Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1889-02-21
The CAPITOL.
Special Comparatively

than during any period Of tune Of twice
the length, preceding. Things. In fact,
are getting down to business and not
improbable consequence is that from
now on steady stream Of brand new
laws will be ground out.
The most interesting event OF the
week was the discussion in the Assembly
precipitated upon the Ashland county
division bill. 1t was upon the consider
alton of the measure that the first real
debate Of the session was brought out.
The fight was lively one and quite
ably contested, the excitement conse-
quent proving very acceptable relief
from the monotony OF the usual legisla-
tive routine. The opposition to division
was led by Mr.. Ring, of Neilsville. be
being ably seconded by Mr. Stocking.
of Eau Claire. The speech o. me latter
was strong argument. ae maintained
that the representatives. Of Ashland
should determine the matter. the ques-
ton was largely local one and to tho
Ashland delegates legislative courtesy
should be extended. None OF lhs ASH
land county representatives favored the
division and the responsibility Of action
should be thrown upon them by con-
forming to their desires in the premises.
The leadership Of the division faction
was in the person OF MIR. McElroY. OF
Milwaukee. This gentleman made q
speech in favor of the measure at great
length, held that justice in the matter
of taxation demanded that the new
EQUITY be set off. Ashland city and
the moneyed men Of that locality had
held sway and conducted affairs all to
the interests of Ashland only. He be.
lieves this state of affairs should be
corrected and the remedy was In
division. Speeches In favor Of division
were also made by Messrs. McMullen
and ID. S. Allen, OF Rolk county. The
bill was then put upon its passage and
went through with vote Of 90 to 81.
The bill is similar to that Of two years
ago aud has for its purpose the creation
of the county Of Mills out of the Eastern
half of Ashland. with Hurley as the
county seat. The name Of the proposed
new county is in honor of Speaker
Mills. The bill now goes to the Senate.
1t was in thls body after having passed
the Assembly BY hard fight that the
measure Of two years ago was defeated.
By many it is believed tho present bill
will share the same fate.
A bill of much interest in southwest
ern Wisconsin was introduced by Ar.
Martin. OF Iowa county. His bill asks
for an appropriation OF $50. 900 with
which to make deep mining explora-
tions. Mr.. Martin says that below In
the depth Of the limestone formations
probably at q distance Of 500 feet valu-
able lead ore deposits exist which in
richness far exceed the remaining sur
face mines. As the cost of explorations
would necessarily be heavier than cor
porations could stand It is proposed 70
offer something of bounty. the pro-
visions of the bill being largely Of that
nature. The $4,000 upon the pass
sage of the bill is to DO paid to the first
corporation with $50. 600 capital. paid
up. which engages in such explorations.
A similar measure introduced over
decade Of years ago WAS not permitted
to pass. A similar fate. It Is probable,
awaits this bill.
One Of the most important bills OF the
week was that introduced by Mr.. Cur
It's providing for the establishment of
Dairy and Food Commission to consist
OF three persons-one commissioner
and two assistants. The appointment
Of the commissioner Is TO rest in the
governor, bat the assistants, one OF
whom is to be practical analytical
chemist and the other practical dairy
man, are to be designated by the COM
missioner. 4 salary OF 1880 is to be
paid the commissioner and expenses
and 1880 10 each assistant and ex-
penses. The officers to be located Ia
the Capitol building and $1,000 is sp-
propriated by the act to establish and
equip laboratory for the use Of the
commissioner. In the performance Of
his duty OF inspection of milk, cheese,
lard, butter and similar products. the
commissioner is to have power to enter
into any cheese factory, dsiryipg es-
tablishment or store in which he may
have reason to believe that adulterated
or impure articles are being manufsc-
tured or placed on sale. Severe penal
ties for attractions Of the law are i'm
posed.
Petitions from all parts of the state
have been sent to the Legislature on the
Taylor railroad bill. Agents of the
various railroad companies have been
instructed to obtain signatures to petit
tions against the passage of the bill.
The friends of the bill have been active
also and so far as petitions 90 honors
are easy. 1t has been arranged to have
joint meeting Of the railroad commit.
tees Of the two houses on the 26th inst.
to consider the measure.
The printing investigation committee
was completed by the appointment by
the speaker of Messrs. Mccoy, Legler
and G.. w. Pratt. The work OF inves-
tigation will not commence until the
coming week. The reports that have
been sent out limiting at crookedness
and collision and that called forth this
investigation are inspired by jealous
politicians. There Is no chance for
collision. Officers have simply TO obey
the laws and all printing is provided
for by statute or special laws. Secre-
tary Timme's friends can be assured
that the result will be to his credit IS .
state official.
| On Friday Messrs. Loveioy. Green
and Avery Of the Senate committee on