The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-03-15

mittees who are supposed to shield the
general members from error, the fact re-
mains that the time limitation of the ses-
sion prevents proper consideration of meas
ures. There is, however, relief under
the present Constitution, but should the
State adopt a new Constitution. the speak
said he would favor a stated salary to
members of the Legislature and a provision
that all bills must be introduced within ten
days or twenty days after the session be-
gins with no. time limit to its duration.
This would impose upon the legislator some
self-interest In early adjournment as
possible and would insure some definite
character to the amount OF business to be
transacted. Measures of great general i'm
portance would receive all the attention
needed without an indefinite per diem ex-
pense TO the people. There would be much
less of unwise legislation and the chances
for vicious bills to get through by reason
of crush of business at the last, when
members. are forced to help each other
against their better judgement, would be
greatly decreased.
Speaking of the expense to the people OF
each session Governor Gilbert said the cost
wss about $4,000, of which s609l11 went in
the last session TO members for per diem
and mileage and $39 O74 to employees. The
other expenses are for printing, election
contests, etc. His opinion is that there was
no margin for a reduction of this expense
except in the amount paid TO employees.
These are new 10 each session, are un-
employees Of experience could he obtained.
A few thousand dollars he said. might be
saved IL trained employees could be OBJ
tanned, but that is difficult because those
who served in one session are usually regu-
larly employed in private pursuits by the
time the next session has been assembled.
COURSE OF LEGISLATION.
Governor Gilbert traced the several
stages OF bill from the time Of it's presen-
tation and reference to PRONUNCIATION, and
said that there are thirty-three steps in it's
progress. He spoke a word for the lobby.
saying that the lobby is the people and that
they have a right tn be heard and to tell
their member or members what their views
of proposed legislation are. The people
about the halls of either branch are not
the bribers and the cOrrupters. The briber
does not seek his victim In the chambers or
the Legislature, but sends for him TO come
TO some top floor of hotel or sends him
money TO go to Chicago or to Louisville. 1t
is not necessary for the managers of the
CORFU ,tion fund to hunt up members who
are willing to sell out their constituents.
The dishonest member, If such there be,
will search him out, probably having Of
fered the bill himself as the groundwork of
the hold-up. Such matters are not the
purpose or work of the lobby, which works
in open daylight. Every session finds the
calendar loaded down with bills on matters
about which members cannot, as a rule,
know enough to act with wisdom. 1t is
their desire we'll their duty to hear
from all interested, on either side. and then
to use their most careful and honest judg-
ment as to which side spoke from some
sef-interest rather than from a proper
public interest.
Abiding to the caucus, the speaker said
il was a powerful agency, and usually
lined up all members of one party for the
bills which il decided to adopt. 1t was
sometimes necessary nowadays to use this
power. he said, in dealing with bills affect
ing political matters because party spirit
has been growing less and less, and with
out the caucus II would hardly be possible
TO gain for such measures all the votes be-
longing TO the party. He illustrated his
remark that members usually accept the
caucus dictation, even though in opposition
10 their views or desires, with the story
told by a candidate for Governor in a Dem
Ocratic state convention who was defeated.
He was then given the nomination for
lieutenant governor as a solace. In accept
ing the lesser nomination he related that
the situation reminded him of a party of
hunters who agreed to take turns about in
doing the camp cooking. The first cook
was to be chosen by lot. and he was to
serve until some one complained of the
fare. Then the grumbler had 10 take his
turn. The first dish served was soup. One
of the campers took a spoonful and sput-
tered out; Great gunsi This soups salty"
but. remembering the penalty for COM
plant. he Immediately added: But it's
blamed good, though" 1t is often with
members who are constrained TO obey the
rule of the caucus.
Governor Gilbert was given enthusiastic
applause as he concluded, and a rising vote
of thanks was extended to him. Ii was his
first appearance before the club, and he
made a strong impression on its sterling
business men.