JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.
The bill [S. 193] to extend the jurisdiction of Justices of the Peace to amend Section 1,418 of the Revised Statutes of 1881, was read the third time.
Mr. WILSON, of Marion, believed that a bill of much more merit was introduced by some members of the House a few days since. He was sorry that this bill has got as far as it has. It would only give such cities as Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville and New Albany one Justice of the Peace. That will not be sufficient. They must have more than that.
Mr. STERRITT was of the opinion that the bill referred to by the gentleman from Marion [Mr. Wilson] was of much more merit than the bill under consideration. It provides for one Justice of the Peace for every 20,000 inhabitants.
Mr. SMITH, of Tippecanoe, was opposed to this bill provided the bill referred to by the gentleman from Marion [Mr. Wilson] could be passed.
Mr. WHITSIT thought this was a good bill, and one that would suit the people of Indianapolis.
Mr. MELLETT thought the fewer the Justices the more highly they would be appreciated. One Justice of the Peace for each little incorporated town in the State is a nuisauce-one more than is necessary. It seemed to him that four Justices of the Peace in connection with the Mayor is sufficient in Indianapolis.
Mr. MONTGOMERY said: In my opinion this is a good bill and ought to pass this House. I think that a reduction of the Justices of the Peace would be equitable and desirable.
The bill was rejected by yeas, 29; nays, 58.
