River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1893-01-19
GOV. PECk,S MESSAGE

sin Legislature yesterday. 1t is as fol-
lows:
FELLOW CITIZENS OF THE SENATE AND AS
sEaBLY. The people Of the state OF Wisconsin
have reason to be thankful 70 Divine Providence
for the manifold blessings which have been
bestowed upon them during the last two years.
We have heen secure, happy and peaceful
in the enjoyment OF the products of or
labor, while in other portions OF the
union conflicts OF the most serious character
have arisen between employers and their work
men. DIFFERENCE 10 the plain provisions OF the
constitution and the laws has enabled Wiscon-
sin not only TO avoid all serious results from
such difficulties, bnt to save the expense and the
too frequent evaporation attending the need
less use Of state troops.
reports of Officers.
The reports Of state officers. boards and in
situations OF the state. required by law 10 be
made will be presented 10 you in full From a
careful examination of these reports il appears
that the affairs Of the state have been con-
Quoted economically and well 1t is not NV
purpose TO present 10 you any extended
detailed statement. but to depart somewhat
from the usual method 1 urge upon
you the ACCESSIBILITY of your careful exam
nation into all these reports: assuring you on
behalf OF those in authority in several depart
ments Of thsir desire TO have you scrutini-e
with care the present manner OF conducting he
business of the state They invite criticism and
suggestion from you looking toward more
economical and satisfactory administration
Recovery of state Funds.
I feel IL a privilege to be able TO extend 10 the
people of Wisconsin congratulations that the
highest court in the state has affirmed the de-
cision of the circuit court against former state
treasurers who have msapprorrated the inter-
est on state funds 10 private uses. The aggre-
gate Of the judgments Will lie large sum of
money, but the recovery OF the money is a
trlding matter compared with the principle
es ablished, which a great victory for the
d trine that public office is trust that should
b honestly administered.
With Surplus.
a. Ne beginning OF the administration in 1891
there We a deficit in the general fund Of the
state. take great pride, which / am sure will
be shared by every good citizen of this common
wealth, in stating 10 you to-day that we com
mence our second term of office with a general
fund not only solvent, but sparing handsome
surplus. On January /, 1891. there was
a balance in the general fund of s23.-
500 81 with warrants already ORA ~n aggregatiug
$50 O96 81 actually showing Sl2 49I % more money
spent than there was in the general fund
Against this showing there is a surplus in the
general fund to-day. January J, 1888, S3l2, 939 ~
was the magnificent sum 10 the credit of the
general fund Of the state, with no unpaid war
rants outstanding. OF this surplus but
sos, 400 10 came from the direct wa tax re-
funded to the state in 1891 b. the United States
government There is therefore an actual bal
ance TO the credit of careful and wise economy
OF S226.97l.24 In addition TO this By the i'm
funds deposited in banks has during the last
two years added SO, 40 II to the income Of the
state without cost or loss of dollar as a result
of such method Of temporary loans.
How Taxes should BE Paid.
Six of the counties in the state now pay the
amount Of the state tax charged to them on or
before the second Monday in July, while all
the other counties pay on before the first
Monday in February. This tends 10 make con-
fusion and causes much annoyance. and would
recommend that the law be so amended that all
such taxes shall be payable at the same time.
The Australian BALLOT
The Australian ballot law has now been in
operation in this state at two general elections
and il has more than met the expectations Of
its trainers While deprecating 100 frequent
and radical changes in this important law there
are points for further improvement in extend
ing its provisions for the secrecy Of the ballot
and the law itself should be made to cover all
parts Of the state without further exception.
State superintendent's salary.
II is apparent that the salary of the superin-
tendent of public ms iruction as now fixed by
the constitution is entirely inadequate Sub
terfuges have been resorted 10 TO increase the
amount, but these have been decided by the su-
preme court to be unconstitutional would
therefore recommend the submission to the
people Of an amendment to the constitution
which shall provide proper salary for this
most important officer.
