meanderings, to its junction with the Niobrara River; thence down the middle of the channel of said Niobrara River, and following the meanderings thereof, to its junction with the Missouri River; thence down the middle of the channel of said Missouri River, and following the meanderings thereof, to the place of beginning.

NETHERLANDS, The, a kingdom in Europe. King, William III., born February 19, 1817; succeeded his father, March 17, 1849. Area, 13,890 English square miles; population, in 1866, 3,552,665. The large cities are, Amsterdam, 264,498; Rotterdam, 115,277; The Hague, 87,801. The population of the Dutch colonies is as follows: East Indies (1865), 20,074,155; West Indies (1864), 86,703; coast of Guinea (1863), about 12,000; total, 20,280,858. In the Dutch East Indies there was, in 1865, a European population of 34,824 (of whom 28,753 were born in the colonies); exclusive of 11,813 soldiers and their descendants (941). The number of Chinese in the same colonies was 236,682. The budget for 1867 fixes the expenditures at 102,220,158 guilders, and the receipts at 98,577,234 guilders. The draft of the budget for 1868, which was laid before the Second Chamber on September 21, 1867, estimates the receipts at 100,082,217 guilders, and the expenditures at 99,175,990 guilders; probable surplus, 906,227 guilders. The public debt, in 1867, was 969,450,913 guilders. The army, in 1867, consisted of 61,318 men; the army in the East India colonies, of 27,617 men. The fleet, on July 1, 1867, consisted of 134 vessels, with 1,670 guns. The imports, in 1865, amounted to 500,528,378 guilders, and the exports to 438,991,127 guilders. The merchant navy, on December 31, 1865, consisted of 2,203 vessels, together of 509,048 tons.

An offer made by the King of Holland, to sell the grand-duchy of Luxemburg to France, led in the early part of 1867 to a serious European complication, which was, however, peaceably terminated by the London Conference. (See LUXEMBURG.) In order to save Holland in future from becoming entangled in complications arising out of the Luxemburg question, the diplomatic agents of Holland were on April 11th instructed to interfere henceforth in no way in the affairs of Luxemburg. On opening the legislative session of 1867-'68 of the StatesGeneral, the King announced that "the dissolution of the ties which united one of the Dutch provinces (Limburg) to Germany, effected during the past year (1866), had since obtained international sanction by the London treaty of May 11th last." He also expressed the hope that, "when experience shall have proved the harmlessness of the works executed in the Eastern Scheldt, the relations with Belgium would more and more acquire a character of reciprocal friendship." The Second Chamber declared itself dissatisfied with the conduct of the ministry in the Luxemburg question, and on November 26th rejected the foreign budget by 38

against 36 votes. The ministry thereupon offered their resignation, but a royal rescript of December 22d informed the council of ministers that the King, not having found reason to withdraw his confidence from the present cabinet, declined to accept the resignation. The legis lative session was closed on December 27th, when it was announced that the King was about to dissolve the States-General.

NEVADA. This new State is located west of the Rocky Mountains, and between California and the Territory of Utah. The Legislature chosen in November, 1866, assembled early in the month of January ensuing. One of its first measures was to pass the amendment to the Federal Constitution, known as Section 14. In the Lower House the vote was a strict party one, being yeas thirty-four, nays four. A resolution was also adopted by the Senate requesting Congress to adopt such measures as will recognize belligerent rights on the part of the struggling people of Ireland.

By a report of the Surveyor-General of Nevada to the Federal Commissioner of the Genral Land-Office, it appears that Humboldt, Paradise, and Quin's River Valleys, in Humboldt County, in the northern part of Nevada, are among the richest agricultural districts. Paradise Valley contains forty thousand acres, producing wheat from thirty to sixty bushels per acre, and barley from forty to eighty bushels. That valley has a large settlement, and is rapidly increasing in population. A contract has been made to extend the Humboldt guide meridian to the Oregon line, so that from that meridian subdivisional lines may be extended over the best portion of the agricultural and mineral lands of that part of the State.

