Indiana State Sentinel, Indianapolis, Marion County, 11 January 1893 — Page 6

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THE INDIANA STATE SENTINEL; WEDNESD AY MORNING JANUATtf iL I893-TELTE TAGIDS.

REFORM IS NEEDED

In the Organic Law of tha State of Indiana, Is the Opinion of the Hon. John T. Beasley. 'Tie Gives Good Reasons for His Belief. MANY OTHER OPINIONS. A Number Believe Amendments Will Suffice, iAnd That General Reconstruction Is Unnecessary, hile Other Fear the Result of a Convention. Distinguished Citizens of the State IM:us the Question of Constitutional Convention in All If Hearing A Genera! Fe Sine that the Powers of the. Courts Mould lio More Clearly Defined The Present Constitution Considered Out l Date Jir. Ileevo Raises Elib.vrate Objections to Holdint a. Convention Helorms 'u;;Cested by Various People. Some tea diys a so T::e .Sentinel eent letters to a lare curnberof prominent citiztus of the state, irrespective of party, eking thir views on the advisability of holding a constitutional convention. TLo following rot!ie have beeu received: To run Editor Sir: I n:n oi the opinion thai our organic law is in nt-ed of reconstruction and reformation. While it may have been entirely suitable and ad qnate to the conditions and environments of our comiLou wealih in lsj it is confessedly inadequate and oat of jo nt with our new and progressiva civilization and conditions. Much of it has become entirely obso!etj an i useless, a'd all such portions should to elimitimated. The provisions for its amendment, while necessary for etabi.ity in covrmmeBt, reo. u re tuch a cumb-rsuma and tedious course oi procedure, and tiie provision that, "while an amendment or amendments which shad have l en agreed upon Lv one ceneral assembly shad La awaiting the actica of a eure edinjj p neral usr erably or ot tha electors, no a lcht.&nal amendment or amendments ahall be proposed,'' renders it tiece.-sary, in my opinion, that a constitutional convention ahali be held as soon as the äiiao can be provided for by la. As to the changes and reforms which should be ensrr ftrd on ihe new constitution, I would mirg-et: That the hu.itaticn upon tho length of the sessions of ths general a?-embly should be changed from sixty-one to one hundred oayi. livery person who bus observed the v orkins of our legislature in recent years and taken notice of the amount of necessarily hastv and ii 1 considered leaialation that h:;s b'."n t laced upon our st.Uute book 4 nure-s thitt it would b a matter of absolute economy, and w u!d injure verv tr. ich be'.t'r an i safer leg.s!tin. to l.ave the e-sions of o'ir k'eeral ar.- ir.bly exten led iro:n tivty cne to one hu idr.-d day-". I would have their it.iticns an J powers cf tbe three co-ordin.i'.o brauchen or departments of LO .eminent more definitely tipu'atei an 1 defined. Tho unseemly and indefensible cijrhmz and wrangling of certain department!? ot our state government of recent years in masters quadpolitical have caused every loyal and thinking cdizen of our state to long for a coietitution.il provision which shad pay in terni9 to those intrusted with judicial, legislative and executive power, "Thus far ehalt thoa go and no farther." , I would, in this connection, mnke pro-vi.-ioT for aa increase in the number of judges constipating our sur-reme court, to the end that we tdiali only . ive one appellate court of last resort in our state. While the exigencies of the occ.n-ion rendered it imperative that the new appellate court should Le created, yet I an. now, us I always have been, of opinion that in the intereat of econornv, uniformity of judicial construction and interpretation an l stability 'n tli laws ot rights and liabilities, we should have but ona court in this state exrc:sing appellate jurisdiction of last resort, and that efiou d be our eunremq court, bo en'ar'od that, in our court of tuprema appcilate j'irisd.ction, "justice ball be adminiftiere l freely, an'l without purchase; completely, and without denial ; epeedily. and without de'ay." Tb fact that an etfori l.r.s been made fcr two euccessive eeadens of tl-.e general ajgembly to have an expression of the electors of the 8. te upon the proposition to have a ut.iformitr in the tenure of office of the various state and county o'lices in the administrative department of atate eoverncient, and to limit the tenure of oilice to cn-i t rn of four years and rendering the incumbent ir.ehibl for re-fh-ction, argues arrotiser than 1 c mid atate it that a reform is demanded in that ie&ture of our organic law. I would have created a board of pardona and parole, to consist of the tfovernor.the chief ollictr of the ttate board of charities, m i th wardens ot the two prisons. This board to to pi ten power, under proper restrionons to be pruyi d-d by law, to prant paroiss of priaonera tlurinjj ?ool behavior, nn it'jcrant absolute pardons in proper rase, and thue carry out th spirit of our hi 1 of rights, that "th-j penal cd eltall be (oun ltd on tha principles of r(forraa lion, and not of vindictive justice." . In my opinion provisiou sho'ili be xa de for the taxation of the proas or net earnings and franrLissH of corporations or their Unzibie property, or both, at tha option of the legislature. Vhiie, in my pinion, under our present tax law.s, aa now administered, we are making the corporations hear their bare of the burdens ol taxation 1 ettrr than the r.tatea that have adop'ei the method of taxin? earni;iL' and franchljes solely, with the well known facf itiea of corporations for iliseovlt.S methods of escaping taxation, I think we would do wisely to adopt the plan of the old ro;ored man. and prepare to "catch them a-comm or a-Koin'." Provision should, in mr opinion, he made for registration of voters in line with the spirit tor reform and purity in the exerciio of the electoral franchise, winch ha recently takeo shape in our admirable election laws. Briefly and hastily these are some of the reform", with the reasons for their adoption, which, in my opinion, should ha

