Indianapolis Journal, Volume 49, Number 18, Indianapolis, Marion County, 18 January 1899 — Page 4

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THE DAILY JOURNAL WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18, 1899. Washington Office— lso3 Pennsylvania Avenue Telephone ( nils. Business Office 238 | Editorial Rooms 86 TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION. . DAILY BY MAIL. Daily only, one month $ .70 Daily only, three months 2.00 Dally only, one year 8.00 Dally. including Sunday, one year 10.00 Sunday only, one year 2.00 WHEN FURNISHED BY AGENTS. Daily, per week, by carrier 13 cts Sunday, single copy 5 cts Daily and Sunday, per week, by carrier 20 cts WEEKLY. Per year SI.OO Ketlneed Hates to Cltihs. Subscribe with any of our numerous agents or ■end subscriptions to the JOURNAL NEWSPAPER COMPANY, Indianapolis, Inti. Persons sending the Journal through the malls In the United States should put on an eight-page paper a ONE-CENT postage stamp: on a twelve of sixteen-page paper a TWO-CENT postage ■tamp. Foreign postage is usually double these rates. AH communications intended for publication in this paper must, in order to receive attention, le accompanied by the name and address of the writer. C—- tzs THE INDIANAPOLIS JOURNAL Can be found at the following places: NEW YORK—Astor House. CHICAGO—PaImer House, P. O. Nows Cos., 217 Dearborn street, Great Northern Hotel and Grand Pacific Hotel. CINCINNATI—J. R. Hawley & Cos., 154 Vine street. LOUISVILLE—C. T. Deering, northwest comer of Third and Jefferson streets, and Louisville Book Cos., 256 Fourth avenue. ST. libUlS Union News Company, Union Depot. WASHINGTON. D. C.—Riggs House, Ebbitt House and Willard's Hotel. Perhaps some member or senator will oppose the bill to do away with mob law on the ground that it reflects on lynchers. The country will approve the President’s decision to order Commissary General Eagan to be court-martialed. The latter’s offense was too grave to be passed over by the chief executive of the Nation and com-mander-in-chief of the army. The result of the proceeding against him should show whether General Miles should be reprimanded or not. The Kansas City Journal complains that General Miles “has sandbagged an important American industry.” This is idle talk. If the charges made by General Miles are true the important American industry deserves to bo sandbagged, and even his opponents will probably admit that he believes them to be true. His purpose was not to assail an industry, but to help locate the blame for the fraud he believed to have been perpetrated on the army and to prevent its recurrence. If, incidentally, an industry got a back-handed blow that was not his affair. The legislature should not adjourn without reforming the mileage abuse. It requires some nerve for a legislative body to cut off or reduce one of its own perquisites, but when Justice and honesty require it should be done. The present law, passed in 1881, allows them "five dollars for every twenty-five miles they may travel from their usual places of residence to the seat of government and back.” This Is 20 cents a mile each way. One-fourth of this amount would cover the expense of travel, and half of it would be excessive. Mileage for members of Congress was abolished many years Under the present law senators and representatives receive their “actual individual traveling expenses from their homes to the seat of government and return, by the most direct route of usual travel, to be certified under his hand.” Army and navy officers traveling under orders are allowed 10 cents a mile. Sheriffs and constables traveling on duty are allowed 10 cents a mile. The mileage of members of the Legislature should be fixed to cover the actual and reasonable expenses of travel and no more.

The testimony on Monday in the senatorial contest must astound many who havo been congratulating themselves in the belief that the present ballot system insures fair and pure elections. Tlie secret ballot system is not secret in some portions of the State, and bribery can be practiced through the assistance of election officers. The testimony in tho case showed that a Democratic clerk helped the bribers to violate the Jaw. Another point which came out in the is the declaration of an election Prlerk that “Republicans never had much show in that precinct.” That is, there is a precinct in the city of Greenfield where Republicans are not treated as voters should be. They are hustled about and intimidated when it is possible. Inside the voting place election officers trip tho voter in the exercise of the right of suffrage. What can be done in this matter? Cannot the committee transmit this testimony to the attorney general or to the prosecuting officer of the Hancock circuit to be presented to the grand jury, or shall this wholesale bribing and the criminal conduct alleged against one of the precinct clerks go unpunished? Colonel Bryan’s speech in Denver was characterized by his usual dishonesty, lack of logic and disregard for facts. The occasion of his speaking was a banquet by the Bimetallic League of Denver. The leaders of what is left of the free-silver movement have evidently determined to try and get rid of the odium attaching to the 16-to-l fad, and have accordingly substituted bimetallism for free silver. The free-silver clubs of two years ago which have not gone out of existence have become bimetallic clubs. In his Denver speech Colonel Bryan did not once mention free silver or 16 to 1, but he came out strong in favor of bimetallism. This is an entire change of base, because bimetallism is as different from free silver at 16 to 1 as the gold standard is from the silver standard. Real bimetallism, by which Is meant a bimetallic currency composed in suitable proportions of gold and silver, is only possible with gold as the standard and silver subsidiary. If Colonel Bryan is in favor of genuine bimetallism he has come over to the Republican party. His contention two years ago was for the free coinage of silver at a ratio which wouid drive gold out of circulation. That is something very different from bimetallism. Is Colonel Bryan getting ready to climb on to the Republican platform? Hon. John Russell Young, who died in Washington yesterday, had a brilliant and notable career. From his youth he was a newspaper man, and, like many others of the class, did more to achieve distinction and win prizes for others than for himself. Yet his abilities and services were not unrecognized, for he served a term as United States minister to China and was librarian of Congress at the time of his death. But his greatest honors were won by his newspaper work. This began shortly before the war and brought him to the notice of John W. Forney, a leading journalist and politician of that period. When Forney introduced Young in Washington life and to national politics, the latter was a mere youth; but he was destined to become the peer If not the superior of his patron. John W.

