Rensselaer Republican, Volume 25, Number 20, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 12 January 1893 — Page 2

THE REPUBLICAN. - (IOUI MmmtM- Publish**-. RENSSELAUR • INDIANA

Secretary Foster assures the country’that gold will not go above par. The consolidation of New York and Brooklyn is a possibility of the near future. Brazil has had another revolution and is determined to keep up with the procession. Our gold continues to go abroad although we need it so badly in our Keely Institutes. Senator Washburne, the Minnesota miller,_ declares that Z the low price of wheat is due solely to the gambling in “futures.” - 'l'm."--.i z"~zir A painting machine that will do the work of forty menis being employed upon the interior of the World’s Fair buildings. The Panama canal may not be completed, but the Isthmus will have the proud distinction of having the largest hole in the ground at least. Montana is honored in the name of the new “Fort Harrison,” and the War Department is also honored in thus complimenting the President.

Prop. Henry Preserved Smith, the convicted Presbyterian heretic, says. “I am a Presbyterian still.” That’s right, Henry. Anything but a moonshine still. Keep your spirits in bond and all will vet be well. Robert Louis Stevenson, now sojourning in Tahiti, is said to have adopted the native costume, which consists chiefly of a cigarette, to which, however, he will probably add a “wrapper” of thought. And the Sandwich Islands want to join our procession, and have started un old Mauna Loaas an inducement for us to gather them in—claiming to have fire works enough to supply the Western Hemisphere. A voting-machine is announced in New York by willed the voting is done by the voter pressing the but. ton opposite the nano* of the candidates for whom he wants to vote,and the machine does all the rest, even to adding the votes and giving the result. European countries are worried />ver the prospect of restricted emigration to the United States; and well fshey may be, for in this direction lues our only relief from evils constantly increasing. Let them take care of their own paupers and criminals at least, and of their abject poor as well. • Smith —William, this time —has again distinguished himself, and con ferred a boon upon his Country, by theUiscovery thaUa copious draught of coal—©H will <y»eoeh a whisky thirst and afford positive relief for twenty-four hours. And now wc may expect “double chloride of kerosene” institutes for the cure of drunkenness.

Among the great enterprises claiming the attention of the people of this country the consolidation of New York and Brooklyn into one municipality is not the least. The cities clustering about New York harbor, naturally having common interests, naturally tend to common government, and in the near future will challenge the world as the largest city on the globe. 1 Strange as it may seem, a systematic Mohammedan missionary enterprise will be begun in this country next year, and even far-off India, with its Buddhism and Theosophical Adepts, casts compassionate eyes upon us and bewails our benighted condition. Nevertheless the Foreign Missionary societies of this country will continue to do business at the old stands.

Originally the Presidential elect, ora of the several States, a$ provided by act of Congress In 1792, cast their votes the first ‘Wednesday in December, but by act of Feb. 3,1887, this was changed to the second Mon day in January next following the appointment of the electors, which* in the present case, is Jan. 9, 1893. • Tiro States have failed to conform to the act of 1881 The Kentucky electors, under the act of 1792, met on on the 7th iust., and the recently enacted Michigan Electoral Law fell into the same jrror. Fortunately no bad results can follow as the Ken - tucky electors will reconvene, and the Michigan electors have been enlightened as to their duty by the Supreme Court.

HIS FIRST AND LAST.

Gov. Chase’s Message to the General Assembly. Comprehcndro Betl«« Various Reoom—mdutions as to Affairs of State. Each branch of the Legislature met in brief session Friday -rooming, and at 11 o'clock met in joint session in the hall of the House to hear the message of Governor Chase, as follows: Got. Chase’s Message. GentAemen of the Senate and House of Representatives—ln accordance’ with the requirements of the constitution. I wish to apprise you regarding the condition of affairs relating to the State, and offer such recommendations as will, in mv judgment, inure to the best interests of the people. Since the adjournment of the last legislature it has pleased the Governor of the Universe to-remove from the seen to the nnscen-world, the late Alvin P. llovey, Governor of Indiana. lie passed from the duties and activities of this life to yond i» the’ strength and vigor of a ripened and noble manhood. The State never had a more careful or patriotic executive to administer its affairs. Those who disagreed with him on matters of public policy readilv conceded his ability, and pronouncedhim unimpeachable. Indiana was his pride—her prosperity his highest joy. He was beloved by his neighbors regardless of his political or religious beliefs. It is gratifying to know thSt the day is not remote when the State debt will be nominal, if not entirely wiped out. The increased revenues of the State during the past year amount to $697,581.65 over the year previous, and this sum will undoubtedly be larger for the coming year. The tax law passed by the last General Assembly, while not perfect in all respects, will be the means of improving our iiunncial standing at home and abroad.

