NEW BULLETIN BY THE STATE MUSEUM.

The latest bulletin of the State museum has just been printed under the direction of Dr. John M. Clarke, director. Illustrated by 14 pictures and containing 304 pages, it is one of the most interesting museum publications thus far issued. It deals in popular form with such scientific subjects as " Present Condition of the Museum; " "Condition of the Scientific Reservations Belonging to the Museum; Report of the Geological Survey;" "Report of the State Botanist; Report of the Division of Zoology." All of these reports are most interesting to the general reader and indicate the immense and varied natural resources of New York State. The bulletin may be had by addressing the New York State Museum, Albany, N. Y.

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REPORT ON NIAGARA RIVER WATER POWER.

One of the great legislative problems yet unsolved is the question of the best method of developing and utilizing water power in New York State. Attempts have been made at various times by members of the legislature to establish a policy whereby the State may dispose of or use its water power for the generation of electricity. A report of the joint committee appointed in 1915 just issued has much valuable data and is made available to the public concerning the waters of the Niagara river for power purposes as well as in other localities of the State. Members of the committee were: George F. Thompson, chairman; William S. Coffey, Arden L. Norton, George W. Simpson, Simon P. Quick, Joseph D. Kelly, Franklin W. Judson, John McKeon, George M. Tuttle and Orville C. Butler. The report deals comprehensively with not only the power of Niagara Falls, but the following streams: St. Lawrence river, Inland powers, Hudson river, Ausable river, Saranac river, St. Regis river, Racquette river, Black river, Oswegatchie river, Grass river, Genesee river, Salmon river (Franklin county), Salmon river (Oswego county), Chateaugay river, Susquehanna river, West Canada creek, East Canada creek, Delaware river and barge canal. Not the least important part of the report are the numerous illustrations of the water power resources of the State.

The appendices of the report contain those of other committees of the legislature which have investigated the same subject at various times. These include reports of the Simpson committee, the Velte committee and the Ferris committee of 1913. The latest report, therefore, is valuable as combining the result of all recent legislative investigations of water power in New York State. Although they differ widely in their recommendation, they also contain valuable information to the average citizen interested in cheaper electric power available to the people of the State. Copies of the report may be had by addressing Senator George F. Thompson, Middleport, N. Y.

SIMPLIFICATION OF CIVIL PRACTICE RULES.

The joint legislative committee on the simplification of civil practice, which has been in existence for several years, has issued a report containing its recommendations and further proposed sections of the revised code of civil procedure and suggested court rules. These will precede in the final arrangement those issued under date of October 25, 1917. The report is of special interest, of course, to members of the bar and to litigants generally. Senator J. Henry Walters of Syracuse is chairman of the committee from whom copies of the report may be obtained.

FEDERAL AND STATE TAXATION.

The commission of seven members appointed to meet representatives of California and other states to consider the relations of the State and federal government in respect to taxation, has submitted a preliminary report. The commission is made up of Martin Saxe, of New York; Walter H. Knapp, of Canandaigua; Lawson Purdy, of New York; James A. Blair, of New York; Allyn A. Young, of Ithaca; Edwin R. A. Seligman, of New York and James M. Gray, of Brooklyn.

It tells of the organization meeting at Atlanta, Ga., and of the purpose of the commission, which is to bring about harmony between federal and State governments in the formulation of revenue systems.

LAWS RELATING TO THE GRAND ARMY.

James D. Bell, former judge advocate and department commander, has just issued the 8th edition of the “ Topical Guide to the Laws Now in Force Relating to the Grand Army of the Republic and Veterans of the War of the Rebellion." Commander Bell says that the amendments made by the laws of 1917 relating to civil war veterans of the Grand Army of the Republic has been incorporated in the text. Copies of the 8th edition may be had from James D. Bell, Brooklyn, N. Y.

GEOLOGY OF THE UPPER HUDSON VALLEY.

Professor Herman Leroy Fairchild, geologist, has written a bulletin for the State museum entitled, "Postglacial Features of the Upper Hudson Valley." This area comprises the five quadrangles of Glens Falls, Saratoga, Schuylerville, Schenectady and Cohoes.

