Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1913-04-30

that too many are engaged in dis.
tribution, and we are collecting tolls
from the consumers. 'In cities and
villages he said, there are twice as
many grocery stores than are need.
ed
Uniform System of Text Books.
Assemblyman Mahon has intro
duced bill providing for a uniform
system of text books in Wisconsin.
Mr.. Mahon is chairman of the COM
mittee named two years ago to in
vestigate the text book situation in
Wisconsin. By a careful canvass of
the situation this committee learned
that there is little division of the
book business in Wisconsin, two pub
fishing houses practically having con-
troll of the market The system of
competition is unfair and the small
er companies, no matter how much
merit their book may have, are given
little opportunity. Under the Mahon
plan the state would use a uniform
system Of text books, and the purchas-
ing power would be vested in a cen
trail commission
All publishing houses, whether large
or small, new or DID, would be given
the same kind Of hearing. The state
would then be placed in the position
of seeing the best books, and being
free to make it's own choice. It is no
longer doubted that in Wisconsin the
book companies have a powerful in
ftuence, and that the present system
of local purchasing is not one that is
conducive to the most adequate edu-
cational system. 1t is believed that
the book houses will make their old
fight against the uniformity bill A
similar proposition was defeated two
years ago. Following the defeat of
the bill, Assemblyman Mahon intro
duced a resolution providing for an
investigation of the text book situa.
ton. The investigation was conduct
ed, and Mr.. Mahon is back at the old
stand ready to make the fight all
over again. He feels that he is better
fortified to meet the publishing
houses, and seems confident that this
legislature will go on record for the
Speaker Hull for Governor.
One of the richest bits of gossip at
the capitol is that Speaker Hull of
Black River Falls will be the next
leading Republican candidate for
governor. Mr.. Hull, barring some I'm.
expected development at this session
of the legislature, appears to occupy
an ideal position in politics. Meow
ern men were satisfied with his cleo
ton as speaker of the assembly, but
the fact remains that the La Toilette
! people put Mr.. Hull over as speaker,
which makes him decidedly strong
with that faction Of the Republican
party.
1t is true that Mr.. Hull has been &C.
tive in his opposition to the univer-
sity, but, politically, at least, this
will do him no great injury in the
event that he becomes a candidate
for governor, if the vote on the state
superintendency is to be considered as
any criterion. There is much about
the affable speaker of the house that
recommends him as a strong candi-
date to succeed Governor McGovern.
He is a strong speaker, a cIear-head-
ed thinker, and his honesty is uni
versally recognized in this state Mr.
Hull has never given any public init
nation that he aspires to become gov
ernor, but political events in Wiscon-
sin are shaping up in such a manner
that his candidacy appears to be a
logical development. During this
session, Mr.. Hull has maintained an
impartial attitude, and he has many
friends.
Mothers Pension Bill.
It is disturbing to the friends of the
mothers pension idea that some of
the strongest opponents to the bills
that have been introduced on this
subject are we'll known social work
ers in the state The chief objection
coming from this source is based up
on the contention that the mothers
pension idea is too new for Wiscon-
sin to act intelligently upon the sub
ject without first making a careful
investigation as to the best methods
of administering such law, and the
most workable plan for mothers pen
sions. The Republican party plat
form pledged the majority party in
this state to the enactment of a law
providing for mothers pensions, and
there is a good strong sentiment on
the outside which is opposed to de-
lay.
Several hearings have already been
held and a number more are sched-
uled.
FRED C. SHEASBY.