Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1903-06-03

sion. in aeftion TO those now existing,
Four new dams are to be erected on the
Wisconsin river alone. liz all about forty
dam bills were passed
Fish and Game.
The fab and game interests never re-
ceiyed greater attention than at this SEES
sion. One of the first matters inquired
into when dam bills were up was wheth-
er provision was made for fishways In
most Of the bills that had been overlook
ed. hat the bills were amended. Under
the new game law the sale of game is
absolutely prohibited Spring shooting
is allowed from April 10 to April %.
No person is to shoot more than fifteen
ducks in one day.
Miscellaneous Enactments.
Many anti-saloon bills were presented.
but none of them were permitted to pass
with the exception of one measure, which
holds forth local option 10 districts an
nexed to cities of the second, third and
fourth class. Milwaukee is not concern
cd, In order to secure local option, how
ever, a plea for that provision must be
made in the petition for annexation. The
law relating to the sale of liquors to
minors was extended so as TO prevent
wholesalers from selling TO boys. Here
tofore the law covered retail dealers only.
The brewers license act permitting brew
ers who have agencies in any city and a
local license to sell from the wagon in
the surrounding territory was passed
but il remains in the hands of the Gov
ernor. There is some doubt as to its
becoming law.
The bill prohibiting anarchy and strik
ing against the propagation and spread
of that doctrine has become law. There
were many insurance measures passed,
most of them amending the present laws,
one Of the important new laws being that
permitting the trustees of insane asylums
and almshouses to organize mutual in
surance companies. Another law requir-
ed health and accident companies to Sc
cure certificates before doing business in
the S. te. This is to shut out the wild
cat companies.
State Forestry Act.
Provision has been made for the pre-
servation Of forests by the establishment
Of State forestry commission and the
appointment of forest warden. Much
is expected from this measure. Provis-
ion Il made for FIRE wardens to prevent
forest fires. The sale of State lands is
nearly cut off Provision is made for
the sale of isoi.."- ID tracts and tracts par
ticularly adapted for agriculture and
swamp land The sale is restricted to
100 acres Of any person. This is to pre-
vent speculation.
Legislation That Failed.
The Legislature enacted 479 measures.
1t indefinitely postponed $50 The Gov
ernor vetoed more than fifteen bills. Some
Of the most important measures were
| killed Notable in the list was the freight
rate commission measure the act that
sought to regulate freight rates. Fol
| lowing it the Legislature also killed the
bill that was offered as a substitute for
the commission bill for the purpose of
| protecting shippers which sought to put
| into effect as the maximum freight tar
ifs those in force on June 10, 1902, The
grain inspection bill also died. The bill
| seeking to take away the exclusive fran
chise of the Milwaukee Gaslight Company
also failed. Many reform measures also
fell by the wayside. notably the anti
cigarette bill and many c1rtailing the
| liquor traffic These were tn, important
ones. Whether the Legislature acted
wisely in killing some of these measures
depends. so far as individuals are con
| ccrned. largely upon the point Of view.
1t is the public in the last instance that
must decide. The killing Of the railroad
measures. that is. anti-railroad bills, will
| furnish campaign material f"r the next
| election. So also will the grain inspec-
ton measure. That is to be used against
| Senators whost terms win expire and
who may present themselves for re-elec-
| ton.