The Lake County times. [volume] (Hammond, Ind.) 1906-1933, 1916-12-12

in regard to revision of the laws on
taxation will no doubt carry much
weight with the members of the legis-
lature.
1t is said that the ideas of Goodrich
IN this subject could not be carried out
n full without changes in the state
constitution. Whether Goodrich Will
avor the calling of a. constitutional
convention no one seems to know he
aas not announced his stand on that
question. But 1t is known that he VIII
seek to change the constitution in some
say so as to make possible the new
legislation which he stands for. II Is
,nown that Goodrich has asked William
Z. English, senator from Marion county,
to prepare resolution for adoption by
the legislature for submission to the
people of the proposition that no in
crease in the salary of any state official
or employee hall be made to take effect
during the term of the occupant OF the
office or position at the time Of the
adoption OF the new plan. English IS
preparing the resolution. Goodrich adj
vocated this reform IN his campaign
speeches. and he proposes to bring 1t
about by some method.
OF course. If a constitutional conven-
tion is called. this, as we'll as other
reform propositions could be threshed
out there. but because of the uncer-
tainty as to whether there Will be a
constitu tional convention. Goodrich is
not leaving any opportunity slip by to
bring it about.
Goodrich proposes also to abolish a
number of bureaus. departments and
jobs In the state if he can bring it
about. He is hot on the trail OF the
state oil inspection bureau. which fur
nishes jobs for something like fifty
party workers. At present they are all
Democrats. butt If the oil inspection
bureau remains in existence 1t Will not
be long until Republicans would oc-
cupy all of the places. Although Good
rich is determined to cut out this de-
partment and save a lot of money for
the state. it is believed that he will
meet with considerable opposition on
that score. for there are said to be some
Republican members of the legislature
who will oppose such action. They say
that the oil inspection bureau would
furnish places for lot Of deserving
Republican workers, who cannot be
taken care of in any other way.
or course. there is the possibility
that the Democrats may vote to abolish
this bureau. In fact, there is some talk
to the effect that they may do this, on
the ground that 1t would make trouble
for the Goodrich administration and the
Republican party. The Democrats know
they cannot retain the jobs, and they
may be willing to vote to abolish them
and thus reduce the number of jobs
that might be distributed among Re-
publicans. 1t IS the idea of Goodrich.
however. that the interests OF the state
should be considered above all else, and
that a saving of several thousand dol
lars by the abolition of the oil inspec-
ton bureau would be highly justified
for that reason.
Goodrich said a few days ago That
he would not announce any appoint
ments until after he had taken office,
with the exception of his private sec
rotary. 1t will be necessary for him to
select a secretary who can enter the
office with him. but he has not given
any indication of his choice. it, in fact.
he has made one One of the first APP
pointments he will have to make viii be
that of adjutant general, and Col. Harry
B. Smith, of this city. is mentioned for
the place.