Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1909-01-20

| that with the additional school at La
Crosse and the increased capacity of
the school in Milwaukee, some addi-
tional provision for funds must be
made by an increase in the tax levy,
which now amounts to 100000 annu-
ally.
Common Schools,
These may very properly be consid-
cred the schools of the people, for il
them the greater portion of our popu-
lation receive their educational train
ing. The most gratifying progress has
been made in the improvement of their
condition in recent years.
Not in the preceding quarter of a
century has SO much been accom-
plished that has, from every point of
view, SO effectively and vitality touched
and awakened the common school in
terests of the state, as accomplished
by these few but well-timed measures.
The cmpulsory attendance law, as
amended in 1907. seems to be more
popular and easier of enforcement
than any like measure heretofore en-
acted in Wisconsin.
The New State Capitol.
Work on the new capitol has pro
crossed with no more delays than are
incident to works of the same magni-
tude. The east and west wings have
advanced so far as to justify, by their
appearance, the use of white granite
which the legislature authorized.
The contractors for this work at
tribute their failure to fulfill their con-
tracts, in part, to inability to obtain
skilled workmen in their shops, not
withstanding the fact that many men
are without employment. On account
of these delays, some wood floors have
been laid and other temporary work
has been done.
A full report by the capitol commits
sion, with detailed account of ex-
penditures, will be placed before you.
Public Highways.
An amendment to section 10 ofNar-
ticle s of the constitution was ratified
by the people at the last general cleo
ton, and is now incorporated as part
of that instrument, by which it is pro-
vided that the state may appropriate
money in the treasury or to be raised
by taxation, for the construction and
| improvement of public highways.
Primary Election.
Our statute. providing for the nom
ination of candidates for office by di-
rect vote of the people, has passed the
experimental stage, and steadily
gained in public favor. The applica-
ton of the law to primary elections,
and the experience in applying it, has,
from time to time, revealed Imperfect
tions which have already received the
attention of the legislature at former
sessions.
A provision requiring candidates and
committees to make and file public
statements showing the amount ex-
pended, and the purpose of the ex-
penditures, before the primary, instead
of after it, and making the filing of
false statements a disqualification for
Office, would tend to discourage the
excessive and improper use of money.
Industrial Accidents.
The problem of how to dealt with
the multitude of personal injuries in
cident to our industrial life challenges
our attention. 1t is of such vast i'm
portance as to equal any subject dealt
with by the law-making power in re-
cent years.
Should not losses by personal in
juries be laid, by some workable plan
of mutual contribution upon the whole
body of the employers, the employees,
and the public, thus repairing, to the
maximum of practicability, the indi-
vidual misfortune and minimizing the
individual loss? If that should Abe
done, then how best to do it, under
our wise constitutional system, is the
most inviting field for legislative study
and action of the day. Humanity, and
economic prosperity, as well, appeals
for the best efforts of the best minds
on this question. l most earnestly
commend it to your considerat tomas
question of first Importance.
Charitable and Penal Institutions.
The state board of control, having
charge of the various 2penaF and re
formatory institutions, in its biennial
report shows them to be in very sat
isfactory condition.
Appropriations to meet the needs of
the next two years are as follows:
For State Hospital fer Insane, 1885,
900; for Northern Hospital for Insane,
$111,50O; School for Deaf; Delavan,
$4,000; School for Blind, $500; In
dustrial School, for Boys, Waukesha,
$4,000; State Prison, Waupun, $144,-
900; State Public School at Sparta,
$4,000; HomeN for Feeble Minded,
Chippewa Fails $4,000; Wisconsin
State Reformatory, Green Bay, $780,
900.
The report of the board will show
the most pressing needs of the institu-
lions land these will no doubt, receive
first consideration at your hands.
Department of Banking.
Since the reorganization of the de-
partment in 1903, there has been much
improvement in the business of bank
ing, and greater confidence on the