The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1894-06-20
POINTS FOR LEGISLATION.

ganized bodies OF men to defy or override
the law. The fact must be recognized that
social conditions have undergone a great
change in this country and in this State
during the last few years. With the in
crease of population and the development
Of new industries. especially the mining
industry. there has been introduced a
foreign element which is naturally and
inherently lawless. 1t is not by any means
intended to assert this of all our foreign
born citizens. a large majority of whom
are law-abiding and order-loving. But it
cannot be denied that there is a class of
whom it is true, and that they are an
active factor in every popular disturbance.
Naturally rebellious against authority and
brought up under the repression of the
strong arm Of force. they have no respect
for law as such. A writ, an order of court
or a legal process is no more TO them than
a piece of blank paper. The only thing
they respect or fear is force. There are
not as many of this class in Indiana as
there are in some other States. but there
are too many and their number is likely
to be increased. To this class must be
added the growing number OF persons
who. under the socialistic and communistic
teachings of the day. are learning to re-
gard capital as the natural enemy of Ia
Dor instead of it's best friend. and to look
upon all government as the oppressor of
~workingmen instead OF the representative
OF law and order and the protector of the
rights of all classes. The change in social
going on is a fact which must be recog-
nized. 1t is not a theory but a condition.
1t follows that with a growing popula-
ton and increasing complexity of COM
mercial relations there is an increasing
probability OF riotous outbreaks or law
less demonstrations requiring the use of
force to suppress them. Such contin-
gencies are not likely to occur often. but
they may occur at any time. and when
they do 1t is likely to be suddenly and
Unexpectedly. Therefore. it is the part Of
prudence to be prepared for them. No
civilized State can afford to be caught
unawares by any emergency that may
arise. Every government should be pre-
pared on short notice to meet and throttle
any danger that may threaten. The fact
that the danger seems remote or is not
likely to arise often makes no difference.
Some time it will arise.
One thing demonstrated by recent events
is the necessity of maintaining a State
militia. Within the last year troops have
been called out in twelve or fourteen
States. including Indiana. The calling out
OF troops is a last resort. No Governor
does IL until he is convinced that the local
authorities are unable or unwilling to en-
force the law and that the honor of the
State and his constitutional obligations re-
ouire him to do so. When such an emer-
gency does arise it is of the utmost i'm
portance that there should be an organ
lied militia at the call of the Governor.
1t is safe to say there is not an intelli-
gent citizen of Indiana free from personal
prejudice who does not approve of the
action of Governor Matthews in this re-
gard and who does not believe that it
has Injured to the honor and credit of the
State. The troops have acquitted them
selves in a most creditable manner and
have furnished the strongest possible argu-
ment for maintaining the militia. Indiana
has now a good militia law and the
nucleus of an excellent military organiza-
people and liberal support from the Legis-
lature. Another thing that has been dem
onstrated is the necessity of some legisla.
ton providing for the suspension or re-
perform their duty in times of public com.
motion or danger. During the recent
troubles the State has been put to great
expense from this cause and the Governor
has been seriously handicapped in his
efforts to enforce the law. The sheriff OF
Sullivan county has been a continual EN-.
barrassment to the. Governor in his efforts
to enforce the law. ind existing laws
the Circuit Iuubc ndS q. Quullneu power &c
suspend a sheriff who fails to perform his
duty. but the judge may be under the
same local influence that controls the
sheriff. The chief executive of the Stat,
ought TO have discretionary power to re
move an unfaithfuI sheriff. There ar,
times when the public welfare demand
summary and peremptory action. Thi
matter should receive the attention of tn
next Legislature.
Again. it has been demonstrated tina
the ordinary military contingent fund o
the Governor is inadequate. A fund tina
is ample for the incidental expenses o
ordinary times is entirely inadequate 70
the enforcement of law when 1t is defed b.
organized bodies Of men. No future Gov
ernor OF Indiana should ever be hampere,
by the paltry military contingent fund o
5000 a year. He may not have to spen'
a quarter of that sum. but a contingent.
may arise requiring him to spend ten time
as much. and in that event he should hav
authority 20 do IL. Governor Matthew
probably expended all of his military con
a