Indiana daily times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1914-1922, 1921-08-02
AMENDMENTS
ROBPEOPLEOF
NJUJNCTIONS
Courts Would Be POwerless to
Grant Public Relief From
Unjust Taxes.
RALsTON SHOWS DANGER
Former Governors Open Cam
paign Against Changes in
Constitution at Newcastle.
Rv HORACE NJ. COATS.

NEWCASTLE, Ind, Aug. 2-The
idea of granting the Legislature un-
limited power to enact tax legisla-
ton is not new in Indiana, but was
tried out under the constitution of
1916, and found wanting miserably,
declared Samuel NJ Ralston, former
Governor of Indiana, here last night,
in the opening meeting of the cam
paign of the Indiana Taxpayers Pro
tective Association against the two
proposed tax amendments. Mr.. Raj
ston appeared for the first time on a
platform with Col. Winfield T. Dur
bin of Anderson, also a former Gov
ernor, who is president of the as
sociation. Mr.. Ralston is vice presi-
dent.
A crowded courtroom listened atten-
lively throughout the addresses Of both
men. The meeting was presided over by
Ray c. Morgan. representative in the
Legislature from Henry County. Repre-
sentative George Cooper. Hancock Coun-
ty, and Jacob D. Miltenberger. Muncie
Delaware County representative. and
secretary OF the taxpayers association.
were present. Archibald II. Hall, VIII
Fl. Adams, reporter Of the supreme
Court, and many other men prominent
in the State were present.
OLD CONSTITUTION
FILLS THE NEEDS.
Owing to a case Of throat trouble. Col
Durbin was unable to make a lengthy
talk, but instead. read the announce
ments Of the formation Of the taxpayers
association, his acceptance OF the presi-
delcy, and also read the thirteen pro-
posed amendments to the State cOnstitu-
ton which viii be voted on Sept. 6.
mo subject is Of greater importance to
the people OF Indiana than is taxation,
Said Col. Durbin. I'VE need a sure, safe
and enduring foundation for our tax
legislation, for stability as applied to
business, applies equally as well 10 taxa
ton
Col. Durbin declared the old constitu-
tion OF Indiana IS good enough. and that
81 took the men who wrote It four months
in & constitutional convention, to complete
the document.
"T can't think Of a more unsafe propo-
sition than to turn complete control over
tax matters to the Legislature be said.
What would be done by ore Legislature.
would be repealed by the next. Doubtless
our tax laws need changing, but the Leg
fslature has power now to change them,
with certain restrictions. There would be
no restrictions provided By these amend
ments"
RALSTON AGAINST
THE AMENDMENTS.
"Conceding the high motives Of those
advocating the amendments which I
think should be rejected" said 4lr. Raj
ston. "stiI the fact should not be lost
sight Of that an innocent error. in con
stitution tinkering, Is attended by the
same consequences. as is n like error.
committed with evil inJent."
Mr.. Ralston explained for some time
his reasons for opposing the amendment
which would make the office Of State
superintendent OF public instruction ap-
pointive instead Of elective.
The people are oetter able to select
a school head than IS some individual.
he said. If I were Governor. 7 would
not want this power taken from the
Continued, on Page Five.)