Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1901-01-17

splendid structure will stand an endur-
ing monument to the enterprise of IS
distinguished projectors.
Additions to the means of acuuir-
Gus branches of learning" during the
ing thorough knowledge of the va"i-
last two years, include the reorganiza-
ton of the college of engineering and
the establishment OF the school of his
tory and the school of commerce.
The purpose of this last school is to
furnish a course Of study especially
fitted for the training of young men
who wish to enter business careers or
branches OF the public service in |
which knowledge of business is es-
sential. The practical utility of such |
a school to meet the demands of a |
commercial people requires no argu-
ment.
Under the head of immediate and
special needs which will call for extra
appropriations, the university authori-
ties make most prominent new build
ing for the college of agriculture, suit
able equipment for the new building
of the college of engineering, AMI
provision for the school of commerce.
l have no hesitancy in commencing
each of these proposed improvements
as worthy your approval, but confess
some doubt as to whether you will be
able to honor all the worthy demands
upon the taxing power without impos-
ing an Onerous burden upon
the taX-paying power of the
state. For reason somewhat
similar to those which prompt
recommendations of state aid to coun-
try schools, l am inclined especially
to favor every pracucal encourage
ment to the growth of the college of
agriculture without delay. Perhaps
it is as well to admit that the execu-
tive may be influenced somewhat by
kindly prejudice in favor of the Uni
versity of Wisconsin. But l am con-
WINGED that its friends will have no
cause for disappointment if you deal
with it's acquisitions and arguments
with the most strict analysis of their
merits.
'"The normal school regents have
been hampered somewhat in the last
two years by inability to secure for
use some of their accredited re-
, sources. Of the $4,000 appropriated
by the last legislature for additions
and repairs to buildings and equip
ment, only $4,000 has become avail
able, owing to the insufficiency of the
general fund of the state to provide
for all legislative appropriations,
Considerable loss to the state normal
school fund and the income fund has
: resulted from a loan made nearly ten
years ago and inadequately secured
, against default in payment. The re-
= gents make a seemingly reasonable re-
;, quest that the educational trust funds
should be protected by legislative &C
ton against loss by such loans made
by the state.
+ Other Institutions.
II For many years the people of Wis
y consin have had reason for just pride
L in the enlightened care which the
Il state has given to the afflicted classes
{ Of it's citizens who are properly q state
t charge. While faulty details of man
agement in some cases and Individual
IL official failures in some instances h
L been revealed, the conduct of Wiscon
, sins charitable, penal and reforma-
= tory institutions, as a whole, has at
D. tracted widespread attention and com
!, mendatiOn throughout the country
and has furnished models for many
J states. Occasional abuses as discOv
L cred and exposed have served to point
:. the way to correction and improve
) ment, and rarely brought repTOacb
> upon the general system of cOntGo
:. and management. The great evils de
yeloped in these institutions since
= their establishment have resulted
;, from permitting superior and sub 0r
i, dinate positions in them to be used T.
;, varying degree as political patronage
= The desirability of selecting such Of
:, ficers and employees with primary l2
gard to their qualifications and fitness
for peculiar duties, while not a new
discovery, cannot be too frequently
recognized, nor too fOrcibly empha
8 sized. But responsibility for misuse
4 Of the appointing power. cannot be es
}, capped by any temporary plan for shift.
: ing or dividing it, or by resorting to
i rules and orders subject to revocation
= and disregard at pleasure by those
!, who formulate and promulgate them
| am convinced that the successful ap
plication of correct civil service prin-
r ciples to employment in these institu-
- | tiOns ALWAYS must denend uDOn the
o good faith and purpose of those in
4 trusted with the appointing power.
Most of the improvement noted in
:. this direction, | think, may be easily
3 traced to a recognition of wholesome
y public sentiment rather than to the
}. efficacy of formal rules. If this is a
. mistaken conclusion, if mere rules to
/ govern appointment supply the really
e controlling influence, your honorable
: body might relieve the governor and
, the board of control of serious respon-
= sibility, and do permanent good to the
: public service, by giving such rules
the force Of law. The subject is one
, full consideration.
, by changing the system of procur
J ing supplies and making all purchases
in open market under competitive
bids, the board is able to show a very
| material saving to the state, notwith-
. standing a steady advance in prevail
ing market prices during the last bi
ennial term. | am advised by those in
! position to know, that in some institu-