Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1891-01-24
Factory Labor.

The employment of children of tender
age In factories, or other places Of bust
mesa, should be strictly prohibited, and
careful examination Of existing law.
on this subject with a view to Their
amendment where necessary is earnestly
recommended.
Tho Bennett Law
Chapter SIG Of the laws of 1889 has beer
the source of much discussion and
dissehtion in our state. In u;
judgment this act, so far as it refers
to educational matters, is unwise and IN.
necessary. In many Of its provisions it is
arbitrary and unjustifable interference
with parental rights, individual freedom
and the liberty OF conscience, and there
fore recommend its prompt repeal.
The real underlying principle of this
law IS not compulsory attendance at
school. nor wise Advancement of popular
education, but an assertion Of the ''strong
government theory as opposed to that
dearly prized principal Of personal lib
erty, which is the true foundation Of our
government.
Misrepresentation have been made in
lie heat Of political controversy By its de.
Tenders both as TO the law Itself and as to
NE motives and principles of those who
oppose it, which have tended to bring our
state into diTepute among those far from
tine scene G conflict, and ignorant of the
real matters in dispute.
Evidence exists that to some extent such
misstatements and Misrepresentation
made by mere political partisans, blinded
by me heat and glare Of fierce party strife,
Ill considered and unfair, if not deserving
Of much severer criticism, have been ac-
ccpted in some localities abroad as fairly
stating the real situation, and as being
the deliberate judgment Of those qualified
to Judge and acquainted with the facts
This should be a source Of great regret to
all good citizens. The principle asserted
IN this piece of legislation would not only
destroy some Of our private schools, but
would establish the right Of the state or
the dominant party in the state, to dictate
what, and what alone, al the children
within its borders should be taught, leav-
ing TO the minority, however large, no
discretion or freedom in the matter. A
principle more subyersivc OF the most I'M
portant protection to individual liberty,
and the rights of conscience could scarcely
be imagined.
Such schools as are now supported by
the people at private expense should in no
way be interfered with by legislation
They are important in advancing the we'll
fare and education Of the people of the
state. The right Of the citizen to educate
his child in accordance with the dictates OF
his conscience, without interference on the
part of the state, should be recognized and
defended,
Election Laws,
All laws, the purpose of which is to
preserve the purity OF the ballot and prevent
spying interference at the polls, should
be preserved and perfected The right
OF every citizen to exercise the sovereign
privilege OF voting according to the die
iates OF his conscience should be sacredly
guarded, To aid in accomplishing this
purpose law, known as the Cooper law,
was enacted two years ago. 1t has already
been subjected to a reasonable test. That
1t Is in many respects crude uncertain
and defective, while in its main features
beneficial, is established.
Among the Objectionable features are,
in certain cases election boards
to be composed entirely of members of
one political party; the restrictions i'm
posed upon the voter who may need as
sistance il marking his ballot; the ex.
pensiye me bod of advertising the ticket
IN newspapers, and the lack of definite
provision as to compensation for such
publication, and the amer Of presery-
ing and caring for the ballots after they
are once counted, which now opens wide
the door for fraud The testimony intro
duced in a recent trial of an election con-
test in the northern part of this state
demonstrates how easily under existing
laws fraud and corruption, banished from
the polling place, find encouragement and
refuge IN official dishonesty or negligence
in higher places.
Other defects and crudities might be
pointed out but they will suggest them
selves to those Of you who will be entrust
I'd with the important duty of preparing
he necessary amendments TO perfect our
election code.
Reformatory and Penal In.
situations.
Believing that one state board
properly organized, would be sufficient to
manage all the charitable, reformatory
md penal institutions of the state, and
hat more humane, economical and
harmonious administration OF the affairs
If these institutions car be had if all are
lnder one management, ! recommend
hat the state board of charities and re-
orm, and the state board Of supervision
u abolished, and that provision be made
or the appointment and organizations of
new board, granting to the same such
Enlarged powers as may be necessary for the
proper care and management Of the in
titutions placed under its control and
hat such board be composed of men who
re required to give their entire time to
he service of the stHte.
The National Guard.
The importance of maintaining well !
rganjZed and effective state military force /
ms long been recognized and conceded by /
he most thoughtful and patriotic citizens /
{ is thought that numerically the present /
military force is ample for all probable /
leeds and the people Of the state are to be
Congratulated that the patriotism and un- /
el6shness Of officers and men have /
.rought the Wisconsin national guard to |
IS present comparatively fine condition.
Care should be exercised that nothing /
e done to lessen in any degree the effect /
yeueSs of the national guard, and If any /
hing is lacking by way Of equipment or 4
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