Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1903-03-18

his message TO tile erect that the rail-
roads owed the state for taxes of
the past gave Peck his chance, and
he asks if railroads. should be expect
ed to pay to the state what the state
had never asked for and could not
legally recover But, withal, the ad
valorem system occupies strong
ground at present writing.
State Control of Freight Rates.
The bill to set up state board TO
regulate freight rates has less of plat
form and g,lbernatorial prestige, but
it will make pretty discussion when
it comes to vote. There is host of
minor railroad bills, as 2-cent fare, the
prevention of double-header freights,
etc, TO keep Messrs. Ring and Harris
busy before committees and in dis
cussing with members. Grain inspec-
ton at Superior lags bit, as regards
the bill; the worlds fair appropriation
bill is getting more favor than was ex-
pected, and woman IS suffrage will get
large complimentary vote. The insur-
ance bills are of great Importance ? MI
involve close interest of the members.
So many ef them pay premiums, or
have an interest in the business, that
Baron von Cotzhausen's bill to pre-
vent combinations of agents is of the
liveliest Importance. Petitions on the
subject, for and against, show the
work that is being done. The anti
cigarette bill still tarries in commit
tee. 1t is curious to observe the many
bills that grow out of recent occur
renees, as the bill compelling license
for storing nitric, sulphuric and other
acids, and the 'baby-farming bill
both suggesting recent Milwaukee, SEN
sations.
Van Hise LIKELY for President.
Senator Stout retires as university
regent Mt his own insistence and Edi-
tor Myrland of Grantsburg succeeds
him. Regents Miss Frisby and Mer-
ritz (of Ashland) continue. 1t is be-
Iieyed that the election of Prof. Van
Hise the geologist as president of the
university will soon be announced
Prof. Van Hise is eminent in his
line and popular with the students
as shown by the fact that at their
athletic meetings he is fayorite
speaker. He has u family of young
children. Is a unitarian by church
connection and college mate of Gov.
La Palette Prof. Var Hise is high
ly regarded in national government
scientific circles ana the wonder is
that he can be diverted from pure
science. As speaker he has nerv-
Gus mannerisms, but he always says
something before he sits down; he
abounds in common sense and has
considerable breadth of culture. Some
will not be quite happy because some
"star" man from abroad was not
chosen. but the fact Is the regents
have done the hardest work in this di.
rection and could not seem to make
connections.
University Legislation.
Senator Villas Is at the Hot Springs
troubled with sciatica and Prof. Henry
in Texas on scientific work. and the
university bills have not yet got TO the
front The $4,000 chemical labora-
tory is the largest single item in the
requ. SITS this year; and the mainte-
nance fund is xoughtto be enlarged and
TO be made permanent The State uni
versity is doing great routine work at
present under Or. Birgie--who, by the
way. has had his hair turned white
bv his two years hard work as asting
president-and perhaps the absence Of