Page:The Wisconsin idea (IA cu31924032449252).pdf/256

 disposed of by this device combined with a proper home rule bill. To-day, in the advanced state of Wisconsin there is a fish commission which scientifically selects plans for the propagation of fish. Every session the legislature has to consider about one hundred and fifty or more fish bills relating to every creek and pond in the state. It does seem that if the commission is permitted to put fish into a lake, it could be trusted to determine rules as to the desirability of taking them out.

The third recommendation was that no bill be drafted in the legislative reference department unless the prospectus submitted be signed by ten or fifteen members. This protection has not yet been granted. If the department had this or some similar defence, it could devote the time of its lawyers to the more important bills. However, most of the bills before the legislature are drafted by attorneys throughout the state and sent to the members in all kinds of forms. The members then submit the bills for revision, so that they may follow the legislative rules. In this way over 90 per cent of the bills before the Wisconsin legislature in some way come in touch with this department.

The relation of this work to a deeper study of statute law and the principles underlying it will be the next consideration.