MEETING OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.

April, 1902.

Present, President Morton, Mr. Furnas, Mr. Gere, and II. W. Caldwell.

Reading of minutes of last meeting approved.

Presentation of estimates for coming year. Available for work in archeology, $1,000 for Mr. Blackman for remainder of the biennium.

The Secretary sends Mr. Sayer thanks of the Society for. his maps of Nebraska.

The Secretary to get information from other historical societies in regard to buildings and prepare article for newspapers.

Carried.

Secretary authorized to continue to employ the help authorized at the last meeting.

Adjourned, subject to call by chairman.

H. W. CALDWELL, Secretary.

TWENTY-SIXTH ANNUAL MEETING, 1903.

Lincoln, Nebraska, January 13, 1903.

University Chapel.

The Historical Society was called to order by Vice-President R. W. Furnas at 8:00 o'clock P.M.

The first paper was presented by Hon. R. W. Furnas, a tribute to Hon. J. Sterling Morton. This was followed by an extempore estimate of the life and work of Hon. J. Sterling Morton by Hon. George L. Miller, of Omaha.

In harmony with the program the next paper was given by Hon. Edward Rosewater on the topic, "Railroads in Nebraska Politics."

Mr. Caldwell moved that the remaining papers be deferred till the evening of January 14 in order that the members of the Society might visit the Society's collections and museum. Before a vote was cast on the motion the question of placing a memorial tablet on a tree in the California redwood forests in commemoration of Hon. J. Sterling Morton was discussed. A letter from Governor-elect Pardee of California to W. W. Cox was read favoring the plan:

"OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA, DECEMBER 22, 1902. "Mr. W. W. Cox,

"Cortland, Nebraska:

"DEAR SIR-Your suggestion that a tree in one of the redwood groves of California should be named for the late Hon. J. Sterling Morton, of Nebraska, who originated the 'Arbor Day' celebrations, appears to me to be very appropriate; and I have no doubt that it can be carried out. If the Historical Society of Nebraska is willing to assume the expense of placing a bronze or marble tablet upon the tree, the people of California would be highly pleased by this exchange of interstate courtesies.

"You suggest that the tree should be chosen in the redwood forest near Santa Cruz; but I think the place might be a matter for further consideration. In the Mariposa grove of Big Trees there are many noble forest monarchs which have been named for distinguished persons, and as this grove is state property, it might be well to choose a tree there, to be named in honor of Mr. Morton.

"However, as I said before, this is a question which could very well be left for decision at a later day. All that I can say now is that the naming of a tree for the late Secretary of Agriculture would be very fit and pleasing, and I have no doubt that the arrangement could be carried out with satisfaction to all.

"Very truly yours,

"GEORGE C. PARDEE.".

After explanations by Mr. Cox and some discussion a motion was made to appoint a committee of three with power to secure an appropriate tablet of bronze or other metal, and

have the same placed on some tree in the California forest to dedicate said tree to the memory of the founder of Arbor Day. The motion was seconded by Mr. Sheldon and carried. The chair appointed as such committee Mr. W. W. Cox, Dr. George L. Miller, and C. S. Harrison.

The Society then adjourned to 8:00 o'clock P.M. January 14, 1903.

Approved.

H. W. CALDWELL, Secretary.

R. W. FURNAS, Vice-President.

Lincoln, January 14, 1903.
University Chapel.

Meeting was called to order by acting President Furnas at 8:00 P.M.

In the absence of the author of the first paper of the evening, Mr. D. Y. Mears, of Chadron, his paper on the "Campaign against Crazy Horse and the Mule Reserves" was read in part by Mr. A. E. Sheldon, who also gave a brief history of Mr. Mears himself. Mr. Phil E. Chappel's article on "The Rise and Fall of Steamboating on the Missouri River" was, in the absence of the author, presented by Mr. Jay A. Barrett. At the last moment Col. H. M. Chittenden was ordered to the Yellowstone Park. His paper was, in his absence, read by Secretary Caldwell. His paper, "The Passing of a Romantic Business," was full of interesting matter.

Captain A. Overton, of Council Bluffs, gave a most interesting account of his "Recollections of the Missouri River, 1852-1902." Mr. Barrett then read a paper prepared by D. L. Keiser of Boonville, Missouri, on the "All-Water Route to the Rockies."

Other papers were presented by title and ordered filed with the Society to be printed in the future volumes. These papers were by Wm. J. Kennedy, of Omaha; Capt. James Kennedy, Kansas City, Missouri; Capt. S. T. Leaming, Decatur, Nebraska; Capt. W. H. Gould, Yankton, South Dakota. Mr.

Gere moved that the Society go into business session; seconded by A. E. Sheldon.

Motion carried.

Calling of the roll dispensed with on motion of the Secretary.

Reports of standing committees were then called for. Mr. A. E. Sheldon reported for the committee on revision of the constitution, appointed two years previously. The amendments to the constitution as were proposed by the committee were then explained by Mr. Sheldon. After explaining the first amendment, relating to membership in the Society, Mr. Clarke moved that it be adopted. On vote the amendment was carried. The second important change was to enlarge the executive committee by adding certain state and public officials. After some discussion the amendment was adopted. The third amendment providing for quarterly meetings of the executive board was also adopted. The constitution as a whole as amended was then adopted on motion of Hon. H. T. Clarke.

An amendment was proposed to be laid on the table in regard to giving a permanent position to the Secretary in harmony with the general tendency to make such official positions more permanent. After some discussion the notice was laid over for further action.

The special committee on obituaries had no formal report to make. It was stated by Mr. Sheldon that the death of the President, Hon. J. Sterling Morton, and Mr. Longsdorf were the only ones during the year in our membership.

The names of the following persons were presented for membership, and under suspension of the rules were declared unanimously elected:

Dr. E. E. Aukes, Cortland.
J. R. Wallingford, Cortland.
Thomas Graham, Seward.
Rev. Geo. Scott, Cortland.
Mrs. Belle Shick, Seward.

L. D. Stilson, York.
Judge W. W. Slabaugh,
Omaha.

Mrs. W. W. Slabaugh,
Omaha.

HONORARY MEMBERS.

Capt. A. Overton, Council Capt. D. L. Keiser, Boonville,

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.