Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 22, Number 35, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 18 January 1901 — DOWN TO BUSINESS [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

DO WN TO BUSINESS

Indiana’s New Governor Delivers a Stirring Inaugural Address. J-': ■ j SOUNDS THE KEY NOTE Gov. Winfield T. Durbin Calls the Legislature's Attention to Im- ’ portant Business Details. An Address Which Reflects the Attitude of the New Administration. Indianapolis, Jan. 14.—The ceremonies incident to the inauguration of Hon. Winfield T. Durbin, governor of Indiana, were conducted with much Impressiveness today at the state capital, in the presence of the members of the senate and the house of representatives and a large concourse of citizens gathered in the rotunda of the capital. After receiving the oath of his high office, Governor Durbin addressed his audience as follows: ..Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives, and Fellow Citizens: ~My distinguished predecessor, Governor Mount, whose admirable administration has the hearty endorsement of every fair-minded citizen, has but recently delivered to the general assembly a formal message in which he reviews existing conditions with characteristic force and felicity; and, un.der these circumstances, I deem it ap-

propriate that I should confine my remarks to generalities, rather than conventional recommendations. I have but little in the way of advice to offer, but that you will nevertheless be receiving on every street corner, in every hotel corridor and, possibly, in the lobbies of your respective legislative chambers during the next ensuing GO days. In this initial year of the new century I congratulate the people of this great and growing commonwealth upon the proud position Indiana has in the galaxy of states composing the Federal Union. The history of the Republic cannot be written with fidelity to fact without emblazoning upon very many of its pages a tribute of glory to the part Indiana occupies in Its substantial progress, and the loyalty and patriotism that has ever marked its efforts in the upbuilding and the perpetuity of its free institutions. The pioneer settlers of the territory, and the succeeding state, blazed the way for settlement and development, along rugged paths that ever < -aracterlze the environments and Htions associated with the wresting of a country from the red men of the forest, and have' built It up through the gradations of the past century, each decade ushering in added Improvemem h that American genius ever provided as a hand-maiden in the march of progress. A# we contemplate Indiana at its mound us, we can scarcely realize that mo much development, prosperity and ideal conditions could be a result of less than a century of growth. As we .appreciate the blessings that are enjoyed today we should never forget the sacrifices that were made by the fathers in their settlement of this goodly land, and their hardships and trials in carving from the great Northwest Territory the state of our hearts’ best love. lEx-Presldent Harrison, In an address in this city, paid the capital a glowing tribute when he said “Indi- | Xnapolis was no mean city,” and so hn a larger sense our people can confgratulate themselves that Indiana is |no mean state. It has a geographical advantage in being situated as it is this central middle West, ho that Hie great commerce-carry lug lines of

the country must ever and always cross its territory. Over a third of a century ago Indiana gave nearly 250,000 men for service in the war for the preservation of the Union, and thousands of her brave young men are now battling for the flag and for civilization in the Pnllippines and in China. In the Islands there is one regiment in which more than 00 per cent of the men are of “Hoosier” origin, and the regiment is also commanded by an Indianian, the courageous and chivalrous Colonel Dorst. Under the guidance of the great Oliver P. Morton, Indiana made a record in tue War of the Rebellionthat hardly has a parallel in the histories of armed conflict. When the battleship Maine went to the bottom of Havana harbor as a result of Spanish intrigue and treachery, thousands of strong-hearted Americans responded to Presiuent McKinley’s call for volunteers and swore eternal devotion to “Old Glory.” Indiana played a prominent part in that drama, also. This state was first to report its full quota of troops in camp; they were first to receive their pay from the state, and throughout the campaign they conducted themselves in a manner that was in every way creditable. They were not called upon to fight, but it was in them, and braver, more determined men never__carried sword or musket. INDIANA PRODUCTS. As an agricultural state Indiana farmers have given it an advanved position in the products of the fields, the flocks and the herds. In manufacturing, especially within the last 20 years, it has attracted to itself an investment of capital, and produced an output of product that has not been excelled by any other state of its area in the Union. The natural gas development has, of itself gathered to the fortunate territory of this unique fuel of nature, a center of enterprise and business that cannot but be a basis of future increase almost beyond conception. The investment of capital for business purposes, and the building and projection of new lines of electric and steam railways communication permeates almost every county in tue state, while the construction of better roads signalizes the activity of town and township throughout all our borders.

