The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-02-01
FATE OF FOLLOWERS
THESE SENATORS WILL SIT IN THE
NEXT LEGISLATURE.
That Is What Leading Lawyers Think
why the Decision I'm 1892
Was Delayed.

The general feeling among those who take
an active part in politics seems to have
settled somewhat after a careful reading of
the decision of the Supreme Court in the
apportiocment case. The anxiety which was
expressed on first reading IL is now giving
way to a feeling of satisfaction that the
court so thoroughly and conclusively dis
cussed the question of its jurisdiction in the
matter. This decision is looked upon as
forever putting an end to gerrymandering
in this State; consequently members of
both parties who watch each other closely
are well satisfied on that score, although
still a little fearful of future complica-
tions over the question of hcld-over Sem
ators.
Smiley n. Chambers. in an interview yes
terday, contended that as the two branches
of the Legislature are the sole judges OF the
qualifications of their own members. and
the Senate has already admitted the hold
over Senators as duly qualified, they must
remain so during the term for which they
we're elected. On the other hand, John r.
Wilson, who usually speaks for the Demo-
cratic party on the legal questions that
arise, says 1t is clear to his mind that I'M
der the opinion of Judge Hackney the hold
overs are merely Senators de facto and
cannot hold longer than the next general
election. This will be the great point of
contention between the parties, and as it
was not settled by the opinion it is looked
upon as question that is likely to bring
about innumerable difficulties.
John w. Kern was asked yesterday for
an expression on the attitude Of the par
ties He did not give very satisfactory
answer. He declined to enter into any dis
cussion of the matter, but simply said that
il was a matter that would have be settled
by the patriotism of the people, without
explaining how their patriotism could be
brought to bear on the subject.
Encouragement Ketcham declines to ex-
press an opinion on the effect of the deci-
sion or on its merits, but says he Is glad
that the question Of gerrymandering has
been settled forever in this State. He does
not want to express any public opinion on
the effects of the decision, because it is
more than likely he will be called on to rem
der an official opinion on that subject.
The feeling that there should be special
session of the Legislature seems to be
growing. AT first 1t was thought. that as
the two principal parties would have al
most equal chances under the apportion-
ment of 1885 it would probably be better TO
allow the next election to be made under IL.
Besides this, the leaders of neither party
cared to risk condemnation by mourning
the expense necessary for an extra session.
Governor Matthews says he does not care
TO express any further views on the extra
session possibility until he has had time TO
fully consider the questions involved and
consult with leaders of both parties. he
does not seem to desire to take upon the
Democratic party the responsibility, IL 1t
should finally be determined TO call an extra
session, but wants 1t to be done by the
agreement of leaders of both parties. He
has not expressed this view in that many
words. but the conversations he has had
with different people lead them to think
those are his views.
There was some talk yesterday at the
Statehouse about the advisability or calling
a constitutional convention. 1t was argued
that under the present Constitution there
were other lcopholes for unjust apportion-
ments and that there are other things that
have arisen in the last few years That snow
the necessity or revision or the constr
tuition. Mr.. Ketcham was asked what would
be the procedure in calling such convention.
He said there is no. provision In the Con-
stitution for replacing 1t, but that he
thought the proper means would be 10 pur-
sue the course laid down for amendments.
The Legislature should enact a law, TO be
submitted to the people at the next general
or at a special election, providing for such
a convention, and IL ii should be approved
by the people the Governor would issue
proclamation calling for the election of the
members of the convention in accordance
with the law adopted for the purpose.
Although Mr.. Ketcham has not talked for
publication on the subject of a special ses-
sion of the Legislature, friends who know
his views say he favors tire idea and thinks
there should be a special session. He thinks
with the leaders on both sides that the ses-
sion should not last more than five days
and that the necessary bills could be drawn
up before the meeting. The special session,
he thinks. should also correct the law that
requires county auditors and treasurers to
earn their salaries in fees.
Chairman Gowdy, of the Republican State
committee says he has said all he cares to
on the question of the decision until after
he has had an opportunity to thoroughly
consider it and consult with Republican
leaders. His statements made yesterday
were simply his own thought on first read
ing the opinion, but he does not desire to
do anything to commit the party to a line
of action until all phases of the matter have
had due consideration.