The professor of natural science in the state university is frequently called upon to identify fossils and minerals, and to make other geological determinations. Requests are frequently made for copies of the geological survey of the state, which cannot be furnished, except the paper published last year by Prof. Aughey on the surface geology of Nebraska. The report of the geological reconnoissance made by Prof. Hayden, under the direction of the general government, is published in the same volume with reports on the geology of Kansas, Dakota, Colorado and Wyoming. The edition containing his final report on a portion of the geology of this state, made in 1872, is now exhausted, and copies are difficult to obtain. As far as they go, Prof. Hayden's reports are exceedingly valuable, as they accurately outline the boundaries of the great geological formations of the state, but unfortunately they cover in detail only a small portion of our territory. A comprehensive geological survey of the whole state, embodied in volumes that may be stereotyped and furnished the public at cost, is demanded. An elaborate geological survey is approaching completion in Illinois. A survey is in progress in Indiana, which has added much to her wealth. Iowa has already had two geological surveys, and surveys are now in progress in Kentucky and Missouri. Kansas is agitating the the propriety of resuming her second geological survey. It Since Prof. Hayden's survey of Nebraska, there has been a marked advance in geological knowledge and the means for prosecuting such investigations. The development of our state in the way of deep borings, shafts, quarries and railroad cuts afford increased opportunities for prosecuting researches of this nature. is believed that minerals might be discovered, lands made known, soils analyzed, water courses and supplies investigated, and information obtained concerning our manufacturing capabilities, that would immeasurably overbalance the expense of such an enterprise. The probability, or at least the possibility, of finding coal in quan tities sufficient to supply the state with cheap fuel is alone a consideration that would justify a geological survey. Indeed, the experience of all state surveys yet made have developed resources that repay many times the entire cost. The report would indicate the locality of beds of peat, marl, coal, and other valuable deposits; the building qualities of our lime and sandstone, determine their resistance, strength and fitness for ordinary and ornamental architecture. All states owe much to science and scientific inquiry, and in no way could our own pay her share more appropriately, than by inaugurating a geological survey. The subject is referred to you for your consideration, and to determine whether, in your judgment, we have developed sufficiently to warrant the outlay necessary to accomplish this important work. REPORTS AND STATEMENTS TRANSMITTED. The biennial reports of the secretary of state, auditor of public accounts, treasurer, superintendent of public instruction, inspectors of the state prison, trustees of the hospital for the insane, deaf and dumb and blind institutes, board of regents, principal of the state normal school, secretary of the board of immigration, state librarian, and adjutant general, are herewith transmitted for your information and consideration. The following tabular statements are hereto appended and made a part of this message: Estimate of expenditures for two years and three months, pardon report, commutations granted, criminals released under the provisions of the "Good Time Act," approved February 25th, 1875, fines remitted, insurance on the public property, Lincoln lots sold, five per cent. fund received from the sale of government lands, penitentiary lands remaining unsold. CONCLUSION. You are here as the representatives of the people of the state. There can be no extravagance in government without your express sanction. The salaries of the elective officers are fixed by the supreme law. Excepting these, it will be for you to determine the expenditures deemed necessary for the public benefit. There are various interests that will demand your attention, and the time allotted for their consideration is but short. Those of a private nature will be carefully looked after by parties interested. Those of a public character will require labor and careful deliberation. During the next forty days you make the financial record of the state for the ensuing two years. As you shape it, so it will be for that period. We have a state government to maintain, with a population and resources small compared with many other states. The insane, the blind, and the deaf and dumb are to be provided for in a humane manner. All the people demand absolute protection from those adjudged felons. Educational interests should be fostered and upheld. Having assumed the responsibilities of a sovereign state, you are called upon to devise and provide the means necessary for the discharge of all the functions thereof, by imposing as light a burden upon the tax-payers as the public exigencies require. I will cheerfully co-operate with you upon all matters pertaining to the public welfare, and with pleasure furnish, at your request, such other information as may be my possession. SILAS GARBER. |
