Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1923-02-22
LOOKING IN
ON THE
LEGISLATURE

ent session OF the Legislature, approx
mately one hundred and fifty more
than at the session two years ago.
This is the estimate made by the
legislative reference library, which
prepares and numbers all bills. The
time for introducing bills through
regular channels closed at midnight,
Feb. IA.
Several hundred bills were intro
duced by title during the closing
hours by lawmakers who rushed to
"get under the wire. The contents
of these measures will not be known
for several days. Bills to be intro
duced now must come into the senate
or assembly with the unanimous con-
sent of committee.
Taxation, highways, education and
prohibition are the four principal prob
lens, the solution of which will be
undertaken by the legislators. The
varying opinions held on each Of these
subjects by divergent groups, within
the legislature, indicate that hard
fought battles are ahead, with but
slight hope for a short session.
A new tax bill came into the legis-
ture at the last minute, introduced by
Assemblyman Robert Caldwell, Lodi.
He proposes no increase in present
income tax rates, but repeals the per-
sonal property Offset, raises exemp-
tons on children, and repeats the spe-
cial state mill taxes.
This, together with an almost IN
precedented number of tax proposals,
from surtax on tax values to gaso-
line tax, means that long drawn-out
aoor battles are in prospect, with the
outcome in doubt The variety of i'm
portant problems before the legisla-
ture, scarcely ever before equaled IN
number or Importance, means long
consideration and a long session.
For public Grain Warehouses.
A bill that would permit grain ele-
vators or warehouses anywhere in the
state. except in cities of the first class,
to become public warehouses upon re-
quest to the grain and warehouse COM
mission was introduced in the legis-
lature by Assemblyman L. H. Allen,
Superior. At present the only public
grain warehouses are at Superior.
The bill also would increase the
salaries of the three members of the
commission from $2,4O0 yearly to So
500 and increase the limit of the com
missions general fund from $4,000 to
$4,000. Further amendments would
repeal the fixing of fees by the COM
mission for weighing and inspecting
grain and accept as the commissions
grades, weights and measures any
that may be established by the sec
rotary of agriculture of the United
States.
Surtax on Land Value.
A surtax on land valued at more
than $4,000, estimated to raise ST.
100000 and to introduce new method
of taxation in Wisconsin, was intro
duced by Assemblyman Carl Grimstad,
Dane county. The measure is spon-
sored by the state department of mar
kets.
A / per cent tax OF all holdings Of
more than $4,000 is provided. Soil
fertility and all improvements are ex-
empt Edward Nordman, commissions
er of markets. says, ut is the most
important suggestion so far toward
the solution of the marketing problem.
1t constitutes an entering wedge to
a policy that looks toward funda-
mental solution of the markets ques
ton"
Approve Bill to Kill Guard.
By vote of 8 to 2, the state affairs
committee of the assembly recon-
mended for passage the Polakowski
bill calling for the abolition of the
Wisconsin National guard.
The committee voted on the issue
after a two hour hearing, during which
War Mothers, former service men and
plain citizens were heard. Peculiar
ly only one person, a Madison woman
appeared to defend the militia.
The Polakowski bill has a good
chance of passing the lower house,
but it is almost certain to be killed
in the senate. If it should chance to
pass, Gov Blaine, it is believed, would
veto it.
The measure is the most sweeping
ever introduced in any state legisla-
ture. At one stroke it would wipe out
all militarism in this state. The Wis
consin National guard comprises nor
maIIy about 10000 men. Approximate
ly $606,O00 annually for the next two
years is being requested of the legis-
lature for its support.
BY a 6 to 1 vote the labor commit
tee of the assembly reported for pas
sage the Tucker bill establishing a
basic eight-hour day in Wisconsin in
dustry. Passage Of this measure would
make it a misdemean for any en-
ployer to work his men more than
eight hours in any one day unless
extra pay were given for overtime.
Gov Blaine has signed bill giving
cities of the third class the authority
TO bank up rivers flowing through
them, in order to turn them into their
regular channel and to protect the
health of their citizens. The measure
refers particularly to La Crosse.
Indefinite postponement was recon-
mnnded for the Titus bill calling for