state debt and interest. Foreign Debt $8,349,000 00 Interest 201.825 00 Domestic debt......... 484.000 00 interest , 24,200 00 State stock certificates... 0,615 12 Total debt and interest.. ....18,830.615 12 Interest..., 280,025 00 Temporary interest loan, due April 2, 1893 .... 340,000 00 Temporary interest loan,)due April 1, 1894. yS-....... J 370,000 00 There is now laid 16 pcntson the hundred dollars for State school purposes. THIS Brings in more revenue than is needed for the purpose indicated, and I recommend that it be reduced at least-5 cents. Under the present appraisment the general fund of the State treasury shows a surplus of half a million doliars’annually in round numbers, and I believo that the State tax levy of 12 cents may safely ite reduced to 10 cents, and I recommend the same. THE PUBLIC DEBT. As will bo seen from the public debt statement, the present foreign debt of the State is $8,346,615.12, and the domestic debt $484,000, making a total debt of $3,830,015.bonds, dated April 1. 1888. aggregating 5340.000. fall due April 1. 1893. The tem- | porary interest loan bonds, dated April I, 1889, aggregating $370,000, fall duo April 1, | 1894. i If the current expenses—including $125.- | OOti for legislative expenses in 1893 and 1895 - —which means the expenses actually necessary to pay the permanent officers, departments and institutions and the interest on tlio public debt., it will require the rum of $2,005,485, leaving a balance of ? 557,008.51. W PUBI.IC SCHOOLS. Indiana is, and lias the right to be, proud of her public schools and tho system which : has won applause of some of the most I celebrated and critical educators of the j land. The time is hero when the very best ; text-books obtainable should be placed in j tlie hands pf every child enrolled, freo of j cost. BTATE UNIVERSITY. i What will hinder the Indiana. University i from taking high rank with the best instiI tutions of learning in the land? Lack of I that assistance of which it now stands in need. A study of the work accomplished j in the last few years will convince any one i or all of von that the faculty lias not eaten the bread of idleness. The people of Indiana, through the action of their General Assembly, have now an opportunity ; tbmminrver|itysecond to nonc. j mediate, for in the educational world,as in [ the business world, movements are rapid in these days.

statr-noitwxcttntveiisity! This institution was never In so prosperous -a. amdilifmjis It is not necessary to argue tho importance of rendering all the aid the efficient board of trustees are asking at vour hands. I that greater advantages may bo afforded Ito the studonts seeking instruction Thrr number of students enrolled in 1893 was j 1,839. PURDUE UN'IVERSITT. I cannot too strongly commend the work ! being done at Purdue University. The progress of that institution is most gratiliying in all respects. Tho attendance was never so large, and the power of Purdue is extending to every State. There, is need of more hulldings, and your attention is called to the requests set forth in the annual report. INDIANA INSTITUTE FOR TIIE BLIND. It gives me pleasure to inform you that this well-managed institution has had a prosperous year, lived within its income, and asks for no extra appropriation. INSTITUTION FOR THE DEAF AND DUMB. I have carefully considered the report for the last fiscal year regarding the needs of this school. For four years I have advocated tho changes recommended by tho superintendent in this report. It seems unbusinesslike to hold valuable lands that are, from their surroundings, unproductive, when the institution to which it belongs could reap immense advantage from its sale, and with no possible loss of a dollar to tho State. Tho noeds of the institution are groat if not imperative. soldiers’ and sailors’ orphans’ home. Six hundred and twenty-four boys and rirls, nearly all children of deceased solliers, are being carod for by the State. I wish, gentlemen, you could, as a body, visit this institution. To gaze into the laces of these bright sons and daughters >f old soldiers, men who did as much—to •peak modestly—as any other class to nake Indiana what she is to-day, would cause you to rejoice in the redemption of solemn promises, as well as to resize that the State is to be the gainer in having properly trained citizens morally, nteHectuafly and industriously, made so indcr its own. and by its own authority. The people will applaud the slightest indimtion of sincerity on the part of their lawmakers in this direction, and will bo as well. If not better, served, and at less expense. — r REFORM SCHOOL FOR ROYS. You will find tho report of this institution a model for clearness and brevity. It is the dqual of any school .of its kind m the country. The appropriation asked lor should be granted without hesitation. FEEBLE-MINDED. I sincerely hope that yon will not allow truel gossip, ignorance or prejudice to divert your minds from, or cause vou to bo:omo Indifferent to tho peace of thoStato, ind so neglect to take due notice of the seeds of one of the deserving and pltiablo classes* of our humanity, l'hc pressing wants are set out in the very n tores ting report of the Board of Trusties, and I ask you to weigh the ,subject fu

