Jasper County Democrat, Volume 21, Number 82, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 11 January 1919 — GOV. GOODRICH’S MESSAGE [ARTICLE]

GOV. GOODRICH’S MESSAGE

(By Felix F. Bruner) Indianapolis, Jan. 10.—Running true to form, Gov. Goodrich in his message to the general assembly wielded his big stick and demanded the passage of measures that would centralize much of the government of the state the office of governor and that would enable the governor to build up around himself a political machine such as has never been seen in Indiana. He accompanied ihis plea for the passage of his pet measures with an apology and an explanation. 'He insisted that he had nc intention of centralizing the power of the state government in the chief executive, but that he was merely asking that the state be given a responsible government. Then he gave his idea of centralization of power as an attempt by the Governor to usufp the power of the general assembly. Such an explanation is laughable in the light of Gov. Goodrich’s attempts during the last few weeks to do this very thing. It is usually custo*nmry for the assembly to have riomc freedom in the drafting of bills, but Goodrich could not see things that, way. He usurped the power of the assembly to such an extent that he dictated numerous bills and then appeared before the legislature and demanded their passage. The message contained few surprises. The salary grab tax bill was referred to and its passage was demanded. He asked for the abolishment of numerous state offices and that they be made appointive by the Governor. He did not explain why such action would not give the Governor more power and Ihe people less. About the only surprise in the message was the Governor’s recommendation that the law, making compulsory under certain condithe teaching of German in the public schools be abolished. It will be remembered that the Republican platform, adopted in the midst of the war, When the anti-German feeling was the (highest among patriotic Americans, contained not tone word regarding the repeal of this law, although considerable pressure was brought to bear to have it written in the platform. It will also be remembered that during the campaign not one word was said about the advisability of the repeal of this measure, but that considerable was done to obtain the Gorman vote. Again it will be remembered that when the vote was counted the Republican majority was greatest in German localities, in Vanderburg county, for example, where in one township inhabited entirely by Germans, Democratic election boards could not be formed. But things are different now. The German vote has served its 'panrpunpose for the time being. Besides the war is over. Now the G. O. P. has got to square .itself with patriotic Americans, so Jim Goodricffii gets up before the assembly and, with a straight face, asks that the law requiring the teaching of

German in the schools he repealed. ' Gov. Goodrich Is planning to do everything in hie power to ram down the throats of the members of the legislature the program which he outlined in his message. .He has his well-balanced big stick in trim and is preparing to use it as a ram-rod. Interest at present centers in the queelton o{ Just bow much of this the legislature, including the ’ Republicans, will stand and when the blow-up will come.