CLAIMS.
Mr. Cobb's bill, [H. R. 368], regulating legislative practice as to the allowance of claims against the State of Indiana, was taken up in order on the third reading.
Mr. Cobb. From service in the Committee on Claims he had observed that this business had been loosely conducted. He had found there no record book of claims that had been heretofore presented to the Legislature. Such books have been kept, but they have been taken home by the clerks. This record ought to be kept to enable the successive committees to keep out the practice which has grown up of repeating claims until they are finally allowed - some claims which, perhaps, if all the facts were known, would not be allowed. The injustice ought to be regulated by legislative action, and in this bill it is proposed to make a start by requiring the Committee on Claims to keep a record of what they do - what claims are recommended and paid, and what rejected; so that those who may come after us, if they want to allow claims which we have rejected, they may do it with their eyes open.
The bill was finally passed the House of Representatives. Yeas, 70; nays, 1.
