The Indianapolis journal., 1883-02-27
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.
The Democrats Refuse an Investiga-
tion OF the State Treasury.
The General Appropriation Bill Finally
Passed-Other Important Legislative
Matters and Notes
THE STATE TREASURY.

THE STATE TREASURY.
The Democrats in the Senate, yesterday,
Nuarely refused to order an investigation
into the condition of the State Treasury al
though charges have been openly and pub
licly made that the Treasurer was violating
tine law regarding the disposition of the pub
lie funds in his possession, and that their
safety was greatly engendered thereby. The
Democrats voted solidly against the consid-
Grafton Of the following resolution offered by
Senator Bundy:
''Whereas, The ex-state Treasurer who retired
from office on the 17fh of February was responsi-
bic TO the state for abont 100000, which by
law was required to he kept in the treasury of
the State aud turned over to his successor in
office in lawful money; and,
''Whereas, The said funds of the State of In
diana were not turned over the present Treas
nrer of the State of Indiana in cash, but in
certificates and checks, and are not now in the
vaults of the treasury, but are loaned by the
present Treasurer of state to certain banks OF
the city of indianapolis, and,
"Whereas, BY law the lcaning of said funds by
the Treasurer or keeping them elsewhere than
the vaults of the treasury, is a misdeneanor,
aud the funds of the State are in danger OF being
lost, the bond OF the Treasurer of State is only
Si50,O0O, while the funds for which he is ac-
countable at this time amount to more than
four times that sum; and
"Whereas, The fact that said funds. not being
defalcatinD, which requires immediate action to
protect the treasury, therefore,
Resolved, That a committee of three Demo-
Gratis and two Republicans be appointed by the
President of the Senate, with power to examine
Witnesses to the treasury OF the State,
count the funds found therein and what defi-
cheney exists, ifany, as shown by the books of
the Auditor of State. and report what steps
necessary to protect the public funde,
q1ired by law"
Senator Bundy spoke earnestly in favor of
the resolution declaring that in offering it
he was actuated only by a desire to ascertain
the real facts in the case and to prevent if
possible any loss to the State. Senator Ma
gee spoke against it on the grounds that
there were no grounds for such an investiga-
ton, and not adequate time for it to be
made. The Senate declined to consider the
resolution by vote of 25 to 19-the party
vote-althcugh Senator Rahm, Democrat,
stated that he would vote for the resolution
If 1t came up in regular order
THE GENERAL APPROPRIATION BILL
The conference committee from both
houses, appointed to consider the appropria-
tion bill and make compromise on the vari-
Gus amendments so that the bill might re-
ceive common Endorsement, reported yester-
day. They recommended that the Senate re-
oede from two unimportant amendments,
and that the House agree to the other Senate
amendments. The report was concurred in
by the Senate by nearly unanimous vote,
but in the House it had close call, as it re-
eeived Just the necessary number of votes
81. The bill now awaits the Governors sig
nature to become law. 1t leaves the ap-
preparation for Purdue University at 800
900, and the "rider' attached winch pro-
vides for the abolition of secret society rule,
still remains.
THE DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS.
The Democratic caucus last night was one
of considerable Importance A ballot upon
the congressional apportionment bill re-
suited in its defeat by the deciding vote of
the presiding officer, Representative
Tuley 1t was decided to meet
this morning at IL o'clock TO elect the
candidates nominated for the benevolent
boards. Will A Peelle, the assistant clerk
OF the House, was decided upon as the sue
cessor of Captain ]. B. Conner, as chief of
the Bureau of Statistics. DIR. Collett will
not be disturbed in his present position as
State Geologst Concerning the Johnson
Overstreet contest no decided action was
taken, but there is decided disposition man
ifested against ousting Mr. 0verstreet. After
the caucus a Democratic senator stated
positively that the metropolitan police bill
would not pass the Senate.
An unfounded report was circulated yes
.erday that the Republican senators whose
terms about to expire had determined
TO resign SO as to prevent the passage of the
metropolitan police bill, and it was also
rumored last night that the Demo-
Gratis had instructed Speaker Bynum not to
sign the general appropriation bill until the
police bill and other political legislation was
safely disposed of, but this was denied by
every Democrat who was approached on the
subject, Such course would reflect greater
discredit upon them than it possibly could
on the Republicans.
NOTES.
The House yesterday passed the bin abol-
ishing the Office of city treasurer by a vote of
69-to %.
E. L. Rose has been appointed by Speaker
Bynum as acting clerk of the House during
the illness of Clerk Edwins.
The reports of the State-house investieat-
ing committee have been made the special
order for tomorrow afternoon at clock.
In the House yesterday, Mr.. Fraziers bill
providing for the establisFnent of an Appel
late Court was defeated by Avote of so to 81
THE RECORN