Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1898-08-31

Since then the Scofield Lumber com
Germ In Oconto and Marinette has -four
ished. The governor has Two well-be-
paved and affectionate sons In the
business with him.
Four Years In State Senate.
Governor Scofield soon made himself
place In this community, and in 1885
and 1888 he was elected to the state
senate for four years. Here he got the
only experience in state affairs he
possessed when he came to Madison as
governor; but 1t was considerable Ex
Governor Upham would have been ia
vored had he an equal advantage. Wis
consin should never chose as chief ex-
ecutive man who has not had an in
side view of the big. seething, plotting
pile we cal the state capitol, or an an
premiership at Washington
Seoheid is unquestionably popular
where he is known. He is unassuming
though not cheap: he has considerable
real dignity. But he is free from affecta-
tions, and strikes one as man
who was after the essentials. He faces
life seriously. He is impetuous at times
ana says Damn" Every now and then
he threatens to sue the Milwaukee Jour
nal. or some other opponent, for libel.
but 1t gets no further. He is amenable
to reason and behind a showing of head
long dash is good deal of caution. His
frankness is shown in his speeches
notably that one in which he told some
thousands of farmers that they grumble
too much about the prosperity of others.
corporations, etc. He dislikes shams
and resists coercion. / suspect the veto
of some of the bills that have made him
trouble was rooted in a desire to show
that he could not be driven Governor
Scofield has a soft heart His love for
children is well known and they troop
after him in the capital / should tn, nix
the easiest way to move him would be
to touch his sympathies. This explains
some of his appointments that dis
appointed people. He does not always
live up to his visions. He has some
times outlined recommendations and
policies that if executed would be
master strokes. He is apt to drop these.
lacking, l presume, the persistent will
power to put them through. A good
deal has been said In this administra-
ton of establishing a civil service in
the capitol and especially in the state
institutions. 1t ought to be done. 1t
could be done. 1t is constructive and
would require thought and planning
Scofield has the courage. but thus far
has lacked the craftsmanship quality
to put 1t through, that Governor Rus
sell, for instance. or Teddy Roose-
vel. would display.
Plain Speeches without FriIls.
AZ a speaker Governor Scofleld
Is sensible and direct. His speeches
are not state papers in finish
or power, nor is he an orator. But there
is good sense, a conservative fairness
and manly ring to them that will
more and more bring him close
to the people. I have an idea that our
Wisconsin people will have a growing
confidence In him and, if so,he will sur
prise the politicians as a vote getter
and possibly turn up in the United
States senate. Experience will stand
him in we'll, The doodle book" bust
ness was of course, in part at his door,
for the reason that as governor he
should have known what was going on.
But his confession to his legislature
than the stare was a bankrupt ($250,e 600
shorD, and that the practice was evil
of borrowing money of the railroads in
advance OF their taxes (thus putting the
state under obligations to the corpora
tions), and declaring that a state tax
was necessary. This showed that SEQ
field designed to have the treasury con-
Quoted on business principles The
vigorous dealing with the degenerate
state fair management was off the SAM
piece. AS readers of my letters know, l
have a high regard for the executive as
a man and official. / know of no one
who has a better opportunity to cut a
broad swathe in public affairs, for he is
sensible honest, and now knows the
lay of the land.
Gov Scofield's home life is beautiful
The wife is a charming woman, not as
conspicuous in good works as her pre-
decessor, Mrs. Upham. but a gracious
and sweetly-mannered lady making
friends on right and left. The noble
executive mansion on the lake usually
includes relatives or other guests,
though the family is often in OcOnto.
Chief Just ce Cassoday has handsome
home just across the street.
OLANDO BURNETT