The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1932-12-16
M'NUTT ORDERS
ASSEMBLY To
KEEP PLEDGES
Democrats Move to Garry
Out All Platform
Promises.
BY BEN STERN

AS If prophetic Of the dominating
leadership of Governor Elect Paul
v. McNutt, the general assembly to-
day was in a state of organization
under the sign OF a big stick"
Work has begun on bills dedicated
to redemption Of platform pledges,
and special committees from the
house Of representatives and the
senate will confer during the few
weeks remaining until Jan. 5, when
the assembly will be convened. And
from all indications McNutt intends
to redeem these, if it takes the big
stick" Of the Governors Office.
Redemption of platform promises
was the keynote of the Democratic
caucuses Thursday afternoon from
the moment that McNutt called the
joint conference to order with a
big stick" which, upon close ex-
animation, proved to be a round
table leg; until the end, when the
newly elected house and senate Of
ficials pledged support Of the prom
ises and the administration.
Crawford to Be Speaker
With failure of the liberal and
progressive groups to bring about
a coalition of half-dozen Speaker
candidates, election of Earl 'CraW-
ford of Milton to this post was ne
gotiated with but minor resistance.
Only one opponent, J. CHM
Ellyson of Hammond, entered the
lists against Crawford. Ellison
withdrew when the balloting
showed the score to As to 10 in
favor Of his opponent.
The remainder of the slate went
through without a contest.
Other house officials are: Edward
H. Stein, Bloomfield, floor leader;
Frank Finney, Martinsville, caucus
chairman, and Miss Bess Robbins
caucus secretary.
Ketchum Heads Senate
The senate rulers elected are
Anderson Ketchum, Greensburg,
president pro tempore; Walter S.
Chambers, Newcastle, caucus
chairman, and Addison Drake,
Fairbanks, caucus secretary.
Before the two houses separated
to organize, McNutt sought to still
the fears Of the liberals who OPP
posed Crawford because of his dry
and conservative records.
Now is our opportunity" de-
clared McNutt, referring to the
Democratic campaign posters ask
ing the voters to take advantage of
their opportunity.
These are critical times We are
the party in power and we have
promised relief. 1t is essential that
we start now to effect that relief.
Much of 1t must come early in the
session of the legislature.
Therefore, 1 think that both
houses should select their respon-
sible officers with whom 1 can
confer. 1t is not my purpose to
hand down measures to the assem-
bly, Rather, it is my purpose to
assist 1 pray that we work as
harmonious whole
Stresses Party Pledges
There was loud applause and then
McNutt stressed the necessity of
carrying out all platform pledges
as speedily as possible. He recon-
mended that the leaders selected
should appoint a committee to con-
fer on drafting bills to redeem the
pledges. State Chairman r. Earl
Peters, who was introduced by
McNutt, pleaded with legislators to
keep the faith of the people.
One significant feature of the
joint conference was the reading
OF a resolution by Senator John
Bright Webb, which was adopted
by the Marion county house and
senate delegations, in which the
members pledged support to your
administration, Mr.. Governor, and
to the platform pledges and admin
istration program
This pointed the way to the
others.
Senate Support Promised
The senate leaders also promised
full support at the separate caucus
and discussed seating arrangements
to reduce the annoyance from side
line visitors. A committee of five
Marion county senators was APP
pointed to check the acoustics and
suggest necessary alterations.
The joint conference followed a
meeting at the state committee at
which Peters explained that, be-
cause many boards and commits
sions will be in the possession of
the opposition for several months,
many jobs will not be available
for distribution for some time.