The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-02-25
A DISGUISED TAXPAYER.
He Sounds n Note of Alarm i'm vigor-
Gus Language.

To the Editor of the Indianapolis Journal:
have been a taxpayer in Indiana for
more than forty-five years. 1 have seen
our educational system develop until we
now hold first rank among tina States.
Within my experience splenl:d institutions
for the care and treatment OF the insane,
feeble-minded, blind, deaf and DUMB have
been established and equipped. We have
ample accommodations for ouc criminal
classes in the prisons north and south and
the reform schools for boys AMI girls. We
have the splendid State institutions for the
higher education of our young people, and
many private schools that do just as good
work. We have a splendid Statehouss for
the accommodation of our State officers.
In addition to these we have erected
grand monument one of the finest in the
world, in memory of those ~ho so faith
fully defended the flag which stands for
liberty and justice. OF all these institutions
which mark the progress of civilization and
stand for enlarged opportunities / am
proud. have never murmured at legiti-
mate tax. and am glad that I could con-
tribute my mite to make these things pos
sible.
But must confess that the acts of some
members of the present General Assembly
have staggered me. L can see why citizens
of other forms of government consider the
republican form an experiment. 1 refer
especially to the attempt to unload the
Muncie Normal School building upon the
oT the es Tbe pe
sponsibility'' dodge is attempted in the Vim
cennes claim. The Muncie normal school
scheme does not have even that to sup
IF ha Stafo
Normal School says it is not needed, and
that the present State Normal can accom-
modate twice as many students as IL now
has. No educator or committee on educa-
ton has asked for another school. Then
why should the State take upon itself this
burden? This is easily answered: For the
sole purpose of contributing to the political
and financial interests of a few Muncie
citizens. The building was erected and the
school established for the sole purpose of
giving it to the State. This is well
known by those familiar with the facts.
There was hope of getting 1t the
State except through the so-called log
rolling scheme of politicians. But this is
not the right name for such action. When
the citizens of State are held up, their
money taken from them through the name
Of law to support unnecessary institutions
established to promote the financial inter-
eSts or town and few or its influential
citizens, the proper name is thievery. 1t
is worse than highway robbery, for in that
the thief simply takes what you have now;
this political thievery is a perpetual steal,
fixing it upon the generations to come.
Over In Shelby county is an example of
using official position to steal money from
the people. Three are already sentenced to
the penitentiary, and there are more to fol-
low.
But who will be held responsible for this?
The answer Is easy: The Republicans of
Indiana. If the present General Assembly
passes those bills the next election will see
the State swept by the Democrats. This
may not make 1t any better, but 1t can be
worse. This month is the anniversary
of the birth of Washington and Lincoln.
Would that some of our senator's and rep
resentativeS would study their lives and
learn the value of standing for the right;
that they could be led TO see the difference
between craftsmanship and rotten politics
and political thievery. The farmers of In
diana are readers; they know when they
are being robbed. 1t is very unfortunate
that we are compelled to believe that the
most dangerous period of our history is
when our lawmaking body Is in session.
WILLIAM DAVIS.
Marion Ind, Feb. g.