The biographies of public men are always of deep interest to the student of current history. In this progressive age every well informed citizen eagerly seeks for correct information touching the career of men who make our laws, administer in public affairs, and seek to be honored in the service of the state. In the compilation of this volume it has been a source of gratification to the editor--to find every public-spirited officer, legislator and employe with whom the writer has come in contact ready to extend generous courtesies and timely suggestions. It has not been possible, in the limits of space allotted to each particular person, to employ variety of characterization, nor indulge in extended descriptive detail. While this is true, the author may be pardoned for inviting the reader to a careful survey of the entire contents, with the assurance of finding a large fund of valuable information concerning the conspicuous figures now moving actively in the political drama of an organized state. Great public interest is centered in the new succession that followed the recent political revolution in Nebraska, which swept from power

the entire executive corps of state officials controlled by the republican party, placing in complete command the representatives of the allied forces of the opposition.
   The Legislative Year Book, however, has dealt with every individual referred to in its pages from the standpoint of a disinterested historical and political review, uninfluenced by any partisan bias. I desire to acknowledge the efficient assistance of W. A. Howard in the arduous labors connected with the preparation of this book. Trusting that the publication may acceptably fill its place in the political history of our state, it is hopefully consigned to its readers and friends.

   LINCOLN, NEBRASKA,
         MARCH 30, 1897.