enerafted on our new constitution, should one be adopted. Whatever steps may be taken look nar to this end. however.should be taken only after lull, free and thorough discussion and consideration, and The Sentinel cannot be too warmly commended for itd patriotic effort to bring these desirable res a la about. Sullivan, Dec. 2G. Jons T. Beasley. C. H. REEV2.

No Conrrntion but a Good Maay Amendi mcnti. To tttr Editor Sir: In replying to your circular letter I shall not be brief, as requested; but you can run over aa much or i3 little of it aa you may feel disposed. Mr impressions havo Dot been favorable to a constitutional convention, for the reason that I believe in as little .chanees as poshibie in established laws, especially fundamental ones. It has taken a quarter of a century to settle a new constitution and the statutes isadi in putsuance of it, so the courts, the legislature and the people can know what to rely on as being settled law. AVith change of social and commercial conditions in the progress of civilization, modifications of constitutional and statutory enactments become necessar3' from time to time, bat there should be as little chance as i possible only enough to make the law accomplish justice, where change is re-juired by changed conditions. Our ronsv.tution is the frame work for a governmental organism, and the structure is completed by the law-making department. It provides for legislative, executive, judicial anJ almin;etrative departments, conferring such preroe liv s, powers and limitations as are deemed best in the establihment and maintenance of Stable government. It is preceded by a declaration of rights, including privileges, powers and limitations as to the peop e. It provides for amendments in an economical manner end one calculated to insure atrainst hasty action by tho people or their representatives one that compels deliberate consideration. In the course of events amendments have been made that were deemed essential w ithout disturbing tho general provirdone, and a few changes can be made in liku manner, as may he onnd necessary. Whether a sufficient number can may be a matter for doubt. A convention would tear in pieces tha one we have nnd make another at enormous expense to tha state. We have no assurance that the new one would be any improvement on the present one as a who!", and we may well f. ar the? spirit cf innovation that constantly acta from impnlse mistaking it for judgment and being sadly in error too often for the publie welfare. On the other hand, it is true, that a good many provisions can made tor the betterment of the fundamental law, snd it is doubtful if, durim our short legislative terms, they would get judicious cr.nideratiou and proper formulation, hut if a joint corn nii tee could be asitued to the duty, relieved" of other work, it is possible it mi-'ht present a better work thnn a convention of 150 members won d. My imprepaio:is bava beeu favorab e to such action. As t amendments I would favor profit' ion; ?: 1. Limiting the pardoning power of the governor and constituting a board of pardons con isting of the 6tate board of charities and correction, the prison board and the jjovernor. 2. Kxtending the time of legislative session bo'h general and special. ;. Limiting the granting of co-porata franchises; prohibiting organization of subordinate and auxiliary corporations uno'er an corporate organization; limiting the powers and term, and tlie business to the o'jec:s specified in the charter, and making stockholders liabie for tho corporate obiigitions. 