Page [3]

                                              'V "
   \C17 ~FOREWORD
N presenting for your consideration the Blue Book
   for 1923 I trust that it will serve a very useful pur-
pose in placing before the citizens of the state concrete
and practical information about the state government,
I have felt that the story of government
should be as interesting and as plainly
told as possible. A democracy is based
on an intelligent understanding of the
practical affairs of government by the
masses of the people. The objects of
the Blue Book are to give-this intel-
ligence and this understanding.
   This edition of the Blue Book has
JH .,X I '-,,--,rp -,r A cli14A4rL  LIf , i Ap 1-,L, 1  'Lf
  JOHN J. BLAI-NE  .L 1K.,U,.tLt [ ,H UIItUK.t , l  L11K-. ~ t,  U111 I.U
liUL1 1 -U
     Governor   Fred L. Holmes, a writer of ability and
one exceptionally familiar with the history of our state.
He has called to his assistance in the compilation of this
volume experts in various lines of state affairs., and you
will find that this edition is an improvement over any
former edition in several ways.   The arrangement of
topics, contents, clarity of statement, and general ap-
pearance are especially excellent.
   The Blue Book is prepared under the direction of the
State Printing Board, and copies are distributed free of
charge within the limitations and under the provisions
of the statutes. A sufficient number have been printed
so that those failing to receive free copies within the
limitations fixed by the statutes may purchase copies
through the Superintendent of Public Property, State
Capitol, Madison, Wisconsin.
                                JOHN J. BLAINE,
                                         Governor.