The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1901-11-14
NOTES R O THE CAPITAL
Des Moines. Nov. 10. 1901.

oNS
county has had for years and years.
The printed tax list is a full news
paper page less than it was last
year n far below the average for
h past twenty years. The tax list
this year shows a remarkable pros
perity existing Throughout the county,
and in the rural districts this is
particularly noticeable. The delin-
quent tax list for 1901 shows that
the country township descriptions are
three columns newspaper print) less
than they were last year. Almost
every township shows a decrease in
the number of pieces of property
which are to be offered this year
for delinquent taxes.
The Commercial Exchange is con-
ferring with business men relative to
investment of about $4,000 capital in
q wholesale dry goods business. Sec
rotary Ward has the names of five
men who will put in 5000 cash each,
and who want more capital, so an
establishment can be opened with at
least $250,00O capital. 1t is said that
Sioux City and Omaha have been
after the enterprise, but rentals have
been SO high that the rentals have
refused to enter into the scheme, and
it is thought that better building ac-
c~ommodations, added to the increased
facilities for shipments, will make
Des Moines the more advantageous
city for the big concern.
State Treasurer Gilbertson has filed
nth Gnua,,o. - C1 H.. r.
100000, and the document has been
approved by the governor. This
brings the total bond of the treasurer
of state up y 100000, as the bond
given by Mr.. Gilbertson when he first
went into office was $500, 600. The
reason for the increase in the bond
is the large sun of money now in the
treasury. The balance in the general
revenue fund is approximately 81, 0OO,-
900. The law makes the minimum of
the bond that the treasurer can fur
nish 100000 1t can be increased to
any sum named by tAe governor.
When Mr.. Gilbertson first went into
Office it was agreed between him and
the governor that the bond should be
larger thar it had been in John Her.
riott's time, and the increase was a
carrying out of this understanding.
During Mr.. Herriott's term the gov
ernor felt the bond should be larger
than it was, but in view of the diff
ferences which had arisen between
himself and Mr.. Herriott he hesitated
to direct an increase, lest his action
should be misconstrued. The increase
in the bond of the treasurer is a step
that meets Mr.. Gilbertson's approval.
Ane amount of the bond as suggested
by the governor was $780, 1000, and Mr..
Gilbertson advised that $500, 900 might
as well be added to the old bond
while the increase was being made.
The bondsmen are a number of Mr..
Gilbertson's personal friends and To-
cal banks in which the state funds
are deposited.
At the forthcoming meeting of the
state horticultural society important
legislation will be considered, and in
all probability steps will be taken to
secure its enactment by the general
assembly. The foremost movement
that is being agitated is for the crea-
ton of a department of horticulture,
similar to the department. of agri-
culture. The purpose of this move
ment is the protection of the public
and of n~urserymen who do legitimate
business, from the wiles and inroads
of irresponsible tree-jobbers. These
men are doing much damage to the
legitimate nursery interests and the
farmers of the state are suffering
largely from their misrepresenta-
lions. Fruit trees are sold by can
Yassers at high prices, and in many
instances the trees are worthless.
Prominent horticulturists of the state
have considered the salient features
of a bill they desire enacted. 1t is
desired to have all nurseries pay a
license Only a nominal fee, sufi-
cient to pay the expenses in making
the record, is advocated. The meas
ure would then provide that all
agents employed outside of the coun.
ty in which the nursery is located
should be required to obtain a GER
tiicate before soliciting orders for
stock. The t~ree-jobber would be re-
CURED to pay a higher license than
the nurseryman, and also the furnish
a bond showing his ability to indem-
nifty anyone injured by his methods.
5NS 0oSHSo "oaia NC IClulIeQ 10 COn-
ply with the same rules as those of
the nurseryman. Nurseries and tree
jobbers from outside the state would
be required to conform with the law
governing tree-jobbers in the state. 1t
is proposed to have everyone con-
nected with the sale of nursery stock
on record in the horticultural de.
partment. Anyone having cause TO,
complaint would file it with the
board. That body would investigate
the matter, and if justified, would re-
woke the license of the tree-iobber,
agent or nurseryman who was found
guilty of irregularities. State inspec-
ton of stock in the packing sheds
of nurseries is also advocated. Sec
rotary Wesley Greene of the horti-
cultural society says it is the purpos
to broaden the scope of the society
but not to ask for an increase of ap.
preparation.
Lows Salary $4,000.
New York, Nov. Seth Low, as
mayor of Greater New York, will