The most interesting developments in the State during the year were made in the south-eastern corner, which has been hitherto unexplored. It is known as the PahRanegat Valley, and derives its name from a tribe of Indians. It is about four hundred miles southeasterly from Salt Lake. The val ley is about forty-five miles long and from two to six miles wide, with a strip of arable land, about three-fourths of a mile in width, extending the entire length, and susceptible of a high state of cultivation. On the east the valley is skirted by a low range of mountains, which are entirely barren. On the west is Quartz Mountain, covered with timber suitable for building purposes. This locality is embraced in a mining district, and the Quartz Mounta range, it is believed, affords the richest mineral deposits in the State. The geological formstion of the range consists of black aluminos slates overlaid by metamorphic limestone, which is covered by a peculiar formation of pure quartz, and that again by metamorphosed lime stone. The ore of the district differs materially, from most kinds, in the State, it being argentiferous galena, showing a decomposed state; carbonate and sulphate of lead near the sur face leads, deeper down gray copper ore, with

a small percentage of lead. Silver, copper, galena, and chloride of silver, are found; the last three kinds mentioned are rich in silver, and abundant. The ore assays from $50 to $2,500 per ton.

The financial affairs of the State present no special change from the previous year. Politically the State officers belong to the Republican party, and a large majority of the Legislature is of the same party.

NEW HAMPSHIRE.

Agriculture is the predominant interest of this State. More capital is invested in it than in all other interests combined, and the great majority of the people are engaged in its pursuit. The improved lands of the State comprise upward of two millions of acres (and the unimproved a million and a quarter more), divided into 30,000 farms, averaging 123 acres each. The exhaustless water powers of the State, and her unlimited timber-lands, have dotted townships with some development of manufactures. Around these germs of industry population and trade have clustered, thus furnishing a ready market for the surplus products of the neighboring farms, and adding to the value and magnitude of domestic industries. The progress in manufactures has not, however, been commensurate with the natural resources and facilities of the State, and in consequence capital and enterprise have sought other localities, thus retarding the growth and development of the commonwealth. New Hampshire now ranks as the fourth State in New England in manufactures and mechanical products, while a proper use of her facilities would give her the first or second place.

The Republican State Convention met at Concord, January 8th, to nominate a candidate for Governor. General Walter Harriman was unanimously chosen as the candidate for Governor. The following is an abstract of resolutions reported by the Committee on Resolutions:

The first renews the pledges of fidelity to the principles of liberty. The second compliments Congress. The third recognizes the struggle of Irishmen for liberty. The fourth notices the prostration of the Democratic party, and its causes. The fifth declares in favor of aiding disabled soldiers. The sixth recognizes the services of Governor Smythe. The seventh expresses confidence in the nominee.

The resolutions were unanimously adopted. After the appointment of a State Central Committee, the convention adjourned.

The Democratic State Convention also met at Concord, January 16th. Some 500 delegates were present. John G. Sinclair was renominated for Governor by acclamation, and the following series of resolutions reported and adopted:

1. That the Democracy of New Hampshire adhere to the time-honored principles of their party as taught by the fathers and approved by experience, that they nsist that the powers of the Federal Government are

limited by what is expressly granted to it in the Constitution, and that all other powers not so granted are reserved to the States and the people respectively. 2. That the regulation of the elective franchise in the States respectively belongs to them only, and any interference with the matter by the Federal Government is usurpation.

3. That all the States of the Union have a right to representation in Congress, and any attempt to deny such representation is revolution.

4. That the Supreme Court of the United States have manifested, by their recent decisions, a respect for the only authority which can give them or any er and thereby have shown a fearless regard for conother department of the Government legitimate powstitutional law and right.

5. That we tender to President Johnson our ac

knowledgments for his defence and support of constitutional rights and principles.

6. That an impartial imposition of the burden of taxation and strict economy in the pecuniary affairs of the State are imperatively demanded, and for a full and rigid investigation of the corrupt, reckless, and unparalleled expenditures in this State for the past five years, we pledge our earnest efforts. 7. That we approve the proposition for holding a National Convention, expressed by our brethren in Ohio and Connecticut in their recent State Conventions, and by other organizations and the Democratio press generally; and we recommend the holding of such convention at as early a period as practicable in the city of New York-a city eminently entitled to the gratitude of every Democrat for her unfaltering support of conservative principles and measures so often manifested in overwhelming preponderance by the suffrages of her citizens.

8. That one delegate and substitute from each

county be selected by the State Committee to represent the Democracy of New Hampshire in such con

vention.

