The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1895-03-11
IT'S NOT YET SIGNED
THE NICHOLSON BILLS FATE RESTS
WITH THE GOVERNOR.
Failure to Reach Him Saturday VIII
Probably Not Affect 1t il He
Ankles His siEnature.
PRESSURE FROM OUTSIDE
LIQUOR INTERESTS ARE URGING
HIM TO VETO THE BILL.
Opinions of Judge Elliott and Others
as to the ConstitutionaIity Of
Now Receiving 1t.

One of the best known law firms in the
city and one that has a case involving the
same point, gives the opinion that the fact
that Governor Matthews failed to receive
the Nicholson bill Saturday night. will not
affect it's constitutionality in case the Gov
ernor signs the bill. The fate of the bill
hangs entirely the signature of the Gov
ernor, according TO this opinion. This firm
has sought to win a case by maintaining
the unconstitutionality of an act that went
to the Governor on one of the two last
days of a session, and the firm has found
that the court decisions are against them
on the point they have tried to carry.
While there was but little doubt Saturday
that Governor Matthews would sign the
bill. some of the friends of the measure
are fearful he will use the fact that the
bill failed to reach him Saturday night as
an excuse for refusing TO convert it into
law. The saloon element brought all the
influence it could command to bear on the
Governor yesterday, urging him to veto the
bill. kilograms poured in from all parts OF
the State, signed by saloon keepers and
those prominent Democrats whom they
could persuade to appeal for them. Demo-
cratic leaders were promised a campaign
fund to be raised entirely by saloon keepers
next year if the Governor would only kill
came this influence. Several prominent men
representing brewery interests in Ohio and
Illinois came here and were closeted with
Democratic politicians urging them to bring
every. influence to be obtained on the Gov
ernor. Not less than five hundred kilograms
have been received by the Governor since
Saturday morning. and it has cost the saloon
keepers of the State no inconsderable sum
IN the way of telegraph tolls. The States
chief was in consultation last night with
some of his trusted political friends taking
counsel as to the best step to pursue.
Friends of the bill insist that the Governor
is too good politician to allow the liquor
interests of the State to control his execu-
tive action. He can readily recognize the
fact that the support of the liquor interest
would be milestone around his neck in
his political future. The tremendous pres
on him from the saloon men, it is
believed, will not be sufficient to make
him change the purpose he had of signing
the bill.s
When questioned last night he declined
to discuss his probable action, but it is
believed by those close to him that he
will sign the bill and let the courts settle
any point involved as to constitutionality.
Some of the kilograms received prophesied
that the Democratic party would be held
ernor made it law. Saturday the Governor
took the view taken by Governor Hendricks
when he signed the Baxter BILL This view
was, that while the measure did not coin
eide with his views of temperance 1egisla-
ton, still the measure was not political
one, and since the Representatives of the
people had enacted such law, he did not
feel called to present his objections to it.,
to the Governor till to-day although ii was
presented at his office Saturday night. Fri
remained at the office till midnight; this
too, to give the Legislature an opportunity
to present a political measure within the
the temperance bill was completed before
IL O'Clock. Mr.. Nicholson, the author, giving
clerks in their work. 1t was finally COM
pleted, tied with a red ribbon, and then
Mr.. Nicholson jumped into carriage and
was rapidly driven to the residence of
Speaker Adams. Lieutenant Governor Nye
was at the Speakers residence, attending
two presiding officers were easily obtained.
Mr.. Nicholson then, it is said, started for
the Governors residence and either failed
to find the house or was unable to arouse
Governor Matthews. Clerk Brown took the
bill to the executives office before midnight.
in the evening. He locked the hill up
further effort apparently being made TO get
the bill to the Goyernor Yesterday t.. morn m
bill, but was unsuccessful. He appeared at
the Office of the Governor at o'clock, but
and he carried the measure to his desk in
the House chamber.
The Constitution states explicitly that bills
within two days previous to the adjourning
of the Legislature. Opinion Is divided as
lawyers holding that the appearance of
Clerk Brown at the executives ONCE Satur-
was not there, makes the presentation
legal.