Geology is a fascinating study to most people when it deals with their own State and known territory. Professor Fairchild's bulletin is interesting and instructive and made particularly so because accompanied by a large and detailed map. Copies may be had from the State museum, Albany, N. Y.

WARTIME CONSERVATION BULLETINS.

There have been published by the New York State food commission in cooperation with the federal food board

This pamphlet of 130 pages was prepared by Dr. John H. Finley, State commissioner of education. It is a report of a visit to the schools of France in war time made by Dr. Finley last summer. It also contains messages to universities, colleges and schools of America from those in France. The pamphlet is illustrated, the frontispiece being a picture of a beautiful statuette, A Souvenir of a visit to the schools of France presented by the Minister of Public Instruction" to Dr. Finley. Much of the text is in French. The pamphlet is published by the university of the State of New York.

BRIDGE AND TUNNEL COMMISSION.

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The 8th report of the New York State bridge and tunnel commission to the legislature has just been issued which has to do with the practicability of constructing an interstate bridge over the Hudson river between New York and New Jersey. The commission makes the following recommendations:

1. Authorizing the immediate construction of a tunnel under the Hudson river between the states of New York and New Jersey to be located as previously described in this report.

2. Authorizing the New York commission to carry on the work jointly with the New Jersey commission and providing that the two commissions might act together as a joint body and make necessary contracts and agreements in behalf of this State.

3. Appropriating the necessary sum for the expense of the work to be expended by the Commission, authorizing the issue of bonds for that purpose and directing the submission to the people of the question of ratifying the bond issue at the general election to be held November, 1918.

PARDONS BY THE GOVERNOR.

In a pamphlet of 80 pages a statement of the pardons, commutations and reprieves granted by Governor Whitman during 1917 is made. Copies may be had by application to the executive department, Capitol, Albany, N. Y.

STUDY OF MALIGNANT DISEASES.

Trustees of the State institute for malignant diseases have just issued their 7th annual report.

Mother Georgie, I told you to say "no" if they offered you cake the third time.

Georgie So I did, mamma. Only they offered it to me the fourth time, and you didn't say anything about the fourth time.

REPORT OF THE BRONX PARKWAY COMMISSION.

Beautifully illustrated with pictures of the Bronx parkway in various stages of progress, this important document just issued by the parkway commission attracts attention not only from those familiar with the park, but from people generally interested in the beautification of what had hitherto been waste land in its ugliest aspect. The report contains about 100 pages, much of it illustrated in a way that will make it a treasure for those who are devotees to the artistic in photography. Those who read the interesting article of Jay Downer, engineer and secretary of the commission, in the STATE SERVICE magazine for May, will gain an idea of the attractiveness and value of this report. The photographs were taken by George R. Hilty, and his work was exceedingly well done. Copies of the report may be had by addressing Jay Downer, secretary of the Bronx parkway commission, 280 Madison avenue, New York city.

FARMS FOR SALE OR RENT IN NEW YORK.

Here is a bulletin issued by the State department of agriculture, compiled by Frank C. Carr, director of the bureau of farm settlement. It should be studied by every prospective purchaser or renter of land in New York State. It contains pictures of buildings and farms, giving the reader a vivid idea of the farms for sale and rent. Copies may be had by addressing Department of farms and markets, Albany, N. Y.

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FIRE ISLAND STATE PARK.

Fire Island park was purchased by the State in 1892. It lies between the Atlantic ocean and South bay and has been famous in the past as a watering place. It is maintained as a quiet resort in which the ocean and unique natural scenery can be enjoyed. Docks, shelters and bath houses have been provided by the State. Last year its maintenance, including the wages of the employees, cost $5,860.

REPORT OF NEW YORK STATE COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND.

This report is submitted by Marion A. Campbell, secretary. Its activities may be judged from the following facts:

50 per cent of the commission's staff are blind members.

68 per cent of the money spent went to the blind. 32 per cent covered rent, salaries, and administrative expenses, which will be kept at the minimum. $17,763.38 is receipts from sales for the blind. $22,597.35 has been paid to blind workers.

