Jasper County Democrat, Volume 9, Number 44, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 2 February 1907 — WHEN THE DEMOCRATS CONTROLLED. [ARTICLE]

WHEN THE DEMOCRATS CONTROLLED.

When the Democrats controlled the legislation of this state it understood the meaning of the word reform. It never confused that word with personal ambitions or political machines. To save the state from threatened bankruptcy the Democratic party passed the tax law, under which the great corporations were made to pay their share of the taxes. To guarantee the payment of the state debt it passed the sinking fund law. To reduce the cost of government to the people, it passed the fee and salary law. To secure honest elections it passed the Australian ballot law and the elec* tion bribery laws in aid of it. To stop the depredations of the school book combine, it passed the school book law, which the Republicans have since butchered. Other comprehensive measures designed solely for the common good were enacted by the Democratic when it had a major-

ity in the legislature. Economy, real economy, was the watchword in all public expenditures. The cost of government, at the legislative appropriations will show, was kept down to the lowest point consistent with efficient service. The rights and liberties of the people were limited only in so far as was necessary for the general welfare. In 1894 adventitious causes put the* Democrats out of power in Indiana and put the Republicans in. And what has the Republican party done in the twelve years since? What great reform measure has it enacted? Not one. Besides, extravagance has run amuck. Salaries have been raised all along the line. Needless offices have been created. Vast sums of money have been appropriated and spent without adequate return. Taxes have been increased. The public burdens have constantly grown heavier. Official thievery and rottenness has scandalized the state. The Republicans are yet in power. They have the governor, the state offices and a majority in both branches of the general assembly. Will they reduce taxes? Will they cut down expenses? Will they abolish useless offices and commissions? Will they, of their own free will and as an unselfish, patriotic duty, pass any honest and comprehensive reform law? It is as certain as anything can be that they will not do any of these things unless scourged to it by the Democratic minority.