The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-11-16
COOPERATE IN REFORM
CHAIRMAN HERNLY AND STATE
BOARD OF COMMERCE IN HARMONY.
Commission to Devise Changes in Sys-
tenn of County and Township
Government.
Reform in township and county govern

ment has been the subject of considerable
thought by most of the progressive peo-
pie in the State, regardless Of party lines.
Many organizations of a spirited
character have taken steps to bring knowl-
edge of what is required in this direction
to the notice of the people, and so strong
has been the pressure of thought in the
matter that both parties in the recent cleo
| ton embraced the idea in their platform
as necessary to the good of the State. The
Indiana State Board Of Commerce has been
chief among those searching for means
of reforming local government and has
asked the cooperation of Chairman Charles
S Hernly, of the Republican state central
committee, as the representative of the
party now in control OF the government Of
the State. in it's efforts William Fortune
the president Of the board, in letter to
Chairman Hernly. said:
THE interest which you have shown in
bringing about reform in methods OF coun-
~ and township government in Indiana is
| highly gratifying to those who have been
active in promoting the organized work
having this object in view. The resolu-
tons in the platforms of both Of the lead
ing parties in the last campaign, readily
adopted at the request Of the state Board
of Commerce. and in recognition OF the
general sentiment of the people or Indiana
on this subject, give assurance that the
next Legislature will seriously devote itself
to the solution Of this great problem Inc
to be considered by the newly-elected Cen
eral Assembly, as 1t involves a possible
aside from the Unreasonable beneficial re-
suits from the reformative influence or pet
ter methods of government. 1t Is highly
important that the legislation which will
give us new system of local government
should be shaped with the utmost care.
1t should be wrought from the knowledge
of the subject, and from the practical ex-
perience Of those who know the widely
varying conditions to which a new system,
to be successful, must be adjusted.
Those who have carefully studied the
problem have doubted If the task should
be undertaken by but one or two men, even
though known to possess superior Qualifi-
cations, for it seems improbable that one
or two men be found with adequate
reason that the State Board of Commerce
has consistently advocated a commission
for this important work.
"As a. solution of the problem by the
newly-elected General Assembly is desira-
bic at least to the extent of providing
better form of government which may be
adopted at the option of any county or
township, it is important that steps should
be taken without delay toward developing
a form of government embodying the best
available knowledge. Many plans have al
ready been proposed, or are now being de-
veloped. The best consideration of the mat
ter Will be assured, I believe by bringing
about. without delay, organized co-opera-
ton in this work therefore suggest TO
you as the representative Of majority
of the Legislature, and as one who has
shown commendable zeal in the accom-
plishment of this great reform. that organ
lied interest in the work be at once brought
into cooperation, through proper repre-
sentatives with a view to preparing for
the consideration OF the Legislature the
most acceptable measure that can be de-
vised. 1t is desirable that in this co-opera-
ton the various interests and conditions OF
the State should be represented, embracing
rfs-1 tore fFf1nn ant nf
the State, the State Bar Association (Which
already has committee at work., org
which, through the State Board of Com
merce, since inaugurating the movement
has largely conducted the educational WORK
that has been done. This is not intended
as exact outline of a plan of action, but
as a suggestion which may at least lead
10 course of procedure which VIII avoid
confusion, will assure harmony Of action
and will result in the most satisfactory ac-
complishment of a reform of the greatest
Importance to the whole State"
CHAIRMAN HERNLY'S REPLY.
Chairman Hernly, in, reply to Mr.. For
tune, said:
best available knowledge should be
brought to bear on the problem now con-
fronting us of creating a better form Of
county and township government in Indi-
cess of this movement. both personally and
as matter of pride for my party, which
enactment of legislation having that pur-
pose in view. have given much considera-
ton to the method of proceeding with this
work and my own deliberations have con-
WINGED me that some such plan of proceed
ure as you suggest In your communication
viii assure the best concentration of
thought will give the best representation
of desirable knowledge and experience and
will produce the greatest harmony of ac-
ton Win the nope therefore. OF mus ar
irving at the best results am willing to
assume the responsibility On behalf Of my
party and all interests concerned of asking
cooperation of those who are identified
with organized effort to bring about these
great reforms, embracing also a proper
representation of members of the Legfs-
lature from different sections OF the State
and others with whom / have already con-
ferred on this subject on account of their
recognized qualifications for giving Valu-
able assistance in the shaping Of such leg
isiation
I'm accordance with this determination
will at once call a meeting of a commission
to he composed of representative citizens
whom l will hereafter name, together with
committees from your organization and
other organizations prepared to give the
needed assistance. The contemplated work
is of such magnitude and Importance that
it should be undertaken with as little delay
as possible and I, therefore, appoint Tues
day, Nov. p, 1898 at the Commercial Club
assembly rooms. in the city of Indianapolis
as the time and place for the first meet
ing of the commission to organize, outline
the scope of study and assign branches of
work and make sucn other arrangements
uS may Be HStGSStLy. lStl lllchl tIlio WOiA
will appeal to the good Judgment of all the
citizens Of the State on account of the inn
portance of this much-needed legislation
for the reason that civilization begins with
the management and control of the county
and township government, for the reason
that our common schools, which are the
hope of the country, and the highways
which are OF such great Importance TO all
of the people, together with the levying Of
the larger. per centum Of taxes on the peo-
pie, and the care Of the poor, and many of
the other important provisions of the law
are lodged with this branch of the govern
ment. And, therefore. whatever sacrifice
and deprivation that may be evoked from
any person or persons interested in this
great work Will be freely given by those
who have the formation of such laws di-
rectly intrusted to them.
ION account of my being absent from the
State for the next four or FIVE weeks it
will be necessary for some person to have
charge OF the matter and notify the COM
nlittee which will have been appointed, of
the meeting and make all of the necessary
arrangements for the beginning of this
work and therefore designate you to take
charge of the matter during my absence
and proceed with the organization of the