4. Requiring municipalities to reserve a portion of the income nrUingfrom the exerciso of franchises granted; prohibiting t'nern from giving vested richts in the struts or other municipal property to the exclu-i'.n of mvnic pal control as the interests of the municip dty mar require; and pndiibitiu the granting of auv mono po v.- .". l'rohib'tinrr tho appronrint'on of nionny by the legislature for any purpose other than the tieces-s-iry Udes ol the a:ute in conducting government. V I'rthibiting hgi-lstive appropriations bevoud theam'iuntoi revenue or resources provided for. 7. Kxtending tha termi of eome official positions. 5. Definitely fixing the jurisdiction of the courts in relation to elections and election returns, and especially as to members of the legislature, where each houo is the judge of the qualilicauons and election of the u. embers. !). Requiring laws to so provide that irrrirularitiei or misconduct of election cflicers shall not oi crate to disfranchise the voters of the precinct or locality alffcted. l'eTHonnUy I would favor provisions: ti. Making the elective iram-hise dependent npon actual and proper use of iL Neglect to use it without lawful excusa or ubae of it by ollering or accepting a bribe to forfeit the right to it. h. Limiting the e ectivo franchise to actual citizens. c. Subjecting all property, except pub'ic property, to taxation, no matter by whom owned or for what purpose used. d. Prohibit njf local legis. aticn absolutely, by any kind of sabterluao or providon. r. Makine certificate of a court, after examination of applicant, necessarr to ad-mis-iou to the bar to practice law as aa attorney. . Making any competent peron in the state eligibi to a judicial olhce in any circuit or district, without regard to hii p ace of residence in the atate. (j. I'rohibiting enabling or curative Ftatutes except in cases where the act done would bare been legal if ri.ditly done, and is voidable only fur irregularity. And especially, acts to make that legal which had no lfgil existence at tho time, and acts for the rlief of defaulters or their sureties. h. Making thye right to personal liberty dependent on aba'ention from crime and disturbance of public order; and onro forfeited, to he restored only by judicial order on proof that the otlen ier is reformed and tit to be trusted on parole, made by the board of pardons. . Ite'j'iirinz prosecuting attorneys to be sworn s to prosecutions as the grand juror ar ai to presentments; to prosecute none through hatred, envy, ma ice or ill-will, nor leave any unpro-ecntsd through fear, favor, sih-ctiou, rward, cr the hope of it, nor merely to convict ; but to discover the truth as to the guilt or innocence of the arcugeJ, that the law may accomplish justice. j. (Jiving courts power and making it a duty in criminal trials to inquire into the personality of the accused his capcitr, knowledge, environment ami antecedents with view to determining the capacity of the accused, toe character of his motives, and the proper disposition of him in prison if convicted. k. (living courts power te commit to pri?on on indeterminate sentence; subject to parol or discharge of trie convict on recommendation of the prison board or board of pardons. . l'roinbiting the death pera't'. lit. Authorizing the establishment of a system of prisons reformatory, intermediate and incorrigible. There are other things of Importance that caa bo named, but I bare grave

