Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1899-01-19

son, can we'll be conceived than the delib-
crate corruption of pubic servants" and
that zone convicted of it should be made
10 bear the degradation of Imprisonment"
For Caucus Law Changes.
His suggestions ON the caucus law have
also created much interest. He advo-
cafes doing away with the so-called pre-
liDlinary meeting and the holding of the
cauruscs Of both parties on the same date.
Mr. Scofclds recommendations in the
military line are considered of impor-
lance. One sentence will illustrate his
views: 4 believe the State militia should
conform as nearly as practicable in organ
ization, instruction and general equip
mrnt 20 the regular army"
On The taxation of corporations the
Governor holds that in this State there
are slaring Inconsistencies as we'll as
many reforms needed He notes that if
the classification of the railroads were
abolished and if all roads were taxed up
Oh their gross earnings, regardless of their
mileage. the income of the State would be
largely increased.
Fl dealing with the question of passes
the Governor says in part: 1T has been
the custom for many years for the rail
members of the Legislature and public
officials generally annual passes for them
selves. This, to some extent, has been
true as to express, telegraph and sleeping
car companies The universally Of the
custom and the fact that in the distribu-
ton of passes to the members of the Leg
iSaturc no discrimination has been shown
has tended it is believed, to minimize any
of 70 nY q
obligation on the part of the recipients.
The real field for favor, and therefore Of
personal obligation, has been in Che grant
tng of transportation upon the request of
public officials to constituents-favorsn not
granted as matter of course, and there
fore possible of being construed as hav
inS been distributed with Interior pur
poses, either to influence the recipients in
future action or to reward them for past
action.
Urges Decisive Action.
1t mas spcpcd to me that the popular
will upon the subject can only be express
ed by legislation which will destroy the
system root and branch, and eliminate
from II. at least so far as State officials
are concerned as far as it can be done by
legislation, the possibility of any favors
directly W Indirectly in the matter
therefore 1 believe that the legislation
H"'ai u1j he restricted to the giving of
passes ny the corporations indicated, or
''-E acceptance by public official for his
wv" Use. hut that the prohibition should
VNl' ID! lo any person upon the request of
t""' officials. In this view the law
S,'.'" promblt the granting of passes or
vac acceptance of passes or franks to or
y! HNoNr officials, and also the granting
Va Ja">n'rtatlon or franks, or facilities of
any N'Ad 10 any person, directly or indi-
10y, upon The request of any public
otfial
All that | have said upon the subject
:" rs relation to State officials certainly
SS't''$ To all municipal authorities who
@'t "dj'eS 10 perform. legislative or 9th
T"'>'' with reference TO local franchises.
;'''oh''Aepd that an adequate constitu-
~%' amendment be submitted to the
ti;g1EH'' IN order that, if adopted, the pro-
1'"9" NaaIj be part of the permanent
W. u me State. beyond reach of legisla-
h "'o1't2auon or repeal; and that there
,b HO"p''y enacted legislation covering
sb,F same ground. to be in force until it
f@ ,,. nave been superseded by constitu-
wild amendment"
'h the Legislative Lobby.
e. regard 10 the legislative lobby the
''' says: Every member of the
rr5 S.>.~'Nr" improperly approached should
On ;,,.%,,ASr make it known as not only
Il. ,~>", to himself. an offense against
arf '.'', ont IN attack upon the dignity
r,n~1 r''-oE ot The body of which he is a
e3 w..t livery member of a body charg-
k2oqx s'% duties of legislation who
o. has NE exercise of undue influence,
sa,e,rr SUD reason to believe it. owes a
% rba " Ia'y 10 himself, TO the people and
@sEn Nous" of which he is a member to
lie NV -,."H The fact. and to set in motion
oaccar,,,.>aunS powers of the body. The
@,ba '. @1I by a member of such body
@>cySG,~',r,' " weli-grounded suspicion of
aQlps M ra. Or attempted corruption is not
clar sn, less heinous offense against pop
hs es s,yrSF9nent than ,he ofTense of be-
,''P'y influenced"
Tia cGs a of Taxation
eorposs,Girsrnor discusses the taxation of
aat ss 1iIls IN this way: Il am convinced
-. TIE license system of taxing