The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-01-27

TO the Women's Prison. The bill Is warm
~ Endorsed by Amos w. Butler. secretary
of the Board OF State Charities. and Ii has
the approval OF many persons interested in
philanthropic work with whom the senator
from Williamsport has talked. The bill
was referred to the committee on reforma-
tories.
COLISEUM BILL PASSES.
The indianapolis Coliseum bill went
through the Senate yesterday without a
breath Of opposition. Forty votes were
recorded for the bill and not single men,
Der voted against it. At the request of
Senator Thompson the rules were sus-
pended in the midst of other business to
permit the bill to be passed. The lieutenant
governor took occasion to inform the Sen
ate that he did not desire the suspension of
the rules in this instance TO establish
precedent that might delay business and
was agreed that no precedent for future
suspension of the rules be established.
OF the other three bills that passed the
Senate, Senator MatSonS bill continuing
the present system of contracts and State
account work for convict labor at the
State prison until 1910, was perhaps of the
greatest Importance. Forty votes were
cast for the ILL and only one against IL.
Senator BurnsS bill exempting fraternal
penehciary associations from taxation and
from attachment under trustee. garnish
ment or other process was passed. Senator
Barcus's bill giving county commissioners
the right to hear complaints against con-
struction of bitches and drains when drain
age associations shall decide that the pro-
posed improvement would not be of public
utility met with practically no opposition.
Inc Democratic members OF the Senate
put themselves in a queer position by their
vigorous opposition yesterday to Senator
Hendees bill giving the attorney general
OF the State the right TO file information
directly in the Supreme Court when any
person shall usurp public office; when any
public officer shall have suffered such
usurpation which by the provision of law
WORKS the forfeiture of his office; when any
person or association shall act in the State
as corporation without being legally in
corporated and when any corporation at
tempts to exercise powers not conferred by
law. The bill was prepared by Attorney
General Miller and Senator Hendee with
the Idea OF giving the attorney general pow
er to act against illegal combinations and
in cases similar to the Dudley affair. The
night put up by the Democrats was a sur
prise, as the belief was strong that while
they might be averse to having the Repub-
licans take the lead in legislating against
trusts, yet they would not dare TO openly
oppose a measure of the kind proposed.
LAWLER MADE A MISTAKE.
A minority report was presented against
the bill signed by Senators Lawler, Harri-
son and Milburn. In speaking for the adop-
ton Of the minority report Mr.. LAWYER de-
clared that the Democrats had tried to have
they had met with Republican opposition
When he said that Senator Wood had been
among those that talked and voted against
the Fortune bill, to which he alluded, the
ire of the gentleman from Lafayette was
aroused and he informed Senator LAWYER
that he had not only talked for the For
tune bill. but that he had voted for it, The
contradiction rather unnerved the unrecon-
structed gentleman from Salem, who closed
his speech in short order.
The principal contention of the Demo-
Gratis was that the bill lodged too much
power with the attorney general, and that
II was unconstitutional because il would
deny the right of trial by jury if the SUI
preme Court were made trial court. On
this point Senator Milburn argued loudly,
holding that no senator would dare to re-
turn to his constituents after voting for a
bill that would take away the right to a
jury trial.
Senator Wood seized the opportunity to
point out to the minority members how
glazing their inconsistency seemed. How in
the world Democrat could vote against
the bill after so many TRADES against the
trusts he could not see. In the opinion of
Senator Wood the bill was the longest step
yet proposed against combinations proceed
ing illegally and to the detriment of the
public. 1t offered relief from such trusts
as are recognized to be bad, he said. and it
should have the warm support of every
member of the Legislature who really
wishes action rather than campaign talk
The senator made an impressive speech,
which was applauded for its logic as well
as for it's eloquence.
Senator Johnston and Senator Harrison
sneered at the Republican attitude toward
trusts and said they had no faith in the
bill as curative agency. Both declared
the bill was unconstitutional on it's face and
should not receive further consideration.
The Republican members had fun with
some of the Democrats who talked against
the bill and got In little digs here and
there about the lightning-lille rapidity
with which Democrats can change front
when it comes TO consideration of the
trust question seriously.
|. BARBER BILL HELD UP.
Senator Balls barber bill, providing for
| the appointment of a board of examiners
| of BARRIERS to regulate the trade and to
| prevent disease and unsanitary conditions
| was brought up at II o'clock as a special
order of business. So much sentiment had
| developed against the bill that it was at
| once moved by Senator Hendee that il
be sent back to the committee on labor
| for reconsideration. Senator Hendee
pointed out that the provision of the bill
| specifying that one member of the COM
| mission shall be colored was a race dis
tinction and therefore the bill was uncon-
| stitutional in its present form. Senator
| Ball admitted the fact, but expressed the
| opinion that If the bill were sent back to
| the committee it would probably be un.
| favorably reported. He suggested that 1,
| be amended to obviate the objection raised
by Senator Hendee. The Senate voted
however. to recommit the bill, which
| means, In the opinion of many, that il
| will go to the Senate graveyard. Many In.
| dianapolis BARRIERS have been conspicuous
| In the Senate chamber lobbying against
| the bill. They claim that 1T was intro.
| duced for no other purpose than to put
| colored BARRIERS out of the business, since
| they say, negro might not be able tc
| answer satisfactorily technical question:
| tiers.
| Among the bills that were favorably re-
| ported by committees were: Senator
| Gocherour's bill to compel justices of the
| peace to procure and use a seal in the &C.
| acknowledgement of mortgages. deeds ETC.
| Senator Woods bill to regulate the descent
| of personal property and real estate IN
| similar in nature. regulating the descent
| of personal property Senator Milburn'.
| bill TO regulate the change of venue In
civil cases was recommended for indefinite
| pOStponement.
A number of bills were ordered en-
| crossed. Among them were Senator
! Burns's bill creating the office of prison
| over; Senator Barcuss bill defining tn.
| duties of county surveyors in countie.
| having more than $4,000 and less than %.
600 tVigo county,: Senator Johnstons bill
| regulating the speed of automobiles ant
| providing that they shall be registered
| Senator Johnstons bill legalizing the in
| corporation of the town of Linden; Senator
| providing that the Governor shall annual,
| designate day for celebration. and Sen
| ator Wampler's bill amending the statute.
| relating to county business.