I doubts if a convention would favorably

consider any I have mentioned or might mention. The universal cowardice tefore the desire for the emigrant unnaturalized vote ami the universal liberty construed to mean unrestrained license of the many irresponsible having a vote, ollwrs little encouragement to those who would philosophically consider the uses and ends of liberty and patriotically extend them only so far as ttiev are consistent with order and the preservation of even-handed ju-tice, C. II. Keevi. Plymouth, Dec. 30. JAMES H. WILLARD. In Fnvor of i Convention That TToulü Modernize the Fundamental Law. To the Editor Sir: Responding to your letter of the 22d inst, I will say that I favor the calling of a constitutional convention. It is true that eomo years since a democratic convention inserted a plank in the state platform of the party opposing such a convention, but the reasons which at that time led to Die opposition to the idea no longer have force. It is now forty years eince our present con-titution was adopted and many of the impelling forces of our present civilization were not theu in extended operation, and in addition to this the population of the state 'has quintupled. Railroads, telegraphs, telephones, electric plants, building etone quarry companies, coal miues and natural gas wells were theu either unknown or limited in use throughout the elate. Thenewin development requires the new in government, new physical forces, new rules of action. The constitution of 18-32 fitted admirably conditions then existing, but is certainly inadequate to those winch now coufront us. The supreme power of the body politic over Corporation should be more strictly defined; this not only for the sa'ety of invested capital, but for the safety of the people against the encroachments of cor;orate wealth. Certain combinations of capital known as "trusts," created for the impoverishment of tha people, should be absolutely prohibited by the supreme law, und this prohibitive clause should bc ear as to he incapable of misconstruction by any court. The "po.ice power of the state." a new departure in the legal theory of administration, should be adequately leünd so that its ii niti would be certainly kuown in gome other way than by the decisions ot co ir. a of last resort. The taxing power of the elate ehou d be more exact in its da'ai s. and new powers s hould be conferred in this regard to raach those who now escape the burdens of taxation. Th amount ol indebtedness which municipal corporations may assume should probably in eone ca.-es be increased above the present constitutional limit. The power oi the legislature in the matter of apportionments ehou'd. if possible, be fixed clearly anil beyond doubt. The vaat array of judieia. decisions as to the limits of constitutional powtr frhou;d be incorporated in the constitution itscdi so as to place the adjudicated law beyond further dispute. These are some of the reasons whita lead me to b-lieve that the time has arrived for the ca ling of a constitutional convention. The limit of time oi such convention for its deliberations ehould be long enough to jrive th fullest opportunity for debate and consideration of the new constitution, so that when finished it wili be an honor and dory to the state, a constitution which for many years shad be regarded aa the periectbn of the theory of self government as defined by a peoph in the front rank of advancing civilization. Very sincerely yours. James IL Willard. Bedford. Dee. 2G. THE HON. R. C. BELL. A Convention Neither Uesirable Nor Ad. visable. To the Editor Sir: I do not deem it either desirable or advisable to call a constitutional convention at the pressnt time. It is not necessary. Our constitution provides a simple, sufficient and inexpensive means for ita own amendment without resort to the large expense of a convention, whose work, whtn done, may and often should fail of approval and adoption. Our people are neither in the moi nor condition to incur such lurge expn?e. I know of no gieatiy needed reform in the provi-iioii oi o r constitution which is being clamored for by the body of our pple. Its presset provisions have been to often construed by our courts that their meaning is well settled. Settled safety and the sens of safety are worth a great deal. Besides, this, in my opinion, is not a propitious time for chang.ng an 1 remolding our organic law. There is too great a feeling of unrest abroad in the land. There is too much dissatisfaction in some directions with the order of things, which shoivd not be changed and which are not in fact responsible for the cang-s of this di'Satisfa' tion. Much of this, in my opinion, is justly chargeable to the present unjust evstem of federal taxation. Yet this feeling could hardly be prevented from giving an unjust and unfair coloring to the work ot a convention. Detter ''bear the ills we have than fly to others wa know not of." R. C. Cell Tort "Wayne, Dec. 27. D. D. HELLER. A Ten-Year Terra Needed for 8'ipreme Ctiirt J ml -.ten. To the Editor .Sir: Your favor of recent date asking my views as to the advisabidtv of holding a constitutional convontion,. etc., is at hand. I do not feel fully prepared to advise the holding of such a convention. In tho first place it would bo very expensive to the state, and in the second place we have a very good constitution. I conies that it might bo reformed in several respects, but could not say that the reformations and changes would justify the expense. If a constitutional convention should he held there are several changes I would be glad to see made, but will only suggest one at this time, namely : That thw supreme judges be e ected for ten years instead of six. and that one of the said iud?ea ha elected every two years Tht if one of the ' judges ehou d die. resign or be removed, j the vacancy for hie unexpired time (and not until the next genera) ele tion) should be filled by appointment by thegovernorof 5 COffDZffSIO A V.akes an every-day convenience of an Md-tims luxury. Pure and wholesome, 'reparcd with scrupulous care. Highest rvard ztl Pure Food Expositions. Each "ackage makes two large pies. Avoid citations and inlst on having tha NONE SUCH brand. 1ERRELL & SOULE. Syracuse, N. Y,

