Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1891-01-22
mend the proper changes In the statutes to
afford this relief to the people.

ne mig rank winch our pubic schools have
attainsd is matter OF just pride to all our peo-
pie For twenty years the progress of Niseon-
sin in educational matters has been remarkable
ana much more rapid thar in many older
states Everything within the power of the
Legislature necessary to advance the standing
ana increase the usefulness of our public
SCHOOLS should be done promptly-With care
and prudence, but with liberality Legislation
IN that direction Will meet with my warm APP
proyal: In many parts of the state complaints
are being made that large numbers of children
are denied the benefit of our free schools be-
cause OF lack of accommodation for all who
| desire TO attend. This condition is one which
should not be tolerated. The number of chill
crea in the state who do not attend school is III
tact much smaller than has been represented in
some So quarters and the ACTUAL percentage would
attend could find room in our school houses.
FACTORY LABOR.
The employment OF children of tender age in
fact, ries or other places of business should be
strictly PROMPTED, and a careful examination
of existing laws on this subject, with view to
their amendment where necessary, is earnestly
recommended.
THE BENNETT LAW.
chapter 49, of the laws of 1889, has been the
source of much discussion and dissenson in
our state. In my judgment this act, so far as it
refers to educational matters, is unwise and I'M
necessary. In many of its provisions it is an
arbitrary and unjustifiahle interference with
parental rights individual freedom and the
liberty of conscience, and l therefore recon-
mend its prompt repeal The real underlying
principle of this law is not compulsory attend
ance at school, nor wise advancement of popu-
lar education but an assertion of the "strong
government" theory as opposed to that dearly
prlzed principle of personal liberty, which is
| the true foundation of our government. Mis-
| representations have been made in the heat of
to- tba s@ BY its and both 9th
motives and principles of those who
oppose it, which have tended to
bring our state into dsrepute 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-
sensations, made by mere political partisars,
blinded by the heat and glare of fierce party
strife, ill-considered and unfair, if not deserv
ing of much severe criticism. have been ac
cepted In some Localities abroad as fairly stat
ing the real situation. and rs being the deliber-
| ate Judgment of those qualified to judge and ac-
quainted with the facts. This should be a
source of great regret TO all good citizens.
The principle asserted in this piece of legisa-
ton would not only destroy some Of our private
schools, bnt would establish the right of the
state, or the dominant party in the state to die
tate what, and what alone, all the children
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 no way be interfered with by
| legislation. They are 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.
| All laws, the purposes of which are to preserve
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 dictates of his conscience should
be saciedIy 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 it is in
! many respects crude. uncertain and defective,
! while in its main features beneficial, is estab
| lished. Among the objectiona Dle features are,
| allowing in certain cases election boards 10 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 prOVls-
| ion as to compensation for such publication,
and the manner OF preserving and caring TOR
| the ballots after they are once counted, Whlch
now opens wide the door for fraud. The testl-
lnony introduced in a recent trial of an cleo
Il on contest in the northern part of this state
demonstrates how easily, under existing laws.
fraud and corruption, banished from the poll
ing place, find encouragement ana refuge
higher places. Other defects and crudtt1es
might be pointed out, but they will suggest
themselves TO those Of you who viii be entruSt-
ed with the important duty OF preparing me
necessary amendments to perfect our elechon
F.! code.
| CHARITABLE. REFoEMAToRY AND PENAL INsTI-
TUTIONS.
| Believing that one state board, properly Or
| ganized, would be sufficient to manage all me
Char1t3De, rc1OrnlatOFN anu pciai
of The state, and that a more humane, econom-
| ical and harmonious administration OF the al
fairs Of these institutions can be had II ali are
under one management, recommend that the
State board of Charities and Reform and the
| State Board of Supervision be abolished, and
! that provision be made for the appointment and
| organization of new board, granting TO the
same such enlarged powers az may be ncces Try
! for the proper care and management OF the IN
| situations placed under its contlol, ara that
| such board be composed OF men VINO are re-
Quired to give their entire time to the service OIL
| TIE NATIONAL GUARD.
The Importance of maintaining well organ
lied and effective state military force has long
! been recognized and conceded W the most
thoughtful and patriotic citizens 1t is thong MT
that numerically the present military force Is
ample for all probable needs, ana the people OF
the state are to be congratulated that the pat
riotsm and unSelfShneSS OF officers ana men
have brought the Wisconsin National Guard TO
it's present comparatively fine condition. Care
should be exercised that nothing be done TO les
sen in any degree the effectiveness OF the Ma
tional Guard, and if anything is lacking byway
of equipment or otherw Sc, which would add to
that effectiveness, the state should promptly sup
ply it.
The 400th anniversary of the discovery of
America by Christopher Columbus will be cele-
brated in 1898 by holding in Chicago. Ill. an
international exhibition. Wisconsin should pc
represented, and proper representatlon cans
for an appropriation at this session A lifting
exhibition of agriculture, our foremost indus
try, with it's grain, stock and dairy interests,
the mines, manufactures ana commerce OF our
state, should be made. Carefully consider the
| importance of this subject, and appropriate such
sum for the purpose as you deem necessary.
CONCLUSION.
In conclusion l 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 for extra appropriations. and to re-
mind YOU that a 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