Forney was a power in his day, but John Russell Young reached greater heights of influence, had a much more varied career and was altogether a much more accomplished man than Colonel Forney. Mr. Young was one of the few men who, starting out almost as a youthful phenomenon, completely fulfilled his early premise and attained even higher distinction than his friends expected. As an all around newspaper worker, correspondent, editorial writer and managing editor ho scarcely had an equal in American journalism, and he showed equal ability in other lines of duty. The fact that he enjoyed to an exceptional degree the friendship and confidence of General Grant is sufficient evidence of his sterling qualities as a man and his amiable character, though it should be added he enjoyed the friendship and confidence of hundreds of other public men in an equal degree. INJUDICIOUS ACTION. The action of the House yesterday was not encouraging to the advocates of reform in county and township government. The Journal had hoped that a Republican Legislature, elected as much on this issue as on any other, would approach and consider it in a spirit of sincere devotion to public interests and with full recognition of their duty to the party and the people. It regrets to have to say that this spirit did not dominate yesterday's action of the House. Some Republicans members seem to have forgntten that the people demand this reform and that the party is pledged to it. Political conventions generally seek to comply with the popular will in their declarations regarding public affairs. The last Republican state convention declared as follows: Believing that there is need of reform in county and township government, and that a vast saving of the public money can be made by better methods, we favor early and thorough revision of the laws upon this subject to the end that the people of Indiana may have the best and most economical management of local affairs. There was strong public feeling on the subject before this resolution was adopted, and there h;is been an almost unanimous indorsement of it by the Republican press of the State since. The Commercial Clubs of Evansville and Indianapolis have indorsed it, as has the State Board of Commerce, comprising twenty-three business organizations, and so far as the people can express themselves on any subject they have declared in favor of the movement. The Democratic state convention adopted a declaration, favoring revision and reform in these matters. Governor Mount has urged it very strongly, the state statistician has furnished proofs of its necessity, and representative citizens in all parts of the State have declared themselves in full sympathy with it. No longer ago than yesterday Governor Mount said in the Journal: I shall consider it very unfortunate if the present Legislature does not enact some wise legislation to remedy the abuses that exist in county and township offices. I regard this as one of the most important matters that can possible come before the Legislature. I do not know how I could make any expression stronger than the expression in my message on the subject, hut I wish that that expression may be emphasized, as I feel very positively and earnestly on the subject. The evils of the present system are, I think, apparent in most counties of the State, and they are crying evils. I wish to emphasize especially the statement in my message that it is in the administration of local offices that the great profligacy in the expenditure of public funds exists. I wish to again call attention to the fact that a levy of 17 cents administers the entire State government and enables rapid payments to be made on the state debt, whiie the average couuty tax rate is $1.47.

This is simply a reiteration of what the Governor has said at other times. In the light of these facts it is surprising that any Republican member of the Legislature should be found willing to lead in an attack on this reform under the pretext of assailing personal motives. There is no worse phase of “peanut politics” or partisan warfare than that which seeks to subordinate public interests to personal prejudices and private animosities. If reform in local government is not needed, as the Republican state convention, the Republican Governor and the Republican press of the State have declared it is, let members of the Legislature attack the measure on its merits. Let them come out and fight in the open, repudiating the state platform and ignoring the wishes of the people, but do notv let them adopt a policy of false pretenses. The speech of Mr. Reser yesterday was unworthy of the time, the subject or the place. It did not touch the merits of the question nor attempt to dc so. His personalities might all be true without affecting the merits of the measure. He took the low view that it had originated among corrupt men for selfish purposes, whereas it is notorious that the framers of the measure have been actuated solely by a desire to serve the public by giving expression to the popular demand for reform. If they have not given this demand the best expression let Mr. Reser and other members improve upon it. If he and those who voted with him yesterday are prepared to rise in their places and repudiate the state platform and press let them do so, but let them cease their attacks from the rear on those who are trying to give effect to these expressions. The people expect this subject to be discussed on its merits, and they expect their will to be complied with unless good reasons are shown why it should not be. Such reasons are not found in the line of action adopted by some of the House yesterday, and if the Legislature continues to follow that line it will inflict a grave, if not fatal, injury on the Republican party in Indiana. MILITARY PARK AND UNIVERSITY SQUARE, A joint resolution has been introduced in the Legislature providing for the sale by the State of the two pieces of ground in this city known as Military Park and University Square. It will be found on examination that neither of these tracts can be sold. As to the first the Constitution, Article 14, Section 9 provides that “The following grounds owned by the State in Indianapolis, namely, the Statehouse square, the Governor’s Circle, and so much of outlot numbered one hundred and forty-seven as lies north of the area of the Central canal, shall not be sold or leased.” The tract described in the last clause is the one known us Military Park. Its improvement by the city as a park has been authorized, and it cannot be sold without an amendment to the Constitution. The other tract, now called University Square, was originally dedicated to a State university. At an early day the State University at Bloomington attempted to establish a claim to It. but the claim was successfully resisted by the city. In 1532 the Legislature authorized the lease of the tract to the trustees of a county seminary for thirty years, with the proviso that they should build on a portion of the tract and that if it should be needed for university purposes before the expiration of the lease, half an acre of ground about the seminary building should be secured to it. In 1833-34 the trustees built on the southwest corner of the tract a seminary building which was for many years the principal school of the