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a co'mpstent and qualified attorney of the aame politics of the judge whose office was made vacant. Of course in the first election after engrafting, such a provision in the constitution the judges would have to be elscted as follows, to-wit: One lor two years, one for four years, one for six years, one for eight years, and one for ten years, and after thai elect one each two years. Many good reasons suggest themselves in support of tbis change: 1. The supreme judges should be placed as faraway from pohtica fights, broils and contentious aa it is reasonably possible to do. 2. Ten years woald be as long as many of the persons elected as supreme judges would care to serve. 3. In a ten-years' term the last four years of service, by reason of exp-rience and acquaintance with the business, would be of more real value to the people than the first six years. 4. If the people should see fit tora-elect a judge lor a second ten-years' term, then the fact of his having had ten years' experience would make his decisions the more valuable and won d make him the better qualified to fill the position. 5. With tbis mode of election we would not be so like.y to have at anr one time the majority of the court composed of inexperienced judges, but the reverse would most likely be true at all times. 6. Our supreme court decisions would not be so apt to get away from the old landmarks and fro n the long and well-established rules oi law and practice. Dinerent lawyers have different notions about what the law ought to be, and where there ia an almost constant change of judges there is almost a constant opportunity for an incoming judge to have the law declared in accordance with his notion of what It ought to be, and thus the opportunity is otfered and the tendency is to got away from precedent and from established law. D. L. Heller. Portland, Dec L'G. JUDGE DAILEY

Does Not Thlak A Convention Would E A.lrlsable. To the Editor Sir: I bti not favorably impressed with the propriety of bo ding such a convention at this time. It is true that our present constitution fsince slightly amende I) took e.Tect oo Nov. 1, 1 8 I . wl.en Iudiana was camparatively an insignificant stata.and thatlshe has since grown to immense proportions, hut the framera of that instrument buildad for the future and made provisions for the wants and necessities of the people for many years to coma. It seems to me that we have enough organic law, and the calling of a new convention could result in little good. It would be quite an expensive venture, and at a time. too. when the state ia considerably burdened with debt. It ia quite fttrtunate that art. 16. sec. 233 of this instrument provides a cheaper method ot changing its provisions. This seclion rends: "Any amendment or amendments to this constitution may he proposed in either branch of the general assembly; and if the same bs agreed to by a majority of the members elected to the two bouses. su-h proposed amendment or amendments shall, with the yeas and nays thereon, be entered on their journa's, and referred to the ceneral assembly to be chosen at the next general election ; and if, in the next general assembly so next chosen, such proposed amendment or amendments shall be agreed to by a majority of the mstnbers elected to esch house, then ' it shall be the dutv of the general assembly to submit such amendment or amendments to the electors of the state; and if a majority of the electors shall ratify the same such amendment or amendments ahall become a part of this constitution." As much deliberation and consideration would attend this plan as the more cumbersome and expensive plan of a cons titutiona' convention. I would change sec 152 of art. 6 so as to make the term of every county olhcer four years, and make such olficvr eligible four years in any peri d of eight years. I jrould also change sec. Ib2 of art. 7 so that the supreme court may consist of not lss than nine nor more than thirteen judges, a majority of whom shall form a quorum. al'Ur which it would be economy to abolish the appellate court. JosErn Dailky. BlufTton, Dec. 2o. S. hi. RALSTON. Favor a Convention end Sngfgcsts Needed lteforn-.s. To the Editor Sir: The present constitution is not equal in scope and comprehension to the spirit of the times. Without submitting an argument in support of my views. I am in favor of a constitutional convection. Among gome of the provisions of a new constitution I would suggest the following, to-wit: 1. Vest the legislative authority of the state in a central assembly, which shall consist of a senate and a house of representatives. Divide the state for senatorial purposes into fifty permanent districts and give to ach district one senator. Make the house of representatives to consist of one representative from each county, provided that any county containing a city of on hundred thousand, or more inhabitants, sha 1 ho entitled to two representatives. 2. Make the term of all state and county offices four years, and disqualify all persons from holding the same office more than four years in any period of eight yers. 3. Provide for a special election at which to select the judiciary of the state. 4. All impeachment proceedings should be instituted before and tried by the supreme court, except proceedings to impeach a judge of the supreme court, which should be begun and tried as is provided for in the present constitution, and in all cases as on of the causes therefor make incompetency a ground for impeachment. Yours, very truiv, S. M. Ualötox. Lebanon, Ind., 'Dec. 24. 1SJ2. w. C. DUNCAN. Changes Are Needed Jtut Not Constitutional Convention. To TnE Editor Sir: Yours of recent da'e relating to the propriety and necessity of holding a constitutional convention was duly received and in reply will say that in my judgment there exiats no iufiicient emergency for changes in tho state constitution as would warrant tha calling of such a convention. Admitting that there are some changes now proper and perhaps neceaiary to be made in the organic Uws of the state, there are none of such imperative or immediate necessity that it may not well be trusted to the slower but very safe method of presenting them to the legislature of the state and through them to the people for ratification. It seems welt aettled that the present number of supreme judges, as allowed by our constitution, is insufficient to transact the increasing volume of business before that body. The terms of all state and county officers should be made of uniform duration ot four years and the incumbent limited to a single term. Thest and evea others can be accomfi'ished through the legislature without Dcurrlng the vast expense of electing and assembling the members of a constitutional convention, with the incident dan-