$14.565.39 has been paid for supplies for blind

Frank W. Bradley of Niagara was elected president of the New York State federation of agriculture by a meeting of delegates from forty counties of the State held in Albany, June 7. The only resolution adopted by the federation was as follows:

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The federation will be nonpartisan in the selection of public officers. It will aim to elect men because of their fitness to office and their interests in agriculture without regard to party affiliation. It will make a special effort to elect farmers to the legislature from agricultural districts. If it fails to induce old party organizations to nominate desirable candidates, it may name independent candidates, and conduct their campaign for election.

"Sixty days before the primaries, September 3, the council will invite local organizations to report their choice for State officers. The federation will pick out candidates favored by a majority of the units and submit them to the old political parties, if these parties do not nominate them the federation may put up an independent ticket.”

Oscar S. Straus, chairman of the public service commission, first district, sent his resignation to Governor Whitman June 7, to take effect not later than July 1. Mr. Straus was appointed for a five year term but found the duties of the office too exacting? The salary is $15,000 a year. Mr. Straus was the Progressive candidate for governor in 1912.

John Mitchell who is at present head of the State industrial commission and of the farms and markets council is said to be the favorite of many of the Democratic leaders as a candidate for governor. Mr. Mitchell who began as a coal miner in Illinois, where he was born, came into national prominence about 15 years ago as the head of the coal miners' organization. He is an independent Democrat.

Judge William D. Cunningham of the court of claims is said to be the choice of the Whitman men for attorneygeneral. Judge Cunningham is a former district attorney of Ulster county where he now resides. He was the organization candidate four years ago for secretary of State but was defeated by Francis M. Hugo in the Republican primary.

In the opinion of the Watertown Times there is nothing to indicate that Governor Whitman will not be renominated and re-elected. The Times declares that Secretary of State Hugo's friends are preparing to fight for his nomination for governor two years hence. Watertown is the home of Mr. Hugo.

Edwin S. Harris, chairman of the Democratic State committee, refers to the appropriation bill by the governor as "the huge State budget bill which appropriates $53,000,000." He says that the State pay roll for the next year exceeds Governor Glynn's by from $6,000,000 to $7,000,000 and that the total appropriations will be $81,000,000. Mr. Harris' statement is interpreted as the line of attack which the Democratic organization will make upon the Whitman administration.

Assemblyman George F. Fearon of the third district of Onondaga will probably refuse a renomination as he has intentions of becoming a candidate for mayor of Syracuse next year. Mr. Fearon has served two terms in the that legislature and in time gained considerable prominence. He recently declined to accept the chairmanship of the Republican general committee of Onondaga. His friends have his mayoralty boom well under way and the Republican leaders look kindly upon the nomination of the assemblyman to succeed Mayor Stone.

Tammany women who have joined the Tammany organization in New York city say they will cooperate with the men members of the party in advancing what they believe to be important measures. Mrs. Elizabeth A. Vibbard one of the members of the committee in that city said:

"I broke with the suffragists when they decided not to affiliate with political parties," she said. "To keep the suffrage party intact after it had served its purpose is merely a camouflage. Women can accomplish the best results by entering into party organization. The women of the Twenty-second district have already tested their strength in the congress elections. Representative Donovan attributes his election to the women.

"I believe that men and women can work harmoniously together, and I feel that in establishing ourselves with the party we can bring our ideas directly before the men and receive their best help. There are measures in congress that need to be supported. The giving of army rank to Red Cross nurses is not only a question of justice to women who are risking quite as much as men, but as a matter of discipline it is necessary."

Harold J. Hinman of Albany, first deputy attorneygeneral, following the announcement of Attorney-General Lewis that he would not be a candidate for renomination, became a candidate to succeed Mr. Lewis. Mr. Hinman

for several years was the Republican leader in the assembly.

July 2 will be the first for signing primary petitions throughout the State and from July 3 to August 6 these petitions may be filed.

To designate candidates petitions must contain 3% of the enrolled voters of party in political subdivision, but need not exceed the number mentioned below, namely:

3,000 signatures for candidates to be voted by all
voters of State.
1,500 signatures for justice of Supreme Court,
judge of Court of General Sessions, judge
of City Court, New York City, or any
other office voted for by all the voters in
a city of over one million inhabitants.
1,000 signatures for any office to be filled by all
the voters of any other city of the first
class or of any county or borough con-
taining more than two hundred and fifty ́
thousand inhabitants.

