The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-01-24

low-citizen. the Hon Hugh Hanna who
was ably assisted By others who. sharing
his energy, keen foresight and enthusiasm,
subordinating mere partisanship TO patriot
ism, contributed largely 10 political vic
tory that is admitted by all fair-minded
men to have been godsend to every ma
terial interest.
INDIANA'S CREDIT.
''Indiana's credit was never as good as it
is now. It's bonds would be eagerly sought
at surprisingly low rate of interest if the
State had bonds TO sell. Fortunately, how
ever. Republican prosperity has placed it
in a position where it is a bond-buyer in
stead of a bond-seller. Since our lamented
Governor Mount entered upon his success
ful career as chief executive five years
ago, the State debt has been reduced in q
sum aggregating g, -, 90. making a net
saving in the item of interest alone amount
ing TO more than $4,000 annually. All TINS
has been accomplished during a period OF
1--WE years, Notwithstanding ordinary and
extraordinary expenditures for the main
tenance and betterment OF state lnsutu-
lions.
I'm view of the fact that Indiana's
finances make such a gratifying exhibit,
some well-meaning persons oner the slS-
gestiOn that a reduction or the tax levy
be made. i fully agree with the proposition
that such a proceeding would be most ue-
sirable We're il practicable. But, as 1 stated
in the course of my remarks addressed 10
the Association Of Township trustees on
yesterday. the pruning method proposed
TO be applied to the State levy has IN view
the wrong base of operation. As L eX-
planned, the total average levy in the coun-
ties Of this State is $1.46 on the 500 In
that amount the State shares only 10 the
extent of IL cents, the remainder amount
ing to $l.29, being applied TO the expense
ment TO be worth repeating that with It's
comparatively small levy available, the
State is enabled 10 make liberal approprl-
atoms for the maintenance OF the various
penal and benevolent institutions, It's uni
Versities, the payment OF expenses incident
TO the executive and judicial departments,
the latter including salaries Of all judges,
Supreme, Appellate, Circuit and superior,
in addition to the rapid elimination OF the
bonded debt. As l have had occasion TO
say heretofore, l repeat, that the present
is a favorable opportunity for the reduc-
ton of public as well as private Indebted
ness. Conceding that IL is more or less
hardship, as it is, We cannot escape the
fact that all honest obligations must De
met and it logically follows that 1t is
easier to pay during an era or prosperity
than to delay until We may possibly DC
overtaken by adversely.
1T is a significant fact that the party
which offers most formidable opposition
has not made platform criticism of the
State administration, although II has held
several state conventions since the Repub-
lican party assumed full control This
would not have been if there had been
the slightest preteXt for fault-firdlng. The
truth is, all the State offices have been
managed prudenuy and economically
Wherever a possible leak has been discoV-
cred it has been stopped either by leSlSla-
tive enactment or department rules. The
office OF auditor, which Is of so great I'M
pOrtance that ScruDulOuS care ShOuld De
exercised in electing a man to administer
its affairs, has constantly increased the
States revenues by the enforcement OF IN
teligent as well as courageous methods,
while at the same time it protects the pub
lie funds by the enforcement OF RepuD-
hcan measure which prevents the Issuing
of warrant except claim Is
unimpeachable- evidence of genuineness-
The Office of secretary OF state, also, has
become an important revenue Garner as
result of the action Of the last General As
sembly requiring foreign corporations TO
pay just fees for the privilege of operating
I'm Indiana. The revenues derived from the
verted to the State treasury, which has
proved its fidelity as the custodian or the
public funds. With all these facts TO its
credit. with the addition of many more
that might be mentioned, the Republican
party is justified in feeling proud of its rec
ord. Let US hope to continue in the good
way we have been going, Zealously striving
to maintain the confidence and support of
the people, thus insuring a continuation of
their favor.
VESTED WITH CONTROL.
when a party is vested with control for
a considerable continuous period more
less ITlClOn Is a UdluIdl anu llGNlldDlt NOli-
sequence The benefits conferred by a par
ticular administration on the people at
large is at times Oversbadowed by the open
hostility or insidious indifference of disapt
pointed aspirants for political honors, fire.
quently augmented and intensified by more
or less petty jealousies arising among those
seeking political preferment. Such condi-
tons neither of recent origin nor unique
i'm character. They have always existed
and will continue TO exist. And while we
cannot expect to altogether overcome these
adverse Influences, We can, at least, en-
deavOr to minimize them. Therefore,
spea king for party, / am convinced L
can render no better service at this time
monious action. j am not peSSimist nor
an alarmist, but it is oppOrtUne to empha-s
size the admOnitiOn that unless we proceed
unitedly and i'm unison we cannot confident
ly hope to profit by the advantages we now
enjoy nor continue undisturbed in the adj
vances we have made. Those of us who
have been intrusted with public response
bilitieS must be ever mindful of our Obli-
cation TO the people. The Republican party
capabiiity and integrity in the management
Of national and State affairs Its ideals are
In harmony with progressive civilization,
its present purposes are in keeping
with honorable traditions, its future
will prove to be as glorious as its
past If those who have the shaping of
its destinies shall continue TO be animated
by unselfish motives-guided by the same
patriotic impulses which have hitherto
served to associate the name of our party
with all that is wholesome and benef1cent
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