The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-02-17
N0NPARTISAN BOARDS
CAUCUS ACTION TAKEN ON THE BE-
NEVOLENT INSTITUTIONS.
No Congressional AppOrtiOnment-Su-
preme Court Librarian
and Sheriff.

The Republican joint caucus last evening
was well attended and so harmonious that
though il accomplished much business, it
adjourned early. The first question taken up
was the motion entered at the last meeting
of the caucus week ago to reconsider the
determination to make no reapportionment
for congressional purposes. While there has
been considerable demand for a rearrange-
ment from some of the districts. the ma
jority of the members were of the opinion
that if this work was undertaken thus late
in the session it might be hastily done and
the congressional apportionment left in I'M
satisfactory shape 1.-The motion to recon-
slider was, therefore, defeated by vote Of
43 to %.
The most important action of the caucus
was the adoption of a resolution for a
measure placing the benevolent institutions
of the State under the control of nonparti-
san boards of three, to be appointed by the
Governor. The measure adopted two years
ago dividing the eighteen members of these
boards between the two parties proved un-
satisfactory in the hands of Governor Mat
thews, who, instead of carrying out the
spirit of the law, was careful to put DEM
ocratic majority in control of every insttu-
ton where there wasta demand for reform
and Republican majority where it was
conceded that no change should be made.
1t was the complaints concerning the spoils
system and general mismanagement of the
Southern Hospital at Evansville more than
any other cause that led the majority to
decide upon measure that will abolish the
present boards and give the Governor an
opportunity to reorganize them upon Il
business basis. Those who know Governor
Mount-and the people OF Indiana are pref
ty well acquainted with him by this time
have no doubt that he will put in control
of the institutions men who will conduct
them economically and well. and that they
will be out of politics while he is in the
executive chair. Senator Newly called
Senator Shively to the chair while he
offered the resolution, and the following
committee of five was appointed to draw
the bill and report il for the action of the
caucus next Friday night: Senators New
by and Houghton and Representatives
Smith, Patterson of Fulton and Linck.
Senator Shively, who was the author of
the present law and the leader in the hard
fight made Tor ii two, years ago, said last
evening: Il am heartily in accord with the
action we took Tonight The measure OF
two years ago was in the nature of a COM
promise and was abused in the enforcement.
This action is deliberate and proper. / feel
that in the hands of Governor Mount the
institutions will be safe"
Nothing was said in the resolution or
upon the floor the point of compensation
for members of the boards, but it is the
general impression that they will serve
without compe nsat ton.
a bill prepared by Representative Nichol-
son was made a caucus measure, giving the
Judges of the Appellate. Court a voice in the
election of the law librarian and sheriff,
both of whom are officers for both courts.
1t abolishes both offices and creates new
ones in their stead and has the effect of
Ousting the present incumbents.
A bill amending the charter of Fort
Wayne so that the Council shall consist OF
two members elected from each ward was
also made caucus. measure.