yonr minds with the thought before you that the State can nbt be protected from fifteen hundred of this class of citizens, now of school age, if allowed their freedom. WOMAN'S PIHBON AND REFORMATORY FOR GIRLS. A-'- : In the management of this institution -we-have-airTxcmpltficat ioH of the wlsdour of giving women a representation in the administration of our public affairs. No institution of th'h State is better conducted than this one, and, in mv opinion, there onght to be at least one voniaii a member of each board of our public institutions. BENEVOLENT INSTITUTIONS. So far as I have been able to judge, our benevolent institutions are unde.i; the supervision of competent and faithful officers. It is estimated by reliable experts fn the matter of statistics covering the populalation of those afflicted with insanity that there is one for every six hundred. Capacity of hospitals as follows: Central 1,523 Southern 390 Eastern 435 Northern.... 410 Total 2,758 The ratio for capacity to population for Central. l to 607; Southern, 1 to 949; Eastern, 1 to 910; Northern, 1 to 1.192. It is evident that our hospital accommodations are seriously deficient in capacity: especially so is this the ease with the one atLongcliff, near Logansport. lam entirely satisfied with the workings of all the hospttals-visltcd, and wish to thank each of the superintendents for offering me every opportunity to make as thorough Inspection of their buildings and equipments as was necessary to understand the workings and necessities of each. STATE PRISONB. It will be a severe task for any person to find better regulated prisons than those located in Indiana. Perfect sanitary conditions cannot lie effected in any prison where it is so crowdod as to require two prisoners to occupy one cell. The, Northern Prison is in great need of repairs. After a special examination of the institutution and its needs, I urge you to consid r Warden French's statements, not paring his estimates a dollar. The wall now in process of construction at the. Southern Prison Is one of tin; most formidable, and, at the same time, attractive, to bo found in the United States.

PARDONS. The power in tho Governor by the Constitution to grant pardons, commutations, reprieves and remissions, brings to the executive his most onerous and perplexing duties. In our penal institutions we have nearly 2,000 inmates, a very large percentage of whom have applications on file for executive clemency. I recommend that a law be passed, authorizing him to appoint a commission of such a number as may bo thought best, whose duty it will be to sit with the Governor at stated times and hear all matters pertaining to pardons. Indiana is amply able to be more generous in compensating her Executive, and whether it is thought advisable at this time to increase, his salary, I trust your honorable body will pass a law making appropriation for the purchase of a mansion for tho use of the Governor. TOWNSHIP TRUSTEES. The recommendations of Governor Alvin P. llovey in his last message upon this subject failed to find any response in the proceedings of the last, Legislature. Transactions byifSither incompetent or conscienceless trustees have come tb public notice, which causes me to urge upon you to pass a law Limiting the power of the trustee in making contracts. Costly legislation foHmvs dishonest manipulations of the public funds. The honest find faithful public servant of the people will not complain of any reasonable safeguard you may t hrow around, this officer. THE BOARD OF CHARITIES. This board has been quick to respond to every pressing call made upon it, and .faithful in the discharge of every duty. I regard the report of the board the most valuable of itsktinl ever given to the public. The board has need of more money, and I recommend that the appropriation of $5,000 be granted. —TIIF, STATE MILITIA. The progress made in the organization and equipment of the State militia has been most satisfactory. There aro now four infantry regiments, besides an artillery corps, all under the proper officers, who have been selected for their special merit or have earned their positions by regular promotion. Each year a camp of instruction is held, and the results of the drill and camp life generally have made our State troops equal to those of any other State.

