The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-03-19
DEFEATING THE APPROPRIATION BILL.

having agreed to the report of a conference
committee. The bill was in the hands of the
clerk of the House for enrolment. The
metropolitan police bill was under discus
sion in the Senate, and so as not to interfere
with legitimate legislation the Republicans
forced two night sessions during which it
was discussed. The Republicans did not de-
sire to antagonize needful legislation in
which the people of the State were interested,
but at the same time they wished to
emphasize the infamous character of the
police BILL and expose thoroughly the mo-
tves and purposes under which it was
pushed by the Democracy. This was done
at these two night sessions, and did not in.
terfere for one moment with legislative bust
ness. Except for the purpose of this discussion
the night sessions would not have been held.
But the Democracy determined that the
police bill must be passed so that the Gov
ernor's veto should come back not later than
Saturday, and to force this a Democratic
caucus was held, and it was determined to
priation bill and hold this measure over
the heads of the Republican minority and
Governor To do this the Democrats were COM
PEELED to repeal standing rule providing
that motion to reconsider must be made
on the same day or the day following the
taking of the vote. This they did by forcing
the previous question, and overriding
another rule, that notice of change of rules
must be given for one day. Under the abro-
CATION OF the rule the vote agreeing to the
report of the conference committee on the
appropriation bill was reconsidered, and the
report laid upon the table. This DONE repeated
and blatant threats were made that it should
lie there unless the Governor sent in his veto
on Saturday 1t was a revolutionary pro-
ceeding. undertaken and carried forward for
revolutionary purpose. The demand was
that the Governor should surrender his con-
stitutional prerogative at the demand of
lawless mob.
The steps of the conspiracy have thus been
given, and they can all be- proved from I'M
doubted Democratic sources. Read the fol-
lowing from the Sentinel of March l, fore
shadowing the scheme;
THE Republicans will do well to remem-
Der that the appropriation bill is still in the
hands of the House. Their course is likely
TO make an extra session of the Legislature
necessary or to leave the State without the
means of keeping its machinery in opera
ton"
On Friday, the I'd of March. the Sentinel
published a 6ouble-leaded call upon the DEM
ocratic majority to exhibit their "nerve,"
and plainly intimated the Zine of policy"
to be followed, though it did not outline"
it, On Saturday, the Sd of March, the Senti-
mel pleaded with the Democratic majority to
'act promptly to-day" unon the bill to con-
solidate the offices OF assessor and treasurer,
saying that the Legislature lis upon the eve
of final adjournment"
The proceedings in connection with the
defeat of the appropriation bill on Saturday
night are thus detailed in the Sentinel OF
Monday March s.
"Mr Hester moved to take up the bill
III. Il. No 302) to make appropriations for
the State government and its Institutions
aud to concur in the report of the free con-
ference committee. +,
''rhe Speaker ruled the motion out of
order.
'Messrs Jewett and Gordon appealed from
the decision of the chair.
Mr. Heifren said the conduct OF members
was disgraceful, and he, for one, was not
willing to share in the responsibility. "
Mr. Jewett also endeavored to persuade
II nt-la
was met with cries OF order
THE Speaker ruled his remarks were not
pertinent to the question.
$50 the House adjourned at 1910 o'clock
Sunday, March T."
On Monday March 5, the Sentinel, edito-
rally referring to the defeat OF the general
appropriation bill, as given above in its legis-
lative report said:
ITO bring the Governor TO a proper sense
of his position, the majority determined to
withhold the appropriation bill"
We have thus gone through with the
record. The vote on the appropriation bill
was reconsidered purposely to force the po-
lice bill through, and to compel the Gov
ernor to return his veto on Saturday. Fail
ing 10 intimidate the Governor, the appro-
priations were withheld, as the Sentinel says.
There was no thought at any time of the
farce of passing the appropriation bill on
Monday. The whole course of the Democ-
racy shows they knew very well it must be
passed on Saturday night, and it was delib-
erately killed on that night in obedience to
caucus action, and in despite of the efforts
OF Representatives Kester Jewett and 9th
ers, whose remarks we have quoted from
the Sentinel columns. The imbecilty now
daily emitted through the Sentinel about
the passage of the bill on Monday is puerile
afterthought the laughing stock Of every sem