The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-01-09
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.
Dissatisfaction Over Speaker Bynum's
appointment of Committees.


Speaker Bynum esterday morning an
nounced the standing committees of the
House for the session and some of the APP
pointments were received with dissatisfac-
ton. Generally, it may be said that, aside
from their partisan character there is no
particular objection to them. Mr.. McMullen
was rewarded for withdrawal from the speak
ership contest at an early stage by being
made chairman of the judiciary committee.
By legislative precedent and that courtesy
which is generally extended to the most
formidable opponent in the caucus, Mr..
Moody should have had the committe on
ways and means, but he did
not get it, Mr.. Jewett of Scott,
being appointed Mr.. Moody and his
friends are not at all resigned to this state of
affairs, and yesterday they;dld not attempt to
conceal their feelings. Mr. Moody claims
that he has been subjected to very shabby
treatment and that he will "get even" at the
earliest opportunity. This forbodes trouble
in the Democratic camp when it comes TO
the caucus for prison directors and State Ii
brarian. Mr.. Gibson, the highly orna-
mental member from Clark who was also
candidate for speaker, is made chairman of
the committee on temperance and makes
about stand-off for Senator Fletcher in the
other house. Both gentlemen are ccmpe-
tent enough, but their we'll
known views on temperance are
not such as to greatly encourage
license. The appointment of Mr.. Jewett to
the ways and means committee is in the
nature of a surprise, as he Is not only new
member but young man, and this chair
manship is usually given to older and more
experienced members. 1t is understood that
1,.a &c fol o a 1nah n "a
Democracy in the House, but there is a pro-
liability that he will be "headed Off before
the session is over Mr.. Wilson, of this
county, is chairman of the committee on be-
nevolent institutions and second on the
e. judiciary committee two excellent positions
which he deserves Mr., Whist is
at the head of the commit
tee on the affairs of the city of Indianapolis.
The consolation of the craftsmanship IN the
committee of fees and salaries was given to
Mr.. Moody, whose heart aches and even in
this position he is enyied by probably three
fourths of the remaining members. Mr..
Bynum did not exercise much care in the
disposal of the Republicans, but scattered
them about unfortunately for which they
appear to be under obligations.
THE BENEVOLENT INSTITUTIONS BILL.
Representative Dillon yesterday intro
duced a bill in the House corresponding to
that of Senator Brown, taking the power of
appointing members of the boards of benev-
client institutions from the Governor and
giving it to the Legislature. DIR. Rogers, SUI
perintendent OF the Hospital for the Insane
is making vigorous opposition to the bill.
By the way, it is said that an innocent-look-
ing section conceals similar designs. 1t is as
follows:
"a medical officer, to be designated by the
board, shall take charge of one of the depart
ments of the Hospital for the Insane. Such
officer shall, within the sphere prescribed by
the board enjoy all the privileges and dis
tea Wall the duties that belong to the SUI
perintendent and, in the absence of the lat
ter act in his stead and discharge his du-
ties"
1t is understood that this section was intro
duced at the request of DR.. Walker, now an
assistant at the Hospital who has an ambi-
ton to become superintendent or at least
occupy position Of almost equal lmpor-
lance such as that designated in the section
quoted. This fact will probably account for
Or. Rogers's opposition.
bill on the same subject was yesterday
introduced by Mr.. Wilson, of this county.
1t provides that the Governor shall appoint
the members of the boards, who must be con-
firmed by the Senate and the Governor can
not remove them, without the fact of their
inefficiency, carelessness or dishonesty has
been established in court. Should this bill
become law, it will insure the retention of
the present officials, as the Senate will doubt
less refuse to confirm the denominations
recently made by Governor Porter. While
Mr.. Wilson probably introduced this bill in
perfectly good faith believing it was desir-
able legislation, yet it is exactly what Presi-
dent Fishback has been working for and will
meet with considerable opposition on this
account, as several members are after Fish
backs scalp.
THE RAILWAY COMMISSION BILL.
Senator Campbell of St. Joseph county,
yesterday introduced a bill in the Senate
which proposes very important revolution
in railroad affairs. 1t provides for the APP
! pointment of a railway commission, COM
posed of three members to be selected by
the Governor of the State, and it shall be
their duty to regulate all matters of traffic
and transportation, prevent extortionate
charges, equalize rates, and, in fact, act as a
mediator between the public and the railway
companies. They are required to make a
schedule of freight and passenger rates of
every road in the State, which
shall be published in every city
of over 10000 Inhabitants. A copy
of the schedule of each individual
road must also be posted in each depot on
that road. The commission is also required
to investigate and inspect all traffic con-
tracts between railroads, so as to prevent a
violation of the law, and is to make q semi
annual report TO the Governor of the extent
and character of their observations. The bill
provides that at least one member of the
commission shall be practical lroad man,
while another must be an attorney. and the
third a business man. Each is to receive an
annual salary of $4,000, and be allowed a
! secretary with salary of 81 300, together
with Office expenses not to exceed $500 per
annum. Senator Campbell stated