The Wisconsin tobacco reporter. (Edgerton, Wis.) 1877-1950, 1911-02-10

sponsible for damages in case or ac-
cidents ard sweeps away important
defenses now open to the employer
"Wilfull misconduct" on the par. OF
the injured employee alone exempts the
employer from liability.
Legislators generally UNDERSTANDINGS
proposal, and some of the folks back
home" arc just beginning to show
keen interest to the limit.ess zone OF
the measure as it applies to all classes
of employers. Sentin7 ent is favorable
to some kind of Workmen's COM
rensation law-that is plain-but in
some quarters there appears to be an
active opposition to the present sweep
ing measure.
A distinct feature of progressive
legislation is the joint hearing prac-
tice that has been inaugurated here.
This is in line with Wisconsin's de-
sire to suppress as much as possible
any secret work by the third house.
Under the present scheme tentative
bills are presented for public discus
have been brought to a close all
phases of the measure have been dis
cussed pro and con. There is little
to be said in committee meetings,
where, in the old days, the lobbyist
got in his best strokes The effec-
tivesness of this scheme already is
apparent. Fewer lobbyists are regis
tered than ever before and there is
little OF the old-style quiet button
hole work being done. Large inter.
ests desiring to prevent views In OPP
position to important measures, like
workmen's compensation and income
tax, appreciate the situation and are
trying to make the best of it.
Instead of employing good takers
and big spenders to work on the out
side, they are sending attorneys to
Wisconsin to appear at the joint hear
ings. These attorneys are extended
the privilege of addressing the legis-
lature and when they close their ar
gument, the legislators reserve the
right to ask questions The result to
date has been some highly interest
ing debate.
Senator r. NJ LaFollette, accord
ing to information here, is planning
to take an active hand in the Lori
mer case within the next few days.
If he follows this course and LOrimer
is unseated it is argued that it fol-
lows that Senator LaFollette in order
to be consistent will be forced to lead
the fight against Senator Stephenson
1t is further argued that e Lorimer
is unseated that SENATORIAL inves,.
CATION in the national house in the
Stephenson case is sure to follow. For
time it was thought that Senator
LaFOllette might refrain from leading
the way against Senator Stephenson in
case of Stephenson investigation,
but now it is regarded as certain that
Senator LaFollette will 10 all in his
power to bring out all the facts in
both cases.
Senator Paul Husting of Mayville
is the first one to come forward with
a corrupt practices act. The Demo
cratic and Republican platforms prom
ised more stringent corrupt practices
act. The Democrats, however, beat
the Republicans in getting their meas
ure in first. This bill conforms to the
party pledges of the Democratic party
and its features are as follows:
Candidates may spend money during
a campaign for the following purposes
only-hall rent, clerks, printing and
advertising in newspapers, but adver-
tisements must be marked paid adj
vertisements," and personal expenses.
The candidate may contribute to po-
litical organizations like the state CEN
trail committee or county committee,
but no candidate for legislative posi-
ton shall assist by contribution to the
state central committee.
Candidates for office must spend
the money for themselves or by cam
paign manager and must file with the
proper officer the appointment of such
manager. Each week the candidate
and manager must file with the proper
officer an account of the money ex-
pended.
No candidate shall accept more
than $500 from one person and con-
tributions from nonresidents are pro-
hibited. Any person spending more
than $50 for any candidate must also
file a statement. Candidates for the
United States senate shall spend mon
ey only for personal expenses. adver-
Using, postage, etc., and shall not as
sist any person to be elected to the
senate or assembly. The bill prohib-
it's poll workers or the hiring of carr
ages to get voters to the polls. An
ti-treating is strong feature of the
bill and makes felony of the act of
purchasing intoxicating liquors for an
other by candidate for Office. Pun
ishment for violation of the act. only
Jail sentences without alternative of
fines
The maximum amounts that may be
spent by candidates are: United States
senator's S3 E10. conprossmAn S3 900.