Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1917-01-31

TIE entire law. his idN6SL Dill repeats
only that section relating to the clos
ing of property for one year. Friends
of the Linely law are up in arms over
the measure, which will, in all prob
ability, be defeated by decisive vote,
Lyons Slated to Go.
It is understood in official circles
that Governor Philip will not reap
point Tax Commissioner Lyons of Su-
perior. II is said Executive Counsel
George B. Hudnall. also of Superior.
is in line for the six year term APP
pointment at an annual salary of So
GOO Mr. Lyons term does not expire
Until May, but the law directs that
the appointment shall be made in Feb
ruary. Not long ago Governor Philip
rendered place on the state railroad
commission to Hudnall. but he declin-
ed to accept. 1t is understood that he
would accept the appointment to
place on the tax commission.
Two years ago the legislature killed
bill to reduce the tax commission
membership from three to one men,
bill will come in at this session.
Assemblyman E. A. Everett, ad-
ministration leader of the house, has
sent in a measure to cut down the
membership of the state board of con
troll from five to three members, the
members to make their permanent
residence in Madison and to devote all
their time to the work. Mr. Everett
feels that the work of this body is of
so much importance that the mem
bers should give their full time to the
work of the state.
Governor Philip has expressed his
disapproval of measure which would
do away with the state conservation
commission and transfer its activities
to the land commission. The cOnserva-
ton commission was created two
years ago and has outlined a big pro-
gram for the protection and prOpasa-
ton of fish and game. Governor
Philip is especially well pleased with
the progress made by this board,
which means that he will disapprove
of any move to abolish the conserva-
ton commission.
/ Bryan Easily centers Interest
The dry fight is now squarely before
the legislature and it promises to at
tract as much public interest as any
other measure to be discussed at this
, session. William Jennings Bryan
! came to Madison to fire the opening
gun OF the campaign, and the appear
ance of The Commoner was easily
the big event of the session to date.
He spoke to nearly 1000 persons in
the University Stock pavilion. The
crowd was so large that hundreds
stood outside in the cold after the
doors were closed. Inside the big hall
presented a solid mass of humanity.
At the conclusion of his address Bryan
addressed an overflow meeting in the
University Agricultural hall In both
places he was given an enthusiastic
reception, the audience being made up
of as many Republicans as Democrats.
Just before Mr.. Bryan left Madison
he is reported to have confided in
close friends and old associates that
it would be a pretty big Job to swing
I Wisconsin into the dry column, but
the record of the Commoner is that
he never tackled a small job in his
life.
The nearest Bryan came to dis
cussing the presidential situation in
1920 was during his speech in the ag-
ricultural building, when he said
81 have just about made up my mind
to retire. But | want to fight on a
few years longer, want to see three
great questions-world peace. prohi-
bition and equal rage-settled by
the people before retire"
Van Hise Quiz Frazzles.
During the week the legislature took
exception to the rule at the state uni
versity under which Max Eastman.
Socialist, was denied the privilege of
speaking in one of the university
buildings and Bryan was permitted to
speak at the pavilion. Eastman was
turned down on the ground tht he
was preaching propaganda, and some
of the lawmakers wanted to know why
Bryan, the prohibtionist, was not
placed in the same category.
This little furry crystalized in a
Joint resolution introduced by Assem-
blyman Charles F. Hart, of Oshkosh.
calling upon President Van Hise to
explain to the legislature the differ
ence between Eastman. Socialist. and
Bryan, prohibitionist, from The stand
point Of being propagandist. The res
olution had rough sailing in the house,
| but malriged to get through. only 10
be killed in the senate, where the
, members took the position that it
| would be unwise to summon Presi-
dent Van Hise before the legislature
to be cross examined on a question Of
administrative policy.
The Evjue bill providing a state
wide referendum on prohibition has
been introduced in the house and a
similar bill is now before the senate.
Both bills fix November 1913, as the
time when the people shall express
! themselves on the prohibition Ques-
ton. In the event that the people vote
out the saloons, the bills specify that
Wisconsin shall become dry in jan
| uary. 1920.
Following is the penalty clause pro-
posed in the measures now before the
house and the senate:
"Any person who violates any Of
! the provisions of this section shall
! no deemed eruiIfv of a miSdpmpanOr