report as chairman of the publication committee and asked the desire of the Society in regard to publishing the material on the constitutional conventions of the state. After some discussion and several motions, the committee was instructed to edit and publish the material in full, subject to its judgment, to omit any immaterial matter.
   Mr. A. E. Sheldon moved resolutions on the deaths of Gen. Victor Vifquain and L. B. Treeman, which were read and adopted.
   The Secretary was instructed, on motion of Mr. Broady, to formulate plans for keeping a record of the deaths of members of the Society, to be reported on at the annual meeting each year.
   The Treasurer called attention to the fact that many persons whose names were proposed from time to time failed for

 some reason to pay their initiation fee, and thus their names did not get on the permanent roll of the Society.
   The Secretary read the report of Mr. W. W. Cox in regard to the preparation of the Morton tablet to be placed in the grove of giant trees in California. "MILLER, NEBRASKA, JANUARY 6, 1904.  

"To the President and Secretary of the State Historical Society of Nebraska:
   "Your committee appointed to secure a bronze tablet in memory of our late honored President, Hon. J. Sterling Morton, and have it placed on one of the great redwood trees at Santa Cruz, California, beg leave to report as follows:
   "After much correspondence between the members of the committee, and also with the family of the deceased and a host of his personal friends, your committee contracted with the White Bronze Company of Des Moines, Iowa, for a tablet two feet square and three-eighths inch thick, with the following inscription: on the upper left-hand corner, these words, 'Plant truths'; on the upper right corner, 'Plant trees.'
   "'In memory of J. Sterling Morton, Father of Arbor Day.

   "By order Nebraska Historical Society.'
   "Cost of tablet was $30 delivered in Lincoln, Nebraska.
   "It would have been very agreeable to your committee if it had been possible to send a member to California to make a proper presentation, but the means to bear the expense was not at their command. The Santa Fe R. R. Co. kindly offered transportation from Kansas City to San Francisco and return, but the other expenses of from $40 to $50 were not at our command. We prepared an address to the people of California with the view of having the tablet placed on last Arbor Day, and the tablet was forwarded to the mayor of Santa Cruz, but it arrived too late for that, and then we ordered it held for the Society to take further action.
   "Your committee corresponded with the President of the United States, with Secretary Wilson, Governor Mickey, and all the living ex-Governors of our state, with the Governor of California, and other distinguished citizens, and we now hold

very many responses, to be used when the tablet is placed and afterward to become the property of our Society. The letters of President Roosevelt and Secretary Wilson are very pathetic and worthy a place among our treasures.
   "Your committee would like to complete arrangements to present the tablet to the people of California and place it upon the grand tree, with fitting ceremonies next Arbor Day, April 22. "Respectfully submitted,     
"W. W. COX,  
"Chairman Committee."  

   This report was ordered received and filed. The President then spoke briefly on the Morton memorial at Nebraska City, stating that about $1,500 was on hand, and the Association, hoped to add $5,000 more. After It brief discussion it was concluded that the finances of the Society prevented it from making any contribution at this time, especially as so few members were present.
   The names of the following persons were proposed for membership, and on motion the Secretary was instructed to cast the vote in their favor, which was done:

   On motion the Secretary was ordered to cast the unanimous vote of the Society in favor of the reelection of the present officers. Under this vote the following persons were elected for the year 1904-5:

   On motion of Mr. H. T. Clarke, as there was no other business to come before the Society, adjournment was taken.

   The regular annual meeting of the State Historical Society met in Memorial Hall, University of Nebraska, at 8:15 P.m. and was called to order by President R. W. Furnas. Invocation was then offered by Rev. Mr. Marsh. As there was no business to be transacted the Secretary in a few words introduced the first speaker of the evening, President Furnas, who addressed the Society on the "Past and Future of the Historical Society." Governor Furnas dwelt especially on the history of the "Historical Block" in the city of Lincoln, and pointed out the need of more room in order that the Society may perform its work properly. After the reading of this valuable paper the President called on Dr. Geo. L. Miller, who addressed the Society on the early history of the state and some of the men who laid its foundations. Owing to the lateness of the hour the paper by Judge John H. Ames was read by title, and in the absence of Judge Ames, presented to the Society to be printed. Mr. Sheldon then gave

a series of views, showing early Nebraska men, with illustrations to show the work the Society is doing in the way of gathering photographs of Nebraska history. H W. CALDWELL, Secretary.  

Lincoln, January 11, 1905.  

