Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1903-02-05
Wisconsin Legislature.

Wisconsin Legislature.
Madison, June 27.-The senate de-
voted considerable time to listening to
speeches on the death Of Senator De
Wayne Stebbins. Speeches were made
by Senators Bird, Kreutzer, Martin,
anu McGillivray. A bill introduced by
Senator Stout provides that the free
library commission be given further
powers, and an appropriation of $14,-
900 with which to purchase books ano
circulate them.
An important bill was introduced by
Assemblyman Benson in the assembly
to be compiled by the state superin-
tendent, be printed by the state, and
adopted in all schools, to be sold to
pupils, and school districts, at the ex-
act cost of printing and binding the
same to the state.
A bill was introduced providing an
appropriation of $4,000 for an addi-
ton to the northern hospital for the
insane at Oshkosh, for a place for
caring for the criminal, and convict
insane. Mr.. Britain introduced a bill
to abolish contributory negligence in
damage cases. The man who sells
lie Tor in a prohibition town will find
himself in Jail, if Mr.. Smalleys ex-
else bill becomes a law. 1t prohibits
any man who enters a prohibition
town, and sells liquor in violation Of
the local laws, shall be punished by
imprisonment, in Jail, for certain
periods stated in the bill. This bill
present law.
Other bills introduced were: By
Mr.. Waterman, permitting the spring
shooting of ducks; Mr.. LIE Roy, au-
thorizing the commissioner of labor
TO appoint additional factory inspec-
tors without additional compensation
from the state; also repeating the law
authorizing the issuing Of permits to
work to children over II; also to pun
ish careless and negligent shooting
while in the pursuit of game, and by
Mr.. Crowley, requiring interurban
railway companies to provide suitable
closets in their cars for convenience
of passengers.
The recommendation of the
committee on privileges and
elections that special cleo
ton be held in the second assembly
district of Racine county, where there
was tie, was adopted The election
introduced from the Superior minis
terial association for an amendment
to the marriage laws to conform to
those of neighboring states.
Madison, Jan. 28.-Among the bills
introduced in the senate was one by
Mr. Stout, amending the statutes rel
ative to the maintenance of country
schools of agriculture and domestic
economy and by Mr.. Roehr, enabling
married women to assign or other
wise dispose of their interest in poll
cies Of life insurance.
The contested election from the
DOIOlIi C1llDIy lIoII III vi ILdClDC
county, developing from a tie vote
between the democratic and republi-
can candidates, will be decided at
special election. The assembly COM
mittee on privileges and elections
decided to refer the matter back to
the district. Among the bills intro
duced was one by Mr. Johnston rela-
tive to registration and Identification
of criminals and by Mr.. Irvine,
amending the hunting license law.
Children 16 years Of age or under,
who are unable to read or write Eng
fish, will not be able to secure employ
ment in Wisconsin if a bill presented
by Assemblyman Britain becomes a
law. It is the most far-reaching meas
ure ever presented touching child Ia
Dor and in addition to barring children
unable to read or write, prohibits them
from working in any capacity what
ever, even as messengers, except upon
written permission Of the labor COM
missioner, factory inspectors or county
judges. Even then working hours are
limited between in the morning and
9 at night and not more than eight
hours in one day. The anti-lobby
measure recommended by Gov. La Fol-
lette was presented by Assemblyman
Irvine. Lobbyists or paid agents are
prohibited from in any way attempting
to influence the vote of members, but
they are given the privilege Of appear
ing and making arguments before
committees only. A lobbyist is de-
fined as one working in the interest of
individuals or corporations.
Madison, Jan. 30-The house COM
mittee on privileges and elections, to
which was referred the resolution re-
lating to the popular election of
United States senators, reported a
substitute embodying the conditions
mentioned in the resolution, but
changing the phraseology. Without