The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1878-02-06
ABOUT THE STATE OFFICES.
News Gathered at the Headquarters of the
Various officials Yesterday.
Mr.. collstt Qualihes as State House Com
missioner-The Geologist Informed of
the Discovery OF a Hoosier
Diamond.

John Collett, the new member of the
board of state house commissioners was yes.
terday qualified, and will give bond and go
on duty in day or two. The bond of each
commissioner is $4,000. On being intro
duced to the other members OF the
the nature of his duties, and
was informed that the board was liable to a
considerable amount of abuse and the first
duty would be to take his position. He at
once replied that his shoulders were broad
enough to stand a good deal. The new
member is pleased with the other members,
and they are equally pleased with him, who,
they expect, will give them valuable assist
ance in determining the material to be Sc
lected.
THE WORK OF THE EXPERTS.
The experts yesterday made a verbal re-
port to the board of the progress made
Their duties are various They have to
verify all the details of the estimates. to
determine the strength and power of resist
ance OF the arches, beams, etc, and the
quantity of material necessary to give the
necessary stability to all the parts. In this
many intricate calculations must be made,
so that the progress is necessarily slow.
AN INDIANA DIAMOND.
Professor Cox yesterday received letter
from Thomas mellow, at Lsgro, Wabash
county, who claims to have discovered Is
carat diamond, and as it is the first found in
the state, he is willing to give the state the
first chance to purchase il. He also thinks
that all the linen of great science have been
mistaken" and that diamonds can be man.
ufactured. Professor Cox wrote in reply
that he had no money with which to pur-
chase. but that If the diamond was the genu-
inc article there would be no trouble in
finding purchaser. He also advised him
to sell the one he had before starting his
factory. The letter sounds little as though
it had been inspired by some ''smart Alick,"
who induced some other person to do the
writing.
THE DEPREDATIoNs OF DOGS.
The secretary of the state board of agricul
ture states that nearly every report received
from county agricultural societies tells of the
loss to sheep raisers by the ravages of dogs.
A report from Posey county says that sheep
raising could be carried on successfully, but
that if the dogs are not killed off sheepwill
become extinct.
The letter adds that the dogs are healthy,
and when The sheep supply gives out they
take to packing pork, varying the business
by occasionally laying in a supply of veal.
Legislative action is universally demanded,
and something will have TO be done to de-
crease the number of worthless ours In the
state.
THE STATE LIBRARY.
The state library has begun to be a resort
for school children, who there find works of
reference not to be found in any other lib
rary. Miss Naylor, the assistant librarian,
takes pleasure in assisting those who really
desire to use the library for purposes of mem
tai improvement.
PERSONAL POINTS.
Mr.. Bradley, of Floyd county, candidate
for secretary of state, was a visitor at the
state Offices yesterday.
Russell Sawyer, of Greensburg, called at
the treasurer's office.
Governor Williams returned from his
home last night, and Will be in his Office to-
day.
Superintendent Smart goes to Fit. Wayne
to attend the county teachers association,
which is in session to-day.