The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1891-01-22

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 assertion of the "strong
government theory as opposed to that dearly
priced principle of personal liberty, which IS
The true foundation of our government. MIS-
political controversy by its defenders both
as to the law itself and as to the
motives and principles OF those VINO
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 misstatemcnts and m1srepre-
sensations, madeaby mere political partsaDs,
blinded by the heat and glare OF fierce party
strife, ill-considered and unfair If not deserV-
ing of much severe criticism. nave peen ac-
cepted in some localities abroad as fairly stat'
ing the real situation. and as being the del1ber-
ate Judgment OF those qualified to Judge ana ac-
quainted with the facts. This should be
source of great regret to all good c1tlZens.
The principle asserted in this piece OF leg1sla-
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 dle-
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 Principle more SUD-
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 1nterfered with Dy
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, thepurposes of which are to preserve
4he 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 &C;
Rording to the dictates of his conscience should
be sacredly guarded. To aid in accomplishing
this purpose a 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-
Gshed. Among the objectionab BILE features are,
allowing in certain cases election boards to be
com posed 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 news pa pers: and the lack Of definite prov1s-
ion to compensation for such publication.
and the manner of preserving and caring Tor
the ballots after they are once counted, which
now opens wide the door for fraud. The test1-
mony introduced i'll a recent trial OF an cleo
ton 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 and refuge
in official dishonesty or negligence IN
higher places. Other defects and crud1t1es
might be pointed out, but they viii suggest
themselves to those OF you who will be entruSt-
ed with the important duty Of preparing Inc
necessary amendments to perfect our election
code.
CHARITABLE REFORMATORY AND PENAL 1NST1-
TUTIONS.
Believing that state board, properly or
ganized, would be sufficient to manage all the
charitable, refOrmatory and penal institutions
Of the state, and that more humane, econom-
Scal and harmonious administration OF the at
Airs 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 ana
organization of new board, granting to the
SHCl enlarged
for the proper care and management OF the IN
situations placed under its control. and that
such board be com posed of men who are re-
quired to give their entire time to the service OF
THE NATIONAL GUARD.
The importance of maintaining well organ
lied and effective state 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
r1ot1sm ana unselfshness OF ofncers ana men En-
have brought the Wisconsin National Guard to
its present comparatively fine condition. Care
should be exercised that nothing be done to les
sen in any degree the effectiveness of the Ma
&onal Guard and if anything is lacking by way
Of equipment or otherwise, which would add to
that effectiveness, the state should promptly sup
ply it.
The 400th anniversary of the discovery OF
America by christopher Column bus Will be cele-
brated in 1898 by holding in Chicago, Ill, an
international exhibition. Wisconsin should be
represented, and a proper representation calls
for an appropriation at this session. A lifting
exhibition of agriculture, our foremost indus
try, with its grain, stock and dairy interests.
the mines, manufactures and 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.
C" INCLUSION.
In conclusion Lcsire 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 q large number of new pro ects,
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 wor-
thy of careful consideration. believe the pres
ent condition and temper of our people willnot
warrant unusual or extraordinary appTopr1a-
tons.