9. That all propositions which contemplate, directthe judicial branches of the Government, or the anly or indirectly, the subversion of the executive or nihilation of sovereign States, are revolutionary and treasonable, and ought to be resisted by all men who are true to the Union and the Constitution.

10. That we pledge to Hons. John G. Sinclair and George H. Pierce, the nominees of this convention, our full confidence in their integrity, ability, and fidelity to sound principles, and that we will omit no honorable efforts for their triumphant election.

At the State election in March the vote for Governor was as follows, viz.: Harriman, Republican, 35,809; Sinclair, Democrat, 32,663. Three Republican members of Congress were also chosen.

The Legislature met on the first Wednesday of June, and continued in session thirty-two days. Its action was confined to State and local inatters. Among the most important acts passed, was one for the preservation of fish in the Connecticut and Merrimack Rivers, and other waters of the State; another appointing a Superintendent of Public Instruction, and one to codify and consolidate the General Statutes of the State. The bill providing for a State Normal School was indefinitely postponed, as were also the majority and minority reports of the Committee on National Affairs.

The finances of the State are in a satisfactory condition. The receipts from all sources, for the year ending June 1st, were $3,093,813. 84. The disbursements for the same period amounted to $3,038,399.36, leaving a cash balance in the Treasury of $55,424.48. The total

State debt is $3,747,776.95. The total expenditures of New Hampshire for war purposes amount to $6,852,678. Of this amount there has been paid for bounties, $2,389,025, for the reimbursement to towns of aid furnished families of soldiers, $1,835,985. There has been reimbursed to the State, by the General Government, for war expenses, $897,122, much of which has been obtained after repeated rejections. The expenses incurred by cities and towns on account of the war, including $965,512 United States bounties advanced, amount to $7,250,541. The amount which has been reimbursed by the United States, for bounties advanced, is $475,159. $410,107 has been paid to the towns to which it belonged, and $65,052 is now in the hands of the State Treasurer, having recently been received.

The Legislature of 1866 passed a resolution, providing for the appointment of a commissioner to edit and publish such of the early provincial records and papers as should be deemed expedient. This is a matter of great importance to the future history of the State and country; and the example of New Hampshire in this respect, if generally followed, would lead to important results. In a very few years it may be difficult or impossible to obtain any reliable record of colonial times, and the future historian will seek in vain for material with which to furnish an authentic account of those early periods. Rev. Dr. Bouton, of Concord, was selected as the commissioner, and promptly began his labors. One volume, containing the earliest province papers, has been published, and it is estimated that the entire work will comprise seven octavos of six hundred pages each. Dr. Bouton does not expect to be able to issue more than one volume a year. The materials for the work have been gathered from the office of the Secretary of State, the library of the State Historical Society, the colonial records of Massachusetts, and the early records of the first settlements. When completed, it will prove of great interest and value.

It was found that the system of county school commissioners did not meet the wants of the people, and the last Legislature created the office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. The Superintendent is appointed by the Governor and council, and holds his office two years. He is ex officio a member and the secretary of the Board of Education, and it is his duty to suggest improvements in the system of public schools; to visit different parts of the State for the purpose of awaking and of guiding public sentiment in relation to the practical interests of education; to collect in his office school-books, apparatus, maps, and charts; to receive and arrange the reports of the school committees; and distribute State documents in relation to the schools. The school committee of each town is required annually to report to the Superintendent relative to the appropriation of school money re

ceived, the studies pursued in the schools, the methods of instruction and discipline adopted, the condition of school-houses, and any other subject relating to schools. A faithful discharge of these duties will leave little to be done for the cause of popular education in the State, and render it in future, as it has been in the past, the efficient handmaid of intelligence and progress. The obvious advantages of this organization are its economy, the superior efficiency of one controlling mind, wholly devoted to the work, and the opportunity it affords of readily obtaining and imparting those facts, methods, and ideas, which are essential to the higher development of the system of common schools. It was also proposed to establish a State Normal School, but certain facts indicating that the people at large were indifferent to the enterprise, it has been abandoned for the present, and its necessity in a great measure obviated by the appointment of a Superintendent of Instruction.

