The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-12-11
THE DEMOCRATS CAUCUS
WILL OPPOSE REFORM IN COUNTY
AND TOWNSHIP LAWS.
Use of Voting Machines FAVORED
Turpie VIII Get COmpli-
mentary Vote.

The Democratic members of the Legisla-
ture held meeting yesterday afternoon at
the Grand Hotel to consider the legislation
to be introduced in the forthcoming session.
By some mistake the letters were sent out
calling them for the 10th and 18th. and tele-
grams were received from several members
saying that they would be here for the Sos
sion to-day. 1t so resulted that all the bust
ness was completed yesterday afternoon,
and many OF the members returned to their
homes last evening, so the meeting to-day
will not be held.
The meeting was Of a rather informal
character and no decided action was taken,
although the sense of those present was in
formally expressed Senator J. II. Shea, Of
Scottsburg, was selected as chairman, and
Representative c. M. Brown, of Auburn,
secretary. The general policy of the minor
ity was discussed at length. A number of
addresses were made by members, and
among the outsiders who were invited to
attend and speak were Leon 0. Bailey and
John w. Kern. The consensus was that the
policy Of the minority should not be that of
obstructionists but that no matter what
party measure emanated from it should
be supported if it had merit in it. Without
formal action this was adopted as the pol
icy to be pursued.
The subject Of township and county re-
form was discussed at length, and was
finally referred to a committee, which is to
report at the caucus when the session opens.
The sentiment was nearly unanimous that
there should be no reform in the existing
laws, but that the reform should come in
the election of the men to enforce those
laws. The opinion of those present was
that the fault lies in the men, and not in
4 cxrSt 0T11 Anx of TO YofO fIa
laws on this subject will probably meet with
decided and unanimous Democratic oppo-
Sition.
FAVORED VOTING MACHINES.
Another subject taken up was the voting
laws. The unanimous sentiment was in
favor of the adoption of voting machines.
The only objection raised was that the first
cost would be great, and that some one
would make a large amount of money out
of it. On this point there was somewhat of
division, but those in favor of the machine
argued that, no matter what kind of
change should be made, it would involve
great expense at first, and that under no
plan suggested would the benefits be as
great or as lasting Il under The adoption
of machines. This subject was finally re-
ferred to committee to make a report to
the caucus
The date Of the caucus was not fixed, al
though it seemed to be the understanding
opening of the session, on Jan. f. Nor was
the matter of those who would receive the
complimentary vote taken up, but that will
be left to the caucus. For senator, there
seemed to be but the one opinion that SEN
ator Turpie should receive the vote. Many
of the members frankly said that had they
been in the majority, they would not have
voted for him and that he would have had
to fight to regain the seat, but they were
in the minority they favor giving him the
vote.
Many of those present left for their homes
last evening, but few will remain over until
this evening to meet those who may come for
the supposed session to-day. Those who
were here were Senator Horner of Brazil
Cregor of Carthage, OConnor of Month
cello Shea Of Scottsburg, Stilwell of Prince
ton Stroup of Shelbyville, Winfield Of Lo-
gansport, Representatives Brown of Au-
burn, Cotner of LoganSport, Cunningham of
Loree Downey of GospOrt, EichOrn of Bluff
ton, Geisel of Vernon, Hedgecock of Frank
fort. Herod of Franklin, Krick of Decatur,
Marsh of Seymour, May of Flat Rock, Titus
of Thorntown, Wise of Plymouth and ]. H.
MaCden Of Plymouth.
Last evening Senators Gwin Of New AL
bany Heller Of Columbia City, Inman of
Washington and Purcell of Vincennes ar
rived in the city to participate in the Demo-
cratic meeting. After learning that the
meeting was over they left for their homes
on late trains.