The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-03-24
WITH HIS FAD OF ELECTiNG SENA-
TORS By POPULAR VOTE,
And Made Use of the Occasion to Vent
His Mind as tn Trusts-W ny Secre-
tary Sherman Is Pleased.

expressed profound sympathy with his Re-
publican associates over the restrictions of
the civil-service system. The discussion
came up on a resolution to investigate fed
eral removals at South Omaha, Neb. Mr..
Gallinger. CRep. New Hampshire,) char
acterized the civil-service system as a hum
bug and declared he would be glad 10 cast
his vote to blot out the system. There was
continued applause in the galleries at this
statement. Mr.. Allen, Pop. Nebraska,)
called the civil-service act a monumental
humbug," and Mr.. Wilson, Nep. Washing
TOM said it was a ~''humbug, a delusion, a
snare and a fraud" Mr.. Hawley, CRep.
Connecticut.) while defending the principle
of civil-service said its practice had been
attended with glaring incompetency. Mr..
Stewart, pop. New regarded the civil
service commission as an office brokerage
establishment. The Massachusetts sena-
tors. Messrs. Hoar and Lodge, defended the
law. The resolution directing the civil
service committee of the Senate TO investi-
gate the South Omaha, Neb., removals was
broadened by an amendment instructing
the committee TO inquire into the general
operation OF the law and TO report whether
II should be continued. amended or re-
pealed.
During the day Mr.. Berry. Dem. Arkan-
SaS,) received a telegram stating that 800
Mississippi river flood sufferers had landed
at Helena. Ark: He secured the adoption of
a joint resolution for the purchase of 1000
tents for the use of the sufferers.
MIR. TURPIE'S SPEECH.
Mr.. Turpie then took the floor to speak
in favor of his joint resolution for an
amendment to the Constitution providing
for the election of senators by direct vote
of the people. After reviewing the histori-
cal points he spoke directly on the subject
of the three cases now pending in the Sem
ate: There is certainly Il very clear incon-
gruity between the legislative duties and
the office of choosing senators of the United
States. This disagreement has become
greater as the country has grown older. 1t
is now uncommon that the Legislature Of
a State spends the whole time of its session
in the effort to elect a United States sena-
tor, and adjournS without succeeding in the
attempt. This results i'm the total neglect
by the members of the General Assembly
OF their functions as lawgivers of the State.
Thus the rights and interests local TO the
people of the State are submerged, over
whelmed and forgotten in the struggle over
the senatorial election. Besides this, the
condition of political parties becomes some
times so evenly balanced as that a very
small number-two or three members of the
Legislature belonging to some middle or
third party in a small minority among the
peoples able to determine the ciIcice of
senator, or to prevent one being made. The
inability to elect by the Legislative body Is
becoming more and more frequent. 1t is
not a physical disability it is rather a po-
too close equilibrium of dissenting forces
who are unable to unite upon a choice.
1t is true, as has already been noted, that
the federal Constitution provides that no
State shall be deprived of Its equal suffrage
in the Senate, but the fact is that under
the present mode of choosing United States
senator's by the Legislatures many of the
states have been. from time to time. de-
PTi ns6in OF their W equal sgffr Wee in the e1 sen noe
aware, until Il quite recent date, were so
situated, and at this very time the States of
Oregon and Kentucky are deprived of their
son of the inability of the Legislatures to
elect. All these evils will disappear 10y this
change in the method of electing senators.
The people at large would not be Numbered
by any such disability. They would vote
for the senator the same as they do for me
Governor, and a count of the vote would
decide the election"
Mr.. Turpie then spoke of the usurpation
of the power of trusts and the influence
they eXerted over State Legislatures. He
continued: This syndicate of the trusts
in its action bears no relation 10 the actual
business carried on by any of its incor-
porated members. such as transportation or
manufacturers. Its aim is political suprem-
acy by direct control of the ballot among
its numerous employees and agents. 1t pre-
sents the question. bare and naked, to
every employe. whether he will vote the
ticket of the syndicate or east his ballet
as his conscience and Judgment may die
tate, with the alternative of losing his place
and wages. and this to "a class of men
whose livelihood depends on their daily
work and earnings. This is an instance of
despotism SO odious and offensive. so con-
trary to the Unborn freedom of manhood. i'm
such deadly hostility to lib 'rty and justice,
as could only have been invented and en-
dacity of the syndicate VI trusts.
"OLIGARCHY OF TRUSTS"
THE force bill. not long ago driven from
this chamber in defeat and discontinue,
has been, with marvellous unanimity of ex-
preston by the public press of the country.
denounced as infamous, but this latter
force bill of the syndicate of trusts is ten
fold more worthy of such designation. III
oligarchy of the trusts say with ~listlcss.
languid Indifference: TIE la5orer Is wor-
thy of his hire then they add with sharp
est emphasis. but not of his voice: his vote
is ours This oligarchy of the thirty trusts
processes intense opposition 10 free lumber
free wool. free coffee. free coinage. but it
abhors with most perfect hate the free bal
lot. With the free ballot this syndicate OF
trusts would be sent back To their original
calling, that OF furnishing shoes and sugar,
calico and carpets. transportation for
and merchandise. common carriers of the
public; all very useful and honorable voca-
Compared in their estimation With that witt
which they to-day so ~arrogantly assume
the control of the legislation and of the
government of the United States.
The piotters in this tyranny of trusts
have not tried to avail themselves of the
terms of public law; they have not even
"A p%retense of authority. They skulk behind
secret orders of the company, and hide
among the shadows of the incorporated
wraiths and ghosts, who, unseen and un-
known, conduct this insidious raid against
the franchise The legislative caucus. lie
declared. was peculiarly .,faptsi 10 the con
troll of the trusts. Mr.. Turpie closed with q
declaration that this amendment was in
accordance with the great precedent OF
progress and advancement set forth in the
preamble of the Constitution.
Mr.. Turpie closed at $40 p. m. and the
Senate went into executive session. This
open session was resumed at 800. The bill
was passed TO establish the official survey
of certain lands in Nebraska, west OF the
NiObrara river.
Or motion Of Mr.. Hoar the bankruptcy
bill, which was reported favorabiy. was
made the unfinished business. thus giving
il right of way after 2 p. m. daily.
A resolution by Mr.. Chandler was agreed
to calling on the secretary OF state for in
formation as TO the amounts paid to aliens
as indemnity for personal injury from
mobs, and whether efforts had been made
to secure reimbursement from the States
where the mob violence occurred.
Mr.. Pettigrew called up the bill TO amend