Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1903-01-20

| amount of the oyercharge in Wisconsin
is positively startling. In no case is the
rate less than 10 per cent higher for
Wisconsin than for Iowa. In several
cases it is nearly 20 per cent higher, and
the average is but a fraction less than
40 per cent higher. 1t may be accepted
as demonstration that the producers
and consumers in Wisconsin are charged
40 per cent more in freight rates in mar
keting their products and securing their
supplies than are the shippers in iowa,
and likewise a great deal more than the
shippers in Illinois. When it is remem-
bered that tne producers in Wisconsin,
Iowa and Illinois must sell their products
in the same markets, and quality for
quality at the same prices, it is manifest
that the people OF Wisconsin are laboring
under a great disadvantage. The figures
establish the exact measure of injustice
suffered by our people at the hands of
the railroads of Wisconsin.
Taking it as fact admitted and estab-
lished by the railroad history of illinois
and Iowa that the rates are reasonable
in those States, what shall be said of the
rates in Wisconsin which average 10 per
cent higher than in Iowa and very much
higher, as shown, than in Illinois?
The railway interests of Wisconsin are
entitled to every protection accorded to
manufacturing, agriculture or any other
interests in this State. They are entitled
to reasonable profit upon the capital
which they have invested in the railway
business in Wisconsin. They are not en-
titled, and it is unjust they should be
permitted, TO charge the manufacturers,
merchants, farmers and consumers more
in Wisconsin than they charge for a
like service in Illinois and iowa,
For ten years at nearly. every session
of this Legislature bills have been intro
duced, figures have been presented facts
have been placed before the Legislature
and action urged for the relief of our peo-
pie unjustly and unwarrantedly dis
eliminated against by the railroad COM
panies Let it be plainly understood that
nothing more is asked than the creation
of a railway commission having the au-
thority to investigate this matter fully
and to deal with absolute justice as be-
tween railroad companies and the people
of the State. Legislative ton at this
session can harm no interest, do injury
to no company, prejudice no business.
Nominations by Direct Vote.
1t is longer open to dispute that the
nomination Of candidates for Office has in
very large measure passed out of the
hands of the citizen. Public interests are
certain to fare badly when there exist con
ditions, either as the result of legislation
or for want of it, which eliminates from
participation in government majority of
the citizens in a democracy. The evil con
sequences sure to follow from such a stu
alton are two-fold, in the effect upon the
citizen, and the effect upon the public Off
cial
The momentous Importance of discarding
the delegate system and securing the per-
sonal responsibility of the official to the
citizen is rapidly coming TO be accepted
through the country. The demand for di-
rect nominations was recognized in the
platforms of both political parties in sew
era States In the recent campaign, and the
progressive movement Is commanding strong
support throughout the country.
TIE domination of all candidates by di-
rect vote under the Australian ballot should
appeal to the patriotism of all legislators
and lift them above partisan and personal
prejudice, in a united effort to give the
people of Wisconsin system of electing
public officials truly representative of pub
lie interests In restoring to the people
in full measure this principle of pure dem
ocratic government.
| submit that 1t is not for us to determine
what shall be the scope of law to nomi-
nate candidates by direct vote This has
been settled by the people of Wisconsin. TO
whom the matter has been referred and
referred again. They have determined that
all candidates for State. Legislative. Con
gressional. and County officers shall be
nominated at o primary election upon the
same day by direct vote under the Austria
liam ballot"
The scope of a primary election law hay
ing been determined by the people, 1t be-
comes of the most important duties
which will devOlve upon the Legislature so
| to formulate the pr, 'sed measure as 10
viii of those who have chosen you to rep
resent them. This ! am confident you win
perform In the utmost good faith, with Il
determination TO place upon the statutes
the best law for the nomination of all can
didates by direct vote which it is possible
to write
About Combinations.
The so-called antitrust law of Wisconsin
Is an act without force effect under ex-
listing conditions. III applies only To cor
perations organized la Wisconsin There
are trusts of the FIRST class native TO
this State. Yet few States perhaps suffer
more directly through fhe influences Of
these artificial monopolies OF trade than
our own The State Law gives absolute
~ no protection against corporations or
ganized outside the State. vet depending
for their profits upon tribute exacted from
the people of this and other States By dis
regard or abuse of xhe common rights OF
our citizens under the common law.
In my judgment the coal famine now ex-
listing throughout this State presents sub
ject calling for prompt legislative Inquiry.
with full exercise Of the large powers
granted 10 legislative committees If the
citizens Of this State are being Vietimized.
by conspiracies Of men within as well as
without the State. believe that the powers
Of the State are ample to enact and enforce
laws 70 prevent repetition Of the offenSes
In future even IL those who are guilty can
not he punished under existing laws for
present wrong-dusng.
| renew the recommendation made TO the
Legislature two years ago for entire re-
vision Of the laws relating 10 this subject
and the enactment Of such laws as shall
promise most efficient remedy for the ex-
ISting evils Fithout hamperiug legitimate
Individual enterprise. or taking from capt
tai reasonable returns 10 which II is fairly
entitled when invested IN business
Education.
Two years ago the attention Of the Leg
islat1re was urged 70 consideration of the
pressing need Of reorgani1aSicn Of the
work Of district schools res taken
from the reports In the depza Gment Of the
State superintendent show that during the
last six years with a steady. almost Hni-
form. increase in the number Of persons ~
school age IN the State. there has been ia
the same period an equally steady decrease
IN the percentage. or prOrorrfonAte number
Of such persons eDroileG IN the public