The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-01-31

William II. Brown, of the Architectural
Iron-works, was examined relative to prices,
an expert. He evinced a marked
familiarity with all things relating
to architecture, and his answers
were ready. In 1880 and 1881 iron, he said,
was cheaper than now. There was a diff
ference OF nearly 30 per cent. in wrought
iron and about 10 per cent. in cast iron. In
repiy to a direct question, he gave 1t as his
opinion that a prudent contractor would have
contracted for all his iron at the ruling prices
of that time. w are getting IRON" he
said, "for 1910, under contracts made
about that time, which has now been
selling for sometime at a." Labor
is now about 20 per cent. higher, he said,
than in 70, 80 and 81. He gave it as his
opinion that the columns of marble in the
corridors of the building are much better in
appearance than iron ones would be, and
they are sufficiently strong. He regarded
the modified plans of construction as much
better than the original ones, and
they were considerably more expensive, esti-
mating the cost at fully 10 per cent. more
than under the plans OF the contract.
John NJ. Goodwin, secretary of the Board of
S~tate-house Commissioners, testified that the
contractors had made a contract with the
Indianapolis Rolling-mill Company for their
iron in beginning work upon the building,
but that he knew nothing of what had be-
come of the document.
Just before the adjournment OF the com
mittee, w. B. Seward, of the Board of State
house Commissioners asked permission to
Introduce expert testimony in behalf of the
commissioners, stating that he had reason to
believe that if any body was on trial before
the of investigation they were the
ones. 1.-THE deeper the investigation goes" he
said, the more it pleases us, but in matters
relating to our action it would only be just
tn nd nj - N..- kAA /.
cretion observed" Mr.. Heffren replied that
the commissioners would be heard at the
proper time, and added: eve are appointed
to do certain things, which we intend to do,
whether it pleases anyone or not" Ac-
ton upon Mr.. Stewards request was
deferred until there was a full meeting of
the members of the committee. Another
meeting will be held this evening. The
Senate committee on public buildings held a
secret session last night. and examined one
or two witnesses in regard to the State-house,
but nothing of special importance was elici-
ted in the testimony.
H Observation-Disclosures CONTEST.
The Senate committee on elections met
last night at the Bates House to consider the
Johnson-Oyerstree contest. Mr.. Overstreet
was represented by Attorneys w. r. Har-
rison and Geo. W. Grubbs, of Martinsville;
" Z anu q. 1lltllCl, VI Iduhlln
and Mr.. johnson by Attorneys Cooper,
of Columbus, Cropsey, of Indianapolis
and Mitchell, of Martinsville. Several
witnesses, including the contestee, were ex-
amined. The essence of the evidence was, in
effect, that Rude, the Greenback candidate,
was convinced, o short time prior to the cleo
ton, that his prospects were exceedingly
slender. He was a poor man, had contracted
some indebtedness in conducting his can
vasS, and wanted to raise some money.
His friends suggested that either
Johnson or OverstreeJ would probably be
willing to pay what expenses he had incur
red if he would not make an active car S
during the remainder of the campaign.
Acting upon the suggestion, he called upon
Mr.. Overstreet, and he assisted him to
liquidate his Indebtedness. A number
OF witnesses were in attendance to
testify to the good character of Mr.. Over
street, but the opposition was willing to con-
cede an irreproachable reputation, ana their
services were dispensed with. At midnight
the committee adjourned to meet in the
room just west of the Senate chamber at 8
O'Clock this morning.
LEGISLATIVE NOTES.
The educational committees OF both houses
will go to Bloomington this morning to in
spcct the State University.
The State Printer has what the boys call
"a soft snap" as he is allowed to print even
insignificant legalizing bills.
Senator Benz's road bill, repeating the
present law and re-enacting the old law,
came up in the Senate yesterday, the cues
ton being on the substitute bill offered by
Senator Henry, and was discussed at some
length, after which it was made the special
order for next Monday afternoon.
Mrs. Mary III. Hunt, of Boston, yesterday
afternoon addressed the Senate at considera-
BILE length, urging the passage of a law pro-
viding for a course of instruction in the pub
lie schools on the effect of alcohol on the
human system. Mrs. Hunt is a forcible
| speaker, and her remarks were listened to
with much interest by the Senate and the
large audience in attendance.
Since the defeat of the constitutional
amendments a very strong feeling has de-
veloped in both houses for a stringent high
license law, carefully guarded in its provi-
sions, and such a measure will probably be
introduced in a few days. 1t is understood
that the House committee on temperance
has under contemplation such a measure,
which provides for q State license of 5000
and an additional tax of 5000 for incorporated
cities and towns, and a conviction for any
violation of its provisions involves a forfeit
ure of the license.
Lafayette Journal: There is no more
aDle or intelligent LEGISLATOR IN the Indiana
House of Representatives than Hon, B.
Wilson Smith, of this county. He is watch
full OF the interests OF his constituents, and
his efforts are always in the right direction.
His resolution in regard to convict labor
covers a wider scope than that offered in the
Senate; more to the point and ought to be
more satisfactory, because it goes more di-
rectty and thoroughly to the roots of the evil
of convict labor. Mr.. Smith has an excellent
record ON the labor question:"
TIE RECORD.