OFFERING A REWARD JANUARY 16, 1897 From MS. Copy of Executive Register, Vol. V, p. 230-in the Office of the Secretary of State, Des Moines Whereas, Representations made to the Governor of the State satisfy him that upon the 26th day of December last past the crime of murder was committed on the person of one Mary Gilfillan in the county of Clarke in this State; and that the person charged therewith, to-wit; one Joe Wolverton, has not been arrested; Now therefore, I, Francis M. Drake, Governor of the State of Iowa, do hereby offer a reward of two hundred and fifty ($250) dollars for the arrest of Joe Wolverton, and his delivery to the proper authorities of said county of Clarke. (GREAT SEAL) In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Iowa, this sixteenth day of January, A. D., 1897. By the Governor G. L. DOBSON, Secretary of State. F. M. DRAKE. OFFERING A REWARD FEBRUARY 10, 1897 From MS. Copy of Executive Journal, Vol. IX, p. 283-in the Office of the Governor, Des Moines Whereas, Information in my possession satisfies me that upon the third day of February instant, in the county of Benton, one Edward Murray was murdered; and that one Frank Novak, who is charged with the murder has thus far eluded arrest; Now, Therefore, I, Francis M. Drake, Governor of the State of Iowa, do hereby offer a reward of Five Hundred Dollars for the arrest of said Novak and his delivery to the proper authorities of said county of Benton; to be paid upon satisfactory proof of such arrest and delivery. (SEAL) In Testimony Whereof, witness my hand and the seal of the State, this tenth day of February, A. D., 1897. By the Governor: G. L. DOBSON, Secretary of State. F. M. DRAKE. ON THE FAMINE IN INDIA MARCH 18, 1897 From MS. Copy of Executive Journal, Vol. IX, p. 297—in the Office of the Governor, Des Moines A great calamity has befallen India. Famine is stalking over the land and three hundred human lives are daily sacrificed to its widespread havoc. The Central Provinces, the Northwest Provinces, the Punjaub, Bengal, Behar, Burma, Bombay, all are affected by it. The tidings at hand concerning this terrible calamity are so appalling that I deem it proper to appeal to the people of Iowa for contributions of their substance, for the relief of the people of India. The famine is most widespread, and the prevailing distress is on an extensive scale. All these conditions call for prompt and liberal action and the practice of that greatest of all virtues-Charity. Through the Chamber of Commerce of San Francisco an Indian Relief Committee has been organized. This committee will have a steamer at Port Costa, California to carry grain and provisions free to Bombay for distribution. The Union and Central Pacific will carry all donations free and all the western lines will haul Iowa corn without charge, destined for the relief of the people of India. In order to be fitted for transportation through the tropics, the corn must be dried, for which purpose arrangements have been made for the drying to be done at St. Joseph, Mo., where there are proper facilities for the purpose. The management of all the railroads running through any part of Iowa has been requested to agree to carry contributions of grain free to St. Joseph, or to connections with that city. The following roads have already been heard from favorably: Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific; Chicago, Burlington & Quincy; Iowa Central; Great Western; Des Moines, Northern & Western; Mason City & Fort Dodge; Sioux City & Northern; Atchison, Topeka & Sante Fe; Minneapolis & St. Louis; Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Northern, and Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul. It is not doubted that the other roads will respond in the same manner. A Central India Famine Relief Commission has been constituted at Des Moines, consisting of Hon. Hoyt Sherman, Rev. Leon A. Harvey, Col. George L. Godfrey, Hon. Edwin H. Conger, Col. Joseph D. McGarraugh, and Hon. William L. Carpenter, who have kindly consented to take charge and supervision of the relief work. With this commission those assisting in gathering and forwarding donations, as well as those making contributions, are invited to correspond, addressing Major Hoyt Sherman, Chairman. Let it be borne in mind that every pound of provisions donated for this purpose will be increased five fold in money value because of free transportation from our granaries to the suffering people of India. No appeal so urgent and so terribly pressing has been made to the people of Iowa for aid in many years, and its citizens, having in view its reputation for liberality, and its present ability to respond freely and liberally the call now made on them. (SEAL) In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Iowa. Done at Des Moines this eighteenth day of March in the year of the Christian era one thousand eight hundred and ninety-seven, of the independence of the United States the one hundred and twenty-first, and of the State of Iowa the fifty-first. F. M. DRAKE. By the Governor: GEO. L. DOBSON, Secretary of State ON MEMORIAL DAY MAY 20, 1897 From MS. Copy of Executive Journal, Vol. IX, p. 345—in the Office of the Governor, Des Moines Again the day approaches which a beautiful custom devotes to honoring the memory of the departed heroes of the republic, thus keeping alive in ourselves the recollections of their deeds, and implanting in the minds of those who have come upon the stage of action since the storm of war passed off a just appreciation of the worth of the men whom we thus commemorate. Highly fitting is it that such a day be always observed. As the thirtieth day of May this year falls on the first day of the week, I, Francis M. Drake, Governor of the State of Iowa, do recommend that, on such a day as may be chosen for the usual ceremonies in the various localities of the State, we do all, laying aside as far as practicable our ordinary occupations and refraining from whatever may disturb or mar an appropriate observance of the day, unite in doing honor to the memory of the departed heroes, visiting the graves consecrated by holding their precious remains, and lovingly and reverently decorating with the flowers of spring their last resting place. They spared not even themselves when their country called. Let us give to their memory at least this one day in all the year. (SEAL) In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the great seal of the State of Iowa. Done at Des Moines, this twentieth day of |