THE INDIANAPOLIS JOURNAL, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18, 1899.

town. It was also used as a church, and Henry Ward Beecher preached there for some time after coming to Indianapolis. The old seminary building was torn down in 1869. Subsequently the Legislature authorized the city to make a park of it. As the tract was originally dedicated for a state university in 1827, and has never been utilized for that purpose it is doubtful if the State has at present any title to it. It may be stated, though not bearing on the other question, that the tract mentioned in the Constitution as the Governor's Circle is the present site of the soldiers’ and sailers’ monument. This v.'as originally intended for the Governor's residence, and in 1827 the Legislature appropriated $4,000 to erect a building there. It was begun but never finished, and finally became dilapidated and was removed. This tract was dedicated by the Legislature to a special purpose, and, as in the case of the others, the title is practically vested in the city. The State might as well talk of selling the monument as selling Military Park or University Square. THE LIBRARY HILLS. Two bills for the establishment of traveling and township libraries have been introduced into the Legislature. Save in two particulars there is no essential difference in the bills. Both provide for a system for circulating books throughout the State under the direction of the state librarian. Both provide for the establishment of permanent township libraries on a different basis from that afforded by the existing law, which requires that books to the value of SI,OOO or over shall be ow’ned by the township before a tax can be levied for the support of such library. They do away with this condition and provide that on application of a certain number of citizens of a township the matter of a tax levy may be decided at an election. The chief differences in the proposed measures are these: One leaves the general control of the state library and the appointment of the librarian in the hands of the State Board of Education; the other provides for a special library commission of three persons to be appointed by the Governor. One leaves the state library as it now is, a noncirculating collection of books having especial reference to the needs of the Legislature, public officers, scientific persons, teachers, etc., and makes the traveling library department entirely separate and distinct; the other bill provides that the special library commission shall make such rules for the government of the library and the use of the books as it may see fit, thus opening the way to an entire change in the functions and character of the institution. One bill asks for an appropriation of $4,000 with which to purchase the books to make up the traveling libraries; the other contains no provision of this sort, but one W'ill be necessary, since, as at present constituted, the state library is made up largely of such reference books as even circulating libraries do not allow to be taken out.

It is difficult to see wffiat is to be gained by taking the library away from the Board of Education. It was given into its hands originally as the best means of securing a nonpartisan control. Whatever changes may take place in the membership of this board it will remain nonpartisan and be composed of gentlemen of progressive ideas and of the highest culture and intelligence. It will be their duty to secure the best librarian possible, and they can be depended on to do this as well as any others who might be selected. The multiplication of boards, with the resulting complication of government, is undesirable and this item, being entirely unessential, may well be stricken out. As for the diverting of the State Library from the purpose for which it was originally intended and transforming it into a nucleus for a state circulating library it will hardly be considered by the committee which has it in hand. And the traveling library scheme itself is one that must be considered with care for what it may involve in the future. It is in operation in several States, and, according to reports, is popular, but it has hardly been in existence long enough to enable observers to judge accurately of its benefits and possibilities. One of these possibilities is a large and increasing annual expense. Another undecided question is the influence it may have for or against the establishment of local libraries. The theory of its supporters is that it excites a taste for reading which leads to the demand for home libraries, but with books to be had merely by sending for them it may at least be doubted whether the theory is proved by practice. Concerning the desirability of a permanent local library in every community there cannot be two opinions. The present thousand-dollar proviso has unquestionably in many instances stood in the way of securing the tax levy and profiting by the law, and the removal of this impediment is to be desired. The township library system, if put properly into operation, has wide possibilities. It is greatly needed in connection with school work, and whatever is done in regard to the other features of the bills thi3 should have attentio’ and support. The hygienic reform which has been begun at Havana is likely to prove the most difficult and expensive work of the kind that has ever been undertaken, yet it is so important and imperative that it should be done, no matter what the expense may be. Its accomplishment will mark in a signal manner the difference between American and Spanish methods and between modern and medieval civilization. Havana and its harbor represent the results of three centuries of Spanish misrule, incompetence and disregard, not only of all hygienic laws, but of many of the decencies of life as they have been understood and practiced for generations past by civilized people. The result has been the creation of a cesspool of filth and a breeding place for disease, which has been notorious in medical circles everywhere and a constant menace to the United States. Yellow fever found there an inviting, permanent home, and was always ready to attack our southern border. What that disease has cost the United States in loss of life, expense of quarantining and interference with trade is almost beyond computation. The late Colonel Waring, who sacrificed his life in a hygienic exploration of the place, estimated that a single epidemic of the fever has cost the United States as much as $100,000,090, and there have been many of them. A permanent cure of the evil will he a consummation entirely worthy of a war undertaken for humanitarian reasons and will add to the prestige of American, government and American methods throughout the world. New York city gets rid of the coal smoke nuisance not by passing a law requiring the use of smoke consumers, but by the more simple process of forbidding the use of soft coal. The first conviction under the new law was lately obtained by the efforts of the board of health. Because it was the first the offender was let off by the court with a fine of $25, but with a promise to in-

