The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-02-28
AS TO APPORTIONMENT.


The Republican committee has presented
to Governor Matthews a dignified, honor-
able and unprecedented appeal for special
meeting of the Legislature. The memorial
voices the sentiments of every fair-minded
citizen of Indiana, and it ought 10 result
in change in the Governors positon.-Elk-
hart Review.
The committee having presented its memo
rial to the Governor seems to have gone
as far as is useful or practicable. This eff
fort was legitimate. even If it's result was
discounted long before There will be no
dshonor in stopping right here, and begin
ming preparations for a campaign under the
act of 1SS5.-Terre Haute Express.
We have heard of not a single individual
who has entertained the slightest idea that
the petition would be favorably acted
upon, but it will at least serve the good
purpose of convincing the people that the
Republicans are in earnest in demanding
fair apportionment and that the Governor
is equally determined that the election of
1896 shall be held under a notorious gerry
mander patched up by a venal legislature
for the purpose of continuing Democracy
in control regardless of the rights or the
majority of the voters of the State.-La-
fayette Courier
The reply of Governor Matthews to the
request of the Republican State committee
for an extra session of the Legislature will
be awaited with much interest by the voting
public. If by meeting of the Legislature
a just and fair apportionment can be
reached-one that will not disfranchise a
great number of voters, but will be SO ar
ranged as that the majority may rule-tnen
it will be worth the expense OF calling the
Legislature together Governor Matthews
had best think twice before he makes up his
mind on this subject. If he desires to show
his caliber above the advice of politicians,
now is the time.-Evansville Journal.
Governor Matthews has heretofore de-
clared that he will not call special ses-
sion of the Legislature. and it is believed
that he has not changed his mind upon
the subject. The Herald has not at any
time favored the calling of the special ses-
sion, unless the Governor should do so
voluntarily While recognizing the i'm
perfect character of the act of 1885 and
the gross injustice in the matter of rep
resentation which an election held under
it would work TO the gas belt counties,
yet it would be better to submit to that
injustice than to risk the condition OF leg
islative chaos which would ensue in the
event of failure to get a decision of the
court in time for special session to be
held prior to the fall election. The act of
1885 Is a Democratic gerrymander, just as
Objectionable as the Republican gerry
mander of 1895, but the former is the only
statute upon the books now In force.-An-
derson Herald. "a SIS -s,is s.s
advantage to the Democratic party in re-
fusing to come to the relief of the people,
and that is all that is necessary to confirm
him in his stubborn refusal to do his plain
duty. But Governor Matthews holds the
decisive. determining position and his OBJ
struction is final By his unreasonable and
unpatriotic dictum there will be no new
apportionment law no matter what Repub-
licans may do about attacking the existing
law. This being true no other course Is
left to the Republicans than to make the
best of the injustice that rs Aupon them,
appeal to the people and carry the Legis-
lature Of 1897 under the act of 1885. They
can do it and they will do it. The purpose
to attack the act of 1885 should be aban-
doned. The Tribune is convinced that the
Republicans of this portion of Indiana ore
strongly opposed to the plan or the state
committee to contest that law in the courts
at this time.-kokomo Tribune.
The brave. manly, statesmanlike way out
of the difficulty in which the State was
placed by the late decision Of the Supreme
Court overturning two superintendent laws
was clearly special session of the Legisa-
ture to enact a new law on the lines laid
down by the court. The Legislature could
scarcely have erred in its duty. Unfortu-
nately, the decision in the matter was sole
ly in the hands of the Governor. and, I'M
fortunately again, the Governor is a par
tlSan 100 narrow 10 decide the case Oh It's
merits and In the interest OF the whole
people. The delay and discussion THAT have
ensued have not improved the conditions a
particle. The Governor is likely to adhere
lature together when he makes his reply to
the committees memorial Nor will the
overthrow of the law of 1885 bring us any
nearer to a special session, even If de-
cision could be reached in time, which is in
the highest degree doubtful. What then
1t is evident the election must be held un-
not held at ali there viii be direfui results.
This dangerous higgling over the matter
should stop The Republican party should
accept the situation that 1t seems impossi-
BILE to change, and go to work and carry
the State by the largest vote ever recorded.
1t this even under the law of 1855.
-Brookville American.
If Chairman Gowdy brings suit to test
the constitutionality of the 1885 apportion-
ment law. it is pretty certain that the pro-
ceedings will be commenced in this court,
and Judge Doyal will be asked to pass upon
it, AS to the advisability of bringing suit
at all there is division Of sentiment
among Clinton county Republicans, but as
to bringing it in this court they are de-
cidedly against the proposition. for they
expect to elect a Representative and
they want that Representative to take
his seat with his colleagues in the next
of bringing this suit might and probably
would prevent. In view of what the SUI
preme Court has already indicated in ref
erence to the law of 1885, there is little or
no room for doubt as to what the action
of the lower court will amount to, but the
restraining order will only affect the cleo
ton officers of this county, and unless that
order should be dissolved by a higher
court. or a new apportionment enacted in
time to hold the election under il, Clinton
county would not have a Representative
in the next Legislature. If Chairman
Gowdy must proceed in this matter and
nothing else will do him, We of the good
obliged to him if he could find some county
other than ours, as we are after the COM
mon enemy, the Democrats, and we believe
grounds OF their own choosing. We can
elect our man: all we ask is for the courts
to keep hands off and We will seat him.
Frankfort News.
M,kIyLEY IN INDIANA.