Wagons of Indiana make carry very largely the transportation supplies of the British in South Africa. Indiana carriages are used in the capital city of every civilized country on the globe. Indiana building stone is in the construction of the best public edifices In a very large part of the capitals of our sister states. The tin of Indiana manufacture, the glass of Indiana manufacture, the furniture of Indiana manufacture, are not only to be found in the markets of every state in the Union, but also found in the increasing number of the markets of the civilized world. In&iana authors have their names on the nation’s roll of

fame, so that to-day no library is complete without the fiction of Wallace, Eggleston, Major and Tarkington, or the poems of our own gifted Riley or Maurice Thompson; and so anywhere and everywhere tthere can be something of Indiana origin or that clusters round the material conditions of Indiana, that is a matter of pride to every reflecting citizen of the state, and serve very largely in the renown and the honor that attaches to our good name and fame. Standing thus at the milestone to which the progress of the past has brought us, it is the practical part of the duty of our citizenship to go forwmrd. Government has its relation in an intimate and personal sense to every citizen of the state, and it is a sacrea obligation, one that 1 appreciate to the fullest extent when I, as your chief executive, assume the great trust you have placed in my keeping. I appeal to you for your support that our government may be one of law in fact, and to our Creator for that Divine guidance that 1 may see the right and ..ave given me strength to do the right. I appeal to the members of the legislature, those charged with the responsibility of devising ways and means for the business necessities of the state, to mark their acts with conservatism and practical judgment. There is no greater business interest in the state of Indiana than is-asso-ciated in the government of this state. Each taxpayer is a stockholder in state government. The taxes that are levies and which are the contribution of each taxpayer make up the sum total that goes to meet the expenses of every department of the state’s business detail. Recent legislation has liberally provided for the necessities of our state institutions consequent upon me growth of the commonwealth, but from year to year there will have to be added room as population grows and tue unfortunate wards increase. It Is a source of gratification to note that our institutions are upon, a business plane, free from any bias of party management; that our benevolent and penal Institutions are conducted upon a humanitarian and a reformatory basis and it should be the sincere hope of nil of our citizens that from a fiscal sense, the management should be on lines of the most approved business met_ods and with a conscientious care and skill for those who through mis fortune and affliction are dependent upon the bounty of the state for aid and support. I shall hope to preserve the nigh standard of all our institutions and surround them with every encouragement and Influence that will tend to practical economy and accounting of financial outlay, a fidelity

• f officlaUduly, and a trained and humane pdl>;y toward those that are the recipients of the state’s good care and bounty. In connection with every other agency in the administration of state affairs charged with financial duty, I shall hope to have approved business methods prevail and a care and guardianship in the expenditure of the people’s money that will divorce from the idea of official thought that a policy of expenditure of public funds should differ in its detail from the most approved policies that mark the success and economy of expenditures in private business enterprises. There is no logic or reason in a difference between the methods that prevail in successful private business not being applicable to those in public business. A public office is a public trust; scrutiny is not suspicion; the dollar that the tax levy brings to the treasury should have the full value of 100 cents in its payment of the expenses of public government' I think it opportune to call attention to the advisability of considering legislation looking to the statutes against fire causes and carelessness. The ash heap of Indiana for 1899 amounted to over $2,000,000, and for the first six months of 1900 to $1,700,000. Every dollar of this loss perishes from the tax duplicates forever. In other states there has been enacted advanced legislation, and in each one of its adoption there ,has been a marked and significant decrease of fire loss. —,e conditions surrounding labor in Indiana are those of general satisfaction and prosperity. The legislation looking to arbitration where differences occur between employer, and employe has had a beneficial result, and I trust that the trend of our statutes and of public opinion, and the £lgh sense of justice that generally pervades the ranks of labor and capital, will reach that stage at an early day when strikes will be felt and feared nb more, the adjustment of differences be peaceful and satisfactory, and conflicts that usually are alike disastrous to contending parties be adjusted on a basis of right and fair dealing. The evils of government and the needed reforms for their cure can only come through the forceful influence and support of public opinion. Law and order must not be superseded by the slightest resort to, or the approval of, the injustice of vigilants with rope and masks. The hope of free institutions, the sanctity of the home, the safety of the citizen, the dignity of our manhood, rests on the respect for and the enforcement of law. Too strict supervision within the lines of a proper safeguarding of the people’s interests cannot be exercised over corporations having to do with savings, insurance and co-operative investment. The people through the legislature enact laws clothing all corporations with powers, and they have a right to demand that an “opendoor” policy shall mark transactions and that official supervision shall be the representative of the populace. It is a pleasure to note the practical completion of the Soldiers’ Monument. It is a structure of graceful symmetry anu imposing grandeur. It is the tribute of memory from the people of this state to that splendid body of patriots, living and dead, that went forth from Indiana to save the republic from the disasters of rebellion. It should be preserved sacred and inviolate in its dignified majesty. The stat utes of the state should forbid its use for any purpose of a worldly character, other than as a Mbcea to tvliich a grateful people can come to do honor to the soldiers and the cause which it typifies. It is one of the great monuments of the world, stands for the cause of human liberty and free government, and should be preserved In its purity, without a diversion of a finger-length from the purpose of Its erection.