crease it if the offense was repeated. Some of the worst violators of the law are the hotels and big buildings on Fifth avenue, and the protests of the neighboring residents are vigorous. The ordinance may seem arbitrary, but with soft coal in general use New York w'ould have an atmosphere quite unendurable. BUBBLES IN THE AIR. In the 7.00. The Monkey—l never saw any one so irritable as the rhinoceros. The Ape—Dreadfully thin-skinned, isn’t he? Wayside Philosophy. Watts—Why don’t you use a little soap once in a while? Hungry Higgins—Soap is all right fer a scrub. Aspirations. From the Plunkville Bugle: “Our literary society and local branch of the C. O. W. has taken up more subjects and discussed them fuller than many a society has done in the large cities. We think it no idle claim to say that Plunkville may fairly be called the Athens of Pawpaw county.” The Way of a Woman. She—Then I got right mad and told him what I thought of him. He—What did you say? She—l don’t remember. “That’s queer. You ought to know what you think of him.” “Oh, I know' what I think of him now, but I do not remember what I thought of him just then.” STATE PRESS OPINION. Speaker Littleton starts out with the right notion. Wo think that the Legislature ought to get down to work. He is opposed to adjourning from Friday until Monday. We congratulate the speaker on his business notions. There is no reason wliy the legislature should not get down to work and stay down until the necessary legislation is enacted.—Richmond Palladium. The determination of Speaker Littleton, of the lower house of the Legislature, to prevent any more adjournments of the House from Friday to Monday and to endeavor to hold two sessions aday Is one which is commendable and which will receive the sanction of ail the citizens. To fool away time now and then be rushed for time at the close of the session is not good business. It results in important bills being jammed through without consideration or left in the pigeon holes of the committee rooms. It also results in bills that should be killed, rushing through unobserved. Sixty days is not a long time, but it is sufficient to eonduct the essential business if the Legislature will get down to business.—Richmond Item. The rapid increase in the number of divorces in Indiana and the facility with which they are obtained in the State are the cause of apprehension at home and unfavorable comment abroad. Jt is in the memory of persons not past middle age when a suit for divorce in Indiana was a rare thing; now they come in swarms, scandalizing society, occupying much of the time of the courts and creating the impression that there has been a distinct decline in the social purity of our people. The difficulty is principally with the administration of our divorce laws rather than w'ith the laws themselves. The need us divorce reform in Indiana must be evident to every intelligent and right-thinking citizen.—Shelby.ville Republican. The list of possible candidates for Governor given by an Indianapolis paper shows that almost anybody may consider himself as a gubernatorial quantity. There are some names mentioned in the list which almost sicken one when he thinks of them. Some of them have been successful in politics, and while it is true that they perhaps have sense enough to go in out of the rain, yet it is known generally, or ought to be known, that they are better qualified to be salesmen or something less than for the governorship of a great State like this. The Chronicle does not care to mention names for the reason that it believes the common sense of the Republican party will promptly turn dow T n a number of the bumptious individuals who have but little to recommend them but excessive assurance.—Marion Chronicle.

We seriously hope the Republicans will find a successful way to curb the trusts. The party has promised the people to do the best it can in this regard and is now working with devotion and zeal to that end. But it has a most difficult task. The trusts of to-day are not in one sense combinations, though they serve all the purposes of combinations; they are great single institutions. It may be an easy matter to declaim against trusts—and properly so, too —but it is another thing to make a law that will curb them as they are now and one that will not at the same time stifle private and wholesome enterprises. Again, let us hope the Republicans will solve the perplexing problem. And if they do let us give them full credit. At any rate, let us not foredamn by saying the task they are undertaking is a simple and easy one.—Anderson Herald. It is said the county officers “will fight any measure that they think is not to their personal interest.” Knowing, then, the aim of this proposed measure, we ask the county officials why they oppose it. Is it against their “personal interest” that the taxpayers have a voice in the government of their county? Is it against the "personal interest” of the township trustee that the taxpayers have a voice in the government of his township? If by their actions these officials confess that honest local governments are against their “personal interests” what must we conclude concerning their “personal interests?” Personal interests indeed! Has it come to that? Must the personal interests of township trustees and county commissioners in Indiana stand between the people and honest and efficient local government? We should think that such an announcement on the part of the county officials and township officials would arouse the people to action. We do not know the position of our own local officials. We hope and we believe that they are not antagonistic to this reform measure. But we do know one thing, and that is the taxpayers are in favor of it, and their interests are to be considered before any one else’s. The representatives of Wayne county in the Legislature cannot do a better thing than to support this reform measure, promised by the Democratic and Republican parties and supported by the present leaders of those parties with the great mass of people at their back.—Richmond Ilem. “PECOS BILL" HOBSON IZF.D. General Sliafter Kissed by the Pretty Girls of a Texas Town, ED PASO, Tex., Jan. 17.—Major General Shatter and staff, en route to California, where the general will resume the command which he held prior to the breaking out of the war with Spain, were met here by 2,000 people and a brass band. General Shatter was escorted to the City Park, where he made a ten-minute talk descriptive of the Santiago campaign and eulogistic of the volunteers, of whom this locality supplied a large number to the Rough Riders. When the geneial had finished his speech a number of pretty girls insisted on taking snap shots at him with a camera, and, greatly to his embarrassment, several of them kissed him in the presence of the audience. General Shafter is well known here. He fought the Indians along the Pecos river fifteen years ago, and then obtained the sobriquet of “Pecos Bill,” by which he is still called. The party remained in El Paso only an hour. THE SCAFFOLD GAVE W/\Y. Woman Killed and Husband Seriously Hurt Wliile Fleeing from Plaines. CLEVELAND, 0., Jan. 17.—While seeking safety from the flames which were destroying their home at No. 77 Hough avenue, Mrs. Fred W. Tisdell was instantly killed and her husband suffered severe injuries and may die. Mr. Tisdell is chief clerk jn the auditing department of the Lake Shore Railroad Company. The couple was sleeping on the second floor, and when aroused it was too late to get out by way of the stairs. They were forced to make their wav to a scaffolding on anew house which was being erected next door. The scaffolding gave way and both were precipitated to the ground. Mrs. Tisdell was instantly killed and her husband was picked up badly bruised and in an unconscious condition. His condition is serious. The fire was caused by a defective furnace flue.

