The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-02-24
Afternoon Session.

MI 1Tauaul moved 10 suspend Ln6 Ofuer OF
business. that he may introduce resolution for
the appointment of "A committee of five TO pro-
coed forthwith. to examine the State Treasury,
loaned in violation OF law, and report the ex-
animation to the Senate at the earliest day pos
sble. He referred to defalcations in other
States and desired to prevent any such sorry
experience in this State.
Mr.. Brown referred TO the fact that Repub-
lican Treasurer OF State was in Office when the
Senate convened and remained so until the past
eight or ten days, and yet this sense OF duty
didn't arise on the part of the senator from
Hamilton (Mr. Graham).
Mr., Graham explained that the provocation
for this resolution came to light since the Demo
cratic Treasurer came into office.
Mr.. Brown, resuming, was interrupted by
A MESSAGE FROM THE HOUSE
by Chief Clerk Edwins, informing the Senate
that the House has no information that the
person bringing the message is secretary of the
Senate, and the message is therefore respect
fully returned to the Senate.
Mr.. Bundy moved that committee OF two be
appointed 10 inform the House Of the Hon.
Cyrns z. Ntxon's election as principal secretary
of the Senate.
Mr. Brown objecting to having his remarks
interrupted by the motion
Mr.. Graham withdrew hs resolution.
The motion for a Senate committee was
agreed to, and the chair made 1t to consist of
Messrs Spann and Brown
Mr. Campbell called up in special order the bill
concerning railroads crossing each other on a
common grade, which was read the third time
Mr.. Voyes moved to add to section prnviso
that where the elective system referred to is
adopted II shall moi be put in unless with the
consent OF the railroad company. II so
ordered bv consent.
Mr.. Willard would like to have the bill ex-
plained-t looks like plan to get in patent
right
Mr.. Foulke explained that the signal ia always
set to danger. This il probably the only appli
that is in Use. When the tram comes in
about mile of the crossing there is an insulated
track which changes the switch by an automatic
arrangement. The arran cement Is such that
two trains cannot possibly meet each other at
the crossing. This will obviate the necessity OF
trains stopping at all crossings.
Mr.. Brown said this bill was similar to an Ohio
law The point is this, when train comes
within half mile or so of crossing it changes
the switch, so that were another train coming
from another way and attempt to mass the cross.
ing 1t would go into the ditch. This system has
been adopted in the interest of preservation OF
life This bin protects no inventor, but ia rather
an encouragement, for il provides for the adop-
ton of the best system.
Mr.. Bundy showed there is nothing mandatory
about the bill.
Mr.. spann said this bill does not affect the oil
law, as where this protection is not adopted the
old law remains in force.
The bill passed by yeas SO, nays 1.
CONTRACT CONVICT LABOR.
A special order being the bill, S b. No 2s1. to
abolish contract convict labor, and regulating
prisons and Of the inmates of our reformatory
schools, as well rs providing for the maintenance
of said institutions also, repeating all laws in
conflict mere with and declaring an emergency,
was read the second time, also the bill, S.
b. No. PAL, for the more profitable ana equitable
hiring by the State OF the cOnvcts in the State
prisons, and to amend section 10 of the State
prison act. See page 1877 of the Brewer Reports
Mr.. JohDson--Not senator but knows the
complaints against the system of convict CON
tract labor has become loud and persistent
that the Legislature should heed the demand and
apply the remedy. Petitions embracing thon-
lands of names have come to this Senate de-
manding that the present system shall be abol-
ished aud that the great incubus imposed upon
manufacturers and the labOrers employed by
them shall he removed. The STATE of Indiana
which ought to be the guardian aud protector of
the manufacturing and laboring in terests of the
State, has been made an opponent by UNFOLDING
n ruinous competition, which, II not oDviated,
viii ruin them.
Mr., Campbell regarded this question as espe-
cialiy deserving OF careful and deliberate CON
sideration. The importance and magnitude OF
this problem demands immediate attention
from commOn-sense, business standpoint. The
difference between his bill, g. b. No 241, and
the bill, 8. b. No PSI, is that the latter proposes
to abolish contract convict labor while his bill
proposes to put able-bodied cOnvicts in honor
able competition, so their products will bring as
high price as their products will bring in the
market.
Mr. Yancey moved to amend the bill, 8. b. No.
247, by adding section requiring q brand man
utactnreh by convict labor to he placed on
every thing manufactured by convict labor, In
justice 10 honest and fair dealing. as between
man and man.
Mr. Campbell believed that would depreciate