   The State Historical Society was called to order for its adjourned meeting at 7:45 P.M. The first order was a business session, and according to the by-laws the Secretary called the roll of the active members of the Society to get corrected addresses, names of deceased members, and information needed to make the record complete.
   The report of the Secretary for the meetings of 1904 was then read and approved as read. Mr. Barrett, curator and librarian, then presented his report, and on motion it was placed on file. Mr. W. W. Cox made a brief oral report on the Morton tablet, stating that the same had been placed on one of California's giant trees, according to instructions.
   The following names were then proposed for elective membership:

   On motion of H. T. Clarke the Secretary was instructed to cast the vote of the Society in favor of the above list of persons, which was done.
   The next order of business was the election of officers. The President, Hon. R. W. Furnas, announced that he believed that he had had the honors of the presidency long enough, therefore he wished to place in nomination Mr. H. T. Clarke, who had been in the state just fifty years. On motion the Secretary was instructed to cast the unanimous ballot of the. Society for Mr. Clarke as President for the ensuing year, which was done, and Mr. Clarke was declared duly elected President. Hon. Geo. L. Miller was nominated by C. S. Paine for First Vice-President and elected by unanimous vote cast by the Secretary. On motion of H. W. Caldwell, Prof. G. E. Howard was elected Second Vice-President, Mr. S. L. Geisthardt was nominated by Mrs. H. H. Wheeler as Treasurer, and on motion was unanimously elected, as was also H. W. Caldwell for Secretary.
   Hon. R. W. Furnas then read a paper on the life and services of C. H. Gere, the only member of the Society to pass away during the year, as far as known. Mr. W. W. Cox

moved, and it was adopted, that the address be given to the press of the state for publication.
   Mr. C. O. Whedon then read a very able paper on the subject of "Public Expenditures." This paper was followed by one by Judge William Gaslin on "Judicial Graft " or the unnecessary number of judges on the bench in the state.
   On resumption of the business session Mr. A. E. Sheldon presented two resolutions, which were adopted, as follows:
   "Moved, that a committee be appointed by the President of this Society to confer with any other patriotic societies who may be willing to join with us in marking historic sites and thoroughfares in this state and particularly the home of Logan Fontenelle.
   "Resolved, that a committee of three be named, of whom President R. W. Furnas shall be one, to confer with the State Agricultural and State Horticultural Societies at their coming annual meetings proposing to them that they join with this Society in asking for the erection of a fireproof building in which they shall have permanent offices and headquarters."
   Committees:
   On Publication. - Geisthardt, Sheldon, Bowlby.
   On Obituaries. - President Clarke, Governor Mickey.
   On Program. - Caldwell, Watkins, V. Rosewater.
   On Library. - Barrett, Howard, Mrs. A. J. Sawyer.
   On Museum and Collections. - Backman, C. S. Paine, L. S. Reed.
   On Marking Historic Sites and Routes. - Harvey, A. E. Sheldon, H. T. Clarke, Ross Hammond, Ernest Pollard.
   Adjourned. H. W. CALDWELL, Secretary.  

      16

To the President and Board of Managers Nebraska State Agricultural Society:
   At the annual meeting of the Nebraska State Historical Society held last week the undersigned were appointed as a committee with full power to make such arrangement as shall be satisfactory with your Society and the State Horticultural Society in order to secure cooperation and joint action to obtain a permanent fireproof home, centrally located, for the use of all three societies.
   By virtue of previous arrangements for the past ten years the publications of your Society and the records and publications of the State Horticultural Society have been kept in the rooms of the State Historical Society and distributed by its staff. For a number of these years there has been felt an urgent need by all three societies for safe, convenient, and permanent office quarters and store-rooms.
   We therefore make these propositions to your Society:
   1. That it join with us in asking from the present legislature an appropriation sufficient to erect a building, fireproof and large enough to care for the present pressing needs of the three societies. Said building to be erected on satisfactory ground donated by the city of Lincoln, in lieu of the old Historical Society block.
   2. That the State Agricultural and State Horticultural Societies shall have ample office and store-rooms in such building for their own exclusive use and occupancy and joint use with our Society of halls therein for public meetings.
   3. That your Society appoint a committee with full power to present the need for such a building before the state legislature and city of Lincoln; to plan for its construction and arrange details for division of office room.

   A quorum being formed the meeting proceeded to business. On motion the bond of S. L. Geisthardt as Treasurer was approved. The resignation of Geo. L. Miller as Vice-President was reluctantly accepted, and Hon. Robt. Harvey elected in his place.
   It was moved and carried that Mr. Sheldon be instructed to prepare and have introduced into the legislature a bill for aft historical building to cost not less than $100,000 and to be erected on land donated by the city of Lincoln.
   John L. Tidball, of Crete, was elected a member of this Society.
   Mr. Geisthardt moved that the curator and librarian make quarterly reports to the board of progress of the work of the Society.
   Carried.
   Adjourned.

   Present: Mr. H. T. Clarke, Governor J. H. Mickey, Geo. E. Howard, S. L. Geisthardt, Rohl. Harvey, and H. W. Caldwell. Meeting called to order by President Clarke at 11:00 A.M. The Secretary then, after stating that the meeting should have been held April 1, presented the account of expenses for the last biennium, and a proposed distribution of the budget for the year 1905-6, April 1 to April 1, as follows: