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κ1903 Statutes of Nevada, Page 223κ
RESOLUTIONS AND MEMORIALS.
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No. I.Assembly Concurrent Resolution, relating to memorializing Congress relative to the abolition of the duty on coal.
[Passed February 19, 1903.]
Whereas, At the present session of Congress, the duty on coal has been removed by an almost unanimous vote in deference to universal public opinion: Resolved, That the Assembly of the State of Nevada, now in session, the Senate concurring, extends its congratulations to the members of the National Congress for applying the remedy to the Trust evil suggested by the Hon. William Jennings Bryan, and effecting a breach in the tariff wall which marks the beginning of a new political era and a promise of a return to the Jeffersonian principle of a tariff for revenue only. Resolved, That the placing of the necessities of life and any other article now controlled by the Trusts on the free list meets with the approval of the citizens of Nevada, represented by their Senate and Assembly, as the most effective method yet devised of checking unlawful combinations of trade and halting the greed of monopolies formed in defiance of the natural principles of commerce and the laws of supply and demand. Resolved, That the same action be taken with the articles controlled by the Steel Trust, which, by the fostering protection of a Republican tariff, is enabled to pay a dividend of two hundred per cent annually, said enormous profits coming out of the pockets of the consumers. Resolved, That William Randolph Hearst, in securing the necessary evidence of the unlawful acts of the Coal Trust and forcing Congress to act upon the same, is entitled to the thanks of the people of the United States and the laboring classes throughout the country. Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be forwarded to the proper officers of Congress. |
Removal of duty on coal. Congratulations to National Congress.
Approval of citizens of Nevada.
Recommending action against Steel Trust.
Thanks extended to William R. Hearst. |
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Relative to pollution of waters of Truckee river.
Deposit of refuse a menace to health.
Destruction of fish.
Appointment of committee.
Committee to meet at Truckee.
To secure information.
Copies transmitted. |
No. II.Senate Concurrent Resolution, relative to the appointment of a special committee to confer with a like committee from the California Legislature regarding the pollution of the waters of the Truckee River and such remedial legislation as will correct this evil on this interstate stream.
[Passed February 23, 1903.]
Whereas, Certain parties connected with manufacturing interests situated on the Truckee river in California, west of the boundary line between this State and California, have been discharging refuse and deleterious matter impregnated with acids and other poisonous chemicals into the waters of the Truckee river; and Whereas, Such refuse and drainage from such manufactories must necessarily be and is a menace to the health of a large number of people who are compelled to use the waters of the Truckee river for domestic purposes; and Whereas, The continuance of this custom, on the part of said parties, will eventually destroy the fish in this stream, thereby destroying an interest of great value to California as well as this State; therefore be it Resolved, That a committee of three members from the Senate and four members from the Assembly be appointed by the respective presiding officers of each body to confer with a similar committee from the California Legislature and urge such legislation as will correct this evil. Resolved further, That if expedient and practical, said committees meet at Truckee at some convenient time to investigate the conditions as above set forth and report to the Legislatures of their respective States. Resolved further, That said committees be empowered to summon witnesses and secure analyses of the water and such other information and evidence as may be necessary for proper investigation. Resolved, That a copy of this preamble and concurrent resolution be forwarded to the President of the Senate Speaker of the Assembly, respectively, of the California Legislature. |
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Urging admission of certain Territories. |
No. III.Assembly Joint Resolution, relative to the admission of the Territories of Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Arizona as sovereign States.
[Passed February 23, 1903.]
Whereas, The people of the Territories of Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Arizona, respectively, have asked to be admitted as sovereign States of this Union; and Whereas, These Territories have shown by their progress, development, as well as their devotion and loyalty to the Government of the United States; and Whereas, The people of the Territories of Oklahoma, New Mexico and Arizona have an inherent right to such admission by virtue of the principles enumerated in the Declaration of Independence, because such admission is vouchsafed them by the policy pursued by the Government in the admission of nearly all the States at a time when they were less fitted to assume self-government than are the Territories of Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Arizona at this time; and
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New Mexico and Arizona have an inherent right to such admission by virtue of the principles enumerated in the Declaration of Independence, because such admission is vouchsafed them by the policy pursued by the Government in the admission of nearly all the States at a time when they were less fitted to assume self-government than are the Territories of Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Arizona at this time; and Whereas, The Territorial form of government is intolerable and obnoxious to a free and ambitious people because of its incongruity and should only be tolerated as a temporary necessity to prepare its people for self-government; therefore, be it Resolved by the Senate conjointly with the Assembly, That our Senators and Representatives in Congress be, and they are hereby, requested to use all honorable means in furthering the passage of House Resolution No. 12,543, now pending in Congress and popularly known as the Omnibus Bill. Resolved, That his Excellency, the Governor, be requested to forward a certified copy hereof to each of our Senators and our Representative in Congress. |
Senators and Representative requested to urge passage of Omnibus Bill. Governor to transmit. |
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No. IV.Assembly Concurrent Resolution, relating to the election of United States Senators by direct popular vote.
[Passed February 25, 1903.]
Whereas, The people of this State, as shown by a vote taken thereon, favor an amendment to the Constitution of the United States providing for the election of United States Senators by a direct popular vote; and Whereas, It is evident that a large majority of the American people favor such amendment, as shown by the tone of the public press and by the resolutions of the State Legislatures of the various States and the resolutions passed by the National House of Representatives; and Whereas, Article V of the Constitution of the United States provides that Congress, on the application of the Legislatures of two-thirds of the several States, shall call a convention for proposing amendments thereto; Resolved, therefore, the Assembly and Senate concurring, That the Legislature of the State of Nevada favors the adoption of an amendment to the Constitution which shall provide for the election of United States Senators by popular vote, and respectfully requests that a convention be called for the purpose of proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States, as provided for in Article V of said Constitution, which amendment shall provide for a change in the present method of electing United States Senators so that they can be chosen in each State by a direct vote of the people. |
Amendment to the United States Constitution. Sentiment of people and press.
Favor adoption of amendment to elect Senators by popular vote. |
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To be transmitted. |
Resolved, That a copy of this resolution and application to Congress for the calling of a convention be sent to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and to each of the representatives of the State of Nevada in the Congress of the United States. Resolved, That our Representative in Congress be directed to urge upon Congress the calling of a convention provided for by these resolutions. |
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Cause for action to establish mail route.
Senators and Representative to urge establishment of same.
Governor to transmit. |
No. V.Senate Joint Resolution, relative to the maintenance of a mail route between Tonopah and Belmont, Nye County, Nevada.
[Passed February 27, 1903.]
Whereas, The Town of Tonopah with a population of about six thousand inhabitants; and Whereas, There is no direct mail service between said Town of Tonopah and the Town of Belmont, the county seat of said Nye county, which is situated fifty miles from said Town of Tonopah; and Whereas, The present mail service is only tri-weekly, and by a circuitous route consuming from three to four days per trip, to the detriment of all business, more especially those having business with the county officials; therefore be it Resolved, by the Senate and Assembly jointly, That our Senators and our Representative in Congress be instructed to wait upon the proper officials in the Postoffice Department at Washington, D. C., and request that a direct mail service tri-weekly be established between said Towns of Tonopah and Belmont, Nye county, Nevada; and be it Resolved, That the Governor be and hereby is requested to transmit to each of our Senators and to our Representative in Congress a certified copy hereof. |
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Preamble regarding Venezuelan dispute. |
No. VI.Senate Joint and Concurrent Resolution, relating to the dispute between Venezuela and foreign powers.
[Passed March 4, 1903.]
Whereas, A dispute has arisen between Venezuela, a South American Republic, and certain European powers, over an alleged indebtedness due from Venezuela to said powers; and Whereas, Arbitration of said dispute has, after having been tendered the President of the United States, been referred to the international board known as the Hague Tribunal; and Whereas, Pending the decision of such tribunal, upon which to base a settlement of said claims of indebtedness and an adjustment of such dispute, Germany and Great Britain have used and are using coercion in the premises, by directing and continuing to direct a naval bombardment at the coast forts and fortifications of Venezuela, resulting in the destruction of life and property; and
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coast forts and fortifications of Venezuela, resulting in the destruction of life and property; and Whereas, We believe that such action on the part of Germany and Great Britain is uncalled for in the circumstances, and is in contravention of the spirit and intention of the Monroe Doctrine, to which declaration of principles the United States is irrevocably pledged and to the infringement of which this Nation is unalterably opposed; now, therefore, be it Resolved by the People of the State of Nevada, represented in Senate and Assembly, That we are not in favor with the action of Germany and Great Britain in using force and coercion against the South American Republic of Venezuela, and we hereby express our earnest disapproval of such a course; That we are disinclined to view with either patience or equanimity the action of any European nation tending to disturb or disrupt the peace and tranquility of any of the Republics of the Western Hemisphere, or to give color of ground for the taking of further liberties upon American soil; That we believe that this course on the part of Germany and Great Britain in the present instance is in spirit and intent a repudiation on their part of the Monroe Doctrine and a move pregnant with danger to the ultimate maintenance of its principles; and That, therefore, we do most earnestly protest against the continuance of this course, and trust that the President of the United States will at once promulgate such a construction of the doctrine enunciated by President Monroe as will give effectual notice to all foreign powers to desist. And be it further resolved, That copies of this resolution be forwarded to our Senators and Representative in Congress. |
Protesting against aggression on American soil.
Upholding Monroe Doctrine.
Request that President enforce Monroe Doctrine against foreign powers. To be transmitted. |
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No. VII.Senate Joint Resolution, relative to the coal lands belonging to the United States.
[Passed March 4, 1903.]
Whereas, The coal lands in the United States, not heretofore sold, belong to the people and should remain their property and in their possession; Whereas, Selling such lands to speculators is wrong in principle, unwise in statesmanship, and unjust and harmful in practice; and Whereas, Such lands should ever remain in the possession of the General Government to be held by it in trust for the use and benefit of the people; be it, therefore,
By the Senate, the Assembly concurring therein, resolved: First-That our Senators and Representative in Congress be, and they are, hereby requested and instructed to use all legitimate means in their power to defeat any and all measures that would lead to giving or placing any of such lands into the hands of private persons, or corporations, or giving or placing the control of any of such lands in private persons or corporations; and
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Protest against Government parting with title to coal lands except for benefit of the people.
