The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1879-02-19
SATURDAY, FEB. Is, 1879.

SATURDAY, FEB. Is, 1879.
Saturday is usually not very interesting
day in the halls of state legislation. Business
assumes a machine, simple routine aspect
many members obtain leave of absence that
they may visit their families over Sunday,
while an unusual languid appearance seems
to pervade everything ard everybody. A lit
tie ripple Of interest was noticeable Saturday
when the reports were made on the metro
politan police bill, the committee having
divided on the feasibility of the
measure, presented majority and minority
report. The majority of the committee were
favorable to the bill, and 50 reported. The
minority took an adverse view, and embodied
it in separate report. Mr.. VIII English rep
resented the former during the debate, and
handled his portion of the discussion in a
very mastery and clear headed manner. Sew
eral test votes were taken, showing that, on
the final passage of the bill, 1t will undoubted-
ly be successful Many Democrats were absent
yesterday, and some who voted adversely to
the majority report did misappr< hen
sion that it affected other cities than Indian
apolis, where the present status of affairs are
not SO deplorably mixed with and used in
furnishing political fuel for party machinery.
The bill designs that these affairs shall be re-
moved high and dry above party politics.
Policemen will be appointed for four years,
and none shall be appointed or removed be-
cause of their political opinions. When
removals are contemplated, direct charges
must be made on other than political matters;
a fair and regular trial is provided for, and
thus officer, who faithfully performs his
duty, will be retained in Office, no matter
what mutations occur in the city govern
ment. Both parties have relied upon the po-
lice of the city to do a very considerable
amount of the dirty and disgraceful work in
cident to ward and city elections. and, there
fore, all good citizens should hail with satis.'
faction and delight any Steps in the direction
for reform in these affairs
The entire matter having been referred to
select committee, with instructions TO report
on next Thursday, by a vote of 40 to 80, ended
the discussion of the matter on Saturday.
Some members OF the Legislature seem to have
an idea that the expenses of the bill Will have
to be met by the State. This is not so. The
bill provides that the city of Indianapolis shall
pay all expenses incident to the new system.
The number of policemen will probably be less
than If is at present, SO that the expenses of
the system will not differ materially from the
present one. 1t is the experience of Cincin-
politan police bills, in their manner of direct
ing and handling the police affairs of large
cities are far superior to the old and exclusive
party machines used in these matters.
The Woman Suffrage association of Indiana,
desiring to be heard upon the matter of be
slowing the elective franchise upon the fair
sex of the State-we say '.fair," but suppose
the colored sisters are included also-the House
chivalrously resolved, by unanimous vote,
that it would gladly give audience to the fair
sisterhood on Tuesday next. the 18th inst, at
was also invited to be present on the occasion.
which will no doubt be an interesting episode
in the often dull routine of legislative life.
An almost imperceptible indication OF tint
of economy, directly affecting members
of the House, struggled to the
surface during the session, on
proposition of a member to reduce the mileage
of representatives from 20 to 10 cents per mile.
Members, however, did not tackle" the sub
ject with the same degree of alacrity as they
manifested when discussing the reduction of
the incomes of county officers. "Ze hunting
Of re tigare ees grand. magnifique, but when
re tigare hunts you, den it ees vera different
mataire," remarked the Frenchman.
VIII English thought 1t about time to hear
from very important bill which he had in
troduced in the opening days ofthe session, on
1.-THE reappraisement of property" and ac-
cortingly started resolution on its bright,
sunny way, with his blessing. to hunt it up.
1t found the bill. The committee on ways
and means had been considering
the matter, and Mr.. Humphreys, Its CHAIR
man, explained that the committee was ready
to report on the bill, and would have present.
ed it to the House then, but as so many men,
beers were absent, and the bill a very important
one, he preferred to have 1t considered before
q full House. He announced, therefore, that
Ill
Mr. Faulkner, chairman of the committee
on temperance, desires it to be generally
known that the committee on that subject
will meet tomorrow morning at $50 in room
81, Court House building. The chairman says
that "all who have anything to say let them
come up and say it. or forever hold their
peace"
Mr.. Herod, who announced himself as the
member without bills at the opening of the
session, fairly bristled with new bills yester-
day, some one sending up resolution to the
speaker providing for the purchase of a basket,
mot waste basket) to relieve him Of the bur-
den of carrying them about in his pockets.
Representative Saint fought very manfuly
for measure to require free toll on Sundays
over the gravel roads of the State, bit the bill
was laid on the table-thus "Saintn and sinner
must pay toll as usual.
Lycurgus Dalton, the suave and gentle rep
resentative of Lawrence county, has bill on
''rates of interest" which he thinks will meet
the wants OF the people to a charm. 1t is
noticed in another part of the Sentinel at
some length.
The hunters and fishermen OF some Of the
northern counties memorabilia the Legislature
as follows:
and oenerousIy is stocking our lakes and
rivers with excellent and valuable fish, we ask
that by cooperative legislation provisions