Jasper County Democrat, Volume 22, Number 29, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 9 July 1919 — UNEXPLAINED DELAY [ARTICLE]

UNEXPLAINED DELAY

When the Indiana general assembly was in session representations were made that something must be done within the shortest space of time possible to relieve conditions in Indiana relative to feeble-minded persons. The state school at Ft. Wayne was overcrowded, it was shown, and many were on the waiting list because they could not be accommodated. Believing that these representations were true and that there was urgent need for action, the general assembly enacted a law providing for the purchase of ground on which to place a farm colony for feeble-minded in southern Indiana. There was an emergency clause in the law and it took effect on its passage. The act was approved March 13, 1919. The new law provides that "upon the taking effect of this act a commission shall be created which shall be composed of four reputable citizens of the state, to be appointed by the Governor, not more than two of whom shall be members of the same political party.” The commission is to serve without pay, but, of course, will have its expenses paid. The duty of the commission Is to select a site for the proposed farm colony, and this, the law provides, shall be done and the site purchased on or before January 1, 1920. At least 1,000 acres must be Included In the site. While the commission has until the first of the year to select and buy a site for the colony, the impression of those who backed the bill was that immediate action would be taken. The need for greater facilities for feeble-minded people is so" urgent that much satisfaction was expressed over the passage of the law. It was pointed out that the site could be chosen without great delay, the buildings erected and the colony made ready for the reception of patients by fall. Yet the middle of July approaches and the Governor has not even appointed the commission to select a site. No explanation has been made of reasons for delay. The Governor may be acting within his rights, although the law says the commission shall be named "upon the taking effect of this act.’’ Why the spring was wasted and w_hy the summer promises to go the same way is something not given the public to understand.—lndianapolis News.