Senators and Representative instructed. |
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Governor to forward copies of instructions. |
ures that would lead to giving or placing any of such lands into the hands of private persons, or corporations, or giving or placing the control of any of such lands in private persons or corporations; and Second-That the Governor be requested to forward a copy of these resolutions to each of our Senators and our Representative in the Congress of the United States. |
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Preamble.
Limits of Monroe Survey.
Land occupied by Indians described.
Reports of Government agents.
No cultivation of lands.
Senators and Representative requested to endeavor to have limits changed. |
No. VIII.Memorial and Joint Resolution, relative to the Pyramid Lake Reservation.
[Passed March 6, 1903.]
Whereas, The Government of the United States has heretofore issued to its citizens, by letters patent, title to many hundred acres of the public domain situated within townships Nos. twenty and twenty-one north, range twenty-four east, Mount Diablo base and meridian; and Whereas, Said lands lie within the Pyramid Lake Reservation lines; and Whereas, The Monroe Survey, under which said Pyramid Lake Reservation is held, was made in one thousand eight hundred and sixty-five and sent to the Department at Washington, but was not acted upon until one thousand eight hundred and seventy-four, having no legal existence or withdrawal of lands until the date last mentioned, but in the meantime many locations were made within said limits, including the Town of Wadsworth, on the Central Pacific Railroad, and the knowledge of the Reservation boundaries was so limited that the Government disposed of a portion of said lands; and Whereas, Said Pyramid Lake Reservation now includes the entire Pyramid Lake and large tracts of land comprising a total of three hundred and twenty-two thousand acres, or an area of more than five hundred square miles, a very small portion of which, about one thousand acres, is occupied or used by the Indians, lying at the southern portion of said lake and near the mouth of the Truckee river; and Whereas, Government agents without exception, in their reports and otherwise, since one thousand eight hundred and seventy-four to the present time, have recommended that said Reservation be reduced in extent, as it was of much larger proportions than was requisite for Reservation purposes; and Whereas, No cultivation or substantial improvement or use have been made upon land within the townships above mentioned by the said Indians; therefore, be it Resolved by the Assembly, the Senate concurring, That our Senators and Representative in Congress be requested to use all reasonable means to abolish the limits of said Pyramid Lake Reservation in the townships above mentioned, thereby establishing the south boundary of said reservation at the south line of township number twenty-two north, range twenty-four east, Mount Diablo base and meridian, thereby removing the cloud upon titles granted by the Government, but injuriously affected by useless reservation lines, at the earliest day practicable. |
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establishing the south boundary of said reservation at the south line of township number twenty-two north, range twenty-four east, Mount Diablo base and meridian, thereby removing the cloud upon titles granted by the Government, but injuriously affected by useless reservation lines, at the earliest day practicable. Resolved, further, That the Governor be, and is hereby, requested to forward copies of this memorial and resolution to each of our Senators and to our Representative in Congress. |
Governor to transmit resolution. |
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No. IX.Senate Joint Resolution and Memorial to Congress, relative to immigration and protection.
[Passed March 9, 1903.]
Whereas, The Congress of the United States has under consideration the subject of immigration with a view to further legislation; and Whereas, In all such legislation during the past forty years, the manufacturers have reaped the benefit, to the detriment of the tradesman, artisan and laboring man, who have been afforded no protection against the disastrous competition of the undesirable, criminal and pauper classes of foreign countries, arriving on our shores at the rate of half a million annually, assisted hither, in many instances, by government, organized society or private aid, thus benefiting the country left by relieving the labor market, and injuring this by the number of unemployed, nearly everyone reaching this country, during the past twenty years, being a positive detriment to the people already here; and Whereas, A million of our people are suffering from want of employment, and the natural increase of our population will, for an indefinite future, fully supply every demand that any possible development of the country may make, it should be the policy of our Government to afford as full and complete protection to the mechanic, laborer, farmer, merchant, miner, employed and unemployed, as the manufacturer; therefore be it Resolved by the Senate of the State of Nevada, the Assembly concurring, That the Congress of the United States be, and it is hereby, memorialized to incorporate, in all immigration legislation, such provisions as will forever prohibit from landing on our shores the undesirable element of the Old World by the levy of a tax of one hundred ($100) dollars per capita upon every immigrant to hereafter land, or such a tax as shall fully and effectually protect our people from foreign competition; Resolved, That our Senators in Congress be instructed, and our Representative be requested, to use all honorable means to secure such legislation; Resolved, That the Governor be, and he hereby is, requested to forward an engrossed copy of this memorial and resolution to each of our Senators and to our Representative in Congress. |
Immigration of certain classes a detriment to the country.
Wants of employment of our people.
Tax per capita on immigrants.
Senators and Representative instructed. |
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Governor requested to transmit. |
to forward an engrossed copy of this memorial and resolution to each of our Senators and to our Representative in Congress. |
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To amend Section 13 Article XV of the Constitution. Basis of representation, how determined. |
No. X.Senate Concurrent Resolution, relative to amending Section 13, Article XV, of the Constitution of the State of Nevada.
