The Wisconsin tobacco reporter. (Edgerton, Wis.) 1877-1950, 1913-07-11
SOLONS lACkLE
BIG MEASURES
WaterpOWers and Appropriation
Bill Before Senate.
FINAL ADJOURNMENT is NEAR

opment of WaterpoWers in Wiscon-
sin--Provisions of the New Measure.
Madison, Wis, July Site new
waterpower bill has been introduced
in the senate. This and the bill ap-
propriating large sum of money for
the administration of state govern
ment are the only measures of i'm
portance which stand in the way of
final adjournment.
The waterpOwer bill, representing
the best thought of experts on conser-
walton in this country, is considered of
immense Importance. 1t involves a
large question Of public policy, and the
bill has been SO drafted that the mem
bers of the senate committee on con-
| ervation-Senators Hastings, Boss
hard and Tomkins-feel confident that
it will stand the test in court if it is
taken in the courts by the WATERFOWL
er men.
VIII Develop Waterpowers.
Trainers Of the bill feel that it will
result in the immediate complete and
mutually advantageous development
of WaterpOwers in Wisconsin. Under
the provisions of the measure appli-
caEts will no longer be required to
go to the legislature for their fran
chise, but may secure them upon ap-
plication to the state railroad COM
mission, to which power the legisla-
ture delegates the power to grant
franchises. This is considered a con-
venient method of doing business, and
eliminates the delay incident to max
ing an application to a legislature
which meets but once every two years.
Men who studied the subject and
drafted the bill say tnat the measure
amply guards the states rights.
The claim has been made by authcr.
| tiles on waterpower development that
waterpower developers may be di-
vided into two classes: First, the
speculative group, and secondly, those
who desire to develop waterpowers for
legitimate purposes. 1t is claimed
that the bill contains no provisions
which will retart waterpower develop
ment, although the interests of the
people will at all times be guarded
against the speculator.
Provisions of the Bill.
The bill is entitled can Act relating
to the improvement of navigation on
| navigable waters; to the construction,
maintenance and operation of dams
and other works and a fee therefor; to
the inspection of all dams and works
| and fee therefor; to a survey of the
| nav1gablle waters Of the state, to the
creation OF special corporations for
! the Improvement Of navigation and
the development of hydralic power
and hydro electric energy for sale
and making an appropriation.
A synopsis of the provisions of the
bill is as follows:
L. Definitions of terms of the act.
2. Authorizing the railroad commits
sion to make a full and complete
photographic survey of all navigable
waters and the filing of records and
plats of such waters, also to inspect
, developed and undeveloped river i'm
provements and water powers, and
for this purpose are to secure the CO.
operation of the state and national
geological survey.
3. To make a complete investiga-
ton Of all existing dams, franchises
and permits of dams now in existence,
and to report to the legislature with
such recommendations as may be in
the public interest.
f. Provides that dams hereafter
shall be located only at sites approved
by the railroad commission
5. That in the interest of naviga-
ton and other public rights and of
public welfare and safety, the power
to regulate and control the level and
flow of water in all navigable waters
in the state, and to require bench
marks to be erected showing the min
imum-maXimum heights to which
water may be held Also to maintain
stations to guage and to keep records
of the flow and Volume of streams.
Best Means of Construction.
6. In the interest of navigation, life,
health and property, to investigate the
USSl n6duS Oh construction, equip
ment, maintenance and operation of
dams, and providing that no dams
shall be constructed until plans and
specifications have been passed upon
and approved by the commission.
Z. Are given all rights and are sub,
ject to all duties imposed upon public
utilities insofar as not inconsistent
with the act, and also are subject to
the stocks and bonds law of Wiscon-
sin to prevent over-capitalization.
8. When ordered to do so, all dams
shall be equipped and kept in good
repair with piers, booms, weirs, tun
nels, races, fumes, locks, ETC., nee
essary for the purpose of navigation
and other purposes.
8. No substantial alterations shall
be made TO any dam except upon ap-
prevail of the commission.
10. Upon receipt of information
from the authorities of any munich
pality that aareservoir or dam is in a