GOOD ROADS. -»»■»——— - It Is gratifying- to notice the interest now being taken in the discussion as to whether Indiana shall become a leading tsta-te- in-the -betteiunent. of -public.4-oads, The press almost unanimously is advocating a Better law. The late convention held in this city for the purpose oF making recommendations to the Legislature was one of the most intelligent ever convened here. No law contemplated by this honorable body can compare with one that shall give the farmer an open market all the year round so far as material prosperity is concerned. For several months in each year the farmer is unable to do anything because of impassablo roads. His teams are idle, and the profits of the months he lias toiled aro used up in doing nothing. This condition of business economy must bo changed, and no matter will requiro your thoughtful attention more than legislation for the improvement of our highways. KANKAKEE RIVER. A law was approved March 7, authorizing the Auditor of State to accept for tho use of tiie State of Indiana trusts deeds to lands including the bed of the Kankakee river, from the west line of the State to andJncluding tho limeston ledge at Momencc, in the State of Illinois, to provide for the removal of so much of such rock ledgo as obstructs the channel of said river, and for matters properly connected therewith, including tho appointment of a board of commissioners and a civil engineer to supervise the work, appropriating £40.000 for the expense of said work, and declaring an emergency. On October 30,1803, the commission let the contract to Mr. David Sisk for the removal of 00,000 cubic yards of stone at 83 cents per yard. The contractor has filed a bona with tho Board of Commissioners worth more than one million dollars. Tho board has revised their first proposition, which was to take out one hundred feet wide and seven feot deep, to ono of three hundred feet wide ana four foet deep. The commission ask for an additional appropriation of 835,000 to complete the work begun. I recommend the Legislature to grant their prayer. PUBLIC HEALTH. During the year many thousands of people from every country will visit, tho United States to attend tho World’s Fair, most of whom, of necessity, will have to pass through our State. I therefore call your especial attention to the recommendation of the State Board of Health, that will be found In its annual report. INDIANA SOLDIERS HOME. At the last encampment of the Grand Andy es the Republic of Indiana. helq at Ft. Wnyne. a resolution unanimously passed favoring the establishment of a State soldiers’ home, where ex-soldiers and their wives, and widows of ox-soldiers, unable to care for themselves, might bo cared for by tho State. The subject is worthy of your most careful consideration. Tho committee appointed by thd Grand Army have accepted donations of 187 acres of land near the city of Lafayjs©o,on the Wabash river. This donation wjw made by Tippecanoe