[Passed March 10, 1903.]
Resolved by the Senate, the Assembly concurring, That the Constitution of the State of Nevada be amended as follows: Amend Section 13, of Article XV, of the Constitution of the State of Nevada, so as to read as follows: Section 13. The enumeration of the inhabitants of this State taken under the direction of Congress in A. D. nineteen hundred, and every ten years thereafter, or such enumeration as the State may make, shall serve as the basis of representation in both houses of the Legislature; provided, that each county now organized, and any county hereafter created, shall be entitled to at least one Senator and one Assemblyman. This resolution having remained in the hands of the Governor five days after having been placed in his hands during the Twenty-first Session of the Nevada Legislature, and no objections having been filed by his Excellency, it is therefore passed this 10th day of March, A.D. 1903. W. G. DOUGLASS, By Geo. N. Noel, Deputy. Secretary of State. |
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Preamble.
Favor passage of measure. Senators and Representative urged to act. Governor to transmit. |
No. XI.Assembly Concurrent Resolution, relative to the transportation of live stock.
[Passed March 12, 1903.]
Whereas, A measure has been introduced in the Congress of the United States by Senator Campbell of Montana, embodying the sentiment of the Congress of the United States Live-Stock Owners, as expressed at their meeting held at Kansas City in December, 1902; now, therefore, Be it resolved by the Assembly of the State of Nevada, the Senate concurring, That we approve and favor the passage of said measure; Resolved, That we hereby urge our Senators and Representative in Congress to use all honorable means and effort to further and secure the passage thereof; and Be it further resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be forwarded by the Governor to each of our Senators and to our Representative in Congress. |
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No. XII.Assembly Concurrent Resolution, proposing to amend Section One of Article Four, of the Constitution of Nevada, pertaining to the initiative and referendum, and other legislative authority and power connected therewith.
[Passed March 12, 1903.]
Resolved by the Assembly, the Senate concurring, That Section 1 of Article IV of the Constitution of the State of Nevada shall be and is hereby amended to read as follows: Section 1. The legislative authority of this State shall be vested in a Senate and an Assembly, which shall be designated The Legislature of the State of Nevada, and the sessions of such Legislature shall be held at the seat of government of the State. The people, however, reserve to themselves powers to propose laws and amendments to the Constitution, and to enact or reject the same at the polls, independent of the Legislature, and also reserve power at their own option to approve or reject at the polls any Act of the Legislative Assembly. The first power reserved by the people is the initiative and not less than ten (10) per cent of the legal voters shall be required to propose any measure by such petition, and every such petition shall include the full text of the measure so proposed. Initiative petitions shall be filed with the Secretary of State not less than four months before the election at which they are to be voted upon. The second power is the referendum, and it may be ordered (except as to laws necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health or safety) either by petition, signed by seven (7) per cent of the legal voters, or by the Legislative Assembly, as other bills are enacted. Section 2. Referendum petitions shall be filed with the Secretary of State not more than sixty (60) days after the final adjournment of the session of the Legislature which passed the bill on which the referendum is demanded. The veto power of the Governor shall not extend to measures referred to the people. All elections on measures referred to the people of the State shall be at the biennial regular elections, except when the Legislature shall order a special election. Any measures referred to the people shall take effect and become a law when it is approved by the majority of the votes cast thereon, and not otherwise. The style of all bills shall be: Be it enacted by the People of the State of Nevada. This section shall not be so construed to deprive any member of the Legislature of the right to introduce any measure. The whole number of votes cast for the Justice of the Supreme Court at the regular election last preceding the filing of any petition for the initiative or for the referendum shall be the basis on which the number of legal voters necessary to sign petitions shall be counted. Petitions and orders for the initiative and for the referendum shall be filed with the Secretary of State, and in submitting the same to the people he and all other officers shall be guided by the general laws and the Act submitting this amendment until legislation shall be especially provided therefor. |
Legislative authority, where vested
Referendum petitions to be filed with Secretary of State, when. |
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other officers shall be guided by the general laws and the Act submitting this amendment until legislation shall be especially provided therefor. |
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State may engage in business of transportation, etc.
Proviso. |
No. XIII.Joint and Concurrent Resolution, amending the Constitution of the State of Nevada by adding thereto an article providing for public utilities.
[Passed March 12, 1903.]
Resolved by the Senate, the Assembly concurring, That the Constitution of the State of Nevada be amended by adding thereto an article as follows:
ARTICLE -
public utilities.
Section 1. The State may engage in the business of transportation and of furnishing water, lights, and means of communication to the people, and may provide such other public utilities as may become necessary or expedient, and for these purposes a State debt not exceeding ten per centum of the assessed value of the taxable property in the State may be created; provided, that no Act or resolution authorizing an expenditure of public money, or increasing the State debt for these purposes, shall be effective until it shall have received the sanction of the people by a majority of the votes cast at a general election. |
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Preamble. |
No. XIV.Senate Joint Resolution, relative to celebration of centennial anniversary of the Lewis and Clark Exploration.
[Passed March 13, 1903.]
