Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1893-01-12

SPRINGFIELD, ILL.,, Jan. Gov.
Elect Altgeld is resting to-day at the
Executive Mansion He keeps as
quiet as possible to husband his
strength for the fatiguirg duties OF
the Inauguration and reception to-mor-
row. The tenor of the inaugural ad.
dress has been kept secret from all ex.
cept his intimate advisers. 1t is said,
however, that the new Governor will
recommend, among other things, that
the many boards of commissioners
now managing the differeleemo-
synary institutions of the State
be abolished, and that the paid State
Board of Charities be given charge OF
these asylums. IL is said further
that he will advise the consoli-
dalton of two boards of Peniten-
tiary Commissioners into one board,
which shall have charge of both
prisons. He will suggest that all con-
tract work in prisons be stopped at
once and that hereafter no convicts be
permitted to work for outside firms,
but that they be employed at hand
trades for the State in preparing
stone and iron for roads and
bridges, making shoes, clothing and fur
nishings for the inmates in the differ
ent State institutions. He will advise
that the present compulsory educa-
tion be repealed and in its place
there be enacted a simple law
compelling the primary education of
children, but not infringing on pa
rental rights He will take
strong ground, it is said on the sub
ject of interest on the public funds, and
will recommend the passage of law
10 prevent custodians of public
moneys practically converting them to
their own use and benefit He will
quote the constitution to the effect
that elective officers shall enjoy no
emoIument other than the salary fixed
by law,
Great preparations are being made
for the Inauguration festivities to-
morrow. Should the weather be at all
favorable the capital city will be beau
tltul1y decorated in honor of the event.
Aready pictures of Altgeld, CIeve-
iand and Stevenson, draped and
surrounded with American flags,
appear in the windows of shops and
private residences as well. The rep
resentatives chamber, where the in
auguratlon ceremonies will take place
in the presence of both House
and Senate, is being profusely
decorated. Flags, flowers and
potted plants, arranged in harmonious
and artistic design, almost cover the
walls, pillars and gallery rails. In
the Governors private office in the Capt.
tol, where the reception will be held in
the evening, the same lavish style Of
identifying prevails The ladies of
Springfield have been intrusted with
this work, and when Governor and
Mrs Altgeld step into the reception
room tomorrow evening they will be
surprised and pleased with what they
behold Thousands of visitors will be
here. The Cook County Democracy
1t is not implobable that resolu-
ton calling for u constitutional con-
ven ton may be offered in the
legislature. Almost every day it
transpires that the passage of
laws affecting some needed 1e-
forms is barred by constitutions
al limitations. For instance, it
is probable that Representative Pad
docks excellent plan of constructing
hard country roads by special assess
ment would be found to contravene
the constitution. SO with the desire
OF the Chicago members to give their
city greater freedom in the mat
ter of levying taxes for public improve
ment 1t has been found that the
State and more especially the large
cities have outgrown the constitution
of 1870. The idea of constitutional
convention IS yet in its incipiency, but
1t is growing.