The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-02-09
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.
Bills Agreed Upon for Favorable Ac-
ton by the Caucus Last Night.
The Promissory Note Bill Attracting At.
tention-Other Matters of Interest.
THE CAUCUS LAST NIGHT.

discussed briefly, aud among those deemed
of sufficient importance to demand action
were the appropriation bill. the road law,
the dog law. the act prohibiting the sale of
oleomargarine, the decedents' estate act, the
fee and salary bill, the Appellate Court BILL
the act changing the name of
Huntsville University, and a number
of others of minor Importance. The vote
was merely to determine what bills to urge
to final action, and was not upon the ques-
ton of their passage. A great many pet
measures were passed in silence and in this
connection it may be of some interest to peo-
pie in the pocket to know that the bill for
the location of the Asylum for the Incurably
insane at Evansville was not mentioned in
the caucus.
TIE PRoMIssoRY NOTE BILL.
Mention was made yesterday of the dis
cussion over Mr. Jewett's bill to repeal the
law placing notes in bank on the same foot
ing as inland bills for exchange. The report
OF the committee favoring this measure was
concurred in by the House, and this action
was the subject of much comment in bust
ness circles here yesterday. During the day
n large number of the most prominent bust
ness men in the city called upon various
members of the Marion county delegation
mud urged them to do everything in their
power against the bill, claiming that its
passage would prove seriously detrimental
to the business interests of the city and State
rs il would overthrow long-established mer-
camille usages. In fact, no other bill that has
been introduced this session has caused
such feeling in business circles here. The
general impression is that, while the objects
sought to be accomplished by the bill are
praiseworthy and deserving. yet its enact
ment would not have the desired effect, as its
provisions could be easily evaded and that
such law would be demoralizing in its ten
denotes. In discussing the bill Representa-
tive Wilson, of this county, pointed out its
defects in the following words,
The principal object of this bill seems to be to
protect those who cannot protect themselves
against the patent-right and hay-fork sharpers
II cones with humble professions of good will to
the people OF this State and a benediction upon
our business interests. 1t wOuld have been bet
ter TO have entitled this BIN one to strike down
all business men working credit, to paralyze
business at home and excite ridlcuie abro ad. II
man Of ordinary care is SD stupid that he can
not tell the difference between the prOniissory
note payable in bank and one that is not, or
prOmissory note and a contract that is not
promissory note, he should have guardian ap-
pointed, or he should interpose the defense when
sued, that he was non cOmposmentis, in which
event lie wonld escape liability. II he does not
Leg stature to protect him against his own folly
and at the same time, while thus encouraging
carelessness, break IN upon a law, the practical
value of which to the business world has been
attesied by the experience OF centuries.
Under the law as it now stands third party
cannot recover on a promissOry note payable in
hank, unless he gets it before maturity, bona
hde, in the ordinary course of business, for
valuable consideration and without knowledge
OF defense to the same; even when gotten he
Cannot recover il iJ forged procured by
duress, executed by one under disabilities, or for
n consideration prohibited by statute. This
is enough The repeal OF the present law
VIII do no good and muse do infinite HARM
The stupid innocent who cannot tell what he
is doing will be induced to accent bills of eX-
change, or indorse thru, or to put his name on
blank paper which Will blossom into a bill of eX-
change, or he will sign a promlssorv note as
heretofore, not payable in a bank in Indiana. but
payable in Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio or Illinois,
this will be governed by the law of the plea of
payment. So you will not protect those you
seek to protect.
But you will do harm. You repeal law
which had its origin from the inexOrahle de-
mands of business; had its origin from the ges
and customs of merchants; a law that Is recog
missed in every civilized country on the face of
the earth as of practical value in business
without 1t You cannot issue and negotiate a sim
gle bond flor they are hut prOussory notes
without such ne equitable bonds unless payable
out of the Sfatel what building erprise of any
magnitude can oe Ventnred onf You will drive
capital out of the State WHAT credit will he
given by business man when he knows he can
not get bank to discount the paperi What
bank will be anxious to loan money directly
when 1t cannot dispose of the papsrl
Mr.. HEFFREN's LITTLE SCHEME.
As is well known, Representative Heffren
is chairman of the State-house investigating
committee, although that position rightfully
belonged to Mr.. Shockney, who introduced
the resolution. Mr.. Spencer, secretary Of
the Democratic committee of this county,
was made clerk, and 7. Leslie Weaver stenog-
rapher. Mr.. Spencer was efficient in the
position, but yesterday he was discharged
through the instrumentality of Mr.. Heffren
who claimed that the stenographer could do
the clerks work as we'll. Possibly this is
true, but it was rather strange claim mas
much rs Mr.. Eetfren's own son, tender
youth, draws s. day for acting
es doorkeeper of the committee
n position which is absolutely use
less. The meetings are public--eyerybody
who cares to do so can attend, and the door
keeper has comparatively nothing to do If
there were a necessity for such an official,
one of the assistant doorkeepers of the House
of whom there are more than are needed
could very well do the work, as the commit
tee meets only at night, when the House is
not in session; but Boss Heffren must have
a position for his son--who has no possible
claims on the party-over more deserving and
far more efficient men. 1t is barely possible
that something may yet be made public con-
corning the manner in which Mr.. Heffren
was placed on that committee.
NOTES.
The House and Senate committees on edu-
cation visited the State Normal School at
Terre Huute yesterday.
Representative Shively yesterday intro
duced a bill making it misdemeanor for
any person to vote or attempt to vote while
intoxicated.
gentleman from Louisville, who hap
pened to be on the floor of the House yes
terday remarked, 'Hello, there is George
Gibson. How many representatives has
Kentucky in the Legislature besides Gibson?"
Senator Graham yesterday introduced a
hill for the care of abandoned children pro-
viding that where q father abandons child