The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1895-02-10
UNDER A COMMISSION
DIR. VAN ARsDEL's HILL TO con-
TROL RAILROAD coRPOR ATIoNs.
Board to BE Composed of Three Menu
Powers of General Supervision.

1900
no quorum was present. Only routine af-
fairs came up as a result of this condition.
froDaDiy the most important bill introduced
was that of Mr.. Van Arsdel, creating a
railroad commission. The commission is to
consist of three persons, one of whom is
to be a civil engineer. the Governor, with
the advice of the Secretary and Auditor of
state, to make the appointments. The
terms Of the first three appointees shall
be for one, two and three years, respec-
lively. in order that a new commissioner
may be appointed every year, the terms
eventually to be three years each. No one
VINO WINS railroad stock or who has owned
stock or been in the employ of any railroad
six months previous to appointment shall
be eligible. If the Secretary and Auditor of
state fail to concur in an appointment made
by the Governor, such appointment shall
be void and an appointment shall be made
by a board consisting of the Governor, Sec
rotary and Auditor Of State.
The commission is to have general SUPER
vision of all railroads in the State. operated
by steam, electric or other motive power,
and shall inquire into any neglect or viola
ton of law by these corporations. Inspec-
ton of roads is to be made, together with
semi-annual examination of bridges. The
commission is authorized to prevent rail-
roads from using bridges that fail to pass
Inspection and are not properly repaired
upon notice. Changes for the safety or con-
venience of the public are to be recommend
ed by the commission. The bin contem-
plates an exhaustive report of the condition
of all Indiana roads. financial status, esti-
mated value, holdings of land and of other
pertinent statistics. Managing officers OF
ports under oath on blanks furnished by the
commission. Commissioners are each to re-
ceive a salary of $1,000 a year, the board
to have a secretary at 5000 a year. and a
clerk at $1,000. Commissioners are to fur
nish $4,000 bonds. Railroad companies are
to be assessed pro rata on valuation TO meet
the expenses and salaries of the commits
stoners, who are also given power to ex-
anime books, papers and documents of any
railroad corporation; to issue subpoenas and
administer oaths, with the same power OF
enforcing obedience as belongs and per-
tainS to courts of law.
The bill also defines the duties of rail-
roads in furnishing equitable freight facili-
ties and in handling cars from other roads.
The provisions regulating freight and pas
Of the act and seeks
to prevent any discrimination whatsoever,
and after three days uncalled for freight
may be sent to a warehouse. Three times
the actual damage sustained is the penalty
damage that may be collected by the ag-
grieved party. The commissioners take cog
nizance of these cases.
Railroads are required to give immediate
notice to the commission OF any accident
where there is personal injury or loss or
life, and the commission shall report to the
Governor the actual loss, and whether the
same was the result of acknowledgement or
neglect. Commissioners may look into COM
| plants of unfair treatment or unfair rates
upon complaint of twenty-five or more GU
zens. Nothing In the bill is to estop or
hinder persons or corporations from suing
railroads for any violation of the laws or
| the State. Circuit and superior courts are
| orders and rulings of the commission. Ac-
| lions are to be brought by the Attornes-
gsn enc l. upon po,,rt the sra ad 70 be % given 81 precendenee
over civil business. 49,
Mr.. Van Arsdel had another raiaroau
| hill coming back from the committee under
] a favorable report and with an amendment
\ car companies to charge more than 81 for
each hundred miles Travelled In INDIANA.
The House voted down the amehomsm,si
| bill, which compels sleeping-car porters to
raise upper berths when these bertns are
| of the city of Indianapolis reported favor
| ably on the Van Arsdel bill creating a
brarv. to be appointed by the county clerk
and the Judge Of the Circuit Court. me
Boardman suburban railroad Dill, giving
suburban companies the right TO use the
tracks of city lines, the Circuit Court to
determine the charges. was reported favor
ably, with an amendment that the Dill Is
not to apply to lines that extend for more
than ten miles beyond the city limits. Mr..
Hundley's bill permitting cities and towns
to regulate natural-gas charges was recon-
mended. The ways and means committee
reported favorably the bill exempting mort,
/ ga 2SS I'D TO SJUJ " AAC DA
appropriating $40, coo for farmers institutes
came back from the committee, but action
was deferred on it, as the author was not
Mr.. Merritt was in the chair again yester-
day, Speaker Adams being still confined
IN his home on account of a severe cold
The following new bills were introduced
Remy-To amend the act relating 10 pub
lie offenses.
LongweIi-To amend the election law.
Moore-To appropriate $3.50 for the Won1-
ans Prison and Girls R~eformatory: to ap-
-----.x n m for tho nI1rRh4S So OF DOliefS
AHsnEProviding for the consolidation of
Wiilis@To amend the tax law.
Loring-To define the Eighteenth ana SIX
teenth judicial circuits.
Robinson-Defining certain ofenSeS ano
their punishment; an anti-pass bill.
Van Arsdel-Concerning granting the
rights of way over public highways; to es-
tablish a State railroad commission.
Howe-Relating to building and loan as
ADAMS of Parke-To amend the common
Notwithstanding licenses and fixing
RIa kelv-To amend the act defining who
are persons Of unsound mind.
Lambert-To amend the act under Whlcf
cities are Incorporated.
Remington-To amend the law regulating
assessment of property:
Petit (by request)-To amend the Law
governing the organization of loan and
safety deposit companies.
The following bills were passed to thlre
No. Sss-To prevent discrimination in rail
No. sos~To pay members of John W. Null
lens company.
No. 303-Relating to the disposition o
property left in possession of police boards
No. 364-Relating to the appropriation o
money for highways by county commission
No. 31S-Concerning highways.
No. ool-Concerning roads.
No. 65-Relating to the purchase OF tol
roads.
JUDICIARY COMMITTEES WORK.
- Tsx3ln7 I(nenrt IN R0hin