The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1908-09-20
Now Practically Assured That
Bill Will Go Through Both
Houses of the State Legis-
lature.
RATLIFF'S STAND
CHANGES SITUATION.
While There Was Much Wor-
ry Saturday Morning, Re-
pubIicans Are Now Feeling
Easier.

indianapolis, Sept. 19.-Between
Aoon today and midnight tonight con-
ditions in the campaign for county
local option took a decided change-a
change for the better If ones sympa-
thies happens to be with those who
are fighting the fight against the
brewers. Walter Ratliff, the Wayne
county representative, whose alleged
detection from the ranks of the regu-
lar republicans helped increase the
gloom of the past two days, was large
ly responsible for the removal of the
cloud His statement:
Having been convinced that ma
jority of my constituents of the coun-
ty of Wayne are in favor of me cast
ing my vote for county local option
at this session of the legislature in
accordance with the republican plat
form l have decided to do so.'
This was a message of great cheer
to the majority party.
The certainty that Ratliff would
cast his vote for county local option
was of such Importance that the re-
publican leaders announced their abil-
ity to hold a caucus on the question
Monday evening to prepare to put the
bill through. Today's session, when
the democrats did not exert their
boasted strength and attempt to bring
about immediate consideration of the
appropriations bill. helped the repub-
licans in their belief that they have
the votes to pass the bill. They are
not now admottong that they will lose
more than two or three of the party's
votes In the house-where, of course.
the real fight is-and declaring that
more than enough of the temperance
democrats will be with them to repair
the detection in their own ranks. They
are counting, therefore, upon getting
an immediate vote on the local op-
tion bill. before the ways and means
committee reports back the appropri-
alton bill. That the democrats on
whom reliance Is placed will still vote
to adjourn, per the ceucus program
they do not gainsav, but they hope
to prevent their getting the opportun-
1ty.
Ratliff had refused steadfastly to de-
clare his intention with regard to local
option For this reason he has been
classed with those who will oppose
the bill
Il have had my mind made up for
some time." he said this afternoon,
sySv,x fo,.
stituents to declare themselves on the
subject. In the past few DAYS have
heard from a great many of them, in
person and by letter. Men whose op-
inion I regard highly among them
some of Richmond's best citizens have
expressed themselves for county To-
cal option and there is no doubt in my
mind that the sentiment in Wayne
cAnnty favors it."
Did HanIy Know?
The optimism of Governor Hanly
with regard to the bill al times when
others have been rather hisheartened
was explained today by Some on the
theory that he has known of Ratliffs
determination. The Wayne county man
said, however, that the governor has
known his position only since last
night.
Now that Ratliff has made it clear
that his silence did not hide a deter
mination to vote against the bill. the
opinion is prevalent that others who
have maintained the same attitude
will likewise be found voting satisfac-
torily when the roll call comes.
Today's session of the legislature
was extremely brief, but business of
Importance was transacted. In the
House tho session lasted just sixteen
minutes. but in that time the local
option bill, the appropriation bills and
the bill to repeal the vincennes uni
versity claim law. were introduced
and referred to committee. Morton, of
Howard county. chairman of the pub
lie morals committee, has with him a
committee favorable to the bill and it
is certain that 1t will be reported out
soon after the house convenes Monday.
In the senate two bills were introduced
on the subject, that of the anti-saloon
league by Senator Cox of Marion coun-
ty. and bill the same as the original
anti-saloon league bill by Senator
Mattingiy of Daviess county. 1t is ex-
ed that the senate committee, Senator
Mock, OF Upton, chairman, will thrash
out the question of which bill is the
better before reporting on the subject.
Both bills will be printed and given
to the senate
Tho night rider bill was introduced
IN the senate, but not in the house,
where few favor it
a bill that was introduced in the
house and has some chance Of pasa.