county, while tho city of Lafayette dor 1 nated fifty-five acres adjoining, and Col- f onel DeHart, a citizen of Lafayette, do* t nated five acres, making in all" 240 acres, j besides 85,688 in cash. The proposition of • a soldiers’home meets with jay earnest ; commendation, and a grateful people will ’, not object to substantial assistance 'Being j given the enterprise by yonr hfinorirhh- 1 body. THE NATIONAL F.NCASTPMENT OF THE j • Indiana has been aceorded the honor of entertaining the twenty seventh animat encampment of tho Grand Armv of the Republic, which will bo the greatest national event of 1893, with the exception of the Columbian Exposition in Chicago. An invitation to come to Indiana in 1893. which I extended on behalf of citizens of the State, was accepted by the organization by unanimous vote, ; : _a_ As the greatest organization of patriat e men in tho world, numbering nearlyhalf a ■ million members, bound together by t-iesof -comradeship in loyal service to their con try, I believe that the Grand Army of the Republic deserves the generous hospitality of any State in which its encampment* may be held. I hope that Indiana will, for her own credit, give as literal support to the work of arranging for a suitable welcome to the veterans as has been accorded them by the States where this encampment has been hold. The citizens of Indianapolis, where the encampment will be held, have given evidence of a determination to do their utmost to make it a success, hut, as the reputation of apolis in the success or failure of the arrangements for the events I hope the State will not neglect to contribute its full share to the great undertaking. The Legislature has always been quick to respond to any call that would honor the “Old Guard” or grant him relief. It is my firm belief that this honorable body will grant needed aid to make the coming encampment not only a marked success, but in so substantial a manner that the people will applaud your patriotic spirit, and declare that the State has proved herself worthy of having conferred upon her so high and so everlasting an honor, , ■ - SOLDIERS’ AND SAILORS’ MONUMENT. As the State Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument approaches completion its magnitude and greatness become more manifest. Its graceful lines, lifting toward tlm heavens, tell of an artistic and;mechanical skill without a parallel in the monumental works of this country, rivaling the best structures of the Old World,- In its presonce wc stand mute; our passions are. hushed and acrimony disappears. - for it sneaks of the sacred past and noble dead; of those who gave their lives for their country. W'ith this spirit ever hovering about it, n becomes a continual inspiration to goon citizenship and self-sacrifice. Let it b® completed, then, in a manner commensurate with tho great sentiments and interests it represents: secure the test artists in the world to make its great bronze

groups; make every detail as perfect and complote as the genius of the artist and the handiwork of the artisan can fashion it, until it becomes the pride of the Nation and the hoast of our State. And, abov. all. let it be so broad in its expression ami meaning that every citizen of the State will fool that it is his, and so make it tin guaranty for the future. THE WORLD'S FAIR. By an act of the General Assembly iln sum of $75,000 was appropriated for the purpose of making an exhibit,, of the resources of Indiana at, tho Word's Columbian Exposition. The organization of a Board of Managers was perfected May 15, 1891. and the work began at once. I air, sure that the people of the State will fori a just pride in tlie-Indiana Building, and I trust tlie action of the board of managers, who have so wisely planned and constructed it will meet with your In arty approval. This building, in a great measure, is the exhibit of Indiana. StfSiigers who look upon it, will judge the State very much by her building, and no citizen will have cause to bo ashamed of this building, which will compare favorably with any other State building on the ground. I cannot speak too strongly in ■behalf of this great work. Indiana can make a better showing than any othej State or country in the world. Let us not hesitate in the great dntv before us, The, board of managers have, rfglitly placed Indiana where she belongs, and I trust their recommendation for an additional appropriation t,o carry oh tl; great work will meet with your promp; and hearty endorsement. Wo are no; poor, and never was Indiana sn well pro pared lor an emergency like this as now

GOVERNOR JENNINGS. In tile last Legislature a bill was pre - sented making an appropriation for a monument to the memory of Jonathan Jennings, the first Governor of the Stau .of. Indiana, who lies buried in .an un, marked grave near Charlestown, Clark' county. He served tho State in her In fancy with distinction in the Nationa Congress, and as Chief Executive, and it would be a most, worthy iand proper ac: for yon, as Representatives of the people, to make provision for a monument to his memory. THE STATE lIOUSE7 This structure, in which all I'm pcoph of tiie Stato possess a justifiable pride, and In which millions of dollars’ worth ol valuable property are involved, require* vigilant watchfulness and care on tfo--part of those to whom it is intrusted, that it may be protected from the hand of tin vqndal, and secured, as far as possible, from the destruction by tho elements. TOWXSHir LIBRARIES. The interest which is growing in libraries in Indiana should receive tiie fostering care of the Legislature of our State. Other States are in advance of us in the direction which are bohind us in othir. lines of advancement. I would recommend that somo system of distributing reading matter be devised,either by township libraries or whatever may seem to your honorable body tiie most practicable. CONCLUSION. The time is at hand w hen T shall tnk my leave from the high office to which .' have succeeded after the death oT Cover nor Hovcy. I have tried, in the fear of God and man, to faithfully per Jim the responsible duties imposed. On yon, the representatives of the people, I iuvoko, the blessings of Almigthy God. Guest —Great Scott man! Can’t you bo more careful? Yon rave spilled the sauce all over my top-coat. Waiter —Beg pardon, sir, I am sure. I'll pay for it. tiir. Guest —How will pay for it? Waiter —I won’t charge it on the check, sir. She objected to exagcmt.ions.— Gushley —Would you think of me Ii I were 10,000 Lnguca away? His Fiance (from Boston)--As the maximum diameter of the earth is only 8,000 miles, Clarence, your supposition is an impossible one." Mabel —I don’t believe Harvey Staxton has a single idea in his head. Edon —Well, I don’t think he has any other kind. He’s been coming to seo-me a year, and if he has, I have’t seen any signs of it. —Detroit Free Press, w* Dudley—By Jove there’s a messenger boy running; it must be some thing important. Gray—Yes, he’s in a hurry to get a comfortable seat l»y the car stove.

