ACCOUNTS OF COUNTY OFFICERS.
Mr. Yancey's bill [S. 22] to authorize expert examination of County officers every two years, was read the second time, with a Committee report recommending that it lie on the table.
Mr. YANCEY hoped the report of the Committee would not be concurred in. The bill is not for the benefit of the experts, but for the benefit of tax-payer of the State of Indiana. Its object is to unearth fraud. In a great number of the Counties one political party holds all the offices. The bill authorizes the Judge of the Circuit Court to appoint two experts--one from each of the two political parties--whose duty it shall be to examine the accounts of the County officers. It is desirable to have a power making it obligatory to investigate these matters. This bill was not forty-eight hours old till he had received a letter wanting to know the provisions of the bill, and he afterward learned in that locality they would oppose such a measure.
Mr. BROWN opposed Investigating Committees, and never knew of any good resulting from their labors. If a can be cited where any good has resulted from any investigation he would like to know of it. Oftentimes the party investigated seeks to get it in order to cover up blame. The party investigated seeks first to make friends with the experts, and generally succeeds. The people will lose more in the expense of investigations than they can make in trying to get dishonest officials to disgorge.
Mr. YANCEY insisted the bill was very generous, as it divides the experts between the Republicans and Democratic parties.
Mr. VOYLES reminded the Senate that the present law provides the same as this bill, with the exception that the bill is pre-emptory. The several Counties can take care of their own affairs. This bill indicates that every officer is in the wrong.
The report was concurred in.
