Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1879-01-16

the state and entitled 10 your continued confidence
and liberal support
1t will be conceded think, that the state of Wis
eonsin is doing a most noble and humane work for
all its unfortunate classes: but there remains and
ever must remain, ample opportunity for private
charity ana beneyolence. 1t is impossible it is
undesirable, for the state usurp the functions of
the citizen in this behalf; and therefore it is a
of just pride and tends to reassure our faith
IN civilization and human nature, TO find that des
pite the large paid into the public treasures
for these purposes many most successful institutions
for the care and education Of the dependent and
tortnnateare maintained by private benefactons To
the list OF institutions of this character heretofore
existing, there has recently been added in Mil Eau-
kee school designed especially for teaching deaf
mules TO speak. The success already attained is
veIy satisfactory to its founders and gives promise Of
great usefulness.
STATE BOARD OF CHARITIES AND REFORM.
The report of this board Is not yet in print, and I
have not been able TO read it in manuscript have.
however, been more or less conTersant with the
labors of the board for several years and am fully
persuaded that it is accomplishing great coed
throughout the state.
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
Investigations prosecuted by the several boards of
health in this and adjoining states seem to prove
that nearly twenty-five per cent. Of the deaths
ring annually, are from preyentable causes. The
state board of health in Wisconsin is work
ing with most commendabe zeal in investigating the
causes of disease in this state and by circulars and
communications to the press, as well as in its
nuaI reports, IS pointing out the dangers, and en-
deavOring to teach the people how to shun them.
Whatever encouragement or help can be given to it
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 that it is now in 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 proftably be spent in
perfecting the survey. About half Of the second
volume of the final report, which will be known as
Volume ILL., is now stereotyped, and the completed
volume will be ready for distribution in the spring
If no further work should be authorized it is
pected that at least one year of constant labor will
be needed after the time now provided by law for
closing the survey aud the cessation of salaries, to
complete the publication oft report.
FISH CULTURE.
The appropriations heretofore made to facilitate
the artificial propagation of fish have been wisely eX
pended in preliminary work. and the evidences that
we may expect in due time to receive boUntltui re-
turns therefrom, beginning to be in nearly
every part of the state The city of Milwaukee finds
it necessary to for its purposes that portion
of its water works building heretofore used by the
state as fish hatchery and the commissioners rec
ommend in addition to the sum necessary for cur
rent expenses an appropriation for erecting build
ing to take the place Of the premises they must soon
vacate.
The publication and distribution of the new re-
ViSed statutes were attended with some unayOid-
able delays, but not to the serious inconvenience
substance cred1tabe to the state. Errors have I'M
dou9tedly Intervened which may need correcting
but trnSt you will scrutinize with unusual care all
propositions for amendments or changes affecting
the pIactlce IN courts OF tne INGENIOUS OF procedure
by administrative and executive otnceIS. the
people much desire stability in the law in these
respects and Will gladly accommodate themselves 10
it as it now is.
INSURANCE SUPERVISION.
The creation of a separate department char
surance companies, and supervising this important
branch of business in the interests and for the pro
lection Of the people, has resulted ia very decided
benefit to The state, and is looked upon with much
favor by all responsible and fair dealing cOmpan-
les. The commissioner is devoting his best ener-
gieS to the duties devolyed upon him., and in the
collection of back taxes and otherwise is saving to
the state very considerable sums of money.
RAILROADS.
From the report of the railroad commissioner it
appears that 9l76 miles of new railroad have been
Constructed during the past year making the total
number of miles now in operation 83 So Including
93.9I miles of narrow gauge track. The total num-
Der of passengers carried was 42y 1885, an increase
ried were 3,4iS $780, an increase of 4l4 l99 OF the
whole number of passengers carried only two were
that all the roads are managed and operated with
great care. The total absence of all serious COM
that our present law is well suited to the purposes
for which it was enacted, and, under the watchfuI
supervision OF the commissioner, is being faithful
ly obeyed.
