The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-01-06

University and under the direct control of
Prof. w. c. Latta, superintendent of the ex-
detrimental farm at Purdue, have accom-
plished much good for agriculture and horti-
culture. In these institutes practical ques-
lions are discussed, thus preparing the farm
er to meet in an intelligent way the new
conditions ami TO solve the problems con-
fronting the huSbandman to-day. The
amount appropriated for this work is 5000.
l recommend that this amount be increased
to at least SI,50e. The appropriations thus
increased. will be bat half the amount APP
propriated by a majority of the surrounding
| States for carrying forward this work. The
| good being thus accomplished is deserving
| of the highest commendatiCn
Poor Farm Scandals.
| The scandals growing out of the deplorabe
conditions existing in many of the jails and
poor farms of the counties Of the State, call
! for legislation upon this question. l there
| fore recommend the enactment Of law
! authorizing the circuit Judge to appoint Tor
| each county nonpartisan committee, 10 De
! composed of men and women, who shall
| visit at least once every three months all
/ the charitable and penal institutions of the
co,1ntv anu renOrt 10 the State Board of
! Charities their condition; said committee TO
| serve without compensation
Amendment to school Law.
The law requiring the State Board of Ed
ucation, or the Board of Commissioners,
! to advertise for twenty-one consecutive days
| in one daily paper of general circulation in
the cities of New York Philadelphia, Chi
cago, Cincinnati and St Louis at each let
| ting of a contract of schoolbooks, should be
| amended. Advertisement in the great metro
/ politan journals outside the State is a use
! less expense The superintendent of public
| instruction. in view of the approaching let
/ ting of a contract, is already deluged with
| letters from publishing houses desiring TO
| make bids and this, too, before any adVer-
| Using has been done The 900 appropriated
! to meet this expense is held not to be con-
| tinuous while the statute makes the adver-
Using mandatory. Where the statutes COM
mand work requiring the outlay of money
! in its performance they should also make
! provision for the money to meet the neces-
| sary expense.
Appeals for Appropriations.
1t is manifest that the appeals for appro-
urations for the erection of new buildings,
etc. in connection with state penal, benevO-
lent and educational institutions, will be for
an unusually large amount 1t is the duty
of the General Assembly to give earnest at
tention to these requests and to scrupulously
! guard against anything in the nature Of ex-
! tTaVagance. 1t should be borne in mind that
large proportion of the taxpayers of this
| State, who will be called upon to bear part
| of the burden of increased expenditures are
| compelled to practice that rigid economy
| in their homes that deprives them not only
| of convenience and luXuries but many OF
the common necessities of life. This large
| class of worthy citizens will have no one but
! their chosen representatives to look after
| their interests in the legislature and I nave
confidence in the ability and integrity of this
body to deal conservatively and wisely with
| these grave problems.
Board OF State Charities.
The board is deserving of much credit. 1t
| has rendered efficient service to the State.
! The high standard of excellence attained in
! our charitable and penal institutions is due
in no small degree to the wise suggestions of
| this board.
Indiana's Part in War.
In the course of this message proper I will
| not undertake TO enter into a detailed re-
| cital of Indiana's part in the Spanish-Amer-
| lean war, but for the information of mem
bers of this assembly and all others con
| cerned a review of this States creditable
| participation in the stirring events of the
period is submitted as an appendix to the
| printed edition of this communication to
| your honorable body. l direct attention
| pecially to the reports of the paymaster
| general and the surgeon general respective
! ly detailing the operations of those depart
| ments 1t will be observed that the pay
! master general corrects a popular misappre-
| henslon in stating that no deductions
| clothing account We're made, except in the
case of officers, all of which is in strict com
| pliance with law. Most of the uniforms
| furnished the Indiana national guardsmen
| when they enlisted in the federal service
| were comparatively new. Some of the SOL
| diers were furnished uniforms badly worn.
| The government receipted to the quarter
| master for these uniforms. Subsequently
board of survey was appointed to fix the
|
quartermaster general OF the State. Some
| Of the volunteers desired the quartermaster
| to furnish this equipment without charge.
| This he could not DO and render a proper
| accounting to the State.
| / therefore call the attention of the Legis-
| lature to this matter. and If it shall be
| shown that an injustice has been done
| prompt and ample reparation should be
| made
The Indiana volunteers for the war with
Spain have made an honorable record, and
the patriotism and devotion to duty they
| have manifested on all occasions are de-
| serving of the highest commentator.
Convict Labor.
A bill has been prepared. and will be pre-
scented for your consideration, looking to the
furnishing of work for the convicts in the
state prison. From humanitarian considera-
tons the bill should become a law. 1t will
| afford temporary relief unLu some better
| plan can be enacted into law
In conclusion, gentlemen, ! trust that a
| spirit of concord and good will may charac-
| terize your deliberations. Important matters
| have been suggested for your consideration.
| The time allotted for your important work
is brief, thus rendering it of the utmost i'm
legislative matters from the beginning OF
| the session, thus obviating the rushing
| haste that usually attends the closing of the
session.
/ trust the Divine Ruler of the Universe
| will guide you by the light of His unerring
| counsel and inspire you with wisdom in the
! performance of your arduOus duties that
upon all the people of our beloved State.