Whereas, Our enterprising sister State of the West Coast Empire, Oregon, has declared its intention to commemorate the centennial anniversary of the Lewis and Clark exploration, in 1905, and has taken the initiative of appropriating $500,000 of State funds for that purpose, an equal amount having been privately raised by citizens; and Whereas, The Legislature of Oregon and the Lewis and Clark Centennial Exposition Board have sent a special commissioner to the State of Nevada to make this fact known, and to officially invite and interest the people of Nevada in participation in this centennial; and Whereas, The said Exposition is for the purpose of exploiting the great achievements, the industries, arts, manufactures, and to exhibit the products of river, soil, mine, forest, sea, and to illustrate the marvelous upbuilding and material development of the vast intermountain and west coast territory in the last one hundred years; and Whereas, The advertising. exploitation and promotion of the immense interests of all States and Territories west of the Rockies, |
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the Rockies, has for its main object the common good, the attraction of immigration and capital to develop our latent resources; therefore be it Resolved, By the people of the State of Nevada through her representatives in the Twenty-first Legislature, that we heartily applaud the determination and energy of the people of the Pacific Northwest to celebrate the exploration by Captains Meriwether Lewis and William Clark; we contemplate with infinite satisfaction the outgrowth of that discovery which established and secured to the people of the United States eminent domain to the Pacific; the honor to be done to the memory of intrepid pathfinders and pioneers of the Oregon country (now Idaho, Washington, Montana and Wyoming); also, incidentally, to signalize the work of other pioneers of the sister State of California and our own State of Nevada; for through these were secured to us natural wealth of country that has added to the prestige and growth of our national life; wherefore, be it further Resolved, That the people of Nevada reciprocate the desire of the Lewis and Clark Centennial and Oriental Fair and the people of Oregon in promoting State participation, and to that end we favor and will endeavor in all legitimate ways to give the fullest display of Nevadas resources at the Portland 1905 Fair for the instruction and edification of the world at large. |
Nevada applauds the energy of people of the Northwest in celebrating exploration of Lewis and Clark.
Nevada to display resources at Portland 1905 Fair. |
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No. XV.Joint Memorial and Resolution, relative to the establishment of a National Conservatory of Music and Art by the National Government.
[Passed March 14, 1903.]
Whereas, A joint measure has been introduced in both houses of Congress for the establishment of a National Conservatory of Music and Art at the National Capital at Washington, D. C., with subsidiary branches in the Cities of San Francisco, Chicago and New York; and Whereas, The establishment of such a conservatory is of vital importance to the future welfare of the youth of America; therefore, be it Resolved, That we, the members of the Legislature of the State of Nevada, in body assembled, do hereby memorialize and request the Representatives in Congress and the United States Senators to urge upon their respective house of Congress the advancement, promotion and passage of the joint bill now before their respective bodies for the establishment of a National Conservatory of Music and Art by the National Government, and, further, that a copy of this memorial be forwarded to our Representative in Congress and to our Senators of the United States. |
National Conservatory of Music.
Senators and Representative urged to aid in passage of the bill. |
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Preamble regarding citizenship.
Should become citizens in reasonable period after declaration of intention.
To be transmitted. |
No. XVI.Senate Joint and Concurrent Resolution, relative to the naturalization of citizens.
[Passed March 14, 1903.]
Whereas, Under the land and mining laws of the United States it is provided that all persons who have declared their intention to become citizens of the United States shall have the same rights as those who are already citizens; and Whereas, A large number of persons declare their intention to become citizens of the United States under the laws provided therefor, for the purpose of enjoying the benefits of the land, mining and other laws, yet never become citizens, and, while enjoying the benefits of citizenship, are required to bear none of the burdens thereof; therefore, be it Resolved by the Senate of the State of Nevada, the Assembly concurring, That we are heartily in favor of such legislation as will require persons declaring their intention of becoming citizens under the laws of the United States to become such within a reasonable period after they are eligible, or forfeit all benefits or privileges acquired under the laws of the United States; and Resolved further, That a copy of this resolution shall be sent to each of our Senators and to our Representative in Congress. |
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Relative to cession of land from Russia to United States.
Control exercised over land acquired from Russia. |
No. XVII.Senate Joint and Concurrent Resolution, relative to the fur seal fisheries of the United States.
[Passed March 14, 1903.]
