Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1913-07-09

That IL viii Result in immediate
Complete and Advantageous p-.>i-
oPment Of Waterpowers in Wiscon-
sin-Provisions of the New Measure.
Madison. Wis, July S.-The new
waterpower bill has been introduced
IL the senate. This and the bill ap-
propriating large sun Of money Tor
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 CT public policy, and the
bill has been so drafted that the mem.
bers of the senate committee on con-
serFation-Senators Hastings, Boss
hard and Tomkins-feel confident that
1t viii stand the test in court if it is
taken in the courts by the waterpow-
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-
cants will no longer be required to
go to the legislature for their fran
chise, but may secure them upon ap-
plieation 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 maxi
fnS an application to a legislature
which meets but once every two years.
Men who studied tie subject and
Or tied the bin say tnat the measure
anply guards the states rights.
Tie claim has been made by author
itias ca waterpower development that
wa-erpower 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 bin contains no provisions
which win retart waterpower develop
ment, although the interests of the
people will at all times be guarded
against the Spectator.
Provisions of the Bill.
The bill is entitled IAN 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 survey of the
navigablle 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:
1. Definitions of terms of the act.
q 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 &C.
operation of the state and national
geological survey.
g. 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.
j. Provides that dams hereafter
shall be located only at sites approved
by the railroad commission.
g. 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-msximum 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.
8. In the interest Of navigation, life,
health and property, TO investigate the
best means of 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.
s. 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 a reservoir or dam is in a
condition dangerous to life, health OF
property. the commission shall inves