THE INAUGURATION.

H&ttaevre And 1-Tye Inaugurated G-overnt r and Lieutenant ’ —: —Governor. <iovcr,i«»r Mjtlhnir* Inaugural Address Tltc Ueienipnirs in the Capltolln the Prcsetn-t! cl tn«- Leglstattn* and a Assemblage. Claude Matt hews was lnagurate-5 Governor of Indiana and A o. timer Nye, Lieutenant- Governor, Monday afternoon, ih tho south corridor of the Capitol in the presanca of both Soares of thcLogisiature and a distinguished body of spectators. The decorations were appropriate and imposing. Prior to the ceremonies the two Houses met separately for a few minutes, when they proceeded to the corridor to witness the inauguration, the column being headedbytheSenate. Seated on the platform were Senator David Turpic. ex-Govern-or Albert G. Porter, William 11. English. Governor Ira J Chase, Mrs. and Miss Matthews, wife and daughter of the Gov-ernor-elect, the State officers, including Court and others. Governor Matthews and Lieutenant-Governor Nyo appeared upon the rostrum at 2 o’clock, escorted by a joint committee of the Senate and the House. They were greeted by a pleasant recognition, which appeared to be strictly non-partisan, as the Republicans joined their Democratic colleagues in the applause. President Griffith of the Senate called the joint convention to order and prayer was ofvered by Rev. .Tas. A. Mil burn. The roll was called, and tho President declared a quorum present. Judge Reinhart administered tho oath to Mr. Matthews, Who then spoke as follows: Governor Matthews’s Address. Gentlemen of tho Senate and House of Representatives: It is with a deep feeling of the sacred responsibilities of the oath I have just taken that I assume, the duties of the office of Governor of Indiana, and I desire to return to the people of our State, through yoti, their legislative representatives, my profound gratitude for the honor, and my earnest assurances that it shall be my constant aim and effort to faithfully execute and discharge the duties of till* high office in accordance with the constitution and their wishes, as these may be expressed or fairly inferred from time to time ih mugh current events.

TAX LAIV. It is an undeniable fact that, in the years recently passed, there has.been a growing tendency in legislation to too greatly favor corporations and monopolies at the expense of tho farmers, laborers and tho business classes, who make up the great body of our citizens. Under this common belief, the people became restless, and desired that this-inequality should be remedied, and noTongcr exist. In obedience to this well expressed opinion, a law was wisely passed by the last Legislature, the intention of which was to secure fuller and fairer assessments of property for taxable purposes in this State. This law has worked well, and I believe will meet this intention. BUILDING ANI) LOAN ASSOCIATIONS. There has been a wide departure from the original laws creating building, loan and savings associations. Instead of re- j main-ingtrue to thv original intent, aj means of furnishing a safe investment for ! the saving and security of weekly and monthly wages of certain classes of our citizens, thereby encouraging the building and ownership of homes, these have now drifted into banking and brokerage institutions and lenders of money upon a large a ddTtangerous scale. The most serious source, of evil is the evasion of just payment of taxes on money loaned, drawing regular rates of interest, through what is known as “paid-up shares,” and often adding features of insurance, not at first intended, nor legitimately a part of these associations. Some restrictions should he thrown around foreign building and loan associations. r.EDUCTION IN TAXES. It Is undoubtedly true that for many vears there has been a growing extravagance in National, State and local governments. This is an entire departure from correct principles, and the people, who have tlie taxes to pay, have'wisely called :.!£ MTLTdtifiimarca'flt: - 1 favor the most rigid economy consistent with good government in all departments of tho State.

