The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-09-11

REFORM, anu we re - gldu we uln. vi course
they all unite in the grand refrain, led by Tom
Hendricks. Turn the rascals out"
WITH coMMENDABLE PRoMpTrrUDE
Rockville Republican.
Judge Jump in his charge to the grand Jury,
on Tuesday, called their attention to the sub
ject of the bribery of township trustees by
sehool-furniture men. and instructed said jury
to fully investigate any charge of that character
that may come before them. He has also called
the attention of the Board of County commits
sioGers to the matter. and asked them to issue
citations requiring the trustees of the county to
appear before them on Monday next, with their
books and papers, for investigation.
MAY CAUSE HOPELESS BANKRUPTCY
shelbyville Republican.
Our laws governing township trustees are so
general and vague, the powers of these officers
are so i'll Defined and there are so few re-
strictions and safeguards thrown around their
offices that unusual opportunities for fraud and
malfeasance are afforded them An ignorant,
indiscreet or corrupt trustee may involve his
township in hopeless bankruptcy in short
time, and no one know the facts until too late
to prevent the calamity.
CLOTHED IN ALMOST ABSOLUTE POWER.
Frankfort Banner
The Banner has long contended that the most
important offices to the taxpayers are township
trustees county commissioners, and city coun-
clmen. They are clothed In almost absolute
power. so far as laying tax burdens on the people
is concerned, and should be elected only on ac-
count of their sterling integrity and well-known
character for honesty and business honor
UNDER THE GUIsE OF EoUTINE DUTY.
Petersburg Press.
The swindle is as novel as it is extensive. It
has long been known that system of local
government has been defective in that it placed
no check on the expenditures of township trus-
tees, but it has never before been demonstrated
how easy it was for dishonest trustees to rob the
people under the guise Of dischareing simple
routine of duty
THE VICTIMS OF TEMPTATION
Richmond Palladium.
The action of these officers has been almost
uncontrolled by law, their personal integrity
being about the only assurance the people had
OF their good conduct. And this has proved
sufficient no doubt in most instances. 1t is not
strange however, that, under the circumstances
when temptation came many have fallen victims
INVESTIGATE THEIR ACCOUNTS.
Attica Ledger.
The Ledger was the first paper in Indiana to
call attention to the swindles being practiced by
Chicago sharpers, with the help of approachable
township trustees. The Ledger again urges the
advisabillty of investigating the accounts of
every trustee in the State of whom any reason
able suspicion eah be entertained
ALMOST ARBITRARY AUTHORITY.
Union City Eagle.
InlS week we give announcer cnaptor illustrating
the necessity of change of the law defining the
duties and power of township trustees. They
seem to have, under the present order of things,
almost arbitrary authority in all township mat
ters That such authority has been abused time
and again there is no doubt.
CAN'T KNOW TOO sooN
Terre Haute Express
The county commissioners are in session. Let
them call on every trustee to make complete
showing of his financial affairs. If we are all
right IN Vigo county we want the fart estab-
lished. If anything is wrong we can't know it
too soon.
NUMBERLEss OPPORTUNITIES TO PLUMBER
Lafayette all.
The immense swindle will compel public atten-
ton to the system of township government No
check is placed upon their expenditures. They
have unlimited discretion in the disbursement Of
public money and have almost numberless
opportunities to plumber.
CALCULATED TO OPEN THE EYES OF TAXPAYERS
Lafayette journal.
The facts which coming to light
especially If these bonds should be held binding
on the townships will be calculated to open the
eyes of the taxpayers to the real Importance of
the Office of township trustee.
QUITE PROBABLE.
Lafayette Journal.
1t is quite probable that when the time for
electing township trustees comes round again
Jnere Will Dc more attention given TO the SelHc-
ton of candidates for the Office than has been
customary heretofore.
EXPLAIN YOURSELVES. GENTLEMEN
Vincennes News (Dem.J
1t is in order for the township trustees who
recently rode to Chicago on free passes furnished
by schoolsupply company, to give detailed
account of their trip and an itemized statement
of their purchases.
SOMETHING TO FIGURE UPON
North Vernon Plain Dealer.
The trustees have all fed to Canada leaving
the purchasers of their orders figuring on
whether they can collect them. and their consti-
tuents wondering if they will have to pay them
BEWARE OF IMITAToRs.
Columbus Republican
1t has been shown how easily it may be DONE
and now these men will likely have enough imi-
tators to keep the subject before the public until
the Legislature meets.
HOW 1T IS GENERALLY DONE.
New Albany Public Press
Generally, the thieving is done through agents
having school supplies. The trustees and the
agents soak the county and divide the swag
EXAMINE YOUR TOWNSHIPS
Yineennes sun.
Attention, Hoosiers! Examine your town
ships, and see if they are all there.
THE CIpE pFrapH