The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1927-01-07
THE GOVERNORS MESSAGE

Let It be hoped that the Legislature will follow
fairly closely the message of Governor JACKSON eS
pecially upon four matters of prime Importance.
When he warned the members against the re-
peal OF the primary law, he showed not only an ap
probation of the public sentiment but hne spirit OF
courage.
II REQUIRED some heroism to make this declara-
ton in face of the activities of Chairman Clyde
Walb of the Republican party and complacency
among many Democratic leaders to abolish this right
Of the voters to name their own candidates.
The politicians and the Governor has been very
closely allied with politicians of the professional
Sort hate the primary. They hate 1t because IL
makes it more difficult to name their selections and
their puppets to the party tickets
They hate it because It is always there as a
weapon when betrayed and indignant voters wish to
show resentment and throw them out OF power
They hate it because is the chance which the
voter has of defending himself against the secret
conspiracies and the plmdering plans Of privilege
hunters.
That there is a small vote in the primary on
most contests does not weaken its power 1t is
there to be used II the people wish
The primary at its worst is to be preferred 70
the old convention which the ancient politicians
grasping the significance of the growing influence OF
women In politics. look with longing eyes. The Gov
errors defense Of the primary is defense of the
power of women In politics, which should increase
and must Increase, If higher standards are to be
reached.
Demand for the repeal of the absent voters
ballot law should receive unanimous response. 1t is
the weapon by which the boss overrules the will
of the majority. 1t has overturned real government
by frauds. 1t has been the means by which corrup
ton in the hands of the corrupt has dominated the
honest wish of the majority
His appeal for more funds for the colleges and
universities is timely, almost imperative. The State
ags behind in the training Of those who must carry
on In leadership and in service. The two unverst
ties starved to the point where hundreds Of
young and women choose other State UNIVERSE
ties to obtain that education and knowledge which
is essential in these days Of keen competition. 1t
would require little skill in finance in other
directions the money which these colleges so sadly
need
flexible system of appraisement of lands
and property for taxation purposes is undoubtedly
wise and necessary.
Conditions change Values fixed in one year for
agricultural purposes may be excessive the next
changed conditions the situpation which ex-
lists today.
These questions which should rise above
amy suggestion Of party politics of factional inter-
ess. And because the Times has found it necessary
often to disagree with Governor Jackson and his
policies and actions. it is particular pleasure to in
dorse intellectually his suggestions and his recon-
mendations In these matters.
There is missing from the document any refer.
ence to the public service commission, and that is
perhaps wise, as tho Legislature will undoubtedly
wish to make some very complete Investigations
of that body and its activities before it yields to
public Indignation and abolishes that body. After
such an inquiry especially into the charge Chat the
corporations contributed $4,000 to the 1924 campaign
fund for the privilege of debating its membership
the lawmakers will be able to find their own solu-
ton.