ATTACK ON REFORM TOWKSHIP A\D COIATY BILL'S FIRST BRUSH IX THE HOUSE. ♦ Mr. Re*er, of Tippecanoe, Crows Bitterly Porsounl in Drnosnring the Framers. SPECIAL ORDER FOR FRIDAY * SENATE DISCUSSES THE SPANISH TREATY RESOLUTIOX. % Ilatifieation Indorsed—Highway Commission Bill—New Measure to Stop Lynching. The bill prepared by the county and township reform commission, in so far as it relates to township government, narrowly escaped an early death yesterday morning at the hands of the members of the House. The bill was all but killed when a compromise measure was presented by Mr. Willoughby, making this bill a special order of business for Friday morning at 9 o’clock, when the linal battle will be waged. The hill was presented by the committee on county and township affairs, and with it came two reports. The majority report recommended the passage of the bill and the minority that it be indefinitely postponed. The minority report was signed by Mr. Reser of Tippecanoe and by Mr. Green of Ohio and Switzerland counties. Mr. Reser at once moved the adoption of the minority report, and in support of his motion made a speech which embodied an attack on the gentlemen who framed the bill. He began by saying that the bill is too radical, and that a change is not always a reform. He claimed that the tendency of the bill is to run townships into debt so that someone may loan them money. He said he opposed the bill for tho further reason that it creates new offices. He referred to the pledges in the party platforms, and said that measures had been introduced by members already which provided sufficient changes and reforms to carry out those pledges. He said the party platforms pledged reforms, but did not adopt this particular bill or plan. Mr. Reser then commenced an attack on the members of the commission which became bitterly personal. Mr. Huff at once jumped to his feet and protested against such an attack, and claimed that it was the merits of the bill which should be considered and not tho men who framed it. Speaker Littleton ruled that the discussion was in order, as the history of the hill had been brought up and it could be discussed. Mr. Reser then continued his attacks and took up another member of the commission, making charges against him. Mr. Huff was thoroughly aroused and again protested against “such slanders against leading citizens of Indianapolis and other parts of the State.” Speaker Littleton held that the remarks were in order in the light of information regarding the bill, and Mr. Reser turned his batteries on Mr. Huff. He said that he understood Mr. Huff had said he was going after him [Reser], and he was not surprised at these actions. Mr. Reser then continued his personal attacks and charged that the present indebtedness of the School Board of this city was due to the efforts of one of the men who framed this bill. He said he was willing to support any good measure, but, in a reform measure framed by these men, he was of the opinion that the reform should begin at home, and he expressed himself as unalterably opposed to tho bill.

WHAT THE SPEECH CONTAINED. Mr. Artman, of Boone, was on his feet as soon as Mr. Reser had finished. Said he; “We have learned much from this speecxi. We have learned that Mr. Harris is a corporation lawyer, that Mr. Fortune received some money, that Mr. Reser went to college and that Mr. Mason was at one time president of a street railway company. But that is all. We have not heard a word as to the contents of the bill, and I move to lay the minority report on the table.” Mr. Huff demanded the ayes and noes on the motion, and the roll w r as called. Mr. Murphy, of White, attempted to make a speech on the bill in assumed explanation of his vote, but was ruled out of order by the Speaker. Mr. Ross, chairman of the committee, and who had signed the bill, explained that he did so in order to get it before the House, and that he was opposed to the feature by which offices are created. He therefore voted “no” on this question. The motion Was lost by an announced vote of 40 ayes to 46 noes. The motion to adopt the minority report followed, and Mr. Blankenship spoke in favor of the bill at length. He was constantly interrupted by such questions as "If the members of the commission are to draw up the laws, why are they not members of the House?” “Why were no farmers on this commission?” Mr. Blankenship contended that this bill is desired by both the business men and the farmers, and at length paid his respects to those favoring the present plan. Before Mr. Blankenship had concluded it was found that there had been mistakes in taking the vote, and he concluded his remarks by moving that the vote be verified. Mr. Eichhorn, of Wells, raised the point of order that the vote could not be verified after it had been announced, but Speaker Littleton held that it could be done as an honest method of transacting business. Mr. Willoughby at this point moved that further consideration of the bill be postponed until Friday morning at 9 o’clock, when it should be made a special order of business. This motion was ruled out of order by Speaker Littleton, who held that the vote must be verified before anything further would be considered. The vote was therefore verified, and a number of mistakes were found. The test vote, on which those for and against the present bill made known their preference, was therefore the corrected vote on the motion to table the minority report, and the friends of the bill lost by a vote of 41 aye3 to 49 noes. The detailed vote was as follows : Ayes—Aiken, Artman, Barlow, Beardsley, Blankenship, Bonham, Canada, Caraway, Compton. Clements, Fuller. Furness, Gants, Heuring, Huff. Kerwood, King, Kirkpatrick, Knotts. Louttit, Manifold. Murphy of Marion, Morrison, Mull, Neal, Noel, Osborn, Powers, Patterson, Reifenburg, Roberts, Rocse, Scott of Montgomery, Scott of Lawre'Vice, Shideler. Stevens, Strong, Vogel, Whitcomb of Vigo, Whitcomb of Marion and Williams. Nays—Baker of Whitley. Baker of Martin, Rurrier, Brown. Burkhart, Clark, Catley, Claycomb. Cravens of Washington, Cravens of Monroe, Cotner, Cunningham, Cutty, Dilley. Durham, Downey, Eichhorn, Geisel, Graham, Green. Hall, Hayes of St. Joseph. Hays of Greene, Holcomb, Hedgecock. Herod, Herrold. James. Larr, Law rrenee, Marshall, Messick. Miller, McCarty, Madden. Marsh. May, Murphy of White, Myler, Owen. O’Bannon, Reece. Reser, Ross. Schrader. Schaal, Shirley. Sullivan and Wise. Absent or not voting—Glossbrenner. Krick. Lief, McGary, Roots, Titus and Willoughby. The friends of the bill saw that it was doomed to be killed on its first appearance if further proceedings were permitted, and Mr. Willoughby renewed his motion that it go over until Friday morning. Mr. Huff was full of fighting blood and protested. He said that dishonest men might vote against this measure because they listen only to slander. He said if the Republicans vote against the bill they will be held to strict account and then he flayed those Republicans who had voted against it. He urged action at once, and said that the Republicans would not dare to have the b>!l indefintiely postponed, and he was against a surrender of any kind. He charged that opposition to reform was to be expected from the minority side of the chamber, and his anger was so great that he failed to pay his respects to that side of the House, but confined his attention to the Republicans voting against it. Mr. Eichhorn protested against the charges against the Democrats and said they favor a reform, but they have not had the opportunity to examine this bill. He asked that it be postponed until Friday, In order that the members may become familiar with its provisions. Mr. Huff would hear of nothing but to tight it out on the

