Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1880-01-15
MILITIA.

! esteem it great misfortune that the Leg
stature Of Wisconsin has not hitherto address
ed itself to the serious consideration Of meas
nres Tor the proper organization and equipment
OF the State militia. We cannot hope alwaysto
escape disorders and tumults similar to those
winch have arlsenin other states and nations.
II IS, therefore, neither prudent nor econom-
icai to postpone front year to year such prep
afations as the experience of others has shown
to be indispensable for the discipline and in
struction Of that branch of the service on
which we must rely to suppress such tumults,
as may arise any day, too formidable to be
controlled by the civil authorities.
At the present time the organized militia of
the State, known as the Wisconsin National
Guard, numbers twenty-six companies and has
an aggregate of 1870 officers, non-commis-
stoned officers, and priyates. The total ex-
pendItures during the year on account Of the
National Guard was $o,442.S6
Renewing my former recommendations that
provision be made for regimental and battal
non organizations and annual encampments,
submit the matter to your consideration and
such action as you may deem for the best in
terests and welfare Of the State.
INTEREST.
There is no subject likely to come before
you for consideration during the present ses-
sion upon which a greater divergence of opin-
ION Is entertained than upon the subject Of the
proper rate of interest TO be permitted by law
upon the loan or forbearance Of money. 1t is
urged that the present law under present cir
cumstances is rredludicial as well to those who
would lend as TO those who must borrow mon
ey, that large amounts Of capital are withheld
from investments waiting for higher rates Of
interest, and that many enterprises are there
by crippled. | commend this subject to your
mature consideration trusting that you will be
able TO agree upon measure which, while Just
to all concerned shall also liberate capital, en-
courage industry and afford 10 all classes of
citizens the protection they have right to ex-
pect from the laws.
AGRICULTURE.
Imuch regret that the statistics Of agricul-
ture returned to the Secretary OF State are so
incomplete and unreliable as 10 be practically
worthless. tits well, perhaps, TO continue
the law and try to educate assessors to com
prehend and comply with its terms, but until
greater accuracy is secured iii unsafe to rely
upon the statistics thus obtained or attempt
to institute comparisons. 1t can be said in
general terms that the agricultural interests of
Wisconsin were never more prosperous nor
agrlculturstS as class more heartily naccord
with the progressive tendencies of the age. In
deed all industries seem to thrive in Wisconsin
and should receive encouragement but agricul-
ture SO largely predominates as to demand spe-
cial recognition and therefore appropriations to
the State and Northern Agricultural Society
might be supplemented by limited aid to the
Horticultural Society and Dairyman's Asso-
citation. All these societies have been service
able agents in leading Wisconsin 10 its pres
ent enyiable position in the various depart
ments of agriculture and ii is certain that the
aid heretofore extended to them has been re-
turned many hundred fold.
CONCLUSION.
Every year brings to us proofs of the Wig
or and elasticity of our republican form Of
government and Of the wisdom and courage
OF republican people. In the school Of ex-
perience parties and men are learning that
compromises with error are fatal and that
only the right is expedlent. There is much
to encourage u.s. therefore, in the belief, not
only that the people of Maine will speedily
cause right and justice to prevail there but
also that in the broader domains of the ma
ton the time is not far distant when right
and justice viii everywhere and in all things
prevail, and national supremacy insure do
mestic tranquility, promote the general wei
fare and secure the blessings Of liberty to our
selves and our posterity.
VIM. E. SMITH.
Madison, January IS, 1880.