The Wisconsin tobacco reporter. (Edgerton, Wis.) 1877-1950, 1905-06-02

lures will likely make it much more
Senator Stevens, of Oshkosh, should be
appreciated by his constituents for his
zeal in turning what seemed to be a
jest into possible great boon for the
Saw-logs city.
Another LaFollette Message.
Governor LaFollette believes that
paid lobbyists should be FORBIDDEN by
law from talking of their bills to Iii -
makers except at public hearings. His
message last week was in his most
vigorous vein. He said the average
lobbyist is not man of ability enough
to warrant his appearance in justice
court, which is true enough OF some,
but not of others. Henry &. Payne
used to do this work, and Mr.. Gill, OF
the Wisconsin Central is, of course, a
man of high legal Quality. The ques-
ton is difficult one, about which
men differ 1t sits down largely the
independence and virtue of the legis-
lator himself; there is no question that
the perpetual pounding of some solons
does weaken them, and as in love, the
victory is often to the fellow on the
ground, SO the cause that is persistent
ly enforced and perhaps supplemented
by forms of indirection, ranging from
delicate favors to brutal brides, most
commends itself when the roll is called
The lawmakers could be shut off by a
railing, within which lobbyists might
be excluded-this would be good so far
as 1t goes. Governor Folk is seeking
to deal with the lobby evil. 1t is a
matter of individual opinion as to how
to abate it,
The legislature is busy cleaning up
the odds and ends of matters which
at times have seemed very important,
but are now being lost in the shuttle.
Senator McGillivray has long been
identified with antitrust bills, but
Wisconsin history indicates that moth
ing happens in the way of suppression.
He has fresh measure this year, but
it can hardly pass because regarded as
ineffective
Permanent Support for University.
The university people are much
pleased over the easy passage of the
bill to support the institution by a
permanent tax of two-sevenths of
mill. 1t was THE old system, but in
Philo Orton's time the system of an
nual appropriations on the budget idea
was substituted. The big school was
not so popular then as now. The fact
is the body of alumni is getting so
strong that the university is repre-
sented in the legislature by growing
number of influential men who are apt
to get what they want. Senator
Whitehead believes the system of an
nual appropriations is better and Of
fered an amendment that would give
an amount increasing from $53O,OOO
this year to $6OO,0O three years hence
but it was rejected 20 to Z. The
Social Democrat voted for the new
plan. 1t will free the university from
the trouble of lobbying for it's support
every two years and avert the posi-
bility that some legislature may be
prejudiced by some trifiing incident
perhaps a student disorder. WiscOn-
sim is treating it's university literally
and the institution for it's part is turn
ing out, this year some $50 graduates,
certainly with their heads full of in
formation and, let us hope, intent on
leading their fellows into the ways
Of good citizenship.
Spending the States Money.
The committee on claims always
comes to the front at the end of the
session, the committee which de-
termires which of the appropriation
bills shall be granted and for what
amount Senator Burns, the Platte
vile attorney, is the man who heads
this committee, Senator Hagemeister
having done it we'll two years ago. The
latter, by the way, is one of the veter
ans of the upper branch, and one of
the most cordial, generous and popular
Of the senators. His affiliations are,
of course, strongly with the conserva
tives, but ne keeps his friendships
glowing with all who hold out olive
branches Senator Munson, of the OPP
position, is another of the long term
ers, whose joint experience as chief
clerk and lawmaker has made him
very familiar with all public matters.
Senator Stout will presumably be re-
turned by Dunn County as long as he
wishes to serve. for such men, what
ever their political connections dig
nifty public life.
An Influential Minority.
The four Democrats have cut large
figure this year by reason of the un-
bending nature Of the fractional barrier,
and will go back to their constituents
with a number of measures bearing
their names. It is gra tifying that
Senator Merton is recovering his
health. He is the speechmaker of the
quartette, and has the logical, force
full style of leader of the bar. Mr..
North of hopelessly Democratic
Dodge won some conservatism into tine
railroad BILL Mr. Smith Of Fond du
Lac and Green Lake counties intro