spot, and he moved to table the motion to postpone, saying that it would be the plan to postpone it from one time to another and thus kill it. If it was to be killed, he wanted it done at once, and he believed the members would not dare to kill it. Mr. Huff’s motion was lost, and Mr. James asked that it be postponed. He said he was in favor of a reform and he wanted to know’ what the provisions of this bill are. Mr. Artman said he had that confidence in the bill and in the members of the House that he would consent to a postponement so that the members may examine the bill. He urged that Mr. Willoughby’s motion be carried, and this was done. Mr. Huff being the only member to oppose It. The bill will be printed and will be taken up as a special order for Friday morning at 9 o'clock. Charges and counter charges were freely made during the debate, and the Democratic members were in high glee and loudly applauded every thrust made by one Republican at another. PETITION FROM WOMEN. Two unsuccessful attempts were made to shorten debates. Mr. Barlow sent up a resolution to limit speeches on committee reports to five minutes, and Mr. Williams offered a resolution to limit .the speeches to ten minutes, except by unanimous consent, but both were lost. Mr. Scott, of Lawrence, sent in a petition from the Bedford merchants, who desire protection in their business by the passage of a suitable law on garnishment. The petition was referred to the committee on rights and privileges. Mr. Osborn presented a petition from the Woman's Council, of this city, asking that the Legislature indorse the Czar’s peace and disarmament proposition. The petition went to the committee on federal relations. A number of bills were introduced. Mr. Huff presented one for the appointment of the Indiana Highway Commission, which is based on a similar law in Massachusetts. It provides that the Governor shall appoint three men for terms of three years each and at salaries of $2,000 each ana expenses. This commission is to have an office in the Statehouse and it shall collect statistics on the subjects of roads and bridges, shall compile maps in particular giving attention to roads, and shall give information on the geological formations of the State as they relate to road-building material. The commission shall have charge of all state highways and make annual reports to the Governor and to the legislature. Mr. Huff also presented a bill which provides that county commissioners shall, in June of each year, appoint a superintendent of the county poor asylum, who shall serve for four years. The bill provides that such superitnendent shall be a practical farmer, that ail inmates shall be compelled to work, unless excused on certificate of a physician, and that all supplies needed must be advertised for. Mr. Williams introduced the hill approved by the State Federation of Clubs on the subject of traveling libraries. The bill provides for the appointment by the Governor of a state library commission of three members. The state librarian shall be exofficio a member of the commission and shall act as secretary. The sum of $4,000 is appropriated for the purchase of books, which shall be used in the traveling libraries only and shall not be placed in the State library. Any five or more people, or any club or association may apply for a traveling library, or may use such books. On a petition signed by any five voters of a township, and tiled fifteen days before an election, tho question of taxation for library purposes shall be voted on, and if a majority of voters approve, a tax of one-fifth of a mill shall be levied on each 104) cents for library purposes only. A township board shall be chosen, to consist of the trustee and two persons, one of whom shall be a woman, and this board must be responsible for all books sent them. The sum of $1,003 is appropriated for clerical assistance. Mr. Geisel sent up a bill providing for the appointment of county superintendents in counties of less than 20.000 inhabitants by the trustees. In case of a tie the county auditor is to cast the deciding vote. The term provided is two years and the superintendent shall give bond in the sum of SI,OOO. The county commissioners have the pow’er of removal for cause, but a ten days' notice shall be required. The salary provided is $750. SOME OTHER MEASURES.

