Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1880-01-23

ty-six companies, and has an aggregate
Of 1870 officers, non-commissioned
officers, and priya.es. The total ex-
penditures during the year on account
of the National Guard, were So, 442 SO.
Renewing my former recommends
tions that provision be made for regi-
mental and battalion organizations and
annual encampments, submit the
matter to your consideration, and such
action as you may deem for tho best
interests and welfare Of the state.
INTEREST.
There IS no subject likely 70 como
before you for consideration during the
present session upon which a greater
divergence of opinion is entertained,
than upon tho subject of the proper
rate of interest to be permitted by law
upon the loan or forbearance of money.
Il is urged that the present law, under
present circumstances, is prcjudicial
~ well TO those who would lend as
t. those who must borrow money;
that large amounts of capital are with
Aeld from investment waiting for high>
er rates of interest, and that many en-
terprises are thereby crippled. l COM
mend this subject to your mature con-
sideration, trusting That you will be
able to agree upon y measure which,
while just to all concerned, shall also
iberate capital, encourage industry,
AMI afford to all classes Of cttizeus the
protection they have the right to ex-
pee; from tho law.
AGRICULTURE.
I much regret that the statistics OF
o agriculture returned to the Secretary of
state, are SO incomplete and unreliable
As to be practically worthless. 1t is
well, perhaps, to continue the law and
try 10 educate assessors to comprehend
d i'd comply with its terms but until
greater accuracy is secured, it is unsafe
20 rely upon the statistics thus obtain
ed, OF attempt 10 institute compari.
sors. 1t can be said, in general terms,
that the agricultural interests of Wis
consln We're never more prosperous,
nor agriculturists, IS class, more
heartily in accord with the progressive
tendencies Of the age. Indeed, all in
dustries seem to thrive in Wisconsin,
and should receive encouragement, but
agriculture so largely predominatss as
to demand special recognition, and
therefore appropriations 10 the State
and Northern Agricultural Societies
might be SUP plemented by limited aid
to the Horticultural Society and Dairy
mems Association. All these societies
have been most serviceable agents in
leading Wisconsin to its present envi-
able position in the various depart
me1ts of agriculture, and it is certain
that the I'D ereto'ore extended to-
them has been returned many hundred
fold.
CONCLUSION.
Every year brings to us new proofs
Of the yigor and elasticity of our re-
publican form of government, and Of
the wisdom and the courage Of re-
publican people. In the school of ex.
perience, parties and men are learning
that comprises with error are fatal, and
that only the rights expedient. Ther~
is much to encourage us therefore, in
the belief, not only that the people of
justice to prevail there, but also, that in
The broader domain of the nation, tho
time is not far distant when right and
justice will everywhere and in all
things prevail, and national supremacy
insure domestic tranquility, promo
the general welfare and secure tie
blessings Of liberty to ourselves and OF r
posterity.
, WILLIAM f. SMITH.
: MADISON, January Is, 1880.