COMMITTEE TO VISIT TENAL AND BENEVOLENT INSTITUTIONS. The Sixtieth general assembly enacted a law providing for the appointment by the governor of a nonpartisan committee of three members, one from the senate and two from the house, empowered to visit the several penal and benevolent institutions during the period of 45 days previous to the assembling of the legislature, for the purpose of investigating the needs of such Institutions and recommending the amount of appropriation each should receive to provide for their necessities. The effect of this law has been the abolishment of old-time “junketing,” which greatly retarded the work of the legislature and did more harm than good. Under the existing law this special committee makes the rounds of the institutions in a methodical, businesslike way, and, forming conclusions from personal observation nnd investigation, is prepared to report to the general assembly Intelligently and iu due season wbat is needful and advisable'to be done in the premises. In order to inform myself as fully as possible concerning the condition and management of these institutions, I had the pleasure of accompanying the visiting legislative committee during the past few weeks, and I nin confident I profited thereby in the way-of securing information of a practical nature that ebuld not have been so easily obtained otherwise. The committee consisted of Senator Goodwine and Representatives Artman and James. I observed that they were so thoroughly in earnest in their work, bo conscientious in the discharge of the responsible duties

imposed upon them that I Teel I would , be remiss if I failed to accord to them the full meed of praise. Nb man can Invent an excuse for challenging the sound business judgment, the integrity or fairness of this committee, collectively or indivdually. That being a self-evident truth, the recommendations they may make should have precedencet’ over all other solicitations, and ought not to set aside by persistent appeals of Institutional officers whose constant presence in the lobby should not be looked upon with favor. The general assembly has very properly provided a' nonpartisan committee to investigate and report upon the needs of the several state institutions, and it naturally follows that they have a more comprehensive understanding of conditions than genial gentlemen whose observations and operations are for the most part limited to the “third house.” I have the greatest respect for the members of this legislature. I am sincere in saying that its personnel ranks higher than any other of recent years, but I am convinced that the time has arrived to utter an emphatic protest against outsiders who have the effrontery to attempt to- usurp the functions which rightfully belong to the properly constituted law-making bodies. FOR INSTITUTIONAL INVESTIGATIONS. The committee appointed to investigate and report off the needs of the state penal and benevolent institutions has accomplished a great service in behalf of the state, but it has had neither the authority nor opportunity to become thoroughly informed of physical conditions. , I therefore respectfully recommend the appointment by the governor or otherwise of three disinterested and competent citizens to make a thorough investigation of the several establishments in order that they may report to the next general assembly how conditions may be bettered and what steps should be taken for the safety of inmates and the protection of the property of the state. The time such commission would be empowered to serve should be limited to a reasonable period. In the event of the erection of new buildings, it would be wise policy to make them as permanent and substantial as possible. The selection of a site for new institutions should be first approved by a special commission before the location is definitely decided upon. Unfortunately, several institutions now in existence are so badly situated as to drainage, water supply, etc, that the wonder is that such palpably poor judgment should ever have been permitted to prevail. The institutions of the state should be located with the view single of property providing for the health, comfort and convenience of inmates, and not for the special gratification of real estate speculators. NONPARTISAN MANAGEMENT. The more I have learned of the results of the nonpartisan management of our institutions the more I have become convinced of the practical utility of the methods now employed. While I am myself a partisan of somewhat inflexible temperament in that particular, I cannot but realize that my first duty is to the state. Whatever I may think personally will not be permitted to serve as a rule and guide to my actions officially. I believe in the wisdom and justice of the merit system, I favor rewariiig friends who ■ have been my good friends, but I cannot do so by going contrary to the promptings of my conscience. In accepting this office I become in large measure responsible for the care and comfort of hundreds of wards of the commonwealth whose conditions call for pity and for tears. Knowfng full well these conditions, I can never consent to the endorsement of any proposition purposing a backward step. Indeed, I am frank to say further that politics should be eliminated from the public schools and that the merit system should be made le- j gaily applicable there, also. I realize that this suggestion will be met with objections, but it is only a question j of time when that result will be forced to consummation by intelligent public opinion and me progressive spirit of Twentieth century civilization. One’s worth and usefulness should count for more than reward for party service, even in the management of our schools. It simply resolves itself into the survival of the fittest, which is, after all, the universal law of nature. THE STATE’S FINANCES. Governor Mount’s message, which has heretofore been read to your honorable bodies, contains a comprehensive resume of the state’s finances, and as I cannot add anything new or of special Importance at this time, I will confine myself to congratulating the people of Indiana on the splendid record that is being made in the way of liquidating the public debt. The sinking fund provided for this purpose has proved to be a wise and economic measure, and before the close of my administration I expect the state debt to be a thing of the past. This can be accomplished without Imposing any additional burdens on taxpayers and will stop Interest charges which have so long been a heavy and constant drain on the treasury. ! PUBLIC OFFICE A PUBLIC f ’ » TRUST. I am thoroughly in accord with the Impressive maxim first utter&Lby the late distinguished jurist, Judge Cooley, that-“a public office is a public trust.”! I desire to avoid saying anything especially personal to myself, but I never-’ theless feel tnere is no violation of propriety In asserting that at no time