Mr. Fuller desires to amend the telephone incorporation law by making it necessary that the majority of directors shall be residents of this State. Mr. Hayes, of St. Joseph, offered an amendment to the metropolitan police law by which in cities of from 10,000 to 25,000 inhabitants the appointing power shall be vested in the mayor. Mr. Shirley sent in a bill to prevent any form of manual labor on Sunday, and Mr. Downey gave some attention to stockyard charges in a bill which provides that a charge of not to exceed 9 cents shall be made for horses and cattle, and of 3 cents a head for hogs and sheep. Forty cents may be charged for weighing by the carload and not above 20 cents over the market price for feeding. Mr. Kirkpatrick sent in a bill which amends the present law relating to the transfer of property. As the law now is, if a wife joins the husband in a conveyance of land for the purpose of defrauding creditors, she still retains her third. The amendment takes this third from her in such a case. Mr. Morrison sent in a bill to require that employes shall be paid weekly, unless a special arrangement otherwise shall have been made between employer and employe, which must be approved by the factory inspector. Mr. Rifenburg would amend tho Superior Court la%v so that the Superior Court in Hammond shall have probate jurisdiction. The first bill to be passed in regular order was one by Mr. Artman, which provides that suits may be brought against domestic corporations in any county where an office or agency is maintained or a representative lives w’ho can be served. But three negative votes were cast against it. Mr. Artman’s bill to pay an acting judge $5 a day for serving for a regular judge, who holds court in another county or district, his expenses only, was also passed. Mr. Brown’s bill to Drotect purchasers of patent rights was unanimously passed and the roll call was completed just at noon, when the senatorial nomination was taken up. The minority members of the committee on state prison lost their battle on th° bill by Mr. Shideler, providing for the employment of convict labor. Mr. Herrold alone signed the minority report against the bill and explained the position and attitude of the truck farmers near the prison toward the proposition to put the surplus from the farm on the open market. Mr. Shideler stated that this bill is the joint product of the manufacturers, prison managers and labor organizations. On motion of Mr. Baker, of Whitley, the minority report was tabled. Tho minority report of the committee on county and township business on the hill by Mr. Baker to elect supervisors for one year was signed by Messrs. Ross, Blankenship and Artman, but it was laid on the table without discussion. The House will meet this morning at 9 o’clock. The following committees reported: —Judiciary.— No. 4. By Mr. Shirley: To amend the mechanic’s lien law; passage recommended. No. 111. By Mr. Reser: Prescribing the manner in which the evidence in a civil or criminal cause may become a part of record on appeal; indefinitely postponed. No. 128. By Mr. Ross: Concerning the taxation of real estate incumbered by mortgage; recommitted to county and township business. —Education.— No. 14. By Mr. Cravens: To amend the law relating to the election of county superintendents; indefinitely postponed. —State Prison.— No. 26. By Mr. Shideler: Concerning the employment of convict labor; majority report that the bill be passed; minority that it be indefinitely postponed. Majority report accepted. —County and Township Business.— No. 103. By Mr. Baker: To p=‘->vide for the election of supervisors for une year; majority recommendation that the bill do pass accepted. No. 10. By Mr. Titus: Relating to a division of congressional school funds where the township is located in two or more counties; passage recommended. No. 146. By Mr. Aiken: Instructing the county treasurer to pay over to trustees unexpended balances in special funds; passjuge recommended. No. 114. By Mr. King: Authorizing County Commissioners to provide offices for sheriff and surveyors; passage recommended. No. 40. By Mr. Herod: Concerning the election of township trustees; indefinitely postponed. No. 07. By Mr. May: To fix the rate of interest on school fund loans at 5 instead of 0 per cent.; passage "ecommended. Joint Resolution No. 1: Providing that all terms of- county officers shall be for four years; adoption recommended. No. IS2. By Mr. Hays: To amend the fish law; recommitted to the committee on agriculture. No. 152. By Mr. Reser: To fix the salaries of coroners: ‘indefinitely postponed. No. 70. By Mr. Reece: To fix salaries of assessors and trustees; indefinitely postponed. No. 153. By Mr. Vogel: To provide for tho appointment of road supervisors; indefinitely postponed. No. 27. By Mr. Burner: To authorize aid to railroads; passage recommended. No. 79. By Mr. Madden: To provide township auditing boards; indefinitely postponed. No. 136. By Mr. Huff: To provide a system of township government; set as special erder for Friday at 9 a. m. —Agriculture.— No. 99. By Mr. Barker: To provide for

the study of agriculture in the common schools; passage recommended. No. 3. By Mr. Louttlt: To prevent the spread of San Jose scale; Indefinitely postponed. No. 136. By Mr. Marsh: Providing a penalty for certain misdemeanors: indefinitely postponed. —Cities and Towns No. 74. By Mr. Patterson: To prevent the construction of a railroad on cemetery property; passage recommended. No. 98. By Mr. Kirkpatrick: To provide for the filling of vacancies in offices; passage recommended. No. 69. By Air. Sc ha a1: To amend act concerning the powers of cities; indefinitely postponed. No. 178. By Mr. Scott of Montgomery: To legalize the incorporation of New Richmond; passage recommended. —Roads. — No. 18. By Mr. Feist: Providing for the injuring or obstruction of highways; indefinitely postponed. No. 25. By Mr. McGary: To provide highway improvements; indefinitely postponed. No. 42. By Mr. Claycomb: To construct gravel roads in certain cases; indefinitely postponed. No. 62. By Mr. James: Concerning highways and their improvements; indefinitely postponed. —Bills Passed.— No. 7. By Air. Artman: Concerning the jurisdiction of courts in certain cases; 85 ayes, 3 noes. No. 8. By Air. Artman: Concerning compensation of special judgeg; 85 ayes, 3 nays. No. 21. By Mr. Brown: To protect purchasers of patent rights; 89 ayes. —Second Reading.— No. 115. By Mr. Roose: Requiring commissioners to have specifications on tile. • —Bills Referred.— No. 229. By Air. Shirley: To prevent labor on Sundays; labor. No. 230. By Air. Downey: To regulate stock yard charges; rights and privileges. No. 231. By Air. Cutty: To prevent the sale or use of impure miners’ oil; mines and mining. No. 232. By Air. Hedgeeoek: To amend the act relating to decedents’ estates; judiciary. No. 233. By Air. Shideler: To pay expenses of S4(O on the Spanish w’ar relics; ways and means. No. 234. By Air. Kirkpatrick: To amend the act concerning husband and wife; judiciary. No. 235. By Air. Miller: Placing trustees in charge of roads: roads. No. 216. By Air. Rifenburg: To amend the Superior Court law; organization of courts. No. 237. By Air. ’Morrison: To require weekly payment of employes; labor. No. 238. By Air. Wise; To amend the fish laws; rights and privileges. No. 239. By Air. Geisel: To amend the law relating to the election, of county superintendents; education. No. 240. By Air. Fuller: To amend the telephone incorporation act: judiciary. No. 241. By Mr. Hayes of St. Joseph: To amend the metropolitan police law; cities and towns. No. 242. By Air. Huff: To regulate the management of county asylums for the poor; county and township business. No. 243. By Mr. Huff: To appoint a highway commission; roads. No. 244. By Mr. Williams: Concerning libraries; joint committee on state library.