Whereas, By a convention between the United States and Russia, concluded at Washington, D. C., on March 30, 1867, and ratified on May 28, 1867, Russia ceded to the United States all her territory on the Continent of America and in the adjacent islands, the eastern limit of which territory is the line of demarkation between the Russian and British possessions in North America, and the western limit of which, as described and conveyed in said treaty, is a line passing through a point in Behrings Straits on the parallel of sixty-five degrees thirty minutes north latitude, through the center of Behrings Straits, thence due north without limitation, and from said initial point almost due southwest through Behrings Straits and Behrings Sea, so as to include in the ceded territory the whole of the Aleutian Islands east of the meridian of one hundred and ninety degrees west longitude; and Whereas, From the date of her discovery of said territory down to her cession to the United States, Russia exercised exclusive jurisdiction and control thereover, and protected with her navy her rights both on land and in Behrings Straits and Sea; and her right to patrol and govern said waters and to protect and regulate the seal fisheries thereof was asserted, exercised, undisputed and unquestioned from her discovery in 1786 to the date of her cession to the United States in 1867; |
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her discovery in 1786 to the date of her cession to the United States in 1867; and this right of jurisdiction, control and regulation the United States acquired from Russia by purchase by the treaty of cession, our title deed to the territory; and Whereas, The limit of the territory ceded, it is clear, applies to all acquired territory, land and water, embraced in the treaty of cession, including a large area of marine territory lying outside the three-mile shore limit, but within the boundaries of the territory ceded by Russia to the United States, as described in the convention, and was so determined to apply by the Committee of Merchant Marine and Fisheries in its report in 1899 (House Report 3883, to accompany Bill H. R. 12,432); and Whereas, The dominion of Russia over the half of Behring Sea which she reserved at the time of the treaty of cession is still asserted and exercised without abatement or qualification, and is acknowledged by the United States and all other nations; and Whereas, Our relinquishment of a vested right, repeatedly and continuously asserted and exercised by a great power, jealous of her honor, rights and dignity, and always acknowledged and granted by other nations, would impeach the honor and good faith of said power by the tacit admission that our title was imperfect, cannot be justified in reason or by the history of Russias retention and exercise of that right prior to her cession to the United States; and Whereas, All other fur seal fisheries are managed, protected and held by the respective governments owning them, to the exclusion of all other nations, as is proper and dignified; and Whereas, The chief object at the time of the Alaskan purchase was to acquire the fur seal and other valuable products of Behrings Sea; and Whereas, By virtue of the Russian treaty of cession, the United States acquired complete and exclusive title, theretofore for over a century undisputed, to all that portion of Behring Sea situated within the limits prescribed by said treaty; and Whereas, In recent years the United States has permitted herself to be drawn into a dispute as to her jurisdiction over and title to the territory ceded by Russia, which dispute has placed us in an unenviable and undignified position, and our acquiescence in which raises an imputation reflecting upon the honor, integrity and good faith of our grantor; now, therefore, Be it resolved by the Senate of Nevada, the Assembly concurring, That we view with distrust the attempt of any foreign nation to question or attack our title or rights in Alaskan territory or waters, duly ceded to us in good faith by Russia under a title that had been exercised, asserted and undisputed for over one hundred and forty years; |
Further declaration regarding land.
Acknowledgment of dominion exercised by Russia.
Protest against relinquishment of vested right.
Fur seal fisheries.
Object of Alaskan Purchase. Title to Behring Sea.
Dispute as to jurisdiction.
Distrust of foreign power attacking title. |
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Attitude of United States deplored.
United States to make assertion of her rights.
Protest against United States entering into discussion.
Senators and Representative urged to act. Governor to transmit. |
Resolved, That the attitude into which the United States, the greatest nation on the face of the globe, has permitted herself to be placed in the premises is unworthy of this Republic, is undignified and absurd, and rightly directs to us the ridicule of the world; Resolved, That we favor an immediate assertion, unqualified and on lines commensurate with the dignity and honor of the United States, and in the future an assertive exercise, of all rights conveyed to the United States by Russia in her convention ceding Alaskan territory, both the lands and the marine territory included; Resolved, That we view with impatience and emphatically protest against the proposed action of the United States Government in entering into any discussion whatever of, or in submitting to any arbitration of, our title to Alaska, the marine territory included in the treaty of cession, or the products of that Territory; Resolved, That we hereby request our Senators and Representative in Congress to use all honorable means to promote the purpose and intention of these resolutions as herein set forth; and Be it further resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be forwarded by the Governor to the President of the United States, to the Secretary of State of the United States, and to each of our Senators and our Representative in Congress. |
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Visit of President to Pacific Coast.
President invited to visit certain cities of Nevada.
Governor to transmit. |
No. XVIII.Senate Joint and Concurrent Resolution, relative to the proposed visit of the President of the United States.
[Passed March 14, 1903.]
Whereas, President Theodore Roosevelt, with party, is expected to pass through the State of Nevada on his way to the Pacific Coast, during the month of May of this year: Resolved by the Senate, the Assembly concurring, That President Roosevelt is hereby extended a cordial invitation to visit such points in Nevada as may be convenient to himself, or consistent with his itinerary, and particularly the Cities of Reno, Carson and Virginia, that he may at least become partially conversant with the diversified interests of the State; and be it Resolved, further, That the Governor is hereby requested to forward an engrossed copy of the above preamble and resolution to President Roosevelt. |
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No. XIX.Assembly Concurrent Resolution, concerning development work on mining claims and on land containing minerals.
[Passed March 17, 1903.]
