The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-01-24
Leaders of the Opposition Feel that
They VIII Gain Votes by the De-
lay i'm the House.
ROUTINE OF BOTH HOUSES
SENATOR kITTINGER SAYS MANY
BILLS OUGHT TO BE KILLED.
Muncie Charter Bill Introduced by
senator BaII-LegisIative Sessions
and Committees.

When the speakers gavel fell at a few
minutes after II o'clock yesterday and he
declared the House adjourned until
o'clock Monday afternoon, broad anc
radiant grin took instant possession OF the
face of Booth Tarkington-the session was
over and the Reformatory bill had no: beer
reported from committee. Throughout the
session. and especially during the roll cal
of committees for reports. Harrington hac
sat at his desk, twisting uneasily, anc
neryously expectant of report from
Representative Bearss's committee at any
moment. The opposition did not want the
bill advanced a step yesterday.
Last night Harrington said: THE sup
porters of the bill certainly played into
our hands in not having the bill reported
to-day. l do not know whether they were
influenced by fear or by overconhdence In
delaying action. but l do know that they
have given US just what we want-a chance
for every member OF the House to go home
and be with his constituents over Sunday
without having in any way committed him
self on the bill on the floor of the House
Let the members hear from their constit-
uents. If they do and are governed by
what they hear the bill will unquestionably
be defeated
II know what the sentiment of the people
of the State is in regard to this bill. I have
received hundreds of letters from all parts
of Indiana from people who are asking Il
they cannot do something TO help XIII the
bill. / have wired back In answer to every
letter. 'Yes-get after your representatives.
l believe that they and great many more
people will get after their representatives
bofo @Ia1
effect will be decidedly TO our advantage.
L really believe-I am more than hopeful
that We have the bill beaten right now.
1 know that gaining strength and
that the tactics of the administration In
putting on the screws has cost them the
votes of two or three members. All have
to add tonight is. let the good work OF
our side and the bad work on the other
go on
THE USUAL COURSE.
The supporters OF tie bill announced yes
terday that they would let IL take the usuai
course. In that event 1t will be reported
for passage on Monday, advanced to en-
grossment on Tuesday and placed on its
final passage on Wednesday. However
there were some indications last night that
the administration fighting for time
and that the bill might be delayed In
order that the machine forces could be
better organized and get after the members
who are deserting TO the ranks OF the
rebels. If such proves to be the case, and
prompt action Is not taken on the bill the
first of the week. the opposition may sur
prise the supporters of the bill by demand
ing the report of the committee and thus
forcing the hand OF the administration.
The opposition is not giving out any Of
its plans for the fight II Will make, but IL
is understood that Representative Suites
man will be the floor general I'm charge OF
the contest. Representatives Harrington
and Sayre will act as aids Statesman and
Sayre veterans I'm legislative expert
ence, and even If they not backed by
a number of votes sufficient to defeat Il
they will be able TO do no end of filibuster-
ing that will delay every step OF the bill.
All three of them will make speeches
against the bill unless they are gagged. and
the sharpness of s. Itesman's tongue is q
guarantee that he will make the members
who support the measure squirm In their
seats.
The administration forces got busy yea
terday afternoon and kept the telephone
and telegraph wires hot with messages in
tended to get some of the Republican news
papers that have been opposing the bill
back into line. IL was claimed that I'm some
quarters this work was effective and that
at least half dozen OF the papers that
have been vigorously dcnouncing the Re-
| formatory bill will be good hereafter and
If they do not actually flop over and sup
and the editors will let their representa-.
tives anow that they have changed their
minds and think that the bill is all right
State committee, arrived in the city last
evening and Immediately went TO the Eng
lish Hotel. where he had quiet conferences
| House. That Mr.. Goodrich Is supporting
the bill aggressively Is not denied and the
nature & Of what ne nj had ,. to say 1 to these rep
BARCUS AND THE GOVERNOR.
Senator Barcus, of Terre Haute. who is
| one OF the most active members OF the op-
position, had an interview with Governor
Durbin yesterday. in the course OF which
the senator asked why investigation of
| the management of the board had not been
asked instead of their summary removal
Because no investigation that could be
made would bring out evidence. under the
| present conditions, that would prove the
| charges" the Governor is reported TO have
answered.
Governor" replied Senator Barcus. ..that
\ is exactly the argument by which a mob
seeks TO Justify it's action. A mob lynchcd
| two negroes at Terre Haute some months
| ago because IL did not believe that the
\ negroes would be convicted and properly
1 punished IL tried by a jury"
| Representative Sayre. of Wabash. ex-
planned his attitude toward the Reform
/ atory bill in a few terse sentences last
II will vote for a bill. and urge its pas
| sage under the suspension or the rules.
1 that Will make the Governor officio
member OF every State board and empower
him TO remove any and all members OF
l any board at any and all times thar he
Il sees nit" he said. But / insist that the
/ removal of any board, or of any member
| of any board. should be by executive au-
| thority and not by legislative. That Is why
| shall hght the Reformatory bill until
haces freezes over and then Tight on the
| ice.
| An afternoon paper yesterday contained
what purported 10 be an official statement
fre-a VIII IL. Whitaker. secretary OF tbs