Trust Funds.
Experience has shown the danger OF special
legislation empowering the commissioner Of
public lands to lean trust funds on special IA
vorable terms TO borrowers specifically named
These funds are held in trust for the benefit Of
our schools, and a default in the interest, how
ever well the loan is secured, defeats the legal
purposes for which these moneys are placed in
trust, and precedent is set that may lead to
most dangerous abuses. l hope The legislature
will deal with such bills i'll the future with the
utmost caution
Protect the Forests.
The principal value OF our public lands con-
sists in their timber. The fact that these lands
are part of our public school endowment
makes their protection Of vital Importance. To
this end / recommend that the unauthorized
cutting Of timber upon state lands be made a
criminal ofense, regardless Of the Intention OF
the trespasser.
Cholera Restrictions.
Statistics show that Wisconsin occupies an
enviahle position in the list OF states as regards
healthfulness, yeta reasonable fear is expressed
by the state board of health that cholera may
invade this country during the current year.
Every precaution should be taken against IT. To
his end contingent fund should be provided
10 De used under suitable restrictions. Such
fund has on three oceas' ons been created in our
state, but fortunately has not been needed. and
in each case has reverted to the state.
Liability of Railroads.
The question Of the liability o railway con-
panies for injuries sustained By their employees
while in the discharge of their duties
through the negligence OF coemqloyes is
worthy of the most careful consid-
GRAFTON. Those who axe employed in run
ming or operating locomotives or cars and
are constantly exposed to aanger, not only 10
the hazards incident to the employment from
carelessness or negligence of fellow-workmen,
are entitled 10 the fullest protection consistent
with a due regard for the rights and interests
of employees as well employers.
i earnestly recommend tvs important subject
to your consideration, and hope a law will be
enacted that will meet the just demands Of this
very large special class OF workmen
Artisans Day.
A large number OF citizens who celebrate Ar
tisans' day as an annual festival are DESTROYS OF
having il made a legal holiday. l feel much in
sympathy with this 10 me reasonable request
of people whose holidays are few, ana there
fore recommend the subject TO your careful con
sideratlon.
The state Of Wisconsin has always been gen
erous in providing for the education OF its chill
Qreu anu mas lth htfN PnhAiS
school system, at the mead OF which is our state
one OF the leading institutions OF
learning in this country. Every citizen is proud
OF the educational institutions OF the state,
both pubic and private. and no call
meets with more hearty response than one
that looks to the improvement of our
schools There can be no doubt that 1t is
the duty OF the state TO provide for the progress
sive development of our school system 1t
should equalize for all, as far as possible. the
opportunity for education by furnishing ample
means in all parts OF the state now poorly pro-
vided. Believing that the time has come when
il is the duty of the state to act in extending
this system. I recommend that the needs OF
northern v sconsin for normal schools shall be
carefully considered, ana If possible recognized
worlds Fair Appropriation.
The wisdom OF the last legislature in making
an appropriation for the Columbian exposition
has been demonstrated. What seemed TO many
too small sum o. money has been suficientfoT
ell the needs OF the board up 10 the present time
n additional appropria ton Is deemed advisable
TO carry on the work laid out by the managers
and to properly cq1ip the Wisconsin building
and make an exhibi' creditable TO the state.
and your attention IS GATED TO the report Of the
board OF managers with view TO making such
an appropriation as may seem proper for the
q ton OF Wisconsin at the Columbian
The Contingent Fund.
1t appears from the records that the dis
bursoments frcm the governors contingent
fund from January 5. 1891 70 December 81, lsss
were IA, 956 and that the balance TO the credit
OF the fund January / Of the current year was
ssh II has been necessary during the last
two years to pay from this fund the notary,
court commissioner witnesses, ana other ices
in the suits now pending against Harsha",
McFetridge and others, which viii be returned
Sfsft