Whereas, The Federal mining laws being expressed in the affirmative and providing no penalties for failure to do assessment work, locators are enabled to hold mining land in perpetuity by simple relocation of their claims, without development work of any kind; and |
κ1903 Statutes of Nevada, Page 237 (NUMBER 19)κ
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affirmative and providing no penalties for failure to do assessment work, locators are enabled to hold mining land in perpetuity by simple relocation of their claims, without development work of any kind; and Whereas, Much land is held under various patents, which land is more valuable for the mineral it contains than for any other purpose; and Whereas, The laws of the various States concerning locations and location work are possibly in conflict with the Federal laws providing for the location of mining claims; and Whereas, The prosperity of the so-called mining States depends to a very great extent on actual development work to be done on mining claims, and that legislation to encourage all such development work is necessary to overcome the inclination to hold mining land by various questionable expedients intending to do away with development in most instances, thus seriously retarding the growth and prosperity of the mining States; therefore, be it Resolved by the Assembly of the State of Nevada, the Senate concurring, That the Congress of the United States be requested to enact laws providing for the forfeiture of the locations of those holders or claimants who fail to do the assessment work required by the Statutes of the United States to be done yearly on the claims held by such claimants; That the Congress of the United States be requested to open lands open all lands held under patents, other than agricultural patents, to development by miners, such miners to pay for actual damage done by them to and upon such lands; That the Congress of the United States be and is hereby requested to more clearly define the powers of the various States to enact legislation concerning the location of mining claims, preliminary or location work, development work, and forfeiture resulting from failure to do such work; That the Congress of the United States be and is hereby requested to enact legislation of a nature to encourage actual development of mining lands and to discourage the holding of such lands merely in the hope of sale, more or less remote; to place some limit upon the number of claims one locator may hold on one lode or vein or in one mining district; and incorporating into mining patents a condition that land held under such patents shall be developed to some extent or forfeited to the Government of the United States. That a copy of this resolution be sent by the Secretary of the State of Nevada to each United States Senator and to each Representative in Congress from the mining States, and to each Delegate in Congress from each mining Territory west of the Mississippi river, and to the officers of the Congress of the United States; That the Senators and Representative in Congress from the State of Nevada be and are hereby requested to prepare, introduce and urge the legislation recommended by this resolution at the earliest possible time their convenience will permit. |
Preamble.
Yearly work to be done.
Open lands under patents.
Define legislation.
Limit claims.
Secretary of State to transmit. |
κ1903 Statutes of Nevada, Page 238 (NUMBER 19)κ
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duce and urge the legislation recommended by this resolution at the earliest possible time their convenience will permit. |
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Preamble.
Southern Pacific requested to establish terminal point in Nevada.
Early consideration earnestly requested. |
No. XX.Assembly Concurrent Resolution, relating to fares and freights, and to the establishment of a terminal point within this State by the [Southern] Pacific Railroad Company.
[Passed March 20, 1903.]
Whereas, After a long period of depression, a new era of business prosperity appears to have dawned upon the State of Nevada; and Whereas, In consequence of new mineral discoveries in various parts of the State, and the prospect of the speedy beginning by the National Government of work within our borders for the reclamation of large areas of agricultural lands now arid and unproductive, our people are looking into the future with brighter hopes and more confidence than at any other time within the last twenty years; and Whereas, By wise and conservative legislation with reference to taxation and other matters, the State is endeavoring to encourage investments of capital within the borders by non-residents, which investments have already began in a most gratifying way; and Whereas, Transportation facilities, fares and freights are matters of prime importance in the development and upbuilding of any State; and Whereas, The rapid growth in wealth and population of Nevada means prosperity and increased profits to every railroad doing business within its boundaries whether such railroad be strictly local or interstate; and Whereas, The progress of the State has heretofore been greatly retarded by unjust discriminations against it in the matters of progress [passenger] rates and freight charges; and Whereas, In their last State platforms the Democratic and Silver parties of Nevada expressed their appreciation and satisfaction at the improvements which the Southern Pacific Railroad Company was making within the State, and its generally changed policy with reference to the States affairs: Resolved, therefore, by the Assembly, the Senate concurring, That the Southern Pacific Railroad Company be and is hereby requested to establish a terminal shipping point within this State, and that the people of Nevada be given as good facilities and favorable rates, both in passenger and freight traffic, as are accorded to the most favored States or Territories in which said Southern Pacific Railroad Company does business, to the end that the said railroad company and the people of this State may prosper together; Resolved, That said Southern Pacific Railroad Company be earnestly requested to take this matter up at the earliest possible day, and give the subject its most careful, intelligent and just consideration, in order that there may be no unnecessary delay in the establishment of harmonious cooperation between said company and the people of this State for the mutual benefit of both; |
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and just consideration, in order that there may be no unnecessary delay in the establishment of harmonious cooperation between said company and the people of this State for the mutual benefit of both; Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted by the Governor to the President of the said Southern Pacific Railroad Company. |
Governor to transmit copy. |
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No. XXI.Assembly Concurrent Resolution, relative to the free and unlimited coinage of silver and gold.
[Passed March 20, 1903.]
Resolved by the Assembly, the Senate concurring, That, irrespective of party affiliation, the people of the State of Nevada, are unalterably opposed to the gold standard; Resolved, further, That we are in favor of the free and unlimited coinage of silver and gold at the time-honored and constitutional ratio of sixteen to one, and that we are firmly and unalterably opposed to the further debasement of silver or legislative enactment, or its displacement by legal tender bank-notes as contemplated by the infamous Fowler Currency Bill; Resolved, further, That copies of these resolutions be forwarded to the Senators and Representative in Congress from the State of Nevada. |
People of Nevada opposed to gold standard. Favoring coinage of silver at 16 to 1.
