ANNUAL REPORT—INDUSTRIAL NEEDS. 
31 
able conditions afforded by a generally good soil and an undu¬ 
lating surface, easy of drainage. 
What legislation may do for roads is illustrated by their 
different character in those communities where the cash pro- 
X 
ceeds of a county or local tax are applied for their construc¬ 
tion and improvement by competent and efficient commission¬ 
ers, and in those whose policy and practice it is to let every man 
work out his tax pretty much his own way or shirk his duty 
altogether. 
A uniform system, formed with a view to the needs of the 
people, and the economy of skillful supervision, is capable of 
yielding very important results. 
What has been repeatedly and urgently said in these reports 
concerning thegreat advantage to our industry that would grow 
out of the proposed improvement of the Wisconsin and Fox 
rivers, is no less true now than it was then. No honorable 
means necessary to bring about that result should be omitted. 
In view 7 of the importance of more extensive and cheaper 
facilities for telegraphic communication, we have warmly wel¬ 
comed your Excellency’s recommendations to the present leg¬ 
islature concerning co operative steps towards a national tele¬ 
graphic system in this ,country, similar to those now in such 
sucessful operation in Great Britain and some of the other 
more advanced countries of Europe. 
The facilities now enjoyed are of great value to every branch 
of industry; but they are as nothing compared with what they 
might be made under a uniform system established and main¬ 
tained, not in the interest of a selfish and irresponsible monop¬ 
oly, but in the interest of the whole people. 
A LIBERAL COMMERCIAL POLICV. 
The commercial economy of a state may be to some extent 
guided and very considerably quickened and strengthened by 
the government; and to this end there should exist the utmost 
sympathy and harmony between the commercial class and the 
