The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-02-18
THE PROCEEDINGS IN DETAIL.
THE SENATE.
Senator Foulke's Bill for State Ciyil-Serv-
ice system EngrOssed.

Senator Foulke's Bill for State Ciyil-Serv-
ice System Engrossed.
Rev. DIR. Hyde opened the session of the Sen
ate yesterday morning with prayer, and Senator
Magee presided in the absence of the Lieutenant
governor.
Mr.. Smiths (of Delaware) bill rs 290l for the
investment in interest bearing bonds or securi-
ties of the State of the 10 per cent reserved
on the work upon the new State-house. was read
the second time being a special order for the
morning.
Mr.. Smith-In 1873 the State house Commits
sioners. under the law of 1877, contracted for
the completion of the State house, and it was
agreed that 10 per cent. Of moneys due should be
retained in the State Treasury as guarantee
that the contract would be carried out There
is now of that fund about $l02, 600. In event of
failure the part of the contractors to carry
out their agreement, this fund will belong to the
State. The money lies idle, and there is a ne
cessity for its use by the State just now The
bill provides whenever this amount shall reach
So, 600 it is to be likewise invested; and it accu
mulates at the rate of about So, 900 per month.
The contractors have lost money, and will prob
ably lose more but the commissioners say they
are living up strictly and literally to their con
tracts.
Mr. Willard saw no objection to the bill 1t is
proper that the contractors should enjoy the
interest to be derived therefrom, if they fulfill
their contract He moved to amend by striking
out the word par and insert in lieu Fat the
current market rate, not less than par" The
State should have the benefit of any rate above
par that can be obtained
Mr. Fowler hoped the bill would not pass It's
title should be bill to grant the contractors
more pay. He opposed the State laying its hand
on this State house contract in any manner
NJ oil poff bn
Delaware refers to is in the State Treasury and
never was 1t was not the intention that the
10 per cent retained should be in the treasury.
Mr., Smith, of Delaware-That fund is some
where, either deposited to the credit Of the State
or elsewhere in the hands Of the Treasurer of
State He stated that himself. 1t is infinitely
better for this investment to be made than allow
the money to remain in the hands of the party it
now does. subject to loss
Mr. Campbell of Hendricks, thought that if
the contractors had earned the money, and 1t is
lying idle, he greatly preferred that they should
have the interest on 1T.
Mr.. Willard said that the money ought to be
IN the Treasury.
Mr. Magee did not suppose that there would be
much II any objection to this bill. il being prop
ositlon thatin one case would accrue TO the bene-
ft OF the contractors and III the other case to the
benefit OF the State The bill is to fund money al.
ready earned. and the accrued interest thereon
shall go to the contractors, if they complete the
binding according to their agreement other.
wise it aeerues to the benefit of the State The
State house Commissioners suggested this bill
and he saw no valid objection to it. There is no
authority of law to collect but 90 per cent of the
State house levy. These contractors have earned
that 10 per cent 1t is theirs absolutely and
why should they not have interest upon itl They
have lost $500 000 and there no bill here to pay
them nor will there be. The contractors have
advanced this money, and it belongs to them in
the eye of the law
Mr.. Campbell. of Hendricks, moved that the
bill be- referred to select committee of three
with power to send for persons and papers and
ascertain as to whether or not this 10 per cent
is in the State Treasury.
Mr.. Campbell, of ST. Joseph-If this money
were lying in the Treasury should favor this
BILL The report of the commissioners would
seem to indicate that the money is in the Treas,
ury, but it simply means there is due the con-
tractors, entitled to be drawn when the work is
all done, the amount stated, sos 900. The
Auditors report Shows there is but SOL 900. This
$64. 900 is all thers is in the Treasury for cur
rent expenses, aud the 10 per cent contemplated
in the bill. is not yet collected.
The motion for o select committee Of three
was rejected. Mr.. Willard moved to recommit