The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1895-02-02
MADISON LETTER.
Resume OF the Legislative Work
Under the New Administration.

/ The Wisconsin Legislature since its
organization at noon on January 9th
last, has completed its organization and
has now settled down to regular routine
work. The Republican majority in both
/ houses makes everything smooth sail
( ing, and it is anticipated that perfect
/ harmony Will prevail throughout and
( that the session will be one of great
profit to the state.
/ The general policy of the administra-
ton was clearly and concisely outlined
in Governor Uphanl's message, which
he read in person on January 10th be-
fore both houses, assembled in the As
sembly chamber in joint session. Lieut.
GOV. Baensch presided, and at his right
hand sat Mr. Burrows, tie newly
/ elected speaker Of the lower house.
/ The governor went into a detailed dis
/ cussion Of the various state departments
and Institutions, and made such recon-
mendations as to him seemed best
He reverted to the present apportion-
ment Of the state into legislative dis
tricts, pointed out its untairness, and
urged that non-partison commission
be appointed to make a new apportion-
ment upon a fair basis and report to the
/ legislature
He mentioned the difficulties between
/ labor and capital that have SO occupied
the attention Of the American people
during the past few years, and urged
that appropriate legislation be enacted,
and assured the Legislature that any
I proper solution of the question would
receive the hearty approval and CO.
! operation Of the executive.
| After Governor Upham had finished
the reading OF his message, Assembly
man Sloan, of Superior, moved that q
vote of thanks be extended to the Gov
ernor for his many timely recommends
atoms, which motion WAS unanimously
carried.
Douglas county Is fortunate in being
represented in both houses by capable
men, both Senator Mills and Assembly,
man Sloan having already taken a lead
III their respective houses.
Some Very important legislation has
already been presented to the legisla
/
rupt Practices act, prepared by Mr..
Charles Noble Gregory, Associate Dean
of the Law School of the University of
Wisconsin. Mr.. Gregory has made
special study of this sublact, both in
this country and in Europs, and his
ideas are very valuable to those inter
eated IN the reform movement The
bli! contains provision giving any per
SOP detecting a candidate III the en-
pioymcnt of any OF the acts prohibited
by the bill the right to complain to the
proper authorities; il he can substanti-
ate his charges the guilty officer can be
OuSted from Office, and the candidate
receiving the next highest number OF
votes VIII then be declared elected.
The bill las been sent to q committee,
and it Is thought will be, in the main,
reported upon tavOrably.
Bills have also been introduced tax
ing the gross receipts of all street car
lines in the state, and a 20 all palace car
companies running into the state, in
much the same way that railroads are
now taxed.
Another bill makes the wages of en-
ploycos due and payable weekly, in
order to give the employee the use of
the money ami also to prevent Oppres-
sion on the pant of the employer.
Assemblyman Hall, Of Dunn county,
has Introduced several important rail
ROAD bills, one OF which is designed to
do away with I'LL discrimination bF any
such company against any particular
city or locality in the state, and pro
yidrs FOR the same transportation rates
for long and short hau!s.
Senator MctiiIliVray has introduced
bill into the Senate providing for the
compulsory arbitration Ofail differences
arising between employer and EN-
p.oyec, and prescribing the method Of
procedure in such case. 1t is a coupii-
Gated bill and required much legal
learning in its preparation. Some
legislators claim il was prepared in the
interest OF the railroad companies. To-
day Senator NcIilliyray introduced
another bill who's. object is stated to be
to do away with lawyers.
Several bills have been introduced
which directly affect Superior and ali
the northern part o: the state.
Senator Mills introduced a memorial
Congress opposing the passage OF bill
now before that body relating to the
maIntainauce and Improvement of the
Alta Monte dam on the It. Louis river.
The bill was referred to the committee
on state affairs and, through the untir-
/ ing efforts OF Senator Mills was today
reported tayorably. It's passage is now
assured.
Yesterday Senator Mills introduced
n Till providing for the establishment
ola Deep Water Way Commission. The
bill has long and eloquent introduce
ton. and states very clearly the neces-
sitv OF direct communication between
the western states and the seahoard. 1t
Is understood that should the bill pass,
A. it seems quite likely that it will, Sen