Copies to be forwarded. |
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No. XXII.Assembly Concurrent Resolution.
[Passed March 20, 1903.]
Resolved by the Assembly, the Senate concurring, That the Sergeant-at-Arms of the Assembly be instructed to draw his warrant on the State Controller, on the Legislative Fund of the Twenty-first Session of the Nevada Legislature, in favor of J. C. Latta, Porter of the Assembly, for the sum of fifty dollars, for extra labor performed at late hours of the night, and in raising and lowering the flag on the Capitol building, and in cleaning and putting in order the Legislative Chambers after the adjournment of said Twenty-first Session, and also that the Sergeant-at-Arms of the Senate be instructed to draw his warrant on the State Controller on the same fund, for sum of fifty dollars in favor of August Berning, Porter of the Senate, for extra labor performed at late hours of the night, and assisting in raising and lowering the flag on the Capitol building and in assisting in cleaning and putting in order the Legislative Chambers. Resolved, That the State Controller shall draw the warrants named in the preceding resolution only upon the certificate of the Secretary of State that the Legislative Chambers have been cleaned and put in order as heretofore cleaned and put in order. |
Appropriating $50 each to Porters of Assembly and Senate.
Duties of State Controller and State Treasurer. |
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Amending Article X, State Constitution. Uniform and equal rate of taxation and assessment.
Patented mines.
Exception. |
No. XXIII.Assembly Concurrent Resolution, relative to amending Section 1 of Article X of the Constitution of the State of Nevada, pertaining to the assessment and taxation of patented mines.
[Passed March 20, 1903.]
Resolved by the Assembly, the Senate concurring, That the Constitution of the State of Nevada be amended so as to read as follows: Amend Section 1, Article X, of the Constitution of the State of Nevada, so that the same shall read as follows: Section 1. The Legislature shall provide by law for a uniform and equal rate of assessment and taxation, and shall prescribe such regulations as shall secure a just valuation for taxation of all property, real, personal and possessory, except mines and mining claims, when not patented, the proceeds alone of which shall be assessed and taxed, and when patented, each patented mine shall be assessed at not less than five hundred dollars ($500) except when one hundred dollars ($100) in labor has been actually performed on such patented mine during the year, in addition to the tax upon the net proceeds; and, also excepting such property as may be exempted by law for municipal, educational, literary, scientific or other charitable purposes. |
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Relative to unconstitutional demonetization of silver by Congress in 1873. |
No. XXIV.Joint and Concurrent Resolution, relative to the unconstitutional demonetization of silver by Congress in 1873, and urging Congress to repeal said unconstitutional Act of 1873.
[Passed March 20, 1903.]
Whereas, The Constitution of the United States determines and fixes what shall be the money of the United States; and that money so determined and fixed is the gold coin of the United States and the silver coin of the United States, and these only; and Whereas, The Congress of 1873, disregarding its duty, did usurp the power to demonetize the silver coin of the United States; and Whereas, The said unconstitutional enactments of the said usurping Congress of 1873 did and does not only greatly injure and depress the great mass of the people of the whole United States, the laboring and toiling millions thereof, as contradistinguished from the millionaire and the multimillionaire; and Whereas, The said unconstitutional enactments of the said usurping Congress of 1873, struck down and destroyed to an enormous and alarming extent the great silver mining industry of the United States and thereby did especially injure and impoverish the people of the State of Nevada, since Nevadas chief industry is silver mining; therefore, be it Resolved by the Assembly, the Senate concurring: |
κ1903 Statutes of Nevada, Page 241 (NUMBER 24)κ
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Resolved by the Assembly, the Senate concurring: First-That the patriotism of the citizens of the whole United States should demand of Congress the repeal of the said unconstitutional enactments of the said usurping Congress of 1873; Second-The interests as well as the patriotism of the people of the State of Nevada should prompt them to urge upon Congress and the whole people of the United States the speedy repeal of the said unconstitutional enactments of the said usurping Congress of 1873; Third-That our Senators and Representative in Congress should immediately act and constantly use their utmost endeavors to have the said unconstitutional enactments of the said usurping Congress of 1873 repealed; and to have the silver coins of the United States restored to their full status as money, as the said Constitution requires; that the said coins be no longer treated as mere tokens of money, but as money, not as mere promises of paying debts, but as the thing that actually pays debts; Fourth-That we, the Legislature of the State of Nevada, do hereby earnestly memorialize the Senate of the United States and House of Representatives to institute proceedings in that honorable body to repeal the said unconstitutional enactments of the said usurping Congress of 1873; and to restore the operations of the Constitution of the United States to its full effect as to the silver coins of the United States; and to bring the Congress to see and realize that it has under the Federal Constitution the power to coin money, but no power to coin tokens, whether those tokens be of silver, copper or other material; and that it is plain usurpation of power on the part of the Congress to coin such tokens; and the Senators and Representative in Congress from the State of Nevada be and are hereby requested to prepare, introduce and urge the legislation recommended by this resolution at the earliest possible time their convenience will permit. |
Resolutions favoring repeal of said Act.
Recommendations to Senators and Congressman.
Congress memorialized. |