Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1901-04-17

WISCONSIN STATE CAPITOL, MADISON.
might rage in one wing for long
time without occupants at the other
end of the building knowing that any
thing IN a.al was occurring. Those
who have seen the capitols Of many
states ka0w that 1t is not ely one
of the best arranged--with its four
wings-but one of the most beauti-
full to look on, although of course,
the white stone Of the Albany and
Hartford capitOls give Impressions OF
more ornateness.
A New Political Influence.
Madison Is much interested In the
new Milwaukee paper soon to be start
ed under the name of THE Free
Press" Not everybody likes the name,
wnrch was in vogue at a time when
the freedom of newspapers was much
abrogated by governments; but per
haps the owners mean to express in
the title a protest against its rival in
fhe morning field 1t Is supposed
that Mr.. Isaac Stephenson takes a
liberal part of the 100000 eapitali-
cation, which is not extreme for a
great city newspaper. While q press
need not cost more than $4,000 or
$4,000 with capacity enough 20 print
up to 1900 circulation, and the rest
of the equipment needs no large ont
lay, the running expenses of a great
city daily, the payroll especially
count UP very fast. II newspaper
runs behind every Saturday night, the
strain on capital Is very great How
ever, with $4,000 subscription the pa
per should be self-supporting If the
advertising Is proportional, and likely
enough the property will become val
liable In time.
Primary Elections,
The legislature has been dealing
with most important matters. The
Stevens bin was defeated In the SEN
ate as was expected. There were two
nights of notable oratory when the
room was checked with listeners. Sem
ator Whitehead made a speech In OPP
position to the bill. The GAINESVILLE
man made profund impression.
Whitehead was a candidate for gov
ernor two years ago, and likely enough
memories OF the vigorous campaign
put up by the LaFollette men xankls
q bit. But, outside this, he liz of a
very conservative temperament and
no o., questions but that he opposes
the plan because he does not think
IL safe. Senator Stout, another man
In whom the common people have a
peculiar confidence, has had little to
say OF the subject during these
months. but voted square to get pri-
mary elections for as much area as
possible. Senator Jones of Waukesha
displayed his power as political man
ager in tue straight-out fight he made
against the bin. Jones is quiet but
hard fighter, and 1t should be said
for him that there are no whispers of
indefensfble methods on his part. The
Waukesha man who managed BLACK
Eagle" Logan's campaigns is no re-
former and stands by the status quo
In all kinds of legislation; but he
plays fair and open. The debate was
managed much like a boxing match,
Senators Jones and Miller tof Madi-
SOM holding the sponges and calling
time. With profuse assurances OF
mutual regard, the contestants abused
each other In good shape. 1t remind
ed Ellis Usher of the colored scrap
ping match" where the master of GER
emonies announced: 'Gemmen, de
mex scrap will be tween two frens
wifi grudge."
The outcome was the sending to the
assembly ~ a bin which applies pri-
mary elections to counties. but only
when those counties vote to accept il.
Governor LaFollettes friends say
that to make the system a success ii
must be uniform and universal. TIE
citizens must get used to it. If citi-
zens choose some candidates by the
present caucus plan and others by !.
primary election which might be re-
pealed at any time, it would be half
hearted business and set back the
adoption Of tbs primary election as a
state system such as Minnesota en-
joys. 1t map be that the so-called
stalwarts wip Try to enforce this par
.ial measure through the assembly il
the Democrats can be held; and as the
t'antis" had within three votes of the
number cast for the Stevens bin, it ii
possible the thing could be done. al
though this would only open the way
TO a veto by Governor La Toilette
which would probably be pretty warm
reading. There are some hopes that
senatorial and assembly districts may
be included in the bill as compromise.
especially at the end of the session,
but the senate has once refused to dc
this and it is doubtful if it will surren.
der
Talk of Referendum.
The enemies of the bill were willing
to send even the full senate bill