The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-01-23

tically We believe that writing and
spelling. two very important branches OF
study in the common schools, are largely
neglected. 1t is very uncommon to md
good pcnman or a good speller among
school children now-a- days. It seems to us
also that there is a lack of thoroughness III
other branches such as mathematics 1t IS
true that more pupils study algebra than
formerly but we believe that fewer under
stand arithmetic.-COlumbus Rept an.
The action of the House on tn, 1ding
proposition for township reform not
bird the House to the commissions oil in
all of its details. but rather places the mat
ter in position for proper amendment when
the bill comes up on second reading, and
it is understood that several compromise
alterations will be made when action is taken
on the bill in that stage. The thing the
Courier desires most to CONNIE al is the
Inclination of the Republican members to
reason together. as has been repeatedly
urged as the best means of avoiding any
semblance Of party differences, and caucus
sentiment has developed that members of
tne party nave greater regard for the full
nllment OF party pledges than for the sue
cess or the individuals contention. The re-
form proposition is effectively forming, and
the nope is that whatever shalt be enacted
will be to the interest of the people
IL IS pleasure to note the give and take
i,aiSGlnatQn OF members with respect u tire
come the greatest good to the greatest num-
ber.-Lafayette Courier
lHdt county ana township government has
become too expensive and burdensome goes
without question, and that certain reforms
are needed is equally certain Just what
these reforms should consist of is a mat
ter for the Legislature to determine after
counselling with those of the people who
have made the subject a special study. The
aim and purpose of reform should he to re-
duce the cost of government without in any
way impaiTing it's efficiency. We do
not believe it good policy or even good
kind OF reform 10 set four or five men over
each township trustee to see that he does
his duty correctly and honestly. The Legis-
lature cannot afford to pass this question
by without action. The people demand re-
lief from burdens which present laws per-
nit INSCRIPTIONS officers to impose Such
safeguards must be placed about our local
governments as will reduce their cost and
make them more effective in accomplishing
that for which they are intended--the peace
the comfort, the intelligence and the well
fare of the people. 1t will not do to turn
the whole question down because perchance
its most earnest advocates are outside of
lators to listen to and often heed the voice
of the people, They very frequently know
what they want and what is beneficial to
the general public.-MiddletoWn News.
Some members of the Legislature are in
clined to excuse their opposition to the pro-
posed county and township reform legisla-
ton on the ground that too many offices are
created by it, Such claims constitute a
ruse only. In form new offices are created,
the positions being made Offices in form
because the Constitution provides that q
citizen cannot be required to serve without
remuneration. While the proposed legisla-
ton meets that requirement, at the same
time it permits these advisory members OF
county and township boards to vote them
selves the salaries of So or $40 year or to
refuse to do so. In effect, therefore, new
officers are not created, but several citizens
are designated to advise with the county
commissioners and township trustees and to
have equal authority with said officers in
regulating the affairs of the county and
township. There are five good men in every
township in the county who would gladly
give three or four days each year to the af-
fairs CT the township without pay. There
are also six to nine men in every county
who would be glad to give a week each year
to the county's business without pay The
wastefulness of some county and township
officers would be checked sufficiently 10
more than pay the expense of these men,
under the proposed law, resulting in both a
net saving to the county and township, In
many instances, and in improved efficiency
of government in almost all instances.
-MartinSVille Republican.