SUPERIOR uARBOR.
The adverse decision of the supreme court of the
United States in the of the state of Wisconsin
against the city of Duluth, brought for the pur-
natural flow Of water through the harbor at super
r GT ana and 9f ercTs se1s ri nG The arbor
imposes upon wisconsin tile necessity of seeking
redress and protection in congress. Our senators
and representatives i'll congress will be vigiIant
this behalf but it may materially assist them, to
adopt a legislative memorial. briefly setting forth
the facts, and asking that in the matter of appro-
priations to be made and in the manner of eN-
Superior harbor protected and improved may not
be overlooked or ignored.
STATE FUNDS
The provisions of sections l57 and l59 of the re-
ySed statutes, concerning the place of keeping
the state funds not in harmony and 1t is found
difficult to determine the real purpose of the law.
In practice, it is found convenient and by many it
the on deposit in BANKS If It Should be CON-
sidered that such practice is contrary to the intent
Of the law, think it is due to the treasurer and to
all concerned thatsuch intent should be more de-
PUBLIC LANDS.
The report of the commissioner of public lands
will give you all needed information in regard to
the quantity and condition of the lands belonging
school sections has been admitted to the extent of
about 81, 600 acres and selections are being made
and swamp lands in indian reservations is admit
ted at the department of the INTERIOR but the diff
and occupancy of these lands are considered to be
SO grave that a formal approval of them to the
from congress authorizing the selection of lands
| them, and such legislation may be perfected dur
| ing the present session of congress-.
selection Of the school land Indemnity, for eX-
penSeS Of the agent making the selection and the
fees of the United States land offices, and recon-
mend the re-enactment of the law authorizing the
payment of such expenditures.
VOLUNTARY ASSIGNMENTS.
! The repeal of the national bankrupt law, has
brought into notice and use the provisions of our
the Dement, Of creditors and has in Some cases Fe
! YIYed the old practice OF making preferences
| of the practice under it. was always repugnant to
my of justice, and call your attention to the
subject, that the whole matter of the settlement of
claims against iinsolyent debtors may be consid-
cred, ana the law SO amended, as best to protect
| the rights and interests OF all concerned
CITY CHARTERS,
The constitutional amendment prohibiting the
enactng OF laws TO lncorporate any town or village,
or to amend the charter thereof, has seemed great
ly to multiply the demand for city charters PIac-
tcay the bills for these charters are prepared by
| a local committee, handed to the representative
from the district IN which the place is located, in
fouuGed Dy hlm passed IN both houses and sub
mitted TO the governor, without reading, scrutiny
! or care. Sometimes these bills are wisely drawn
| but in several instances last winter they We're
found to contain unwise and sometimes manifeStIy
recall for amendment. fully appreciate the i'm
possibility of giving proper attention, in ordi
| that reason, and because the expense attending
their preparation, passage engrossing. enrolling
recommend the enactment of a general law for the
incorporation OF cities and persistent refusal,
| charters. a most desirable uniformity would thus
devoted to such matters proHtably occupied in
perfecting other legislation.
TRAMPS.
Inc haOlt-I may say the crime-of yagabondage
demand most Serious 81 T To as 20
during the present session. 1 have moS6 profound
respect and sympathy for tie honest man who in
good faith travels from place &c place in search of
/ employment but modern tramps are not of this
| character. They have been thoroughly tried, and
it is cOnCluSyely established that the only thing
/ they will not do, is to work.
The assessments these criminal parasites levy
upon individuals and communities nearly equal in
value our whole state tax, yet this is as nothing
compared with the fear and mental suffering they
! lnclte among defenceleSS women and children, and
the murders, robberies and outrageS, too brutal to
/ be here named, by them committed. If in the
| larger cities they are somewhat restrained Dy a
yigiant POLICE in the villages and towns they have
become the daily dread and nightly horror of all
well disposed persons. The little girl on her way
/ to or from school, the farmers wife, busy with