South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-01-14
Uncertain Political Complexion
o! Senate One Reason Ad-
VanCed for Lack of
"0eIuge."
FEEL TOO MANY IMPORTANT
BILLS TO Be PRESENTED
First Partisan Fight Expected
When Oil Inspection Law
Is Brought to the
Front.
Associated Press Service.

Associated Press Service
INDIANAPOLIS. Jan. 13-Polti-
clans. Observers Of legislative mat
tiers. and others Interested. are COM
menting upon the fact that the
usual "deluge" Of proposed new
laws have been forthcoming during
the first 10 days Of the present ses-
sion of the general assembly Ad-
journment of both houses Friday
saw the calendar registering go bills
IN the house and 81 in the senate
This is a far less number than us
ually has been thrown into the hop
per at this time. IL is said. It is con-
sidered significant also that Of the
measures presented. thus far. there
have been a relatively smaller pro-
portion of so-called freaks, or bills
OF minor interest and importance.
politicians asserted.
Various explanations are advanc-
cd for the situation. and there is
wide divergence Of opinion. The un-
certain political complexion of the
senate Is pointed as one reason why
the fate OF unworthy measures is
likely 70 be unhappy. Another ar
gument is that both retiring Gov.
Eaiston and his successor, James 2.
Goodrich presented so many matters
Of importance for the consideration
of the assembly, that those having
lesser proposals in view are disposed
10 hold them until the job OF legis-
l8ting is not taken So seriously.
The Most Important
Proba hlv among the most impor-
taut measures presented thus far
have been the appropriation. con-
stitutional convention and state wide
prohibition bills. However the hous-
ing law. the amendment 10 the pri-
mary law and the road commission
law. are of uncommon interest to
the people Of Indiana. Then. too. the
numerous proposals for constitu-
tiOnal amendments, the adjustment
OF the oil inspection bureau and
other state Offices, and the almost
universal disposition 20 encourage
economy I'm the conduct of public
business have been striking features
OF legislative business thus far, il Is
pointed out.
GOV Goodrich and his advisers. il
is said. still have a number OF i'm
portant measures intended 10 effect
the reforms recommended in his in
augural address. II is thought prob
able that these will be edited care
fully and put into the exact form for
consideration by the republican eau
cuses. before plans for their pas
sage are outlined. IL is said 20 be
likely that opportunity viii be Civ
en- during the week for test votes
on a measure or two introduced. IN
order TO ascertain definitely just
what support the administration can
count on.
First Fight on OIL Inspection.
Politicians expect the first meas
IRE OF party strength will come with
the fight on Sen. Robinson's meas
IRE TO abolish the office Of state oil
inspector and assign the duties now
performed by that official to the
state food and drug department
This legislation was recommended
by Gov. Goodrich and II threatens
the Jobs OF 60 democrat oil inspec-
tors. who, republicans say are cost
ing the state excessively. compared
with the work they do. The bureau
collected approximately S125,000
from the state treasury last year,
and the administration believes
practically all of this can be secur-
ed TO the states general fund. with
out impairing the efficiency Of the
work. Sen. Robinson is republican
floor leader and the measure has
been entrusted 20 his care.
a committee representing the
county superintendent OF the state
the state teachers association the
township trustees and the state
board OF education. will meet Tues
day to consider an educational Dill
90 be introduced later i'm the week.
To ReOrganize system.
The state board OF education has
been working ON plan for reorgan-
ling the educational system OF the
state. through the establishment of
county units and the appointment OF
school supervisors ir addition 10
county superintendents. with the
view OF raising the standard and
scope OF rural schools.
The original plan. 10 was explain
ed today was 20 raise the quauhCa-
tious. ~. w Black of Indiana uni
versity is preparing the bin OF coun-
- superintenderts and VIII give
them the power 90 employ teachers.
The townships OF "a. state made
such strong objections to This meth
ud that a coupromi>e was made. re-
ouirne trustees 80 appoint superyi-