The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1879-01-18

states. seem to prove that nearly twenty
five per cent. Of the deaths occurring an
nuaIiv. are from preventable causes. The
state hoard of health in Wisconsin is wo k
inc with most commendable zeal in inyes-
tigating the causes of disease in this state,
and nv circulars and communications to the
press. as we'll as in its annual reports. is
pointing out the dangers, and endeavoring
to teach the people how to shun them.
Whatever encouragement or help can be
given toit by the Legislature, should not be
withheld.
GEOLOGICAL SURVEY.
The chief geologist informs me that the
work of the geological survey, in the field,
the laboratory and study has been diligently
prosecuted during the past year. that it is
now IN an advanced condition, and may be
closed IN accordance with the provisions of
the law authorizing it. He finds the work
growing and expanding in his hands, and
seems to think more time and money might
prohtably be spent in perfecting the sur
vey. About one-half of the second volume
OF the final report, which will be known as
Volume III, is now stereoEped, and the
completed volume will be ready for distri-
button in the spring. IT no further work
should be authorized, it is expected that at
least one year OF constant labor will De
needed, after the time now provided by law
for closing the survey and the cessation OF
salaries, to complete the publication of the
report.
FISH CULTURE.
The appropriations heretofore made to
facilitate the artificial propagation of fish
have been wisely expended in preliminary
work, and the evidences that we may ex-
pect in due time to receive bountiful re-
turns therefrom are beginning to be seen in
every part of the state. The city of Mil
waukee finds 1t necessary to use for it's own
purposes that portion OF its water works
building heretofore used by the state as a
fish hatchery, and the commissioners recon-
current ex penses, an appropriation for erect
ing building to take the place of the
premises they must soon yacate.
REVISED STATUTES.
The publication and distribution of the
new revised statutes were attended with
some unavoidable delays, but not to the
serious inconvenience of the public. They
are, | think, both in form and substance
creditable to the state. Errors have I'M
doubtedly interviewed which may need cor
rectng, but trust you will scrutinize with
unusual care ali propositions for amend
ments or changes affecting the practice in
courts, or the methods of procedure by
administrative and executive officers. The
people much desire stability in the law in
date themselves to it as it now is.
INSURANCE SUPERVISION.
The creation OF a sep rate department
charged with the duty of collecting fees
and taxes from insurance companies, and
supervising this important branch of busI-
ness in the interests aad for the protection
of the people, has re suited in very decided
benefit to the STATE, and is looked upon with
much favor by ali responsible and fair deal
H. -, 4
voting his best energies to the duties de-
yolved upon hlm, and Ia the collection of
back taxes and otherwise, is saving to the
state very considerable sums of money.
RAILROADS.
From the report Of the railroad commits
sioner it appears that GIG miles of new
railroad have been constructed during the
past year, making the total number of miles
now in operation 2,S3450, including 90 81
miles of narrow guage track. The total
number of passengers carried was 2 ,429, 925;
an increase of 1868 over last year. The
tons of freight carried were 8, 44S 400, an in
crease of Ala, 1879 OF the whole number of
passengers carried only two were killed and
two injured-most gratifying evidence that
all the roads are managed and operated
with great care. The total absence of all
serious complaint against railroads, shows
most eonclusively, that our present law is
well suited to the purposes for which it was
enacted. and, under the watcbful super
vision of the commissioner is being faith
fully obeyed.
SUPERIOR HARBOR.
The adverse decision of the Supreme
Court OF the United States, in the case Of
the state of Wisconsin against the city OF
Duluth, brought for the purpose of enjoin
ing the defendant from divorting the natu
raj flow OF water through the harbor at Su'
perior anG out through the mouth of the st.
Louis river, and thereby seriously iniuring
the hsrbor, imposes upon Wisconsin the
necessity of seeking redress and protection
in congress. Our senators and represen ia
tives in congress will be yigilant in this be
half but it may materially assist them, tC
adopt q legislative memorial, briefly setting
forth the facts, and asking that in the mat
ter of appropriations to be made and in The
manner of expanding them, the rights oil
Wisconsin to have Superior harbor protect
ed and improved, may not be overlooked
or ignored.
STATE FUNDS.
The provisions of sections 157 and 159 o
the revised statutes, concerning the place
of keeping thestate funds, are not in har
mony, and it is found difficult to determin,
the real purpose of the law. In practice, i
is found convenient, and by many, 1t il
considered less hazardous, to keep portion
IL /
should be considered that such practice i
contrary to the intent of the law, think i
is due to the treasurer nd to all concerned
that such intent should be more dehnitel,
expressed.
PUBLIC LANDS.
The report of the commissioners OF pub
lie lands viii give you all needed informs
ton in regard to the quantity and condi
ton of the lands belonging 10 the stated
The claim of the state for deficiencies il
the school sections has been admitted t
the extent of about $4,000 acres, and selec
tons are being made therefor. The CLAIM
of the state to school and swamp lands il
Indian reservations is admitted at the de
partment of the interior, but the ditficultie
that might arise from permitting the sal,
and occupancy of these lands, are consid
cred to be so grave that formal approva
of them to the state is withheld. Mean
time legislation is sought from congress
authorizing the selection of lands withou
the reservations in lieu of those within
them, and such legislation may be perfecte
during the present session of congress.
Some expense has already been INQUIRE
in the selection of the shoot land indemn
ty, for expenses of the agent making tn
selection and the fees Of the United State
land offices, and / recommend the re-enact
ment of the law authorizing the payment c
such expenditures.
VOLUNTARY ASSIGNMENTS.
The repeal of the national bankrupt Law
has brought into notice and use the provi
ions OF our statute in reference to vOluI
tary assignments for the benefit of creditor
and has in some cases revived the old prat
tice of making preferences among then
This feature of the law, or rather of tn