WHAT EVERYBODY SAYS EViUST BE SO! Amons: tho hundreds of our rea lcr3 who have taken advantage of the ofler to supply thcra with a sot of the REVISED ENCYCLOPEDIA BRITANNICA at such a phenomenally low figure, and on three months' time, it would b3 strange m liod if very many were not grateful thorcfor. That they are more than pleased is evinced from tho unsolicited testimonials printed Lvlow, and which arc but a few ox tho hundreds received. Here is what sorno of them say:

Soütit Beddixgtov, Me.. Nov. 17 I received the set of lietist'd Ennjchxdi. Jiriianin a some davs ago and aia much pleased with it. Mrs. Joseph V. Farnsworth. Cei.ina, Mercer County, Ohio, Nov. 12. I inclose P. O. order for the balance due on tue Rt'viöfd Ewydopicdia Britannien. I wsnt to say a good word for the work. It is a library of useful know ed'e in itself and shou d be on the book shelf ef every family. It is what I have ben wanting for years and am much pleaded with it now that I have got it. J. Ii. Oliver. Tnov. N. Y.. Nov. 23. Have recived the 20 volumes llnid Encyrhpxdifi Briiannka, for which many thanks. Wi 1 you send me a second set. the same as I have just received for the Fame price? If so send them and I will forward the money immediately. Mrs. A. A. Haw lev, ItiliO tifth-ave. East Liverpool, O., Dec. 1. I find the books very useful indeed. Think that with care they wi I last many vears, even in the Association reading room, where so manv havo fcccess to them. I am pleased with them. Arthur E. Gazeley, Secretary Y. M. C. A. Worcester, Maa., Nov. 25. Received the books in good order to lav and am very much pleased with them. Please find enclosed check. Hoping that you may receive a great many ordeia for the Encyclouxdia Britannien, I remain yours sincerely, J. E. Anderson, Jr. Barre, Vt.. Nov. 29, 1SD2. The lievifd Eiirydnpxdia came ali right and more than fill 'the bill. We are verymuch pleased with them. Y'ours truly, Mk.s. M. M. Hatch.

MTT TQ TUL7 DtTQT THE REVISED ENCYCLOPEDIA BRITANNICA is revved up II lU 1 till 1jL.U I to the year 1890. There is no other encyclopedia published that t ; is not from ten to thirty years behind tho tini3s. It is truo that some of them issue supplement?, but these are separate from tho encyclopedias proper, and aro charged for separately. In other words all tho encyc'oprylias excepting tho REVISED ENCYCLOPEDIA BRITANNIC A aro old, out of date, and to get tha latest facts, statistics, tic, you must buy another set of books cailed ''Supplements' or "Annuals." Tho REVISED ENCYCLOPEDIA BRITANNICA is complete and contains tin latest statistics, discoveries, inventions, etc. It is tho best Encyclopedia for tho pcoplo of America, because it treats of all matters pertaining to America, from tho American standpoint, and gives late information on all subjects. HERE IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY. On recoipt of only Ono Dollar wc will forward to yon, charges prepaid, the entire sot of twenty volumes, tho remaining SO. 00 to be paid at tho rate of Ten Cents a Day (to be remitted monthly). A beautiful dime savings

