The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1926-12-14
WHYaT THE CHANGE?

The important change in the membership OF
the public service commission, without notice and
apparently with great haste, will call for more than
casual exlanation from the Governor of this State
There is pending before that body the most
important matter which it has yet considered.
Financiers are asking for the privilege OF is
suing ffty-fve millions of dollars worth of securities
upon the two electric light and power plants of this
city
One man has aparepntly secured, by option Vi
purchase the stock in both companies
The first step in that effort was blocked by
decision that the plan under which it was proposed
was illegal.
1t did result in a direct charge by Corporation
Counsel Rucker of this city that the corporations
had contributed $4,000 to the campaign funds OF
Governor Jackson in the hope Of controlling that
commission.
Now the great staff Of lawyers employed by
the men who have their eyes on these millions,
which are to be turned into real dollars and put as
a mortgage upon this city for all time have changed
their form of appeal.
On the day that the attorney general of the
State rules that the commission has authority and
power to listen to this plea member is re-
moved given a position which has salary of less
by 81 900 year than the he occupied, and
youth is named to take his place.
1t is significant that Judge Artman, who is de-
NOTED, was the member who by his attitude in the
first hearing, suggested obstacle to the hasty
action which desired.
The manipuations to merge these companies
have been productive of much gossip. Much of it is
probably untrue.
But there are some very selfevident truths
which cannot be lodged:
1t is true that the fifty millions of securities
will ro6d to Tho nnhli md
sooner or later must be turned into real dollars
by collections from the home owners and the in
dustres of this city.
1t is true that these utilities pay taxes
on less than onethrd of this
1t is true that under the law, merger cannot
issue more stock than the combined capitalizations
of both companies and that the total of the present
capital stock and bonds, of all Sorts is many mil
lions less than that which is now sought.
These are unmistakable facts so that the change
in the membership of this commission at this time
suggests that there a very grave and deep
son for making it.
The Governor should tell the people frankly
and fully why he made the change and especially
why he selected the young who has acted
secretary of the commission for twenty months for
this important work at this time.
tbs disparagement to either youth or this
particular to suggest that the people of this
city, and especially the large users of power are in
terested in the membership of that commission.
1t is no dsparagement to the journalistic pro-
fession to suggest that experience as a reporter or
the tuteage of Carl Mote, is not
plete education for such an important position or
which is likely to add confidence in it's de-
cisions.
The Governor should tell the people who recon-
mended this man for the position and why Judge
Artman induced to accept position at a great
1y reduced salary at this time
Was the Chamber of Commerce of this city con-
suited by the Governor in this matter?
Was the State Chamber of Commerce asked for
its opinion and its Endorsement?
Was there any public body, representing in any
way the people of this State or of this city, asked
for opinion to fitness or unftness?
If not. who it that had influence enough
with the Governor of this State to secure the pro-
motion and this appointment?
1t would be very unfortunate if this sudden
change in the membership of this commission, fol
living 80 closely upon legal opinion of Attorney
General Giliom as To its powers, should be followed
by a sudden decision to permit this company to
~ood the State with it's stocks and issue its fifty
agz Hsillons of securities
That would be more than unfortunate. 1t might
be sufficiently impressive as to force action
in the Legislature.
Only Iull' complete and suHclently broad
declaration Of the Endorsements Of the new ap-
pointee his claim upon the position other than mere
contact with the commission, will suffice.
If there time when the public COM
mission needs the presence Of a of sufficient
state reputation for freedom from all entangling
alliances, of wisdom in the law and of devotion to
public interest it is right now.
No one claim those qualifications for the
member and knows better than Gov
Jackson the need of just such an appointment
to the many criticisms and suspicious
directed at his commission.
1t is more than unfortunate that every step
should increase rather than allay those suspicious
and that distrust.
1t is time to be frank-as frank as is The Times
In its demand for satisfying explanation of
the change than any yet given.