The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-06-11

thing as being born under a lucky star. He
mas not sought political perferment often.
out every time he has gone after an office
he has landed il. and he has been quite as
successful in business enterprises. Every
thing he has touched has turned TO money,
and now, at an age when most men sun
have their noses to the grindstone. he has
closed out his interests that required his
active attention and Is in position TO take
wealth. but he is in that enviable position
known as comfortable and he is even
more fortunately endowed with the inclina-
ton to enjoy the fruits Of his labors.
E. H. Nebeker, of Covington, who was
another of the Ninth district conferees at
the club. was not disposed to talk politics
for Observation-Disclosures he expressed the
opinion that Representative Lands will be
renominated without struggle. Mr.. Nebe-
ker is known as one of the close friends of
the Delphi statesman, and he has always
been powerful factor in the politics of the
district.
Joseph p. Byers, the much-talked-of sup
erintendent of the Indiana Reformatory at
Jeffersonville. was here yesterday and had
long conference with Governor Durbin
during the afternoon. AS he left the execu-
tive sanctum he seemed at peace with the
world and he met the representative of
the Journal smilingly, although he mani
tested at first an inclination to dodge an in
terview. No" he said, there nothing
of special Importance in my meeting with
the Governor. / came up to Indianapolis
in company with the assistant superin-
tendent, who has nine prisoners to be trans
Ierred to the State prison, and / called
on the Governor to talk over some of the
business affairs of the institution. Every
thing at the Reformatory is in good condi-
ton and moving along without a hitch
Mr.. Byers was asked concerning the
numerous reports that he would resign his
position as superintendent in the near
future. and his answer Indicated his belief
in the old admonition that one should not
believe anything he hears and only half
he sees.
Such rumors are not even good guesses.'
he said. II have no intention of resigning
and know OF no changes contemplated In
the management of the Reformatory
1t has been current gossip Tor several
moons since the adjournment of the Legls-
lature that Mr.. Byers's tenure of office
was limited by the time required TO effect
reorgaEiza ton of the board or managers
of the Reformatory, and few weeks ago
one of his friends indicated that he might
anticipate removal by resigning, as he had
situations Three new members have been
placed on the board of managers and only
one of the old members, DR.. Terhune. OF
Linton; remains. The reorganization has
been almost completed but Mr.. Byers inti-
mates that he will not retire at the mere
prospect Of breakers ahead.
xxx
John F. Slinkard of Bloomfield, one of the
leading free silver Democrats of the Sec
ond district, and man after Cy Davis S
heart, is at the English.
E. E. Mummert, of Elkhart, one of the
prominent members on the majority side
of the House during the last two sessions
of the Legislature, was here yesterday.
Mr.. Mummert was especially interested in
municipal improvement bill last winter,
repeating the Artman and Barrett laws
and providing a new statute for all mu-
nicipaI improvements. and he worked ear
ly and late to get it through. The bill
was amended and reamended, but was
finally passed by the House and sent to
the Senate, where it was amended some
more and then passed. 1t looked like II
would become a law, providing ii did not
meet with the Governors disapproval but
at the last moment the conference commit
tee failed to agree on the Senate amend
| ments and Mr.. Mummert saw all his labor
come to naught.
Henry C. Starr, Of Richmond, one OF
the members of the Republican State exec
utive committee, was in the city yesterday,
| but as is usually the case with him. he was
too busy to talk politics. Mr.. Starr has
always been the bane of political report
ers, although he is popular with the news
paper fraternity, for he can rarely be pre-
vailed upon TO discuss politics, and this is
especially discouraging to the scribes, be-
cause he always knows as much about
what is going on in district and State af-
| fairs any one man in Indiana.
]. F. Lawson postmaster of Spencer. one
of the leading Republicans of that benight'
| ed Democratic Second district, was here
yesterday to inquire at rural free delivery
| headquarters concerning some new routes
| that are to be instituted in his county in
the near future. Mr.. Lawson says there
| is little political activity or gossip in Owen
| county at present. Asked concerning the
| Republican district Craftsmanship. he said
Il think 1t is generally understood thai
| John c. Billheimer will be reelected, If he
will take it. He has been very satisfac-
| tory committeeman, and there will not be
any opposition to him if he is candidate
Mr.. Lawson says that the principal in,
| terest of the Republicans of the Second
| district in the neNt campaign will be the
denomination and reelection of Nat u. Hill
of Bloomington as State treasurer.
Il