The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1927-03-30
That Special Session

Aside from the cost to the taxpayers, which may
or may not be important, there to be no argu
ment against the calling of special session of the
Legislature if there is desire the part of law
makers to undo some of the things they have done
and do other things which they left undone.
There should be really no surprise among the
lawmakers to discover that some laws which the
Governor signed differ in important details from
those which they passed.
Especially should there be surprise that the
appropriation measure meets this sort of fate
The disbursement of state money is powerful
leverage in every Legislature and very significantly,
it is always passed in the last hour of the last day.
True the machinery is started for raising and dis
bursting the tax funds in the first week of the
Legislature.
Also true is the fact that from the very start
most members know exactly what will be done at
the finish.
But lawmakers have local ambitions. Some are
always interested in getting money which will
benefit their own constituencies. Some always
eager to get little for institutions in their
counties districts and this desire is always well
understood by the gentlemen behind the scenes who
are interested in preventing legislation or in pass
ing laws favorable to their secret masters.
For that reason it is quite possible to hold the
allegiance interest of the members who are eager
for State funds in their own projects long the
appropriation bill is not passed. Fear grips these
members who want funds. They are afraid to Offend
Their judgment is often dictated by their desires.
That is the reason the appropriation measure is
generally held up until the last night The real
powers in politics do not wish to lose this grip upon
followers who might show independence after their
projects had been cared for in the State appro
priations
This year it happens that the mistakes cast
some doubt upon the legality of all State funds and
aside from that, certainly casts cloud upon the
dignity of the Legislature governmental body.
But if the members back for special
session, what will they do?
That interests citizens much more than the mere
rectfying Of mistakes, Intentional or otherwise
1t also interests the utility companies of the
State who were very we'll satisfied with the regular
session, which did nothing.
That high priced and numerous lobby which had
apparently SO firm hold upon the judgment of law
makers are very much disturbed. They might fare
worse from members who have nothing more of
legislation to expect and who may have heard
the comments of their neighbors back home
Those forces which effectually suppressed all
Investigations and inquiries are very much inter-
ested They do not want special session which
might show independence. They also have reason to
fear changed attitude OF members who have been
home long enough to learn what the people think
If the members have decided that they were
much mistaken during the regular session, if they
have repented their servilty to the forces of sup
preston, if they have decided that the utility lobby
lists misled them, then by all means let's have a
special session and let it last long enough to satisfy
the conscience of the members and the demands of
their constituents.