The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1930-06-21
PARTIES CHIEFS
TO FLIRT With
REVISION GROUP
Plan 0vertureS Since Cause
Was Championed by
Goodrich.
BY BEN STERN


ever the subject Of the proposed
referendum on a constitutional con-
vention was brought to their at
tention before the state conventions,
now are said 10 be preparing to
make tentative overtures to the
leaders Of the recently organized
Constitutional Convention League.
AS was predicted some months
ago, neither the Republican nor
Democrats platforms spoke out on
the question of the constitutional
convention.
To party leaders the movement
was merely another radical
scheme of the women politicians"
and some Of the "disgruntled farm
ers." but the conference held mere
a week ago has revealed that no
less a political leader than former
Governor James P. Goodrich openly
advocated revision Of the basic law.
Seek Voting Strength
Educators and farm leaders of
the state have joined in the move
ment and party leaders with eyes
turned towards the November cleo
ton are beginning to wonder what
voting strength may be obtained
through alliances with the revision
lists.
The Indiana Farm Bureau Fed
Grafton is on record for a consti-
tutional convention and with the
Indiana Federation of Women's
Clubs, League of Women Voters and
the State Federation Of Labor, in
conducting an educational cam
paign intended to bring the voter
to the polls in November to vote in
favor Of a convention.
Several reasons for the revision
have been advanced by Lewis Tay-
lor. vice president Of the farm bu-
reau and head Of its legislative de-
partment.
He said that living conditions
have changed and q Constitution
written eighty years ago is not an
instrument for the guidance of a
new era.
There must be removal of the SUI
preme and appellate court judges
from politics, Taylor insists, in or
der to expedite justice and bring
its cost within reach of the poor as
well as the rich. Taylor would have
the judges appointed by the Gov
ernor for life or long tenure. A spe-
cial commission would assist in the
selection of the judges, Taylor
holds.
Simple Ballot Urged
Simplif1cation of the ballot Is
urged, with only the Governor,
Governor and auditor
elected by the people. THE re-
mainder of the state officers, being
merely clerks, should be appointed
by the Governor by and with the
assent of the general assembly, :"
says Taylor.
Taylor points out that the list of
elective candidates is SO long that
it also is impossible for the average
voter to exercise the discretion
necessary to wise choice.
Senate ratification of appoint
ments by the Governor was pro-
posed by the farm bureau to both
parties for incorporation in their
respective platforms, but both
thumbed down the plank.
Divorcement of education from
politics is urged with the post of
superintendent OF public instruction
made appointive and education be
uniform over the state.
Taylor insists that the tax laws
should be rewritten to meet the
changed conditions and real prop
erty be relieved of the heavy burden
it carries.
"All citizens regardless of calling
or vocation should be made to pay
their fair share Of the cost of gov
eminent" he says.
Use Same Arguments
Heads of other groups in SYM
pathy with the movement are using
the same arguments and are form
ing much public opinion favorable
to their viewpoint
The Farm Bureau with its thou
sands Of members is a potent force
in any election and the party which
wins its support through approving
a convention call will gain much
strength.
The Democrats made a move in
that direction by incorporating in
their platform a plank fayoring the
income tax.
The vague Republican platform
declared for tax reform, but named
no specific remedy.
\ With both platforms written and
approved, there is no possibility of
az plank favoring constitutional con-
vSntion being incorporated therein.
Political StrategistS, however,
point out that if several candidates
speak favorably of the proposed re-
vision that will be definite commit
ment enough to ask for support of
the league.