Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1895-01-17

We have, in the northern half of the
state, thousands of acres of vacant
lands which need out labor to be trans
formed into prosperous and fruitful
homes. The problem presented in the
overcrowded condition of many of the
cities might, I believe find at least a
! partial solution in the cultivation Of
/ the vacant lands. From a moral as
we'll as material standpoint the Ques-
i ton Of encoura ging the settlement of
our idle lands by the unemployed from
the overcrowded cities may well re-
! ceive considerable
l commend to your attention the
feasibility Of proving in some manner
for the bringing to the public atten-
! ton the agricultural possibilities of
the unsettled portions of our state, and
the opportunities offered there to per-
sons Of small means to secure homes
and measure of prosperity.
Sanitary Laws.
The enforcement of sanitary laws in
certain portions of the state during the
past year has called attention to the
fact that the statutes make no provi-
sion for the reimbursement by munich
, palities of families whose household
goods are destroyed through that on
t forcement. 1t often happens that con-
, tagious diseases prevail in portions of
, cities which are OvercroWded, among
= those who depend on their daily labor
for Sustenance; and the welfare of the
] public requires, in order to prevent the
? spread Of the disease, that the bed
ding and clothing of the household in
fected shall be destroyed. Authority
should be given to municipalities to
e reimburse those families to whom such
: a destruction of household goods may
e be a calamity. To compel them to
! sacrifice for the pubic welfare what
t they cannot spare and cannot we'll re-
q place seems like imposing penalty
:. upon misfortune.
l. l commend the subject to your care
q full consideration, quite aware that the
g doctrine might be carried too far; and
: at the same time convinced that
Y within certain limits, it involves only
d manifest justice.
u National Guard.
The system instituted in our state
militia a number of years ago has
= been productive Of high state of eff
- ficiency in the national guard of TIT
- state. The system has received TIL
: compliment of being duplicated By
% other states. The people of Wisconsin
\ have reason for congratulation tina
- their militia has been brought to 81
20 high a plane Of efficiency that, shoul(
n it's services be required by the natiOna
20 government, no state in the uniol
n could furnish a more efficient quota
N The general government has recos
r, nized the necessity for cooperation il
"A maintaining a well-disciplined nationa
/ guard in each state. 1t is the leas
10 expensive standing army that can b
n maintained, and it's generous supper
6 is, believe, a wise provision.
he The maintenance of permanent
tie camp of instruction and rihe practic
st at Camp Douglas has proven wis
to measure, and provision should
n. made for its continued maintenance
Mt on a scale that will further enhanc
ID it's value and Importance.
IL The Roster Law
Is The legislature, in 1887, passed IL
VI making provision for the printing an
III publication of the roster containin
the names and record of Wisconsi
III soldiers. This law is still in force, an
IN it should be repealed, as it serves n
rs useful purpose. There is no OccaSio
IN for continuing the statutory auth0rit
ne which the law confers upon the exc
IT. utive. If at any time there shoul
or be such a demand for a roster q
er would in the judgment of the legisl;
r. ture warrant it's publication, it ca
Sc easily be provided for. If ever it /
OF authorized, the number should L
Of limited, and the provision should /
ch made that it be printed under the gel
nd eral contract for public printing, {
ne that the contract for its printing
re let, upon publishing notice, unde
er- sponsible bidder
'ct Fire Sufferers.
III You will be asked to make an al
10 preparation TO assist the fire sufferer
ot from the forest fires of last summer b
c. providing for them seed for the
spring planting. Many of the poop
no in the fire district, l am informe,
IT while they have been furnished wit
n necessary food and clothing to carr
IL. them through the winter, through til
ne generosity of the public, wisely an
n promptly administered, have not tt
ne means to secure the necessary see
OF for the planting of their seasons cro]
OF An appropriation for this purpos
m carefully expended, would not onl
Is be a humane act, but would seem I
be founded on sound public policy.
ne commend the subject to your kindl
is. consideration.
Oh
lie Soldier and Student Vote.
st There is located within this stat
n established and maintained by tn
e general government, home for di:
ne abled veteran soldiers. This propert
e. is owned by the United States, an
u the right Of the inmates OF the HON
he to vote has sometimes been questioned
ne Our laws should render impossible an
I'd further doubt upon this subject.
err earnestly recommend that those il
u mates Of the home who are citizens O
as the United States, and who shall hav
he resided one wear in the state, shall b