Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1904-10-04
LaFoLettism and Reform

LaFOIIettiSm and Reform.
The political slogan in Wisconsin for
several years has been reform" La
Toilette has been the great high priest
of this fetch ard Hoard, Hall, Stephen
son, ct. al. have been its prophets The
corrupt practice act and the anti-pass
law are its partial embodiment, while
tax reform and primary election laws
are the remnant hysteria. The refer
endum, once SO loudly demanded, has
long lain in state of coma.
Agitation in behalf of these measures
has consisted largely in impeachment
of the integrity of legislative, executive
and judicial officers and general dis
morals. The corruption or corruptibil-
itv of the whole electorate has been
constantly and vehementiy affirmed
Honesty and sincerity of character or
purpose have been denied to all but the
devotees of this cult, and all who have
questioned the utility or practicability
of their measures have been denounced
as venal or incompetent to Judge 1t is
time to inquire what is the net result of
this agitation and legislation
Uncle Ikes CO temptuous disregard
for the corrupt pra ice act consigned
it to ''innocuous desuetude" The ac-
ceptance and use of passes by the in
cumbents of the attorney generals
Office and by the sanctimonious and
snivelng Hoard, relegated that cele-
brated enactment to the rubbish heap
The governors own stiffness, treach-
cry and double dealing have thus far
made impossible any practicable tax
reform, Notwithstanding two consecu
tive legislatures have been under bis
control He has himself denounced
one of his own tax laws and the rail
way corporations are contrasting anoth-
er, An ironclad primary election law
has run the gauntlet of the legislature
but awaits ratification by the people at
the approaching election to make it
effective.
This seems few kernels of grain for
the sitting of so much chaff. 1t sug-
gests a possibility that the governor is
more eager for Issues than for re
form" His present issue" is control
of the railroads. If it sufices to land
him again in the gubernatorial office
will he accomplish more than he has
done before, or will he drop it for
another tissue" that will land him in
the IT, S. Senate ? We shall see
In the meantime j: is well to beware
the Greeks bearing gifts, lest we bring
liberties We can not consider too
carefully the proposed primary election
law When we recall the horde of game
wardens, oil inspectors, treasury agents,
etc, whom the governor has employed
to pack caucuses and control conven-
tons, not to mention the corralling of
democrats for the same purpose, we
may be pardoned for doubling the sim
cerity and impartiality of the govern
or's scheme. The caucus packer and
convention manipulation is not the man
to dictate the methods of political ac-
ton for honest and intelligent men.
His tax reform has meant the doubling
of taxes and the expenditure of the
money without any corresponding adj
vantage to the state. His electoral re-
forms may be even more harmful. The
employment of thugs and sluggers to
control a convention is just criterion
for Judging this particular reform. The
democrat who is dupcd by it is pecul-
iarIy gullible gudgeon Vote it down
and, if you think YOU see merit in the
principle, try a moderate measure on a
limited scale.