Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1903-01-17

amount of the overcharge in Wisconsin
Is positively startling. In no case is the
rate less than Is per cent higher for
W lsconsln than for Iowa. In several
cases it is nearly 10 per cent higher. and
the average is but fraction less than
40 per cent higher 1t may be accepted
as a demonstration that the producers
and consumers in Wisconsin are charged
~ per cent more in freight rates in mar
ketlng 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 the producers in Wisconsin,
Iowa and Illinois must sell their products
III the same markets, and quality for
quality at the same prices, it is manifest
that the people of Wisconsin are laboring
under 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
il 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 q
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 so 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 Il 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 action at this
session can harm no interest, do injury
to no company, prejudice no business.
Nominations by Direct Vote.
1t is no longer open to dispute that the
nomination of candidates for office has in
a 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 democracy. The evil con
sequences sure to follow from such a stu
= hn
citizen, and the effect upon the public Off
cial
The momentous Importance of describing
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 oil
rect nominations was recognized In the
platforms of both political parties in sew
eral States in the recent campaign. and the
progressive movement is commanding strong
support throughout the country. ..
che nomination 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 united effort to give the
people of Wisconsin a 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.
l submit that it 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 a primary election upon the
same day by direct vote under the Austria
liam ballot
The scope of 4 primary election law hav-
ing been determined by the people. 1t be
comes one of the most important duties
which will devolye upon the Legislature so
A.. l., 70
carry out in letter and spirit the expressed
will of those who have chosen you to rep
resent them. This l am confident you will
perform in the utmost good faith, with
the best law for the nomination of all can
didates by direct vote which 1t is possible
to write.
About Combinations.
The so-called antitrust law of Wisconsin
is an act without force or effect under eN-
listing conditions. 1t applies only to cor
porations organized in Wisconsin. There
are no trusts OF the first class native to
this State. Yet few States perhaps su1el.
more directly through the influences OF
these artificial mOnopoieS of trade than
our own. The State law gives us absolute
ly no protection against corporations or
ganized outside the State, yet depending
for their profits upon tribute eXacted from
the people of this and other States by dis.
regard or abuse of the common rights Of
our citizens under the common law.
In my judgment the coal famine now eN-
listing throughout this State presents sub
ject calling for prompt legislative inquiry
with full exercise of the large powers
granted to legislative committees. If the
citizens of this State are being ylctlmZed,
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 to prevent repetition of the oifens@S
in future even if those who are guilty can
not be punished under existing laws Tor
present wrong doing.
| renew the recommendation made to the
Legislature two years ago for an entire re-
vision of the laws relating to this subject:
ard the enactment Of such laws as shall
promise most efficient remedy for the ex-
listing evils without hampering legitimate
individual enterprise, or taking from capt.
tai reasonable returns to which it is fairly
entitled when invested in business.
Education.
Two years ago the attention of the Leg
islature was urged to consideration of the
pressing need of reorganization of the
work of district schools Figures taken
from the reports in the department of the
State Superintendent show that during the