EYPAASIOX POLICY. Senator Goehenour'a Resolution Provokes Long Discussion. “Where the American flag has flown to the breeze, there shall it stay and where one drop of American blood has been shod, that place belongs to us to keep for all time.” These wore the startling sentiments uttered by Senator Nusbuum, Democrat, yesterday afternoon when he voted alone among his party for the “expansion” resolution offered by the Republican side of the Senate and caused one of the Democrats present to say “And now they’re trying to bust up the remnant of our party.” The discussion of Senator Gochenour’a joint resolution instructing Senators Turpie and Fairbanks to vote and use their influence for the ratification of the treaty of peace with Spain, was made a special order of business for yesterday afternoon and it was after 4 o’clock when the question was settled by the adoption of the resolution in spite of the Democratic claim that it embodied more than what it said, in that it was intended to ask the senators to work for the expansion policy. > A Democratic resolution amending the Republican resolution was offered requiring the senators to work for the withdrawal of the federal army from the Philippines as soon as a stable government shall have been established under native control. It never came to a vote for adoption, however, as Senator Ball moved that it be laid on the table and the motion was carried. THE RESOLUTION EXPLAINED. As soon as the first resolution was read yesterday afternoon Senator Goehenour arose and said that as he was the author of it he wished to explain it briefly, and did so in the following language: "Mr. President, as the author of this resolution, it becomes my duty to give my reasons for so doing. It is not necessary for me to say that we have lately been engaged in a war with a foreign power, and as a result of that war we have at the present time largo tracts of territory thrown upon our hands to take possession of or dispose of as may seem best for the people of the United States and the people of the lands so taken. The cry has gone forth that it is a dangerous experiment for us as a nation to annex new or foreign territory to Uncle Sam’s dominions. But. sir, did we not purchase and annex Louisiana? Did we not purshase and annex Texas? Did we not conquer Mexico and demand and receive an indemnity in real estate and annex the same to the United States? During all of these acquisitions no one objected to the purchase and occupancy of said lands by the United States, and can any one say that they have not been valuable acquisitions? Have we ever regretted the annexation of these States and Territories? Again, in 1867. when we made the purchase of Alaska, was there any considerable portion of our people that found fault and objected to this purchase; and will any one presume to say that the purchuse was not a valuable one? Would any one of sound mind be willing to retransfer the same at the present time for the amount paid? To-day we are standing in our own light. We have within our grasp a large number of fertile islands that would be revenue-producers if annexed to our glorious Republic. We went into this war by a unanimous vote of Congress for humanity’s sake alone—to protect the downtrodden and oppressed—and by the arbitrament of the sword these downtrodden people are in our care. Shall we return them to the oppression of Spain again? Shall we leave them to mark out their own form of government in their ignorant and downtrodden condition? Or shall we take them in as a younger brother and educate and civilize them and make them good American citizens—an honor to tne country an honor to themselves, and a peaceful, quiet and honorable community? But someone says: ‘Why, they are too far off; it will take too much, it will be too expensive to govern and control them.’ Why, my dear sir, it will be no trouble whatever We have to have our men-of-war, or part at least of our navy, in other waters besides the coast of the United States. Let some of them cast anchor in the harbors of the Philippines; it will have an influence on the natives who are inclined to be troublesome and at the same time give our navy employment. The argument that it will not do for us to take and occupy the Philippines because they are so far off, 1 think is far fetched. Under the same argument you might say that I must not go over into the next county to buy a farm, even if I can get a better bargain and better land than I can get at home. These islands have come Into our possession as a result of the war, and now I think it would be cowardly to leave them to their fate. Let us lift them up, let us make them a part of the United States, let us civilize thtwe people and make them good citizens of the best government in the world. It has been said that the sun never sets on the Queen’s dominions, and now let it he said that the sun never sets on the United States. Then will we have fulfilled our moral and legal obligations to the people of these islands, making them better and ourselves richer as a result of the war.” Senator Inrnan, for the Democratic side, said in objecting to the resolution, that he knew that anew class of enthusiasts had been born out of the late war, who feel that the United States has reached a stage where it is absolutely necessary to maintain an army for the purpose of conquest. This, he said, was directly in conflict with the ancient policy of the country, which from the time j of Yorktown to Santiago had been considered to be one of strict attention to home interests. In discussing the disposition to be made of the natives of the Philippines and Porto Rico, he said: "Shall they be allowed the full privileges of citizenship, or shall they bo taxed without representation by a nation whose birth was tho result of exactly that sort of treatment at the hands of England. A WAR FOR HUMANITY. “There has never been a time since the revolution when we could not have whipped any countfy in the world, but Uongrtss. in my opinion, reflected the spirit of the people when last spring before the war began, it disallowed any intention of exercising sovereignty over any land beyond UsjJ