Jasper County Democrat, Volume 11, Number 81, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 17 March 1909 — SPEAKER HONAN. [ARTICLE]

SPEAKER HONAN.

No judgment on the work of the Legislature would be at all adequate that did not take into account the services rendered by Mr. Honan, Speaker of the House. He was “on the lob” at all times. His influence was ever on the side of what Was right. He was a sort of executioner-in-chief of bad bills. The number of these that were left over in the House proves how great was the work done by the Speaker. The Legislature did well, , and the House did particularly well. The Governor helped in every way possible. But without the loyal support and co-operation of the Speaker it would have been impossible to get the results that were achieved. Mr. Honan showed marked ability in dealing with a difficult situation. As we showed yesterday the lobby was never more active, and, it may be said, more desperate. With the House and Senate differing in politics there were many temptations to trade—and,lndeed, much trading was . done. Many of the Democratic members were new men, therefore was difficult. And the difficulty was aggravated when Mr. Garrard, the Democratic floor leader, became the champion of the schoolbook bill and the public utilities bill. But Mr. Honan had no other thought than to do what was fair and right. So he soon won the confidence of his party and the respect of the Republicans. He showed good nature as well as good sense throughout, and so was looked to as the real Democratic leader. Under the guidance of such men as Governor Marshall and Mr. Honan the Democratic party in this State ought to make great headway. The old influences seem to be dethroned in State politics. By the end of Governor Marshall’s term they ought to be hopelessly discredited.—lndianapolis News.