The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-02-20
REFORM is DEMANDED.

All three of the reform bills now before
the Legislature should pass without a dis
senting Vote.-Terre Haute Mail.
There has not been a single argument made
by the opponents of the county and town
ship reform bills that does not beg the ques
tion.-Rushville Graphic.
The people always want to know where
their money has gone, and the expenses of
the courts should be published the same as
the expenses of the township and county
officers.-OXford Tribune.
There has been q concerted effort on the
part of those interested to scatter msinfor-
nation as to the reform bills Don't credit
anything you hear from the lobbyist and
supply agent.-Fairmount News.
The people of Indiana are thoroughly
aroused on the subject of a reform in town
ship and county government, and desire
reduction in the enormous amount of taxes
paid for all urpoSes.-Greenteld Repub-
lican.
If the business of Allen county were con-
Quoted on strictly business principles the
white mans burden would be much lighter
than it is. No private enterprise could run
for single year if 1t employed the methods
that prevail in administering county affairs.
Fort Wayne Gazette.
Let no member of the Legislature be de-
ceived by those of his constituents who
themselves, have been imposing on the tax
payers of their own counties. The people
should be consulted, not those who have
been taking advantage of the people The
reform bills should be passed in accord
ance with the will of the people.-Seymour
Republican.
1t is the people of the State who demand
reform in township and county business.
The lobbyists at the Statehouse who prefer
the old regime or something similar do not
represent the people. The latter desire to
know all the channels in which their money
is expended. They demand it in fact and if
unnecessary expenditures are made they will
be apprised.-Fairmount News.
Both the Republicans and Democrats de-
clared for reform in county and township
affairs in their state platforms. The mem
bers of the Legislature are pledged to such
reform. They owe it to the people as well
as to their parties to pass the reform meas
ures. If any of them have anything better
to offer let them offer such to the Legisla-
ture in proper fOrm.-Seymour Republican.
The people of the State will not look with
approval upon the move of certain county
officials in the State to re-enact the fee and
salary law. The matter is being pushed in
the Legislature, but we do not believe that
the Legislature will commit itself to such
backward movement. The people are not
willing to go back to the old fee system by
which the people were systematically
robbed.-Columbus Republican.
That some kind of reform in township
methods is desirable very few fair-minded
jority of the township trustees are capable
and honest, giving to the discharge of their
official duties the same painstakng care
they do 10 their own private affairs it is
undoubtedly true that some are dishonest
and corrupt, and that's why some kind of
judicious restraint is imperatiVely demanded.
Angola Magnet.
Why should county officers fight the coun-
ty and township reform bills? The county
bill does not reduce the salary of a single
county officer 1t does, however, reduce to
a minimum the chances for either a. dis
honest county officer or contractor to steal
and that is where the shoe pinches and af-
fordS the reason for their opposition. The
law Will work no hardship on honest off,
Gals, but 1t will prevent stealing and pro-
tect the taXpayers.-Greenfield Republican.
The voters generally are interested in the
proposed measures for better administration
of county affairs, and they are keeping close
tab on the daily proceedings. The men at
Indianapolis do not seem to appreciate the
undercurrent of feeling that lies below the
| demand for reform In this field. and are too
apathetic on the question to suit the people
| The simple fact IS that unless some measure
| is adopted to secure to the taxpayer better
local system, by which his voice will be more
often heard that individual will make a
| protest that will be heard more effectually.
| --Elkhart Review.
AS far as the township trustees in this
county are concerned they don't need guar
dams appointed to look after their business.
OF course in the face of the bond deal re-
Gently put through in this county without
the knowledge of our taxpayers. ii would
seem that as far as Whitley county is con-
cerned there should be some wholesome law
enacted to place some restraint upon the
County Commissioners in the matters of
making allowances and contracts, but We