Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1905-06-08

June 3, 292 laws, and before final ad-
journment the grand total vii! prob
ably have reached $50. This esti-
mate is based IN the session two
years ago, when 301 laws had been
enacted and published up to one week
beeore adjournment and $50 bills
we're rushed through during the last
seven days, making a total of 451. OF
the bills already passed and approved
by the governor, 229 are general legis-
lation and 63 are for specific localit-
les. The number of measures con-
sidered has exceeded any previous
legislature the assembly having intro
duced 791 bills and the senate 55S
An avalanche of legislation is suggest
ed by the grand total but its appalling
aspect is greatly diminished by the
bills indefinitely postponed. More
than one-half have been thus inferred,
but even then, there remains a total
sufficiently large TO meet the diversi-
fed needs OF litigants and their coun-
sellers. Down-to-date, the governor
has vetoed bills and 20 measures
are now awaiting his consideration.
The important enactments were the
creation of a railroad commission, for
which Governor La Toilette has
worked so zealously; the prohibition
of cigarets; the inauguration of civil
service in state Offices, reform that
is expected TO increase the efficiency
of the clerical force and remedy the
evil results of political influence; the
establishment of a uniform textbook
law, which is much desired by the
people of the state, and probably will
receive the approval of the governor.
The Thayer measure, providing that
electors in residence districts may
prevent by remonstrance the granting
of a liquor license and the appropria-
ton for representation at the Lewis.
Clark exposition were the most impor-
tant of the bills indefinitely post
poned. Both had ardent advocates
The Thayer bill was considered and
Teconsidered and finally killed by one
vote, while four different bills carry.
N
exhibit were introduced each being
rejected by the assembly.
Resume of Legislation.
Railroad rates-Creating an appoint
i've board of three commissioners, the
term of each being six years and one
being appointed biennially, beginning
in 1909. The terms of the first ap-
pointments will terminate in 1909,
1911 and 1919. The duties will be
TO prevent the imposition of unreason-
able rates prevent unjust discrimina-
tons, insure an adequate railway SER
vice, prescribe the mode OF procedure
and the rules Of evidence in relation
thereto and prescribe penalties for VIC
lations. Salary $4,000 per annum.
This bill has passed both houses and
is now in the enrolling room. The
governors approval and its publica'
tion is all that is needed TO make its
provisions operative.
A Dill of the same purport probably
more stringent in the section covering
injunction proceedings, was passed by
senate and the measure, which has
now become law, took its place.
Bill to regulate time and manner in
which passengers ana property shall
be transported was rejected. 1t also in.
cluded the cent mile rate provision
Another of similar character met the
same fate.
Measure providing for the taxation
Of street railways was indefinitely
postponed.
Measure, providing for the transfer
Of cars from one line of railroads to
another at stations where such lines
connect with or are adjacent to each
other was passed by the assembly but
was refused concurrence by the
senate
Prohibiting cisarettes-Makes 1t a
misdemeanor TO directly or indirectly
manufacture, SELL offer for sale, keep
for sale, give away or otherwise dis
pose Of, or bring into the state for the
purpose OF selling, offering for sale
giving away. or otherwise disposing OF
any cigarettes, cigarette paper OF
wrappers, or any substitute therefore
or any paper made or prepared for the
purpose Of making cigarettes or any
substitute therefor or for the purpose
Of being filed with tobacco for smok
ing. Penalty for violation, first Of
Tense, fine of not less than IS or
more than $50, or by imprisonment In
the county jail not exceeding 30 days
and for the second and each subse
ouent offense. fine OF not less than
500 nor more than $500 or by i'm
prisonment in jail not less than 80
days nor more than six months. Law
to take effect. July /.
Firecrsekers-Prchibi the manu-.
facture or sale Of frecrackers contain
ing dynamite. chlorate Of potash OF