To promote the interests of agriculture, terms of agreement, in accordance with legislative action, have been effected for a union of a State College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts with Dartmouth College. The course of instruction, which is intended to be liberal and thorough, is now open for pupils.

The State institutions are well managed and in the main meet all reasonable requirements. The humane ministrations of the Asylum for the Insane, to the comfort and restoration of those in its care, are eminently successful. To meet the pressing demand for more accommodation, a new building is in course of erection, which when completed will be adequate for all immediate wants.

The State prison is so well managed, that its net earnings for the year amounted to about ten thousand dollars. As the object of the State is to reform as well as to punish, means have been provided for the partial education of the younger portion of the prisoners.

The reform school for the correction of juvenile offenders has more than justified the expectations formed of it. The State manifests a deep interest in its success and prosperity as a means of saving wayward youth from an untow ard end, and elevating them to the honorable walks of life, and, under the direction of a competent board of trustees and an efficient superintendent, the work accomplished is satisfactory to the philanthropist and creditable to the commonwealth. The buildings destroyed by fire in 1865 have been replaced in a thorough and substantial manner, and the educational depart ment, which for a time was suspended for the want of proper facilities, is again performing its important functions. New Hampshire has no asylum for the deaf and dumb, or the blind, and unfortunates of those classes are sent to the institutions of other States for instruction.

The subject of fish-culture has attracted a due share of attention in this State, and called forth legislative action. The entire feasibility

of stocking the rivers with shad and salmon has been proved beyond a doubt, and the importance to the State of having an abundant supply of such an article of food admits of no question; but it is impossible to stock the streams unless some check be placed upon the indiscriminate destruction of the fish. To prevent such destruction, the Legislature passed an act imposing a fine of fifty dollars for each fish upon any person catching shad or salmon in the Connecticut and Merrimack Rivers. This act is to continue in force five years, and it is believed that, in consequence of its provisions, those rivers will soon abound with these valuable fish, which now are almost wholly driven from them. While the progress of New Hampshire in wealth and population is much less rapid than that of some other States, she possesses and gradually develops all the elements of public prosperity, and presents a record of which no State need be ashamed.

The volunteer militia of the State now comprises twenty-six companies, thoroughly organized and equipped, and to a great extent composed of young men who served in the late war, and are already experienced soldiers. The historical record of New Hampshire in the war has been completed. The work comprises two volumes, is of great value, and reflects much

credit on its authors.

The Democratic State Convention met at Concord, November 14th, and was very large and harinonious. After organization, the convention proceeded to the choice of a candidate for Governor in 1868. On the second ballot John G. Sinclair received a majority of votes, when his nomination was made unanimous. The following resolutions were reported and adopted with hearty applause:

Resolved, That it has ever been a cardinal doctrine of the Democracy of New Hampshire that fidelity to the Union and to the Constitution by which that Union was created is the paramount and indispensable duty of every citizen; that we have been true to this conviction always, and we will never abate our zeal in their behalf until the Union shall be restored and the Constitution respected and obeyed as the supreme law of the land.

Resolvel, That the congressional plan of reconstruction, as confessed by its framers, wholly outside the Constitution, is a revolutionary usurpation, and that the attempt by Congress to establish the practical supremacy of the negro race is a most atrocious crime against the principles of republican government and the civilization of the age, and deserves the severe and indignant denunciation of every true American citizen.

Resolved, That the bitter fruits of legislation outside of the Constitution are seen in the practical disruption of the Union, the demoralization of the public conscience, the stagnation of all legitimate business, the depreciation of the public credit, the enormous and still increasing burdens of taxation, and the grave apprehensions of business men and statesmen that still greater calamities are impending over the country.

Resolvel, That we are in favor of equal taxation of all property of the State and nation so far as the result can be attained without a violation of the national faith, and with a scrupulous regard to the Constitution.

Resolved, That the practical effects of rigid sumptuary laws at all times and in all places have been to American citizens-to generate a disregard for law embarrass and abridge the liberty which belongs to among both officers and people, and to change the form without lessening the extent of the evils they seek to remedy, and that the late decisive verdict of Massachusetts against such legislation is in harmony with our own convictions, and suggests the impolicy of similar legislation here.