STATE DEBT. —; Tt is not indispimsibie that the public debt should be paid immediately. It is not a large debt for such a State, and its payment is not being pressed. But steps toward this end should not be ovealooked or neglected. Tho surest way to accomplish a reduc'ion year by year in Sijph a debt, would be the creation of a sinking fund to bo used solely for that putpose, and to be applied a.* rapidly as accumulated. With this in view I invite your attention to the present 'ehool-tax levy, which could bo reduced without injury to that great and needed work. It would bo gratifying to tho people if a reduction could be made in the aggregate of six cents in the school and general levies, and I believe this can be done without injury to public service. INDIANA. Wc. may indeed feel justly proud of our State, for it possesses in art eminent dogroo all the elements necessary to tho greatest prosperity and the highest civilization. With the'groat lakes on the north and the Ohio river on the south, it has.for commercial purposes the benefit of both, and a geographical position which makos it necessary that all tho leading truk lines of railways should pass over Its surface. TRE CONSTITUTION. Nor aro wo less blest in our beneficent Government, which not only furnishes one of t)>“. best systems of schools in the world, but gives amplo protection to the persons and property of every one of her citizens, no matter how humble their condition, so far as the sumo can be secured under law. These blessings of good government flow largely from our admirable Stato constitution and wise system of laws made In conformity therewith. This constitutution was framed by a body Of eminent statesmen, and was approved by tho vote of tho people. Tho experience of over forty years has proven Its beneficent character and wisdom. v Our courts havo, from time to time, passed upon such points as needed construing, and wo now have a goncrul codo of laws, conceded In the main to bo In harmony with the Constitution. In my judgment, if changes aro desirable in tho Constitution, it would bo host to make them In the manner tho pcoplo have themselves provided In that instrument. But radical changes In cither the Constitution or laws of tho State should not be made without tho maturest deliberation and the gravest consideration. Bad legislation is worse than no legislation. ELECTION LAW. Our present election laws scorns to bo working well, and if changed at fell it should be done with tho greatest caution. Indeed. I am fully pursuaded that It would best sorvo tho public interest to allow the people to become fully acqalntod with and accustomed to its provisions, and the system to become thorn g ily established, before changes are mad); new

provisions adopted, or ohi ones changed, in however a sught degree, have a tendency to cause confusion and doubt in the mind of the voter that/embarrasses him in the free exercise of this right and duty. ELECTION OF UXITED'STATES SENATORS. The election of United States Senators by the people is a measure now very widely and favorably considered, not only by the people of Indiana, but of many other States in the Union. The time has come in our history when the influence, and action of the masses of our fellow cilfizens ought to be more directly and distinctly impressed upon the members of the National Legislature. Nothing would promote this more than the choice by direct vote of tlfe people of tho State, of the members of the United States Senate. PUBLIC HIGHWAYS. 1 The improvement of our common highway system is an important matter that is now receiving much attention from the people, and I commend this subject to your serious considci ation. No class of our citizens are morn d.ractly interestedw*" benefited in the improv imerit of our highways than are the farmers and upon none will fall so heavily the costs of construction. The amount of money raised under tho present tax collected, is sufficient; if wisely ex pended and properly applied, to place Indiana, in a few yoars. in an enviable position as to her highways. There should be enacted no law that will add to ’ the burdens of this tax. nor the management removed so far from the people as to deprive them of the right to “work out?* as desired. APPORTIONMENT The duty and power of apportioning Senators and Representatives among the several counties of the State is conferred by our constitution upon the general assembly. No other department of the State Government is given any share or part in theif unetion. Tho people view with great jealousy any attempt made by the courts to encroach upon a province so peculiarly within the scope of legislative action. This right and power conceded, the next absorption of the prerogatives or functions of the executive, and in this way the rights of all departments of the State government pass into the control of the courts.

