Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1917-06-14
MAY PASS ARNORY
BILL OVER VETO
Senator Wilcox Believes Senti-
ment Strong for the
Measure.
GIVES HIS REASONS
Governor Declares Buildings Are Not
Needed in Time of War and Will
Deprive State of Valuable
Workmen.

Nhdu1SOu-lQ spite or Governor
Ph1lfpp's veto Sen 1r Roy P. Wilcox
OF Eau Claire believes that the senti-
ment throughout the state in favor of
the Wilcox armOry bill is sufficient to
pass the measure of the veto in the
senate and possibly in the house. The
armOry bill provides for an eXpendi-
ture of not to exceed $4,000 annually
in the construction of armOries.
The cities must donate a free site
and pay one-half of the cost of
construction, but in no case shall the
cost of construction appropriated by
the state exceed $17,500 to any one
city. Governor Philip claims that the
real necessity for armories in time OF
war is less than in time of peace.
For the state to employ labor In
building armOries," continues the gov
ernor, cor other buildings, when It
is SO badly needed in raising and har-
vesting food products, manufacturing
munitions, and in other lines of pro-
ductton, made imperative by the war;
Is, In my judgment, not only poor pub
lie policy, but also directly contrary
to the policy so far pursued by the
state to stimulate production
The governor points out that build
Ing materials are higher at the pres
ent time than at the time he was in
augurated as governor. In conclusion,
the governor says:
For the reason that this bill would
add to the burden Of the taxpayers a
sum for military purposes not abscr
lutely necessary at a time when he
will be called upon to contribute for
war purposes to the limit of his ability
to pay; that 1t would take men from
the field of active production where
they are so sorely needed at the pres
ent time, and that in addition it would
compel the state to purchase material
for the construction of buildings at
time when the cost thereof is far above
normal prices, | feel that | cannot give
this bill my approval"
Engrossment was given to the Rein
nOlt bill empowering the railroad COM
mission to establish grade and street
crossings looking to future separation
in the city Of Milwaukee. The Whit
ungham bill providing for reclamation
of cutover lands was engrossed. Final
passage was given to the assembly
amendment to the Huber bill empower
ing school districts to hold more than
one special meeting annually.
New Lunch Bill.
The senate has already passed
new bill to take the place Of the meas
ure to give free lunches for school
children vetoed by the governor. The
new measure Is fathered by Senator
Bray. It Obviates the executives OBJ
jections. 1t Is statewide in application
and will come up In the house the lat
ter part Of this week. The new bill
provides that the board of education
of any city, however organized, or the
district board of any school district
may provide lunches for children at
tending the public schools at a price to
cover the cost of the food provided
that INDECENT children or children Of
poor parents may receive such lunches
at such price and under such condi-
tons as the board Of education or the
district board may determine.
The creation of a special legislative
committee to make inquiry during the
legislative interim into the marketing
question is proposed in a joint resolu-
ton.
With legislative committees pro-
posed on taxation, social insurance and
grade reduction questions, this resolu- |
ton, If adopted, will make four spe-
cial legislative committees sitting dur
ing the legislative interim. Senator |
is the author Of the marketing |
committee resolution.
Counties Get Emergency Men.
Four more counties will have emer- |
gency food agents. These are NJ Il. |
Scott for ManitoMoc county, 4. c. |
Continued on page Eight