The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-01-30
LEGISLATIVE MATTERS.

An Effort to- Hinder tile investigations of the
KnightstOwn Institution.
There are evidences of internal uneasiness in
exclusive Democratic circles regarding the inves-
~tigation of the Soldiers Orphans Home. The
members of the House who opposed extending
the investigation further than tie charges
against Goar, aided by Jason b. Brown.
whose father is a trustee of the institution,
were actively working yesterday to prevent the
appointment of a committee which might DO too
sincere and eager in their work. Representative
Moody, who offered the resolution ordering the
investigation, and would, therefore, according
to parliamentary custom. have been appointed
chairman Of the committee, states that an effort
was made to learn to what extent he would push
the investigation. He claims that he refused to
do anything but be governed by the evidence, and
that a threat was then made that he would
either have TO decline the craftsmanship of the
committee or the appointment of it would be
taken from the Speaker. The Speaker was
approached yesterday morning with an objection
to the appointment OF Moody as chairman of the
committee, and an effort was made to learn
whom he was disposed to name. In the effort to
control the appointment of the committee a most
extraordinary proceeding was resorted to.
Immediately after the opening of the
session of the House in the afternoon
Representative Patten, who strongly opposed
the investigation of anyone besides Goar, arose
and stated that he was opposed to the appoint.
ment Of Mr.. Moody as chairman of the investi-
eating committee, because he had expressed de-
cided views in regard to the matter.
Mr.. Moody claimed that he had expressed no
opinion regarding the guilt or innocence of any
one implicated in the charges relating to the
management of the institution. The Speaker
sideration to the suggestions, although
they were of a rather extraordinary
nature. In announcing the committee
before adjournment in the evening he stated that
if it was desired, he would have his reasons for
not appointing Mr.. Moody chairman entered
! upon record, and he said that in departing from
the rule in such matters, it was not because he
did not have the fullest confidence IN the integ-
Fifty and qualification of Mr.. Moody that he would
not make him a member of the committee, but
because under the extraordinary circumstances
he desired to name three men who had not been
mentioned in connection with the affair. These
three men were Representatives Lloyd, Smith of
Warriek, and Boyd. The Speakers statement
indicates that he was fully aware of the strong
influences which were at work to control and
hinder the investigation There is no suspicion
named, but neither Mr.. Lloyd nor Mr.. Smith
have given any evidence, as members of the
Legislature, that they possess the qualifications
required for conducting a thorough investiga-
ton through all the obstacles and evasiens that
may be expected from shrewd and adroit opposi-
ton.
THE APPROPRIATION FOR PURDUE.
The bill of Representative Staley appropria-
ting $40 600 for the expenses of Purdue Uni
versity, half of which is to cover the deficiency
on account of the failure of the last Legislature
to make an appropriation, passed the House yes
terday afternoon, by a vote of 70 to II. There
was bitter opposition to it from several of the
Democratic representatives. Their hostility
seemed to be directed more against the institu-
ton than the appropriation. All the members
who voted against the bill were Democrats,
namely: Barnes. Barr. Creeelius. Eley. Fisher,
Gordon Hargrave. Harrell, Kellison. Loop,
Lloyd, Mauck, Mock, Medcalf, Smith, of Warrick,
Taylor and Williams-total, IL
THE SUNDAY BASE BALL BILL.
The bill prohibiting base ball playing on Sum
day was passed by the House yesterday, and 1t
is now believed that it will become a law. as
there is more reason to expect opposition to Stun
day dissertation from the Senate than from the
sinful House. The bill preseribes a penalty of
$25. for each violation of its provie:ons. The
Vote upon it stood 63 to 81. All of the Marion
county representatives voted against the bill,
DEFEAT OF THE HOTEL BILL.
The bill for the protection Of hotels and board
ing house proprietors, which broke out sponta.
neously in both branches of the Legislature al
the beginning of the session, was overwhelm-
ingly defeated in the House yesterday. 1t was
| proposed by the Hotel Mems Association of the
State at their meeting iii this city last December.
and the influence Of the organization was exerted
to secure its enlistment. It provided for the
same protection given to Iowa hotel-keeners and
it was supposed that it would be certain to pass.
the members of the association who were lobby
ing for it having been given ASSURANCE of sup
! nor6 more than sufficient for its passage.
When tle roll was called, on final reading for it's
| enactment in the House. there we're only ten
votes for it, and eighty three against it.
EMPLOYS VS.. EMPLOYER
The bill introduced in the House in the inter
est of trades unions by Representative Schley, of
this county, is of an extraordinary character. 1t
is of something more than ordinary interest to
employers Of labor. 1t provides III THAT any
number of persons, not less than Ave, may as
sociate themselves together and become q body
corporate and polite for tho Improvement of
their several social and material interests, the
regulation of their wages, the laws aud eondi-
tiions OF their employment, the protection of
their Joint and individual rights in the prosecu-
ton OF their trades on Industrial avocations, the
coilectlon and payment of funds for the benefit
or SICK, disabled and unemployed members, the
securing OF benefits to tho families Of de-
ceased members" etc.; (2l that amy person,
firm or officer OF a corporation which shall prs-
vent or conspire to prevent any association
formed under this act from carrying ont it's