Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1915-05-05

!
Carthy spoke against bills which aim
70 abolish his department.
The fight over the legislative refer
ence library appears 70 be based on
a desire TO bring about change in
1 the personnel of the department"
said Assembiyman George Hambreeht.
If there is a desire for a change in
the personnel OF the department you
ought to have it" said DR.. Charles
Mccarthy. "As head of a state de-
partment. you ought to have authori-
! ty TO summon me before the legisla-
ture, and if yoy felt any lack of con-
hdence in my ability to fill the job.
you ought to have authority to dis
miss me.
State boards and commissions
should not be as they are-without
control. l believe that the legisla-
ture ought to have the right to sum
mon and dismiss any member for
cause of any state commission. But
so far as the legislative reference II.
brary is concerned, ask you not to
burn down the barn to kill the rat"
The charge that the reference IL
brary does not always follow instruc-
tions in drafting a bill. brought hot
retort from DR.. Mccarthy.
Denies Changing Bills.
i stand ready to make a present
OF 500 to any man who can furnish
information to show that my depart
ment has put in bill or taken out of
a bill anything which the author of
the measure did not order"
There has been some criticism of
your personal conduct because you
frequently express opinions" said Mr.
Hambreeht.
Il suppose there has been,' replied
DR.. Mccarthy, but shall keep right
on expressing opinions
T. c. Richmond, Madison likened
the department to a fifth wheel on a
wagon He said that it is not nee
essary and that it is a source of ex.
travagance in state government
Several bills. aimed at the legisla.
tive reference library are pending.
The administration forces are expect.
ed to get back OF a bill which will not
wipe out this department. but will
limit its activity to the period when
the legislature is in session. Because
many members of the legislature have
used the library, Dr. Mccarthy has
build up a strong personal following.
and it will be surprising If he is
as head of this branch.
The question of equal suffrage has
not been disposed of despite the fact
that the Bradley bill for a referendum
vote in 1916 on equal suffrage was de-
feated. The ballot for women in
presidential elections and a PROPOSE.
ton to make equal suffrage optional
with the several counties in the state
still are to be disposed of. Women
workers have not given up all hope.
although there is nothing in the pres.
ent situation which seems to offer
them much real encouragement.
Wisconsin promises to be one of
the last states to adopt equal suffrage.
but those who are fighting for the
ballot for women feel confident of
victory. They say the handwriting on
he wall is in their flavor, and that
men in public life, in Wisconsin viii
soon be with them in their fight.
Probe of Prison Labor Advocated.
In the belief that the most difficult
problem presented tos,the state board
II control is the proper employment of
Prison labor, the legislative investi.
Eating committee, in a, report to the
and the; legislature recon-.
nended that the governor be empow.
red to appoint a committee OF three
G five men to investigate the question
Il prison labor and Industries. 1t sug-
tests that the committee be COM
'osed of a representative of those
'hO have made study of the Grim
nal, and manufacturing representa-
i've and labor representative.
his report should be- made to
he governor not later than Dec. 1,
SIG. The report points out that the
opulation at both the prison and the
are increasing and that
ne problem now involves the reforma-
ion OF nearly 1900 men and boys.
The state railroad commission
lands high with the people of Wis
onsin, and efforts at this session to
lmper with the work of this board
ave failed. Assemblyman James
int, Milwaukee socialist, had three
ills which attacked the powers of the
Ommittee in order to give the city
Milwaukee home rule in the regu-
Ition Of public utilities All three
Measures were killed in the house.
ne bill was a serious attack on the
ublic utilities act of Wisconsin.
Continue Fight for stemper Bill.
Milwaukee is keeping up it's fight
, amend the Baker la7, as provided
y the Stemper bill, to legalize about
10 saloons which were put out of
lsiness by decision of the supreme
curt. The strongest argument for
lie Stemper bill is based on the
'ound that the Baker law was am
guous to attorneys. public officials
; well as to the saloonkeepers who
elieved they were acting in good
18th in getting a license. Many of
lem invested in property and built
cir own buildings The Stemper
II passed in the house, and now is