River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1899-01-19

| took such mea ures Al / deemed proper
to safeguard, as far as possible, the con-
tents of the capitol. of great value and not
Insured.
The Railroads.
We may congratulate ourselves upon the
pleasant relations which exist between the
people of the state and the great transport
alton corporations doing business within
our borders. 1t IS CT ming to be more clear
ly understood each year that there IS a
close relation between the development and
prosperity of our agricultural, commercial,
manufacturing and other interests and
that Of the transportation companies. /
look, therefore. for a continuance of these
pleasant relations between the 20 or more
railroad companies of Wisconsin ana the
people of the state, Notwithstanding the
efforts occasionally made to prove that
these interests are inimical to each other.
The last legislature provided for the ap-
pointment OF committee 10 make inVestt-
cation Of the books Of the railroad com
panies doing business within the state.
This committee. i understand, has per.
formed its work, and its report is now IN
The hands Of the printer and will be sub
mitted TO you early In this present session
The Legislative Lobby.
Both the leading political parties in IN
vention also declared for the enactment o.
legislation adequate TO destroy what is
called the legislative lobby and to protec'
the members of each body from maigu in
iuences. 1t IS not supposed that it was or
could be intended to preclude, II IL " re
possible so 10 do by legislative enactment
the people from communicating TO Their
representatives., either a the capitol or
otherwise, their wishes or wants as C
legislation The platform declarations are
evidently not intended to Isolate the legis-
lature from its constituency TO 90 SO
would be TO destroy in a coustdera bic meas
ure its represent capacity. The EVIL
sought to be reaeatd is TO remove from the
legislature the supposed danger OF undue
influence resulting either III the defeat OF
needed legislation or the enactment Of
vicious legislation.
Just what form efficient legislation for
the purpose indicated can take without
doing harm as well as good, / confess my
inability this time to see. The egisla-
ture can pass TO Jaw which Will preVeGt
persons from coming TO or residing H. the
capital city during The session OF the legis-
lature.
Il is entirely within the province OF each
house TO determine who shall be admitted
10 the floor and who shall be excluded
The exercise of that power by each house
is evidenced by the standing rules OF each
body. 1t is within the power OF each house
to modify and strengthen or weaken these
rules at will, and manitestly the power to
enforce them and the extent of their en-
forcement rests with each house. After
all aside from the fearless exercise of the
powers given to each house to protect its
honor and dignity, and legislation against
undue or improper influence, The surest
safeguard is to be found in an enlightened
public opinion among the people and the
election of men 10 public trust beyond ques-
ton of undoubted integrity and of ability
TO enable them to detect The approach Of
insidious influence and to spurn it.
Conclusion.
cannot hope in this review TO have
touched upon all the vital subjects which
viii claim your attention during this ses-
sion. but ! have tried to lay emphasis
upon those which seem to me to be OF par
amount Importance, A wise economy may
be practiced without depriving any state
interest of it's necessary support | feel
confident that every subject which shall
come before you will receive that cousid-
Grafton which will enable you to dispose Of
II in the best manner possible. Be assured
that in all your work you will have my
hearty and sincere cooperation. Respect
fully submitted
EDWARD SCOFIELD, Governor.