The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1927-12-13


on reouest will not be published. Lett
ters not exceeding ZOO WORDS WAL Ae0eA'
preference.
To the Editor:
Having read your editorial, Super
Government" in The Times on
Dec. 8, 1 cannot resist the urge 70
write and commend you for your
outspoken denunciation OF the In
tolerable conditions existing in the
State of Indiana. The writer has
been aware of these conditions Tor
a number of years and has de-
nounced them to friends and aSSo-
ciates, but has not had the courage
Hence it is very gratifying to see q
great paper like The Times come
of his convictions to publish them.
out openly and champion the cause
Of the people.
The citizens of indianapolis IN
later years have seen their corpor-
ate right gradually but surely being
usurped by the State, until at the
present time the city retains no au-
thority or power over public utilities.
Our city is powerless to make o
binding contract with any public
utility corporation and, if possible,
to obtain advantageous concessions
for the benefit of the city and its
citizens, but the city government is
compelled to pay the peak rate for
all utility service. Also we have abb
Solutely nothing to say as to what
utility corporations may use our
streets and thoroughfares, for the
Supreme Court has decreed that
they are public highways and, as
such, under the control of the State.
In fact, the only right reserved and
conceded to the people is that of
paying for the improvement and
upkeep of the streets of the city;
which is wonderful privilege, to
say the least.
Another matter for serious con-
sideration is the fact that the peo-
pie OF Indianapolis are prevented
by State authority and interven.
ton in carrying out any progressive
municipal enterprise for the benefit
OF the city, such as increased school
facilities, flood prevention, parks,
etc. When move is made by the
people in this direction some State
bureau Immediately puts its stamp
OF disapproval on the project.
The case of the city of Hunting-
ton, as cited by you, is a very clear
example of the drastic power exer-
cised by the State in the affairs OF
municipalities. In ethe name of
common sense and fairness, why
should not the city of Huntington,
or any other city, have the right
to own and manage any public util-
ity for the benefit of it's people,
without interference or even super
vicion by the state?
The tendency in governmental af-
fairs is toward Capitalization, the
Federal Government gradually en-
croaching on States rights and
State governments usurping the
corporate rights of municipalities.
Some day, it is to be hoped, the
conscience of the people will be
aroused, through the medium OF
such exponents of the peoples
rights as The Indianapolis Times,
and they will recognize the evils of
the system and assert their funda-
mental rights.
Now then, Mr.. Editor, what is the
remedy applicable for our own city?
Since the people have been aroused
sufficiently to declare themselves
overwhelmingly in favor of nom
political city manager form of gov
erment, why should we not endea-
vor to obtain some form of home
rule for our city, which will insure
complete autonomy in municipal
governments Is 1t possible?
c. E. PAULSEN.