REFORMATORY SEWER.
Mr. Fletcher's bill for a sewer from the Indiana Reformatory to connect with a principal sewer in the city of Indianapolis (same as the bill [H. R 54]) being read the second time, with a Committee report favorable to its passage.
Mr. VOYLES moved to recommit the bill with instructions to fix definitely the proportion of the cost to be paid by the State.
Mr. VAN VORHIS moved to amend the amendment by providing that ht eroute shall be reported.
I Mr, VOYLES accepted the amendment.
Mr. WILLARD moved to refer the bill to the Committee on Finance.
Mr. BELL reminded Senators that for a number of years, there have been attempts made to secure a sewer from this institution. The sewage now flows by the United States Arsenal and through the city of Indianapolis. This bill may be faulty, is informed that this bill has been carefully framed, has the indorsements of the State and city authorities and some legal minds that have examined it. The State should bear a portion of the expense and so should the city. The power of determining the route is placed largely in the hands of the Governor. The merits of the bill can not but be acknowledged. The amendment for the location of the route is impracticable. It is apparent the State must abandon this institution or a bill of this kind must be enacted into a law.
Mr. WILLARD agreed with all said as to the necessity of legislation on this subject, but would not consent to the passage of a bill of this kind without a limit as to the amount. The proposition is, to lay a foundation for a lawsuit. The expenditure should be approximately estimated and desired the Committee, partially responsible for expenditures should consider this bill.
Mi. VAN VORHIS did not desire to be understood as opposing the building of this sewer. This bill needs an appropriation of not less than $100,000. A route has already been surveyed and estimated to cost $80,000. There is now an increase in prices which will probably bring it up to $100,000. He did not believe the city wants to pay $50,000, as much as the institution is worth, probably. If the institution is maintained the sewer ought to be built. The bill passed in 1880 page: 63[View Page 63] prescribed the route and entire specifications, and made an appropriation not to exceed $40,000. In answer to a question why the sewer was not built, said there was a gentleman in the Council who had over 1,000 feet on the line of the sewer, and through his influence, probably, the proposition to build the sewer was defeated. The selection of the route should be left with the City Civil Engineer.
Mr. MARVIN saw no reason for sending this bill to the Committee on Finance. This is an important measure, carefully drawn for the purpose of avoiding a law suit. He hoped this bill would have been printed before action was taken on it.
Mr. VOYLES hoped the bill would be recommitted to the Committee which has already considered it. There ought to be an amendment as to the amount to be expended.
Mr. BELL moved that this bill be made the special order for Monday at 2 o'clock, and 150 copies ordered printed.
The motion was agreed to by consent.
