The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-01-09
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.
The First Days Proceedings of the Fifty
Fourth Session.
i5e Organization and the Bills introduced
The Personnel of the Senate and
HouSe-Aiinor Notes.

seen, singly and in groups, leisurely sauntering
along Washington street ia the direction of the
Marion county courthouse, where the State
legislative sessions are held. at the hour when
che rising sun was little more than TWO hours
above the horizon yesterday morning. II
seemed like a day In April, instead Of the
9th of January, and the weather was alto
ge-ne~ inconsistent with the occasion The
average statesman, entering the legislative
halls for the first time is sufficiently conscious
OF his importance without need of the invigor-
ating and inspiring influence Of nature. 1t may
be feared, however that some of them during
their sojourn in the capital likely TO fall into
worse company and under worse influences than
nature. There were some stragglers who came
Late, but nearly all the members were in their
seats when the fifty fourth regular session of the
Indiana General Assembly opened at 10
o'clock, and there were more who
came as spectators-among whom there
were many ladies--than could be admitted to the
legislative halls. The galleries were crowded in
both the Senate chamber and the House, and
the standing room on the main floors was all oc-
cupied.
THE SENATE AND IT'S PERSONNEL.
The Senate was called to order by Lieutenant
governor Hanna within few minutes after 10
o'clock. The proceedings were opened with
prayer, delivered by Dr. A. Marine, pastor of
the Centralavenue M. E. Church of this city,
His blessing upon the honored representatives of
the people; his invocation that they might
be given wisdom; that they should have no con-
troversy, and that the officers should rule in
re oAe
was administered by Supreme Judge Howk, and
the organization was soon effected, after which
the introduction of the usual resolutions and
motions On the opening proceedings of new SEES
sion were begun.
The personnel of the Senate is not remarkable,
but creditable to the physical manhood of the
Hoosier State. 1t would not rank high as a
'dude" show There are comparatively few
young members. A rather promiscuous sprink-
ling of gray boards and bald heads gives it a
venerable appearance. An interesting variety
of physognomies is presented. 1t would be a
balm to the distempered spirits of a savage
eynic to gaze into the countenance of the smiling
Senator Magee, but there are other visages that
might turn fastidious person against the hui
man race Senator Mccullough who
Is an old member, has semi-cler-
zeal appearance. Morgan Fl. Weir, who
will probably be one of the foremost
leaders of the Democrats in the Senate, is
rather fine looking man, with an intellectual
conntenaIice Leon o. Bailey, of this city, is
doubtless the youngest member of the body
Senator Foulke will not be recognized by those
who knew him during the last session. his
face is now covered with an iron gray" beard
Among those who will be most prominent On the
Democratic side are Senators Magee. Weir. Ne
Faulkner. Green" Smith, the sue
eessor of Jason b. Brown, will
be conspicuous, and will doubtless WELD
some influence. l.. III. Campbell, the independ-
ent Republican from Hendricks and Putnam,
will be an interesting figure and Ferd Winter.
of this city, may be expected to be rather promi
nent among the Republicans. There are several
of the new senators who are regarded as prom
Using members but it is too early IN the session
to judge of their merits.
STATE gIvILrsERvIcE COMMISSION.
The first bill introduced in the Senate was by
Senator Foulke It is entitled: can act to
regulate and improve the civil service of the
State" and provides for the appointment Of a
State civilservice commission, to be composed
of three members two of whom shall be Sc
lacted from the political party having the largest
number of votes at the last general election
They shall prepare rules as near as the condi-
tons of good administration will warrant, for
open competitive examinations for testing the
fitness of applicants for employment in the pub
lie service All appointments shall be made
by selections from among those who are graded
highest in the competitive examinations,
but there shall be period of probation before
absolute appointment is made. In making Sc
Iections from among those of equally meritorious
standing preferred consideration shall be given
TO honoraby discharged soldiers, Sin grateful
recognition" as the bill states, of the services,
sacrifices and sufferings of those who served in
the army or navy of the United States during
the late war" Promotions shall be made on the
basis OF merit and no person in the public sery-
to any political fund" The bill provides for the
appointment of chief examiner, at Il salary of
$500 year, to superintend all examina-
tions and the commission shall have
q secretary whose salary shall be 81. coo
a year. The headquarters of the
commission shall be in Indianapolis. The exanin-
ing boards shall be composed of persons in Off
sial service. One of the provisions of the bill is
that within six months after the expiration of
the present session of the General Assembly all
employees in the public service, who hold their
positions by appointment, shall be compelled to
pass an examination. Common councils are au-
thorized to adopt similar regulations to those
prescribed in the bill for promoting the efficiency
of the service in municipal administration. The
penalty for the violation of any of the provis-
ions of the bill is fine of from $50 to ST. 600 to
which may be added Imprisonment for six
months or year The pay of the members of the
cOLuInlSSiou, WHO slldll De appointed Dy the GoV-
ernor, subject to the approval of the Senate, is
fixed at S. per day, besides travelling expenses
The bill was referred. after first reading to the
committee on judiciary.
PROTECTION OF THE BALLOT.
Two bills relating to elections were among the
first introduced in the Senate Senator Camp
bell, the independent member from Hendricks
and Putnam, is the author of bill for the pro-
lection of the ballot against the eorrupting in
fiuences commonly practced on election days.
1t provides that any person guilty of using
money or directing its use for the purpose of
influencing votes shall be fined in any sum not
to exceed $1,000, and shall be DISTINGUISHED FOR
life.
Senator Fouike introduced q bill providing for
The registration of all persons entitled to vote
the object OF which Is to prevent the Gotng of
repeaters and to in measure obviate the prac-