Jasper County Democrat, Volume 17, Number 85, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 30 January 1915 — STEVE FLEMING RESIGNS. [ARTICLE]

STEVE FLEMING RESIGNS.

Miffed Over Passage of Anti-Lobby Bill, It Is Rumored. Indianapolis, January 27. —With only three dissenting votes the senate this afternoon passed the Van Auken anti-lobby bill under a suspension of rules. This is the measure which Governor Ralston insisted should be passed. It has an emergency clause making it effective immediately. It provides that all lobbyists shall register with the Secretary of State and file expense accounts. It also prohibits lobbying by public officials and members of political organizations. The measure is drastic, tl contains a provision to compel publishers ot newspapers to file a statement with the secretary of state whenever they receive money for advocating or opposing a bill. Senator S. B. Fleming of Ft. Wayne, one of the democratic leaders in the legislature, tendered his resignation today. It is the understanding that he was -at variance with "the democratic senators on the caucus action on the anti-lobbyist bill. Senator Fleming sent a brief note to Governor Ralston at noon stating that he wished to resign at once as the senator from Adams and Allen counties. This afternoon many members of the legislature and leaders of the party besought him to recon sider, but he said that his decision was final. Governor Ralston has urged him to reconsider. Senator Fleming said that he had not resigned because of the action on the anti-lobbyist “bill. Further he would make no statement. For several years he has been one of ths most prominent figures in the legislature. His resignation created a sensation. There will be no special election to fill his place. He said that special election will not be necessary. • Representative-Eschbach introduced a bill to provide that county auditors shall issue automobile licenses. The house today killed a bill to make circuit court districts out of Jennings and Ripley counties, Jackson and Scott and Lawrence. This is the first of the "new circuit court bills to be killed. Senator, Thornton today introduced a bill prohibit a public service corporation from charging more for its product in this state than in other states. The measure is aimed to correct a situation at New Albany. Thornton says the electric light com i pany at- New Albany charges higher rates for its current in New Alban) than it does in Louisville. The senate today repealed the 'Lake county salary bill which was passed Illegally tw’o years ago. Senator McCormick introduce/ a bill to provide for ah extensive drainage plan to reclaim thousands of acres in the Kankakee swamp. | The house today defeated a resoluition for the appointment of a committee to study workmen’s compensation laws and submit a bill.

to the opening of the trial. The plaintiff is asking $25,000 damages. Jin alleges that the defendant contracted for $29,000 'worth of land in Minsesota and then failed to live up to the contract. The defendant has filed a cross-complaint, alleging fraud in the procurement of the contract. Wil liam H. Parkison and George Williams of Rensselaer, and S. C. Hubbell of South eßnd, are attorneys for the plaintiff, and Charles M. Snyder and Kuinler & Gaylord of this city, are attorneys for the defense. The case was brought here on a change of venue from Benton county and promises to bring ’out some interesting details when it comes to trial.-*—Lafayette Courier.