Rensselaer Republican, Volume 27, Number 32, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 4 April 1895 — NOTES FROM THE CAPITAL. [ARTICLE]

NOTES FROM THE CAPITAL.

Indianapolis, April 2, 1805. The course of true religion in-this city does not appear to run as smoothly as is desirable Tor theadvancementof the cause. Adherents have altogether forgotten the adage that “In union is strength,” and have devoted the greater part of their energies for some time towards ~ fomenting strife in their own ranks. Details in a letter of this character Would perhaps be improper—at any t i3 w#heathc.e. to say that a well-known Methodist church for more than a year has been “all torn up” with dissensions of a character that makes worldly people tauirh and wag their heads. The differences are of a totally unimportant character at best, and eTEh¥r side —and there appears to have been fct least three sides —might have fielded Without the slightest injury jo their self-respect. The origin of the trouble appears to have been an utter failure on the part of an influBntial portion of the membership to realize that the} 7 belonged to a Methodist church. They were determined to arrogate to themselves the prerogatives conferred by the creed of the denomination upon the Bishop fcnd Conference. They failed, and have withdrawn from the church — which the} 7 might have done without bringing their denomination into disrepute bv trying to overturn an Established custom. Another “storm center” has been located under the

Arched ceiling of a leading Baptist Society and it is understood that the pastor has resigned under pressure .. because of-political .reasons. The latest manifestation of the lack of j brotherly love in church circles was afforded by the Second Presbyterian probably the'" most iristoeratic church in the city. Following the regular prayer meeting, Thursday evening, Judge Lewis C. Walker arose in his place and in the most forcible language expressed his Seep regret that he had learned that the pastor, Rev. Mil burn, had attended Col. Ingersoll’s lecture, Tues3ay evening. He hoped that Mr. Milburn would deny the charge. Considerable excitement ensued. Pastor Milburn arose, and not only Acknowledged that he had attended the lecture, but defended Ms CWrsl In doing so. What the matter mayresult in is, of course, as yet unknown, but it again illustrates the fact-that matters altogether foreign to the avowed objects of religious —Arganizations will continue to intrude apon the meetings of our church sojieties. „ * • * *

The Sentinel has been running a joupon excursion this winter, that is unique. ‘‘Vote for your favorite lady teacher,” “Vote for four most beloved lady typewriter,” jtc., and send them sailing to the tummer seas of Central America on I ticket furnished by*the generous sentinel to the fortunate female whose employers put up the most lash to buy extra copies of the iforesaid Sentinel. I am not informed of the result of the plan irom the newspaper standpoint, but is a scheme for setting the women by the ears and stirring up animosities and jealousies in the community it has proved a great success. '* , - * *

The city charter was amended in several particulars by the late lamented and belligerent General Assembly. The experts and city oflicials have been looking around trying to ascertain “where they are at.” It begins to look like somebody had “monkeyed” with the sections relating to improvement bonds to such »n extent that no bonds can be issued legally for street improvements. Comptroller Trusler is authority for the statement that the various sections of the charter, as it now stands, are in flat contradiction, and that if the law is complied with, the city would have to pay installment payments and interest on such bonds In June, whil'fe the Treasurer would not begin to collect the same from property owners until the following December. Comptroller Trusler thinks it would be impossible to is*ue any bonds of “this kind if the amendment should be.so interpreted

by the city attorney. There is a provision in the amendment which may be construed as righting any Buch mistakes, as the wording of the preceding portions of the amendment evidently are. Itsays: “It is hereby intended and provided that installments or principal and interest shall be paid in advance of the maturity of bonds and_ coupons in order to enable the treasurer to pay such bonds and coupons as they respectively fall due, etc.” It may have been so intended, but it was not so provided, and even if a court Should decide to respect the safeguard in this last-quoted sentence; It would be a difficult matter for the

court, to decide when payments should be madej If it should attempt to say when, it would be legislating, for the language of the general assembly is plain, no matter what its intention. It is the opinion of those who have studied the matter that the amendments - cannot stand and will Be declared void, thereby allowing the city to continue improvements as before the amendment was.passed by the Legislature. “There Tire plenty of people who would be immensely gratified if the whole charter was “knocked out.” Taxpayers, especially owners of real estalc, would endure a total cessation of street paving for several years with a remarkable exhibition of Christian resignation. * * ~ Great news-&genciesJjave deigned to inform ' the world that “Baby McKee,” who was a personage of National reputation during the last administration, has taken to a bicycle like r. duck To watery so I can hardly l>e accused of writing about unimportant matters when L~give the news to the country press. “Baby” McKee is now quite a well grown lad and is living with “Grandpa” Harrison on North Delaware street. People- Who do not believe in “luck” would dQ well to study the history of this fortunate heir to an historic name. * *

With the swelling buds comes the annual attack of base ball fever. The epidemic promises to be unusually virulent this year at Tilts" point. Work has begun on the grounds where it is proposed to Have Sunday games. This is in addition to the regular park for week dav games. A new grand stand has been built at the old park east of the city. The Sunday ball park is located opposite the entrance to the State fair grounds. A grand stand will also be built at this park capable of seating 2,000 people, with “bleacher” room for 4,000 more. The first Sunday game will be played next Sunday, April 7. It is understood that Sunday excursion trains will he run into the city from various points during the season, and efforts will be made to make the venture a great success. The grounds can be reached by three electric lines. a. p. k.