bank will bo sent with the books, in CutThl Outancl SendtoTHE

TIIE INDIANA STATE SENTINEL: Please deliver to mo tho entire set of 20 volumes of Revised Encyclopedia Britanmca, as abovo described, together with your Dime Savings Bank, for which I inclose One Dollar, and further agrco to remit 10 cents a day (remitting tho tamo monthly) until tho remaining S'J.OO is fully paid.

Namo PostofBco County State ger of general tampering with our organic law and unsettling the decisions of our courts based upon it. W. U Duncan. Columbus, Dec. 2L THE HON. T. B. BUSKIRK. A Convention Needed at Once Necessary lie forma. To Tnt Editor Sin I am of the opinion that we ought to have a constitutional convention at an early day. Among the needed reforms that present themselves to my mind just now are the following: The election of U. S. senators by tho direct vote of the people; fixing the terms of office of county officers, to be in all cases four years, followed by ineligibility of the occupant for, at least, abke perici; the lengthening ol the tsrra of prosecuting attomeya to eix years, eacau as the judges, and an increase in the number of our supreme judges commensurate with the business before that court. But for the confusion of records. titlesf etc., that would naturally follow, I think for reasons that mii't be apparent to residents of small counties, and, in many instances to those of large ones, there ought to be a redivision of the state into counties. Thomas B. Buskirk. Taoli, Dec. 24. SENATOR KOPELKK. There Ia "So Need of i Constitutional Con-. Tentton. Td Tns Editor Sir: There is no need of a constitutional convention. The defects that the present constitution may have shown are not of such moment as to justify us in going to the extent of a revision at this time, and in the present financial condition of the state. It is cot

Uarpi. Tenn.. Nov. 17. The Revised Fncyrhpccli-t Lr tmnlci wa

i received so ::o time back and which I con ceive to be worth twite the amount asked. T. A. Turner. Pawlino. N. Y.. Nov. 2d. The Encvclopacdia just received and I i am well pleaeed with them. I don't eee t how yoa caa givo as good for the price. I -rank 6. Merwin. Tfmpi.etox. Wis., Nov. 21. Books received all sound and in good order. Am well please. i with thorn. George Elliott, 2nd. ITortxEUsviLir. N. Y.. Nov. 2 . The Tteried Encjrlaicrdias were received in good order Wednesday, Nov. 23, and am well pleased with them. Mus. W. II. Miller. 52 E. Washington-st. Springfield, Ma, Nov. 17. I am pleased with my books; wouldn't take double trio amount for them and risk the chance of getting another set. Avdkew Evans. Kingston, Ont , Nov. 24. Received the books today. The binding, tvpe, paper and maps are perfectly satisfactory and as represented. 1 think they will be both enjoyable and nsefuL 13. t. Wilder. Atlanta City. N. J.. J)ec. 1. I send you a postal note for the set of 7?fn-t Ency-kpxdia BriLnvi'wa. I thought I would rather send th who'e instead of waiting threa months. I I ked it ery much.' I want it for the Atlantic City Working Boy' Free Raiding Room. It will make an excellent reference book for tt.em. The print is very good and I think it remarkably cheap. Mrs. A. S. Valentine. Treasurer. which tho dirno may b3 deposited each INDIANA STATE SENTINE '-. eo much new constitutions or laws that the people need as a proper application of the existing ones Thrt chief object of the democrats, that are entrut-d with power for the time being, should be to lighten the burdens of the people rather than to engage upon anv financial reform. J. Koi-elee. Crown Point, Dec. 24. HIRAM EROWNLEE, The State Has Changed Since the I.a st Convention. To tite Editor Sir: A convention composed of men choen and fitted for the place, in my judgment, could remodel and improve our constitution as it now stands. I would favor a convention, if its mem bers tan be chosen of the materia! fitted J for the undertaking. Our character as a state tins entirely changed since our last convention. We wer an agricultural state only then, and now we are fast becoming a manufacturing state, and are rich in natural resources. Our changed condition and our charged purposes, I think, oiler many reasons for a constitutional convention. Hiram IJuownlee. Marion, Dec. 23. EPH MARSH Opposed to a Convention bat In Favor of Amendments. To the Editor Sir: I am opposed to a constitutional convention for the reason that tbe present constitution will and has met the requirements of the people, and while there should be some amend menta, it can be done In the manner provided by the constitution. I am in favor of an amendment to the constitntion providing for tbe registration of voters that will meet the requirements of the recent

