The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1891-02-12
MR.. ESTABROOK'S REPLY.

EDITOR OF THE PILoT:-
In the last issue of your paper you
condemn in strong terms The action Of
certain republican members of the legis-
lature, in voting for the repeal of the
Bennett Law, and quite conspicuously
include me among those mathematical,
for writing letter stating and sustain
ing their position. [ was led to do this
on account of the unfair attempt to dis
credit these gentlemen, by the use OF In
nuendo rather than a fair statement of
their position, to be followed by candid
criticism. 1t would seem that had you
taken time for reflection, you would have
as matter of fairness printed my letter
or stated its contents, before proceeding
to criticise it, hence / will ask the priv1-
lege of stating In your columns as brief
ly as possible, the situation as [ under
stand it. My position on the Bennett
law or the principles involved has not
changed from the time l first read the
act in question up to date. One of the
tests 1 apply to laws, restricting the
liberty of the individual, is, that such
laws should contain no provisions for
which a good reason cannot be given;
tested by this rule, you will find the Ben
nett law, open to very serious objections.
This is practically admitted By all. The
question is what next? The Democratic
party declares In favor of unconditional
repeal. The Republican party practical
ly and in effect declare in favor of elimi-
mating by amendment the Objectionable
features in the law, but proposing still
to retain those provisions providing for
compulsory education IL tho English
language, and that portion prohibiting
child labor IN the factories. The policy
of the Republican party could be accom-
plished in two ways, either by amending
the Bennett law by eliminating objec
tionable provisions or by preparing an
entirely new measure embodying the I'M
features of the old law with
such new features necessary to make the
same ID strict accordance with the prin-
ciples OF the Republican platform. At
the reques. of some of my personal and
political friends 7 prepared what seemed
to be necessary amendments to the Ben
nett law. After considerable consultation
it was ascertained, that it would be more
to number of our friends.
to prepare and introduce an entirely new
providing for compulsory edu-
cation in the English language, and con-
tanning the provision prohibiting child
labor. Under such circumstances it has
always seemed to me wise, when we
a are agreed upon the end to be attain
Ell, to waive minor differences of opinion.
over immaterial matters as to procedure.
provided Of course no question of morals
is involved. 1t is immaterial whether
& 10 or 4 is or 3 & is 6.
The so-cal!ed Bechtner bill, was pre-
pared and unanimously adopted by The
Republican members Of the legislature;
it is new measure, for compulsory at
tendance at school public, private or
par ochial, compulsory education in the
English language and prohibits child
labor In the factories. This measure is
drawn IN strict accordance with the dec |
Iaration of the Republican platform, and |
IS far as | am advised has met with the |
,~~-,1-nl 80 h., - IL
educational part of the Republican plat |
form. This measure not only by force /
Of the rules of statutory construction but |
n terms provided for the repeal OF the |
Bennett law. 1t has been introduced by /
into both branches of the |
e yislature and when the Democratic |
measure was pending to repeal in tcto
he Bennett law, was offered as substi- /
.ute for the same and voted fer BY every /
Republican present. Yet this very substi- /
ute provided for a repeal of the Bennett
aw aud was voted on prior to the main
question. The Democratic majority voted /
Town the Republican proposition. The
question then recurred on the bill to re-
peal the Bennett law pure land simple.
The Republicans had already voted for
Measure which provided for a repeal.
Their position is not 4 very enviable one,
Ind the proper cause to pursue may be
me upon which honest men may differ.
The Republicans had endeavored by all
means to secure the adoption
# wha. seems to be an unobjectionable
Measure for compulsory education, but