Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1893-01-19

=
ity Of your careful examination into all
these reports, assuring you on behalf OF
those in authority in the several de-
partments, of their desire to have
you scrutninZe with care the present
manner of conducting the business of
the state. They invite criticism and
suggestion from you. looking to a more
economical and satisfactory administra
ton.
I feel it privilege to be able to eX-
tend to the people of Wisconsin con-
gratulations that the highest court in
the state has affirmed the decision of
the circuit court against former state
treasurerS who have misappropriated
| the interest on state funds to private
uses. The aggregate Of the judgments
will be a large sum of money, but the
recovery Of the money is a t1ifing mat
ter compared with the principle
the doctrine that public Office is trust
that should be honesty administered
! stale Finarces.
At the beginning Of the adminisua-
ton in January, 1891, there was deficit
in the general fund Of the state.
take great pride, which l am sure will
be shared by every good citizen Of this
! commonwealth, in stating to you today
that we commence our second term IN
office with a general fund not only
solvent, but showing Il handsome sur
| plus
| On January 9TH, 1891, there was a
balance on hand in the general fund OF
S23, 1898 with warrants already drawn
aggregating $36, 096.S7; actually show
ing $12,491.5 so more money spent than
there was in the general fund. Against
this showing there is a surplus in the
general fund today.
On January LIST, 1898, S312,939.79 was
the magnificent sum to the credit of the
general fund of the state, with no IN
paid warrants outstanding. Of this sur
plus but $9S,466.10 came from the di-
ect war tax refunded to the state in 1891
by the United States government. There
is therefore an actual balance to Cne
credit Of careful and wise economy of
S226,971.24.
In addition to this, by an improvement
in methods, the interest on state funds
deposited in banks, has, during the past
two years added 500, 41O.11 to the in
come of the state, without cost or the
loss of a dollar, as a result Of such
method of temporary loans
Six of the counties in the state now
pay the amount Of state taxes charged
TO them. on or before the second Mon
Il in T111T no of
ties pay on or before the first Monday
in February. This tends to 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.
.tuatraIiau - Il p! Law
The Australian ballot law has now
been in operation in this state at two
general elections, and it has more than
met the expectations Of it's trainers.
While deprecating too frequent and
radical changes in this important law
there are points for further improve
ment in extending it's provisions for the
secrecy Of the ballot, and the law itself
should be made to cover all parts of the
|
| Saiary IF state ~uper,ss endent.
1t is apparent that the salary Of the
superintendent 81 public instruction as
now fixed by the constitution, is entire
ly inadequate. Subterfugcs have been
reSorted to to increase the amount, but
these have been decided by the supreme
court to be unconstitutional. / would
therefore recommend the submission to
the people Of an amendment to the con
stitution which shall provide a proper
salary for this NEST important officer.
| E"anIn& the Trust Funua.
Experience has shown the danger Of
special legislation empowering the COM
missioners of public lands. to loan
trust funds on specially favorable terms
to borrowers specifically named. These
funds are held in trust for the benefit
of our schools, and default in the in
tereSt. however well the loan is secured,
defeats the legal purposes for which
these moneys are placed in trust, and 4
precedent is set that may lead to most
dangerous abuses. l hope the legisla-
ture will deal with such bills in future
with the utmost caution.
Protection OF Public Lands
The principal value of our public lands
consists in their timber. The fact that
these lands are a part of our public
school endowment makes their prOtec-
ton Of vital Importance. To this end,
/ recommend that the unauthorized ut
ting of timber upon state lands be made
a criminal OffenSe, regardless of the in
tention Of the trespasser.
Public liealtll.
Statistics show that Wisconsin oc-
cupies an enviable position in the list
Of states as regards healthfulness. Yet
a 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 this end con-
tingent fund should be provided to be
used under suitable restrictions. Such
a fund has. on three occasions, been
created in our state, but fortunately has
not been needed, and in each case has
reverted to the state.
Co-Employc Law.
The question Of liability of railway
companies for injuries sustained by their
employees while in discharge of their
duties, through the negligence of co-em-
/ ployes, is worthy Of the most careful
/ consideration.
Those who are employed in running
or operating locomotives or cars, and