ON THANKSGIVING NOVEMBER 11, 1899 From MS. Copy of Executive Journal, Vol. X, p. 29-in the Office of the Governor, Des Moines Another year of bountiful harvests, of glowing prosperity, of multiplied evidences of progress and human advancement in state and nation draws to its close. A grateful people can never be unmindful of the Infinite source of these and all other blessings. I therefore recommend that, on the day set apart therefor by the President of the United States, Thursday, the Thirtieth Day of November Instant, the good people of the commonwealth assemble in their accustomed places of worship, and with devout spirit and grateful hearts, both there and in their homes, render praise to Him who gives not only the special benefits of the time, but whose overflowing current of blessings sweetens and enriches our lives. In particular, let us be thankful that of those who, in obedience to duty's call, were far away twelve months ago, so many have returned to rejoice the homes made sorrowful by their temporary absence. (SEAL) In Testimony Wherof, I have hereunto set my Done at Des Moines, this eleventh day of From MS. Copy of Executive Journal, Vol. X, p. 31—in the Office of the Governor, Des Moines Whereas I am in receipt of information which satisfies me that the crime of murder was committed on the 29th day of December, 1899, in the County of Woodbury, on the person of John E. Robson; and that the person or per sons committing such crime have not been arrested and are now in hiding. Now, Therefore, I, Leslie M. Shaw, Governor of the State of Iowa, do hereby offer a reward of five hundred (500) dollars for the arrest, and delivery to the proper authorities, of the persons, or either of them, committing said crime; said reward to be paid upon conviction. (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 8th day of January, 1900. LESLIE M. SHAW. By the Governor: GEO. L. DOBSON, Secretary of State. OFFERING A REWARD JULY 11, 1900 From MS. Copy of Executive Journal, Vol. X, p. 120—in the Office of the Governor, Des Moines Whereas, on the 22d day of October, A. D., 1899, the body of one Mabel Scofield was found in the Des Moines river within the city of Des Moines, county of Polk, and, Whereas, the coroner's jury summoned to make inquiry into the cause of the death of said Mabel Scofield was unable for want of sufficient evidence, to pass upon the manner of such death, and, Whereas, there is an abiding and constantly growing opinion that said Mabel Scofield was murdered; which opinion I am persuaded is well founded; Now, therefore, I, Leslie M. Shaw, Governor of the State of Iowa, by virtue of authority in me vested by law, do hereby offer a reward of Five Hundred Dollars for the detection, apprehension, and delivery of the murderer or murderers of said Mabel Scofield to the proper authorities; such reward to be paid upon conviction of the person or persons so apprehended. In testimony whereof, witness my hand and the great seal of the State this eleventh day of July, A. D., 1900. By the Governor: G. L. DOBSON, Secretary of State. LESLIE M. SHAW. ON THE DEATH OF JOHN HENRY GEAR JULY 16, 1900 From MS. Copy of Executive Journal, Vol. X, p. 121-in the Office of the Governor, Des Moines Again we are called upon to mourn the loss of one of the men who have filled and honored the first office in the commonwealth. John Henry Gear, a senator of the United States and a former Governor of Iowa, departed this life at four o'clock and thirty minutes of the morning of Saturday, July 14, 1900, at the seat of the national government. The departed statesman has filled a large place in the history of Iowa for several decades. After a successful business career, he was chosen a representative in the gen eral assembly in which body he soon became a leader. Being twice re-elected, his was the unique honor of being a second time chosen speaker of the house of representatives. Thence he passed to the executive chair. The memory of his administration of the state's affairs remains with the people as that of a watchful and energetic executive. More recently, he rendered distinguished services in both houses of Congress, at last passing from earth while yet although somewhat advanced in years, in the plenitude of usefulness. A resident of Iowa, to use his own language at the close of his retiring message to the general assembly, "before its name began to designate a political division of the earth" he was one of those who, as he said of the first of his prede cessors in announcing the death of the latter, "laid well the foundation in this prairie wilderness of a mighty state, destined to be the home of millions of people." Thus identified with its interests, he witnessed all its growth, and did his full share, both as a private citizen and in a public capacity toward the advancement of the commonwealth. An honorable business man, an energetic and fearless executive, a prudent and sagacious legislator, active, industrious, and alert in the interest of his constituents to the last he enters upon rest full of years and honors, and in the enjoyment of the well-earned confidence of the people. As a tribute of respect to this illustrious Iowan, I direct that the flags on all public buildings of the state be placed at half staff until after the day of the funeral, that the executive offices be closed on that day, and that appropriate military honors be rendered by the Iowa National Guard to the memory of its former Commander-in-Chief. (SEAL) In testimony whereof, witness my hand and By the Governor: G. L. DOBSON, Secretary of State. OFFERING A REWARD JULY 31, 1900 From MS. Copy of Executive Journal, Vol. X, p. 123-in the Office of the Governor, Des Moines Whereas, I am officially informed that on the 26th day of April, A. D., 1900, one Josiah Carr was found dead at his home in the county of Wapello, he having been murdered by some person or persons not certainly known; |