The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-01-20
Afternoon Session.

MT FoWleP o1ered preamble and resolution
for examining the contracts entered into for the
construction of the three new insane asylums to
see II, under existing contracts, the work on two
of these institutions cannot be postponed until
such time as the State can complete the same
without depressing the tax payers of the State.
Mr.. Magee opposed its adoption At the authors
suggestion it was not then further considered.
THE INVESTIGATION OF THE TREASURER
The special order for the afternoon was the
resolution providing for an investigation into the
condition Of the State Treasury
Mr. Foulke said this resolution was not intro
duced as party measure-it was not introduced
to make party capital, but because we
have been informed from source en-
titled to recognition by this body that
the public funds are not safe; that the State
moneys are on deposit in the different banks of
this city and loaned out to private individuals,
while the statute prescribes the method in which
these funds shall be kept and declares in regard
to all loans, any fee or bonus which is paid to
the State Treasurer for the use of any State
moneys shall belong to the State It seems to
me that this is question upon which there
should be no Sinking on account of party lines.
1T it be true that Governor Porter has neglected
his duty is that any argument for us to neglect
ours2 1t is our bounden duty that should
not shift this responsibility upon the shoulders
Of anybody else. The law has given US the right
and imposed upon US the duty to make it,
Mr.. Mccullough offered the following amend
ment to the resolutions
Resolved BY the Senate and the House of Repre-
sentatves concurring that the portion of Governor
Porters message relating to the State Treasury he
ferred to special committee of five from esh house,
to be appointed by the respective Chairnen thereof
to report by bill otherwise what legislation, il
is necessary with reference to the State Treasury and
also to report whether Investigation into the affairs
of the State Treasury by legislative committee is at
this time probably necessary or proper"
Mr.. Hilligass: II stand upon this resolution
as stood the other day. If there is necessity
for this investigation am for it. don't under
stand that the Senator from Wayne Mr.. Foulke)
desires this to be considered party ques-
ton; but 1 it has assumed some
what party character. I disposi-
ton creeping out to make it partisan.
| am in favor Of the amendment to the resolu-
ton. Let this question be investigated to the
fullest extent and if there is necessity for any
additional inves teation, let us have it. I would
be in favor of going back over period of years;
let witnesses be examined; let ex- Governor Por-
ter be summoned That is my idea, and 1
shall support the amendment to the resolution"
Mr.. Drake-'1 am opposed to the amendment
offered by the senator from Gibson. 1t is too
much like motion for continuance in Grim
inal case. 1t is conceded here that the monies
of the State are scattered about the town, and
the argument upon both sides seems to concede
the established custom of the loanlng of the
money of the State. The proposition of
the Senator from Wayne is to examine as
to where that money is, whether or not it is Sc
cure, and to make sufficient guards to keep it Sc
cure. Inc only argument GldG las Ue6u hdUc
against that resolution is that you must not cast
suspicion on Mr.. Cooper, the Treasurer of the
State The proposed amendment will go as far
to cast stigma upon Mr.. Cooper as the original
resolution, but it will not go to the extent of
making full fair and free investigation of this
charge. The original resolution proposes to go
to the bottom of the imputation and furnish
| the means of doing it successfully / therefore
| am opposed to the amendment.
Mr.. Campbell, of Hendricks--It seems to me
| the Only question we have to determine is which
| of the two resolutions should be adopted, or,
| rather whether the amendment of the senator
| from Gibson is preferable to the resolution of
| fered by the senator from Wayne. / have been
| DESTROYS of information that may vote intelli
| gently and l had hoped some senator would
read the original ard the amendment, and point
| out the difference and show which is the better
| of the two. 1t has been insnuate6 that the
| Governor has unfairly cast an imputation upon
| the Treasurer of State by certain language in
| his message. If SO, it was wrong. My idea
about it is. the best way is TO make investiga-
| ton into the condition of the Treasurer, and
! the accounts of the treasury, and refute that
| impu tation if it can be so done / would inves-
| tigate whether the fluids of the State were suf-
| fcieuty secure and if found that they are not
/ would adopt such legislation as would make
| them more secure. If the amendment would
| make more thorough investigation than the
original resolution, | am for the amendment |
| think it necessary both for the credit of the
| State and the State Treasury, that an investiga-
| ton shall be had. If it is not made and made
! fairly so it will show that everything is secure
it will be to the discredit both of the State and
| the State Treasurer. The only question is which
resolution will give opportunity for the most
| thorough investigation. l don't believe we
| ought to act upon ordinary rumors but
having gone thus far we ought all to favor full