The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-01-24

lighting and sanitary apparatus. The bill
was explained briefly by Senator Layman
to the effect that Ii Is intended TO relieve
the y urgent needs of the indianapolis
schools.
A telegram was read from Senator Fair
banks thanking the General Assembly for
re-electing him and accepting it's invitation
to appear before a joint session TO deliver
an address. The senator will be here Tues
day, Jan. q. resolution was introduced
by Senator Kittinger and adopted, TO the
effect that the two houses meet in joint ses-
sion at noon of that day to hear the SEN
ator..
Representative James E. Watson was a
visitor to the Senate. By invitation he
made a short speech.
IMPORTANT NEW BILLS.
Some important bills are among the new
measures introduced yesterday morning.
Senator Davis, of Bloomfield, introduced a
bill to repeal the truancy law. The bill
vests the duties of the truant officer in the
township trustee. 1t provides that parents
may teach their children the rudiments and
that these children need not be sent to
school The bill specifies that if parents
fail to teach their children and also fail to
send them to school they shall be guilty of
a misdemeanor and suit may be brought
by the township trustee on ten days notice
Senator Davis declares that the truant Off
Ger in most cases Is tyrant who exercises
the functions of his office without regard
to circumstances. His constituents demand
the repeal of the truancy law, he says.
Senator Wolcott introduced two bills
which were referred 20 the committee on
education. One bill authorizes a new State
officer, high school Inspector, who shall
draw a salary of $500 year. 1t shall be
his duty to inspect the high schools of the
State, 10 systematic their courses and to
make them more uniform. The bill is in
dorsed by the State Board of Education, the
State Teachers Association and by the
County Superintendent Association. The
other bill authorizes the State Board of
Education to contract with publishing COM
panies for primers to be furnished at cost
OF not more than 10 cents each and their
use to be optional in cities of more than
5000 population. Senator Wocott says there
is a demand among teachers for another
book grade below the present tirst reader.
FOR MUNCIE CHARTER.
Senator Ball introduced bill to give the
city of Muncie a charter. The charter draft
is modelled closely on the Indianapolis in
strument. The bill is voluminously drawn
and has been prepared with great care,
Senator Ball says.
Senator Kittinger introduced a bill in
creasing the pay of police officers and po-
licemen in certain cities under the metro
ever, only to cities of between 10000 and
| 5000 population
Senator Lyons introduced a bill which
| provides that the compensation OF prosecut-
ing attorneys shall be $1,000 year, in addi-
| ton to the fees.
Senator Barcus introduced a bill provid-
ing for the appointment of commission
| to request the placing of the statute OF
| Gen. George Rogers Clark in the National
| Hall OF Statuary at Washington and MAX
| ing an appropriation of 5000 for the pur-
pose.
Senator Dausman's bill, providing that in
surance companies may have as assets
bonds of Incorporated companies and first
mortgages on real estate, is expected to
| provoke a lively fight. The claim is made
| that 1T will allow insurance companies too
much latitude in investing the money OF
| policy holders.
Most of the other bills refer to matters
| purely local with the senators.
Senator Johnsons bill, fixing the penalty
| for criminal assault at from two years to
| life term in the States prison, was called
for on third reading, but the senator's could
not agree. 1t was finally ordered that the
| bill should be made special order of bust
ness for Monday morning at IL o'clock An
amendment by Senator Davis was adopted
which provided that the sentence of CON
! victed persons should be under the fndeter-
| inmate system.
Senator Matson called up his voting ma
| chin bill, but there was no time for a full
| discussion. Ii was made a special order OF
business for Monday morning at lib
o'clock.
In the committee reports several bills OF
general interest were recommended for pas,
/ sage. Senator Woods BILL providing that
| intoxicating liquors shall not be sold within
| one mile of the Soldiers Homes at Lafay-
| cite and Marion, was reported favoraby
| Senator Lindley's bill prohibiting public
| officials from specializing in margins oil
from gambling of any kind was recon-
mended for passage.
House bills Nos. 80. 49, 81, "A and 135 were
| reported and referred TO committees.
Among the bills passed to ingTossmen
, was Senator Matson's convict labor bill.
| The Senate adjourned to meet Monday
| morning at 10 o'clock.