Ar.LEc.nnvY. Ta . Dee. 2. Please find end sed balance due rou on mysttof Il'xWA EnrucouxHa ßrtiannica. Am mai h pleased with the set, and have talked them up considerably. 18 Marion ave. Laura Cluxy. Phil inn phia. Pa.. Nov. 20. The twenty volu ne J;er.&d Lnryloprdin were duly received and am verv much 1 1 asd with them. I end you a check ia full. Rev. Robeut Graham. 2417 N. College-aye. Pm iLA Delphi a, Ta.. Nov. 23. I am in receipt of the twenty vo times Jinin-d En'prfo .r 7-7 Hrdtnhica o dered. Tnere is certainly a large a uount of information in this work for the mn-v. En win W. Kick, D. D . Editor tho -4;u:-iVi;;i S udty S lio)l Union. O'XrtiL, Neb, Nov. 2. Enclosed find draft for ba ancs due on Ilcvia-d Enryrhf.x 'ia I'rUannica. I aui well p. eased with the books. Be :nakd MYGreevt, President Elkhoru Valley Bank. Lis Vegas. Mexico, Nov. 24. I have receive I the twenty volumes of the Jlf ijsd 1'nri'cJoi'X Hi Ur.tannica, aui am mach pleased with them. S. W. Curtis. Greenfield. Ohio. Nov. 19. I acknowledge tho rt ce pt of the entire 20 volumes of the Hcri.-t.-d Eneyrtojiaiit Britonni-a. Am delighted with then and consider $10 a email euai for such a mine of inioruiition. Mrs. T. DePov. Omaha, Neb., Nov IS. I enclose pavmcnt in f ui for the United I.r cydo ordia Britnuni-a. Am very much pleased with the work. It is certainly a worn every intelligent family should possess. James Voke. Box 113.

day. This edition is printed from new, large typo on a ßno quality of paper, and is strongly bound in heavy manilla paper covers, which with proper caro will last a lifetime. Bear in mind that tho entire 20 volumes aro delivered to your address, with all charges paid to any part of tho United States, Mexico and Canada. This is a special ofTor mado to tho readers of TIIE INDIANA STATE SENTINEL, and will remain open for a limited 4 imo only. opinion of the supreme court, holding the act of 1 S.i I providing lor registration unconstitutional. Era Marsh. Greeufield. Ind.. Dec. 2o. Senator Itirrett Opposes. To TnE Editor Sir: Our present constitution is suiliciently liberal in allowing amendments to meet the present needs or demands for amendm-'n". and I am, therefore, of the opinion lhat there is no necessity fot a constitutional convention. J. M. Barrett. Fort Wayne, Dec 2. Hasn't Given It Thoncht. To TnE Editor Sir: While I think we need amendments to our constitution I have not given the subject sutlicient conetderation to give an expression upon the advisability vl holding a contiiutional convention. William Johnston. Valparaiso, Dec. 2. The let Vleasaut Way Of preventing the gripp", colds, headaches, and fevers is to use the liquM laxative remedy. Syrup of Figs, whenever the system needs a gentle yet effective c!8Piim. Tobe benefited one must set the true remedy manufacture 1 by the California Fig Svrup Co. only. For sale by all druggista in 50c and SI bottles. "Mrs. Winslow's Soothing Syron" has been us"d over Fifty Years by millions of mothers for their children whi e Teething. Witt !erfect success. It soothes the child, softens the Gums, aliays Pain, cures Wind t;o!ic, regulates the bowels, and is the best remedy for Diarrhcra whether arising from teething or other cansea. For sale by Drug.ists in every part of the world. Re sure and aik for Mrs. Winslow's Soothing Syrup. 25c a bottle.