Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1891-01-21
Tho roo1 1,DjpT,xiuU

mend its prompt repeal The real underlying
principle of this law is not compulsory attend
ance at school, nor a wise advancement Of popu-
'sr education. but an assertion of the "strong
government theory as oppose1 to that dearly
priced principle of personal Liberty, which is
the true foundation of our government Mis-
representations have been made in the heat OF
political controversy by its defenders, both
as to the law itself and TO the
oppose it, which have tended to
bring our state into disrepute among those far
from the scene of conflict. and ignorant of the
real matters in dispute. Evidence exists that to
some extent such misstatements and misrepre-
sentatioDs made by mere political partisans.
blinded by the heat and glare of fierce panty
strife, ill-considered and unfair, if not deserv-
ing of much severe criticism. have been ac-
cepted in some localities abroad fairly stat
ing the real situation. and as being the deliber-
ste judgment of those qualified to judge and ac-
quainted with the facts. This should be
source of great regret to all good citizens
The principle asserted in this piece of legiSla-
ton 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 die
within its borders should be taught leaving to
the minority, however large no discretion or
freedom in the matter. rinciple more sub
versive of the most important protection to in
dividual liberty and the rights of conscience
could scarcely be imagined Such schools as
are now supported by the people at private ex-
penSe should in way be lntertered with by
legislation. They important in advancing
the welfare 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.
ALI laws, the purposes of which are to preserve
the purity of the ballot, and prevent spying and
interference at the polls, should be preserved
and perfected The right of every citizen to
exercise the sovereign privilege of voting ac-
cording to the die ates of his conscience should
be sacredly guarded. To aid in accomplishing
this purpose law. known as the Cooper law
w n aOfQ cd tUn $40 hos q
subjected to a reasonable test, That IL Is in
many respects crude uncertain and defective,
while in its main features beneficial. is estab-
lished. Among the objectionable features are
allowing in certain cases election boards TO be
composed entirely Of members of one political
party; the restrictions imposed upon the voter
who may need assistance in marking his ballot
the expensive method of advertising the ticket
in newspa perS and the lack of definite prov1s-
ion as TO compensation for such publication.
and the manner of preserving and caring for
the ballots after they are once counted Wh1ch
now opens wide the door for fraud. The testi-
mony introduced III q recent trial of an cleo
ii on contest in the northern part of this state
demonstrates how easily, under existing laws,
fraud and corruption, banished from the poll
in official dishonesty or negligence in
higher places. Other defects and crudfties
might be pointed out. but they will suggest
themselves to those of you who will be entruSt-
ed with the important duty of preparing the
necessary amendments to perfect our election
code.
CHAklTA BLEy kEFOkMAIOhf AMI fENAL iSoA1-
TUTIoNS
Believing that one state board, properly or
ganized. would be sufficient to manage a The
charitable, refOrmatory and penal institutions
of the state, and that a more humane econom-
ical and harmonious administration OF the al
fairs of these institutions can be had II All are
under one management recommend that the
State Board of Charities and Reform and the
State Board of Supervision be abolished, ana
that provision be made for the appointment and
organization of new board, granting TO the
same such enlarged powers as may be necessary
for the proper care and management of the IN
situations placed under its control. and that
such board be composed of men who are re-
quired to give their entire time to the service OF
the state.
THE NATIONAL GUARD
The importance of maintaining we'll organ
lied and effectiveState military force has long
been recognized and conceded by the most
thoughtful and patriotic citizens 1t is thought
that numerically the present military force Is
ample for all probable needs and the people of
the state are TO be congratulated that the pat
riotism and unselfishneSS of officers and men
have brought the Wisconsin National Guard TO
its present comparatively fine condition. Care
should be exercised that nothing be done 10 les
sen in any degree the effectiveness of the Ma
tiOnal Guard and if anything is lacking by way
of equipment or otherw Sc, which would add to
that effectiveness, the State should promptly sup
ply 1t.
The 400th anniversary of the discovery OF
America by Christopher Columbus will be cele-
brated in 1872 by holding in Chicago, Ill an
international exhibition Wisconsin should be
represented, and a proper representation calls
for an appropriation at this session fitting
exhibition of agriculture, our foremost indus
try. with its grain, stock and dairy Interests.
the mines, manufactures and commerce of oIr
state, should be made. Carefully consider the
Importance of this subject, and appropriate such
sum for the purpose aSEou deem necessary.
CONCLUSION.
In conclusion 1 desire to call your attention
to the fact that many Of the reports of the differ
ent departments. boards and commissions OF
the state call forextra appropriations. and to re-
mind you that large number of new projects,
all calling for money, will be urged upon YOU
While many of these demands may be in meas
ure meritorious, and at some future time woT-
thy Of careful consideration. [ believe the pres
ent condition and temper of our people will not
warrant unusual or extraordinary appropria-
tons.