soldiers’ monument. The present year will witness the assembling in our midst of a great concourse of citizens of this and sister States. The National Encampment, composed of the surviving members of that great army that thirty years ago marched bravely forth to battle at their country’s call, will meet the coming fall at your capital city. Year by year their ranks aro thinning out. and in the not distant future their ears will be deaf to the bugle call, It has been deemed thoMuty of-tho citizens wherever they have met to do them honor and give to them a hearty welcome. I trust that Indiana and the city of Indianapolis may not be found wanting in this respect. Provision should be made for the proper completion of the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument. It Is a great work, in which every citizen of Indiana has an interest. It is tho monument of the State, paid for by all the taxpayers of tho State, and constructed under the supervision of commissioners appointed by State authority. No outside influence should be allowed to interfere with its construction, as a State monument, and especially interference based on a narrow and selfish policy. It should be made to reflect the highest honor on the Indiana soldiers and sailors of the civil war. hut it will not detract from that honor if proper reference should be made to other soldiers of Indiana, and other wars connected with Indiana military history, as the commissioners, all of whom are soldiers of the civil war, or the State, may decide would be appropriate. The soldiers of no one war, brave and patriotic as they were, have a monopoly of Indiana’s valor and military glory, and such great historical events as tho capture of Vincennes from the British, the battle of Tippecanoe and the war with Mexico (the first two on Indiana soil, and all productive of vast benefits to tho country) should not be ignored in the construction of an Indiana, State monument,— WHITE GAPS. A mistaken policy has sometimes prevailed in portions of the State to punish offenders or drive away -persons deemed pbjectionablc without resort to due legal process. Those acts, commonly called White Caps, are dangerous to tho rights of citizens and the peace of the community and should be suppressed. If the present criminal laws aremot sufficient to cover such offenses, they should bo made more effective by further enactments. And now gentlemen, in conclusion, I desire to remind you that upon each and all of us rest heavy responsibilities. ' Tho people of a great State have intrusted to OHr care the management, and direction of their public affairs. I trust we may meet these andwithai) in a manly and unselfish manner, and to the utmost of our several abilities. Recent Legislatures have done much to crown our State with the glory of placing her in the foremost rank of leadership in tho adoption of great reform measures. I trust your work may be equal to any that has gone before. That wisdom may guide your councils, that prosperity may envelope our State in all future time, and a kind Providence direct our destinies will be my earnest prayer and sincere desire. - •«**.*:*•' ■ y ' •

The Lieutenant-Governor'* Addrea*. After Governor Matthew had 9poken Lieutenant-Governor Mortimer Nye look the oath of office, administered by Judge McCabe, of the Supreme Court, and_spektT as follows: Gentlemen of the Senate And House of Representatives of Indiana. Ladies and Gentlemen—At this time I appreciate most keenly the groat responsibility resting upon me to discharge the .duties of the office of Lieutenant-Governor in such a manner as to meet your approval and indorsement. I fear, however, that because of inexperience, it may be somewhat difiicult for mo to discharge that duty fully and proporly, but I shall endeavor to do so without fear or favor and strictly In conformity with the rules which may be adopted for the business tranactions of the present session of the Senate. Its order that I may not make any serious mistake in the discharge of my official duty I most earnestly invite each and every Senator to give mo his cordial support and assistance, and to regard charitably any b under or error which I may make. The b rslness and legislation of this session is entirely under your control. Each member should, therefore, act according to his own best judgment and be honest and conscientious in tho discharge of every duty. I trust the present seSpion of tho General Assembly may be a pleasant, agreeable and prontable'one, and that all laws and measures adopted by you may meet the most hearty approval of tho people of the great State of Indiana. After the inauguration ceremonies each House returned to its ball and wont Ini > briof session. Governor Chase was not invited in advance to make remarks at the fnangural, but tho committee which had tho matter in chargo was desirous of extending courtesies to the retiring Governor. 110 made his farewell in his own office after the ceremonies in the hall. Immediately after the inaugural ceremony Governor Matthews was escorted to the Governor's office. He exchanged greetings with ex-Governor Chase, and after a briof talk the office wafc formally turned over in Bhe iy>w Governor.