500 signatures for any office in a county or borough
containing more than twenty-five thousand
and not more than two hundred fifty
thousand inhabitants, or city of second class
or any congressional or senatorial district.

250 signatures for any office to be filled by all the voters of any other county or any city of the third class or of any assembly district.

At the expiration of his term as State senator this year, it is said that George H. Whitney of Mechanicville will be appointed chairman of the drug commission created by the last legislature, to eliminate the drug forming habit. The salary is $6,000 a year. Senator Whitney is a druggist and has been one of the most useful members of the State legislature for many years.

The national executive committee of the Anti-Saloon league of America at its quarterly meeting held in Oberlin, Ohio, censured Superintendent William H. Anderson for sending out attacks on William Jennings Bryan, but added "notwithstanding this mistake Superintendent Anderson has shown himself to be an unusually able and efficient leader as evidenced by the results achieved under his leadership in the State of New York and elsewhere." The committee refused to remove Mr. Anderson as had been requested by the allied temperance forces.

For installing the electric wiring, lighting, power, battery charging equipment, and auto truck scales for pier 6, East river, New York city.

Contract plans, sheets 1 to 10 inclusive.

Plans may be seen and detailed specifications, engineer's estimates of quantities, proposal blanks, form of contract and bonds required and other information for proposers may be had at the office of the Superintendent of Public Works at Albany, N. Y., at the office of the Assistant Superintendent of Public Works for the Middle Division at Syracuse, N. Y., at the office of the Assistant Superintendent of Public Works for the Western Division at Rochester, N. Y., and at the canal office, Spaulding's Exchange, Buffalo, N. Y.

Copies of detailed plans or drawings may be obtained from the State Engineer and Surveyor at Albany, N. Y., upon payment to him of the cost of producing them.

Monthly estimates will be paid of ninety per centum (90 per cent) of the work done at the contract price. Every proposal for said work must be accompanied by a money deposit in the form of a draft or certified check upon some good banking institution in the City of Albany or New York, issued by a

Albany, May 17th, 1918.

national or state bank (or trust company in the case of terminal contract) in good credit within the State and payable at sight to the Superintendent of Public Works for five per centum (5 per cent) of the amount of the proposal.

The person whose proposal shall be accepted will be required to execute a contract and furnish bonds within ten days from the date of notice of award delivered to him or them in person or mailed to the address given in the proposal.

Upon execution of the contract and approval of bonds, the certified check or draft will be returned to the proposer unless the same shall have been presented for collection prior to such time, in which case the amount of the deposit will be refunded by the Superintendent of Public Works.

The deposits of bidders other than the one to whom the award of contract shall be made will be returned immediately after the award has been made.

The bond required for the faithful performance of each contract shall be in such sum as shall be fixed by the Superintendent of Public Works, which sum shall not be less than twenty per centum (20 per cent) of the estimated cost of the work according to the contract price, and an additional bond, known as the labor bond, in the sum of ten per centum (10 per cent) of the amount of the estimated cost of the work according to the contract price, will be required as security that the contractor will pay in full at least once in each month all laborers employed by him upon the work specified to be done in the contract.

In the event that more than one surety company is offered as surety on said bonds co-insurance only will be accepted. Each proposal must be addressed to the Superintendent of Public Works, Albany, N. Y., and must be endorsed on the envelope with the name of the construction for which the proposal is made.

Award, if made, will be made to the person or persons whose proposal shall be lowest in cost to the State for doing the work, and which shall comply with all provisions required to rendered it formal. Before any award shall be made the lowest bidder will be required to satisfy the Superintendent of Public Works of his ability to provide suitable equipment and materials for the proper performance of the work.

The right is reserved to reject all proposals and readvertise and award the contract in the regular manner if, in the judgment of the undersigned, the interests of the State will be enhanced thereby.

W. W. WOTHERSPOON, Superintendent of Public Works.