The Wisconsin tobacco reporter. (Edgerton, Wis.) 1877-1950, 1915-02-05

VI Lie .1OuoC. -iAio x CAiCf ~ - - = - =
CT the joint committee - nance OF a
biz joE, and tl.ey @c1d giau to 49, 1rt
the new idea.
Committee Phillip in Complexion.
Senators Fairchild and WI ttman
aud Assemblymen Helm, Van Co.
and Harrington We're named to SER {
on the investigating committee. This
committee is strongly Phillip in its
complexion, which again brings out
the point that the new governor is in
full control Of the situa ton at the
capitol. The makeup of the commit
tee assures an investigation along the
Inc outlined by Mr.. Phillip in his
campaign speeches, and it means that
wien the time comes some very posi-
tive ideas in economy and retrench-
ment will be presented to the legisla-
ture for consideration.
Mr. Whitman thus far in his sess.
ion has played a modest role, but he
is scheduled to become the admins
t. alton leader in the upper house. TIC
him has been assigned the duty of in
Producing some Of the most important
measures to come up in the senate.
He is a lawyer and banker, and is
expected to make an impression show
irg in behalf Of the administration
program.
The joint committee on finance is
already at work. John Tanner, expert
accountant with the state board OF
public affairs, has filed with this COM
mittee a budget in which it is esti-
mated that the cost of government will
amount to $16,O0O,000 a year for the
next two years. Mr.. Tanners budget
will form a working basis for the COM
mittee. The work Of the finance COM
mittee, next to that of the committee
which will investigate state boards
and commissions, is Of immense i'm
pcrtance for the reason that it deals
directly with subject in which the
governor is especially interested.
Everything in this legislature resolves
Upon the desire of the administration
to cut down the cost of government.
Ackley Directs Waterpower Fight.
The waterpower bill recently intro
Guced by Senator e. F. Ackley by
which the waterpower law enacted two
years ago is repealed, and new sys
tenn Of regulation offered as a subst'-
tute has been placed before special
committee on conservation in the SEN
ate. Senator Ackley was named
chairman of this committee Being
chairman ofgthe committee and author
Of the bill, he will assume the leader
ship in the waterpower fight
Wisconsin will again debate the sub
ject of eugenics. Senator Bennett has
introduced a bill to wipe out the en-
genics law now on the statute books.
The first bill signed by Gov. Phillip
extends the time for the payment of
taxes to March L. without penalty
Under the former law the date set was
Feb. 1. This measure is expected to
bring much relief to the taxpayers of
tie state at a time when business con-
ditions are considered depressing.
A great food of bills have come in
on the subject of highway construc-
ton. All Of these measures are based
upon the theory that counties should
enjoy greater degree of home rule
in road building. and the measures in
troduced give to the county wide pow
ers of supervision. It seems certain
that out of the strong sentiment that
prevails for county supervision in road
building, that the state highway COM
mission will pass out of existence
Senator Bennett is one of the most re-
cent members to offer bill to abolish
tie highway commission and to substi-
tute system of county supervision
Teachers Retirement Fund in Danger.
Senator Bennett also introduced a
measure tobdo away withsthe teachers
retirement fund in Wisconsin. This
fund always has had it's friends and
enemies. The fact that another fight
is to be waged against the teachers
fund indicates that the fund is in real
danger.
Senator Burke has introduced bill
of importance to the workingmen OF
Wisconsin who come under the work
mems compensation act. Mr.. Burkes
bill changes the schedule of compensa-
ton of the state industrial commission
by making the amount OF compensa-
ton for the loss of an arm at the
shoulder 300 weeks instead OF $40, at
the elbow $50 weeks instead of 200.
forearm, 200 instead of 100; palm, 100
instead of so, and thumb IS instead
of so.
Early indications of sentiment point
to a struggle for the primary cleo,
ton law. The senate has already
passed the Martin bill to remove the
second choice requirement from Judi
cial and school board elections in Mil
waukee. Several bills will be intro