The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-02-24

tiers rest and convene the lawmakers and
give the voters OF all parties the justice
they have right to expect-Rushviiie
Graphic.
should be used to induce the Governor to
convene the Legislature in the present
emergency. but should he refuse. IT will
be in our opinion best to leave the re-
sponsibility with him and forbear all suits.
The law of 1885 is as clearly unconstitu-
tfonal the apporfionment laws annulied
by the Supreme Court. and for the same
reason. but it is law until declared other
wise. An attempt at this date TO get a
decision in respect to the matter Is likely
to result in a worse state OF affairs than
10 elect under it--Lagrange standard.
We believe that the committee has
chosen wisely, and we feel that 1T is the
patriotic duty of Governor Matthews to lay
aside his partisan and personal prejudice
and assemble the Legislature. 1t is not
question of politics or political advantage.
but one of vital Importance to the whole
people irrespective OF party animation I'M
mediate action is absolutely necessary In
order to avoid the many entangiemenass
matter be deferred until the whole course
OF procedure in the election of Senators
and Representatives shall become ques-
ton of grave doubt and uncertainty.
-Greensburg Review.
The course taken by the committee seems
to have been brought about by the obsti-
nancy of the Governor in calling the Legs
lature together. We question the wisdom
of the committee in this course. 1t Is pro-
posed to coerce him and by compulsicn show
him his duty. 1t is the sworn duty OF
Mr.. Matthews to act in The matter Win.
out compulsion or coaxing and il ne viii
not then shoulder the responsibility the
Republican party has no business to mix
In Democratic plans and try TO thwart
dishonest purposes. Mr.. Matthews has
shown himself entirely given over 10
partisanship and he cannot see beyond his
nose We would like TO see the Representa-
ii res possessed of more respect AMI dignity
Cor themselves and their exa.red positions
than to truckle to the Demo tic Ccy-
ernor.-Warren Republican.
If Governor Matthews refuses to call a
special session of the Legislature for the
purpose of passing an apportionment law
he will do 50 for partisan reasons only.
All over the State members of the Legis-
lature are showing their willingness to do
the fair thing by signing an agreement to
enact law on the lines marked out by the
recent decision Of the Supreme Court and
to adjourn when such law has been
passed without attempting to transact
other business. That there Is every inten-
ton to be fair is shown by the Republican
members of the Eleventh district, who
signed an agreement expressing their
willingness to first submit the bill to Gov
shall issue the call. Such conditions are
not debatable. No reason can now be
given by the Governor for further refus-
ing to convoke the General Assembly.-Lo-
gansport Journal.
FjjiFhe proposition Of the Republican Stale
ceatral committee that lne-u5e-s OF tie
legislature agree in writing 10 enact a
fair and constitutional apportionment IL
the Legislature were called in special ses-
sion, is certainly very silly. 1t is indeed
worse than Stiffness. for 1T is a reflection
upon tie en- who compose the majority
OF that body. The courts have decided
What Cors titutional Apo. icnment is.
The members have taken oara that they
will surIort the Constitution and now
this pr1p..s .tion is suggested ID make the
oaths E.vre binding by a written agree.
,nent. his is the worst of nonsense. The
way II fight the devil is with his cxn
weapons. II the Governor VII no, call a
session cf the Legislature, as il Is MS duty
10 do. and ii there is not IoW time 10 test
the act of 1885 in the courts and obtain a
decision before the election, the best thing
that can be done is to proceed under the
act of 1SS5.-Danville Republican.