The Watertown weekly leader. [volume] (Watertown, Jefferson County, Wis.) 1912-1917, 1915-09-07

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 always relief when legislatures let
go, and the members are doubly glad.
The pay is the same whether they re-
main one month or seven, and for
majority of the outgo is greater than
the salary.
/ believe the accomplishments of
the expired body will find much for ia
yorable judgment by candid men when
the work is fully analysed, notwith
standing the persistent efforts of in
terested politicians with axes to grind
and job holders with fat jobs to pro-
tect, bent on discrediting every ones
effort put forth to redeem the promis-
es made to the people in the last cam
paign for greater economy and more
home-rule in state affairs. An admin
istration that reduces appropriations
between $8,000,000 and 100000 be-
low those created by an immediate
former administration certainly is en-
titled to credit and thanks from tax
payers. And that, too, without i'm
pairing the efficiency of any worthy
or needful activity of government
But it should not be forgotten that
this accomplishment was wrought ag-
ainst strenuous opposition. From the
opening of the session it was perfect
ly apparent that every act looking to
economy and efficiency was to be
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 play 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 dol
lars 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 any
thing was accomplished of substan-
tial benefit.
While the writer did not support the
present governor in the last primary
campaign, and is in no way called up
on to exaggerate his official virtues or
shortcomings, I do want to give cred
1t where credit is due, and in this re-
spect say that Governor Philip has
acquitted himself in a manner to elicit
the respect and commentator of all
who know his honesty OF purpose in
dealing with public affairs. He has
insisted firmly that promises made be-
fore election be kept sacred He has
appealed to members of the legisla-
ture to cooperate with him in re-
specting the commands of constitu-
ents for reduction of extravaganza
and TO cut out every dollar not neces-
sary from the tax bills.
He is a far-sighted business man
and farmer and would have the af-
fairs of the state conducted on a ba-
sis for efficiency and prudence along
lines pursued in his private matters
judiciously conducted. He has not
been partisan or factional in his ap-
poin tments, selecting in every inst
ance men well qualified for important
stations, regardless of politics. That
he has weeded out some officials not
In harmony with his policies for cor
receive government, is but natural
His determination to put a stop to
state leaks in various departments
will not cease with the adjournment
OF the legislature, and l mistake his
ability to pry into and place the test
on activities of state government if he
fails to accomplish wholesale econ
omy every month of his term Is not
that what the people want? Is not
that what the people expect of chief
executive?
In his campaign for the nomination
year ago, j. Henry Bennett circular
lied his senatorial district, talked it
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 vo-
ted against more appropriation bills
than any member in either house. AL
though without legislative experience.
Senator Bennett took early and high
rank in the body His ability as
lawyer and debater was quickly rec
egnized and respected and he partici-