have I thought of pecuniary gain in connection with the position to which I have just obligated myself and to which I purpose devoting my best efforts, with a full understanding of the weighty responsibilities I have voluntarily assumed. My sole ambition is to make a record as governor that will have the approbation of those who have entrusted their interests to my care and which will stand as my most substantial and enduring moijtument when the history of my administration shall have been written. It shall be my constant aim to conduct the affairs of- state with even more scrupulous care than has characterized the management of my private interests, and to demand a like accounting of every subordinate. It is not my purpose to be unduly exacting; I do not intend to impose burdens on others I am not willing to bear myself, but I do expect and shall insist that every person in the state’s employ shall render adequate service in the position he holds regardless of the salary he receives, eliminating all perquisites. The act popularly known as the “Mull law” has been the means of working a practical reformation of former methods of obtaining money from the treasury on questionable claims. Under this law no one can obtain a warrant from the auditor without furnishing absolute proof that it Is a just one, and it has been the means of saving many thousand dollars annually that would otherwise have been secured by the claimant without a proper accounting or adequate explanation.

OVERBURDENED STATUTES. There is more danger of having too many laws in our statutes rather than too few. The enactment of petty measures has become entirely too common, and I believe you will agree with me in the conclusion that it is time to call a halt. This condition is not peculiar to Indiana, but is equally true of all the states. Many acts that have taken the form of law are dead letters, and merely cumber the statutes and produce confusion. It is the almost unanimous opinion of lawyers that there should be a general revision and condensation of the acts already in existence. Almost every subject under the sun has been covered, and in many instances so frequently amended that the real nature of the act becomes almost incomprehensible to attorneys as well as laymen. While I am not at all disposed to suggest any particular policy to be followed by this general assembly, I respectfully submit that the passage of a few deliberately considered bills is far preferable to a flood of petty measures rushed through without any particular attention being paid to them, as has frequently happened heretofore, only to be followed by regret on the part of all concerned that more prudence should not have been exercised in matters of legislation. lam sincere in the belief that all persons who have had experience in legislative affairs will agree with me that these statements have not been overdrawn, and that it is not only unwise, but positively harmful, to waste any considerable time of the session in the consideration of bills that are absolutely without merit and in no sense needful. VOTING MACHINES. The subject of voting machines is attracting attention throughout the country, and in my judgment it should receive your careful consideration. Anything t|at tends to insure better safeguards for the suffrages of the people is a godsend. The election law now in force in this state Is immeasurably preferable to the old system, but it is complicated and by no means as satisfactory as it should be. A system that causes thousands of ballots to be thrown out on technicalities is unjust to citizens. I have not had an opportunity to fully "inform myself on the subject of automatic voting machines, but I am thoroughly convinced that the matter ought to receive your careful attention. I am emphatically in favor of any method of voting that safeguards the ballot and guarantees to every legal voter his choice in the selection of public officials. DELAYED BILLS. I sincerely trust that your honorable bodies will expedite legislation as industriously as is consistent with safety. I am informed that, as a rule, many bills are held back until the closing days of the session. This is manifestly an injudicious and dangerous practice. It opens the way for bad measures to be rushed through the houses without due consideration, and leaves the governor Insufficient time to examine and pass upon them with that care which duty demands. I therefore earnestly appeal to you to avoid the evils due to an accumulation of a large number of bills at the eleventh hour. Many instances might be cited of unfortunate results in the past owing to the delay of bills in the legislature and the consequent rush of business near the close of the session.

CONCLUSION, And now assuming the office of your chief executive, I profoundly appreciate the high honor and the weight of responsibility. My efforts shall be for the upbuilding, for the prosperity, for the happiness of all the people of the commonwealth, and I ask of the legislature conservatism, wisdom, economy, justice ever and always; of the citizenship of Indiana, co-operation and support, and with confidence In the God of our fathers to help In the conscientious discharge of my full duty, I hope for a future for Indiana full In the fruition of apparent hope and promise.

WINFIELD T. DURBIN.