Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1915-07-14
TIE BAD WICKED OPPOSITION
ISTHE STATE LEGISLATURE


ISIHE STATE LEGISLATURE
Il is too bad that the great question 9
now pending in Wisconsin cannot be
considered in a spirit of non-partisan-
ship, too bad that upon every one of
these problems there is a division that
is not based in reason, or upon patriot
ic duty to the people of Wisconsin.
With a partisan and fastional warfare
waging what good results can be ex-
pected from legislature made up of
partisans and factionists and with the
state press arrayed along similar lines?
The people of Wisconsin, the men
and women who pay the taxes and bear
the burden of government, have spok-
en- in no uncertain terms. They have
demanded relief of an over-burden.
They have said that they stand ready
to maintain the government of the state
but that the cost of maintenance shall
be at least moderate. There is no de-
mand for cheapness. The demand is
for effieiency-for honest government
fairly and economically administered.
Governor Philip has proposed some
governmental reforms that are neither
radical nor revolutionary, unless it can
be said that any departure from the
established order in Wisconsin is radi-
cglsnd revolutionary. These proposals
are based upon well grounded demand
by the taxpayers of the state with
scarcely particular that was not spe-
officially outlined and passed upon at
the recent election. Legislators, MEM
bers of both senate and assembly. were
elected upon the issues made in that
campaign, which was characterized by
cslmness and careful study on the part
of the people; and the legislature now
is in session. commissioned to accomp-
lish the thirgs demanded.
What g being done?
Instead of proceeding with a serious
purpose the legislature has organized a
partisan and factional warfare. The
press of the state has joined in the fight.
There is neither reason nor rhyme in
the contest. The issues are forgotten
and men and parties and factions are
| fighting for advantage.
Governor Philip stands squarely by
his platform and original purpose. un-
perturbed by the unseemly scrabble.
He commiserates the pitiful spectacle
but yields not upon the main issue. No
cut and dried program is his. No spir-
it of intolerance possesses him. He
meegs every question fairly, yielding
as to particulars whenever shown a bet
ter idea, bat insisting upon one thing
and that is the betterment of conditions
and reduction of the cost of govern
ment to level that is reasonable and
yet not niggardly.
The opposition to Governor Philips
measures has become thoroughly or
ganized and is easily identified. 1t is
the same as that which fought Cover
nor McGovern so bitterly in 1918.
Those who followed the proceedings in
the senate two years ago remember
that every proposition that came to the
senate bearing the approval of Cover
nor McGoverii was spas upon, no mat
ter what its merit. When Governor
MeGovern, in message, told the sem
ators that the appropriations were too
great, his communication was charac-
terized upon the floor by senator as a
piece of impertinance.
Watch the senator's now as they pro-
fess to consider the proposals of Cover
nor Phillip. Call the roll Of 1918 and
note that the men who were so bitter
in their opposition then to the execu-
tive are in the same attitude today.
Unreasonable and unreasoning. they
boldly assume the attitude of opposi-
ton. Nothing constructive have they
to offer in plsce of the governors pro-
posals. Without convictions, they wick
eddy set themselves against any for
ward movement.
What shall be the end of it all?
Governor Philip has pointed the way
and the ultimate conclusion. Should
he fail now the issue will be clearly
drawn and the people will decide.
Governor Philip stands squarely by
his guns and the voters of Wisconsin
stand behind him. Madison Democrat.
A boom for Henry Ford, Detroit au'
tomobile manufacturer, for vice-presi-
dent on the republican ticket, is to be
started at state wide meeting OF
Michigan republicans. If Henry car
run as successfully as a politician al
-. -. a x,,an,,f 90 of.,rar