Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1915-08-25
CAvELS LAST FALL IN LEGISLATURE.
MEASURES AND MEN REVIEWED

GANELS LAST FALL in LEGISLATURE.
MEASURES AND MEN REVIEWED.
The gavels of the presiding officers
in the two houses of the legislature fell
for the last time for the session of 1915,
on Tuesday. And there are none sorry
that the record session is at an end
With the average citizen there is al
ways relief when legislatures let go,
and the members are doubly glad. The
pay is same whether they remain one
month or seven. and for majority the
outgo is greater than the salary.
believe the accomplishments of the
expired body will find much for favor
able judgment by candid men when the
work is fully analysed, notwithstand-
ing the persistent efforts of interested
politicians with axes to grind and job
holders with fat jobs to protect, bent
on discrediting every honest effort put
forth 20 redeem the promises made to
the people = the last campaign for
greater economy and more home. rule
in state affairs An administration
that reduces appropriations between
SIS, 900, 900 and $9, 600, 900 below those
created by an immediate former admin
istration certainly is entitled to credit
and thanks from tax payers. And that,
too, without impairing the efficiency IF
any worthy or needful activity Of gov
eminent. But il should not be forgot
| ten that [ his accomplishment was
wrought against strenuous opposition.
| From the opening OF the session it was
| perfectly apparent that every act look,
| ing to economy and efficiency was to he
| thwarted by those who should have
| been anxious and willing to relieve the
people of tax burdens. They fought
nearly every move to lop off boards and
commissions and reduce expenses and
to prolong the session. They PLAYED
the game of politics purely for politics
and in the belief that they would fool
the people by their tactics The fact
! that nearly a million of dollars was cut
out of two appropriation bills made no
| impression upon these obstructionists,
they voted against the reductions.
They played the game to the last and
| the wonder is that pnything was ac-
complished of substantial benefit.
While the writer did not support the
/ present governor in the last primary
/ campaign. and is in no way called upon
to exaggerate his official virtues or
shortcomings, | do want TO give credit
where credit is due, and in this respect
say that Governor Philip has acquitted
| himself in q manner to elicit the respect
and commendation of all who know his
| honesty of purpose in dealing with pub
! lie affairs He has insisted firmly that
promises made before election be kept
sacred. He has appealed TO members
of the legislature TO cooperate with
him in respecting the commands of con-
| stituents for reduction of extrava-
gances and to cut out every dollar not
necessary from the tax bills. He is a
| far-sighted business man and farmer
and would have the states affairs con-
Quoted on a basis Tor efficiency and
prudence along lines pursued in his pri-
vate matters judiciously conducted. He
has not been partisan or factional in his
appointments, selecting in every in
stance men well qualified for important
stations, regardless of politics. That
he has Weeded out some officials not in
harmony with his policies for correc-
tive government, is but natural. His
determination to put a stop to state
leaks in various departments will not
cease with the adjournment of the leg
islature, and I mistake his ability TO
pry into and place the test on activities
of state government If he fails to ac-
compEsb wholesome economy every
month of his term. Is not that what
the people want? Is not that what the
people expect Of a chief executive?
In his campaign for the nomination
a year ago ]. Henry Bennett circular
lied this senatorial district, talked il
on the stump, repeated it in private,
that he stood for sweeping economies
in state expenditures; that If nominal
ed and elected he would fight to that
end. He was chosen as senator, and
he kept the faith. steadfast, insistent.
He was, during The entire session, con-
tending for and voting for every tax
reduction that promised relief. He
voted against more appropriation bills
than any member in either house. Al
though without legislative experience
Senator Bennett took early ana high
rank in the body His ability as law
yer and debater was quickly recognized
and respected and he participated and
took a leading part in every important
matter brought before the legislature.
He will 90 into the next session better
equipped to influence legislation ard
make more certain the demands Of con-
stituents.
IL is disappointment and with much
of regret that am unable to commend
fully the legislative record of the other
representative from Vernon county,
Assemblyman Rentz. On temperance
ard most other right things he is en-
titled to credit in his votes, but to the
all-absorbing issue of economy in state
expenses (the platform on which he
was nominated and elected he was abb
Iiyious, almost without exception vot.
ing to continue extravagances, and
against measures looking to a reduction
of state burdens. 1t is regrettable
that it ia so, but it is the record.
o. G.. NJ.