The Indianapolis times., 1924-09-02

been democratized by a civil service
law opening it to men and women
on an equal footing independent of
everything excepting qualification
and fitness for office.
I think the passing of this law
was the only case of the kind where
the employees then holding office We're
not blanketed into the service, but
were required to take the regular
competitive examinations in order to
retain theri jobs.
I give here, also, some further
facts to show that Wisconsin, in
stead of being retarded by progress
sive legislation, advanced more rapid
ly than the country taken as
whole.
During the years 1903 to 1911 the
capital surplus and undivided profits
Of all State and national banks in
Wisconsin increased - per cent,
whereas for the United States they
increased only 48 per cent.
Individual deposits for the same
years in Wisconsin banks increased
.S2 per cent. while in the United
States as a whole they increased only
"a per cent.
Judged by commercial failures
Wisconsin prospered better in pro-
portion than the country. The total
liabilities in commercial failures for
the entire United States in the four
wears 1906 TO 1909 increased 33 per
cent over the total amount for the
preceding four years. 1902 to 1908
But the liabilities in Wisconsin for
the same year fell off 5.3 per cent.
In other words. comparing the
four years that followed the pro
gressive victory Of 1905 with the
four years that preceded it. the
business failures in Wisconsin fell
off one-twentieth. but for the whole
United States they increased one
third.
These are a few Of the conclu-
sive proofs that progressive legisla-
ton in Wisconsin was not destruc-
tive. as its enemies predicted In
stead OF driving capital out Of the
state. It attracted capital more
than other States. II made invest
ments safe for all. instead Of spec
ulative for a few. 1t has been con
servative and constructive as we'll
as progressive.
No account Of the long and sue
cessful struggle in Wisconsin would
be fair and complete that did not
record the splendid services of the
men who led the fight for progress
i've principles. I regret that I can
not here give to each the indivld-
ual recognition that Is merited. That
must wait for a more detailed his
tory OF the Wisconsin movement.
This closes the account of my
services in Wisconsin, time full of
struggle. and yet time that I like
10 look back upon 1t was a fight
supremely worth making, and
want it TO be judged, as it will be
ultimately. by results actually at
tanned.
If it can he shown that Wiscon-
son is happier and better State to
live in, that it's institutions are more
democratic, that the opportunities
OF all its people are more equal, that
social justice more nearly prevails,
that human life is safer and sweet
er-then I shall rest content in the
feeling that the Progressive move
ment has been successful.
And 1 believe all these things can
really be shown, and that there is
no reason now why the movement
should not expand until it covers
the entire nation.
While much has been accom-
plished, there is still a world of
problems yet to be solved; we have
Just begun there is hard fighting,
and chance for the highest patriot
ism. still ahead of us.
The fundamental problem as TO
which shall rule, men or property,
is still unsettled; it will require the
highest qualities of heroism, the