The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1890-07-24
The Paternalism Of the Canada
Thistle Law.

The following from the pen of
John Nagle, of the Manitowoc PII0f,
Democratic, is one Of the most read
able articles published regarding the
Bennett Law issue 1t was written
in answer to Gabe Bouck, who de
nounced the Bennett Law as a spe-
cies of paternallsm.
Canada thistles are rapidly
spreading throughout this country,
and in some sections farms will be
practically worthless because Of this
obnoxious plant But if farmer
chooses to raise Canada thistleS, has
he not the right to do 50? Is it not
an infringement on his personal lib
erty to prescribe the manner in which
he shall cultivate his farm? What
business has the Commissioner of
Canada Thistlcs to visit a mans
farm to determine just how it is cul-
tivated? Has he any more business
to do this than to inquire how his
child is educated? There is a sp.en-
did chance for some office seeker to
win the everlasting gratitude of the
Wisconsin democratic managers and
make the success Of the party certain
this fall by denouncing the commits
sioner Of the Canada thistles.
Suppose some farmer raising
crop of Canada thistles should be
notified by the commissioner to de-
s,roy the plants. is he not saying just
how the farmer shall manage his
affairs? Suppose some church holt
day should follow shortly after such
notice is given, or funeral of
friend or relative; that poor Cypress
ed farmer would be compelled to
remain in his Canada thistle patch
with his back to the sun while his
conscience would demand his pres
ence elsewhere. The commissioner
might have prejudice against some
farmer and insist that a dandelion is
an ox,eye daisy and compel the far
mer to grub away at the spurious
daisy right through the harvest sea.
son.
The grubbing up Of teasel, snap
dragon, ETC., at the diCtation of a
minion Of the lew is a species of pa
ternalism which must agitate the
spirit Of Gabe Bouck grievously.
Suppose a man would prefer to pick
stones, or white at the grocery
store, can the law order him to dis
continue the work for which his soul
bankers and compel him to make
war on the snapdragon, which may
be great favorite with him?
Besides, the law is unnecessary.
Has not Wisconsin made progress,
agriculturally, long Before any snap
dragon law was thought Of Would
the state go to the demnition bow
vows now unless we have snap.
dragon law? The snapdragon and
canada thistle farmers should call a
convention at once and resolve to
vote for no one opposed to the cul-
ture of their favorite product If
they talk loud the democratic mana
gers will espouse their cause, and the
snapdragon will be made an issue
instanter. There isa much time to
be lost, as convention day is drawing
nigh and the paternalism involved
in the enforced grubbing of the snap
dragon is wholly dependent upon the
numerical strength of those intent
upon preserving the integrity Of the
weed. Be prompt! If the law says
you must pull up the teasel in the
interest of yourself and your neigh
Dor, it will not be long before it will
prohibit you from sowing wheat or
planting potatoes The state will
assume complete control of your
farm and prescribe the quantity of
oats you may feed your horse.
The Canada thistle law is the en-
tering wedge. 1t is the first step