The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1875-05-13

paid my mileage, (more that sufficiently the
same railroad was anxious to thrust free
pass upon me unasked. And it is my opin-
ion that the railroad companies expect to
get the worth of their money, in some shape
or other, on all free passes they issue.
R.-WhO had control Of the Indiana legls-
lature, Governor, Senate and Eouse,) pre-
vious 70 the last Legislature?
Mr.. Reeder-The republicans had the
governor and a majority in both branches
OF the legislature.
R.-Did the repu blicsns increase the sala
ries OF the members of the legislature and
that of the governor?
Mr.. Reeder-I am sorry to say they did.
They increased the salaries OF members from
50 TO IS per day. and so on.
Rid the last legisature-wbich the
indianapolis Journal called democratic, -
and a "fool legislature" and denounced so
tiercely-dd the last legislature reduce ex-
penses any or introduce any reforms?
Mr.. Reeder-It did most emphatically.
and that is what is the trouble with the
Journal; we cut off good deal OF
THE JOURNALS "FAT.''
There were great many farmers in the
last legislature, but We reformed things con-
siderably. We reduced the salaries of state,
county and township officers very mate
rally: cut off many perquisites, and did
the best we could, considering the money,
official influence, aud the denunciation OF
interested newspapers used agaius. the re-
formers and well-disposed republicans.
R.-What do you mean by peraui-
sites?"
Mr.. Reedsr-Well, for instance, the cd
salary of five dollars day to members. with
the stealings in the way of stationery,
stamps, newspapers, &c. (Which were car
ried off by the Wholesale really net.
ted more TO the members than
eight dollars dsy with these
stealages cut of. Members could carry of
stationery and postage stamps by the whole
sale, and many of thew unquestionably did
so, although they would DENY it. of course
L feel sure, from close observation, that the
taxpayers of the state would have to paw
less 10 the legislature If each member re-
ceived merely S. a day than TO give the
members the old perquisites and only So a
day salary.
R.-You cut down the salaries and peraui-
sites of state officers considerably?
Mr.. Reeder-Yes, il was quite Joke
among the republican members-that as the
democrats had got most of the state officers.
we could we'll afford to reduce their salaries
We 90
REDUCED THE PERQUIsITs
OF the auditor of state fully S25, 900 a year:
we reduced the salary of the secretary of
state some twenty per cent. The governors
salary was reduced $1,000; and that of men,
bers Of the legislature from s. to So per day.
Then the tax levy for state purposes was
from sixteen cents to thirteen cents,
If l am not mistaken. And we cut down
the appropriations for state institutions TO
the extent of about what we thought was
being stolen by the officials. But they will
HInrw s-s4
other, no doubt, even if they make the in
mates suffer or the Taxpayers.
X Then the late reform legislature, or
democratic legislature, or farmers legisla- |
ture, or fool legIslature-or whatever the |
scre-head newspapers call ibid reform |
things somewhat, and reduced taxation?
Mr.. Reeder-Yes; there was an average |
saving effected TO each county, on county |
officers alone, of $1,000 year. Then the |
new license feature in the temperance law |
will bring in fully 100000 to the school /
und in the next two years. While / would |
De in favor OF prohibiting the sale of intox /
eating liquors altogether, myself, yet, as !
enough To take S500,00 out of the profits |
hat would otherwise go into the
POCKETS OF The WHISKY SELLER,
chool fund.
R.-You are thorough-going republican,
re you not. Mr.. Reeder?
Mr.. Reeder-Yes, sir; and temperance |
nan. l believe the last legislature passed /
many good laws. 1t was really a reform
legislature. Many of the members were
lew and what you call ''green" in matters /
If law making, but all things considered,
hey did well.
R-What do you think of Governor
Hendricks and his defense of the late legis-
ature?
Mr.. Reeder-To the bsst of my knowl-
'dge and belief, the governors letter of de-
ense Of the late legislature is correct. And
rom an intimate personal acquaintance |
With Gov. Hendricks, believe him to be
thoroughly honest, fair-minded, temperate /
nan. | say this as republican, have al ,
ways been republican-sm republican
o-day. And do not believe the republI-
an party can sustain any injury by ac-
InowledgiDg we'll known facts. And the
republicans of the late legislature deserve
Ugh praise for their share in securing the
Iassage of the reform measures.