Resolved, That we extend our hearty congratulations to our brethren of the centre and the West for the signal victories they have achieved in behalf of dially invite all conservative men of New Hampshire, the Constitution and the Union; and that we corwithout regard to past political designation, to unite with us in an honest and earnest effort to emulate these noble examples to achieve a victory not in the interest of any party, but in the name and behalf of

a common country.

New Jersey occupies a position of importance, NEW JERSEY. Though small in territory, and its rapid increase of material wealth, its generous support of worthy charities, and its steady progress in all that forms the glory of a ple. The fiscal year ends on the 30th of NoState, are matters of congratulation to its peovember, and the financial condition of the State is, on the whole, satisfactory. The accounts are designated by the following general heads, viz.: State Fund, War Fund, School Fund, Agricultural College Fund, State Library Fund, and Bank-Note Redemption Fund-of which the following are condensed statements of each: The receipts of the State Fund were $563,916.96, and the disbursements $599,056. 64, being an excess of $35,139.68 over the receipts, which is transferred from and due the War Fund.

The State debt is $3,196,100, having been reduced during the year $99,500. A sinking fund has been provided, which will liquidate the entire debt in 1882.

The subject of education attracts a large share of the public attention of the State. At the session of the Legislature, measures were adopted to meet the pressing wants of the people, and secure greater efficiency in superintending officers and teachers. The office of town superintendent was abolished, and the care of the schools was intrusted to county superintendents. The following table will exhibit the amount of money appropriated for the support of public education during the school year ending August 31, 1867:

Amount appropriated by the State.... .$100,000 00 Amount received from surplus revenue... 26,581 54 Amount received from township and city

tax....

Amount received from district tax.. Amount appropriated for Normal School. Amount appropriated for Farnum School.

726,264 09

32,534 79 10,000 00 1,200 00 $896,530 42 The number of children in the State between five and eighteen years of age is 230,555.

The school law calls for an annual appropriation of $100,000 from the State, $40,000 from the school fund, and $60,000 direct from the treasurer; but, as the interest from the school fund does not reach the sum required, the deficiency is met from the State fund. The amount of securities belonging to the school fund is $557,115.39.

The State has a flourishing Normal School, the success of which, in the object for which it

was established, has never been more marked than during this year. The whole number of pupils under instruction has been 216-sixteen being males, and 200 females. Number in the Farnum Preparatory School, Beverly, 281males 139, females 142. Number in the Model School, 525-males 215, females 310. The whole number of pupils that have been under instruction, for greater or less portions of the time, has been 1,022, of whom 370 were males, and 652 females. This shows an increase of 230, as compared with 1866.

There is likewise a State Agricultural College, which is represented to be in a flourishing condition. It is connected with Rutgers College, and the instruction is by the example of the College Farm and the lectures of the Professor of Agriculture, delivered in all the counties of the State. The pupils must be citizens of the State, and are to be apportioned ratably among the several counties, each county being entitled to have in said school at the same time a number of pupils equal to its legislative representation. The scholarships are all filled in the counties nearest New Brunswick, and there are many other applicants.

The present prison system of New Jersey admits of great improvement, and needs reform. The institution is by no means self-sustaining; the punishment inflicted upon convicts has often been unreasonable and cruel, while the constant changes of officers and regula tions have had a baleful effect upon the suc cessful workings and reformatory efforts of the prison. The plan of contracting out the labor of the prisoners has proved far from satisfactory. The financial report of the prison-keeper gives the following statement of receipts and expenditures for the fiscal year: Total receipts from convict labor and other sources, $31,733. 42; expenditures, $87,839.32; salaries and repairs, $43,754.12. The statistics of prisoners are as follows:

Total number confined during the year...........
Number discharged by expiration of term of ser-
vice, pardoned, and died..
Number of male prisoners...
Number of female presoners.

885

335

516

34

550

Of the above prisoners, 106 are under twenty years of age. To provide for the correction and reformation of juvenile delinquents, a reform school affords excellent facilities. The principle upon which the school is adminis tered, and through which reformation is sought, is kindness, not punishment, and the success which has attended it is highly gratifying. The whole number of boys committed was 26; amount expended, $80,092.99.

The liberal spirit in which the State provides for the maintenance of her indigent deaf and dumb, blind, and feeble-minded, is a source of pride. Having no asylums for such unfortu nates, they are now sent to the institutions of other States. The total number of such bene