PAPERS FOR THE PRISON INVESTIGATION.
Mr. BEARSS submitted a preamble and resolution reciting that whereas the architect employed by the joint State Prison Committee has intimated that he has been refused the privilege of examining the plans, specifications, &c., and whereas the committee cannot arrive at the proper conclusions without the aid of an examination by said architect; therefore resolved, that the architect be authorized in the name of the State to demand all such specifications, plans, &c., as may enable him to make his estimates, that the employees about the prison be directed to surrender the same, &c.
Mr. WOLFE suggested that probably the architect had no legal right to them.
Mr. COBB was inclined to think the resolution is premature.
Mr. Bearss sent to the Secretary's desk a letter from the architect, which was read, stating that no opportunity had been given him to inform himself of the matters connected with his mission; in fact all and everything that would give him any light was carefully kept out of his sight, &c.
Mr. SLACK. This joint resolution reflects severely upon a member of the Board of Control, and before we do that we had better know what we are doing. Make it in the form of a request, and I have no doubt but that it will be acceded to.
Mr. BEARSS thought the officers were desirous of preventing an investigation, and those gentlemen should be made to disgorge those papers at once.
Mr. HAMILTON. I want a full investigation of this matter. I have no objection to the prison remaining in Michigan City if it is the best position for it.
Mr. COBB. I am not willing to jump at conclusions without evidence. I am unwilling to vote for this resolution with the preamble attached, for the reason I know nothing about the facts, and for another reason we can easily obtain the evidence with regard to this, and be able to act properly in this matter.
Messrs. Teegarden and Anthony favored the resolution.
Mr. WOLFE moved to refer the resolution to the State Prison Committee,Messrs. Anthony and Murray opposed the reference, and after further remarks by Messrs. Tarkington and Line-
Mr. CULVER. As far as this question, in reference to the papers is concerned, I understand they are all here, and it strikes me that in one hour after the adjournment if the committee were brought together, the truth of the allegations can certainly be ascertained.
Mr. COBB made an ineffectual motion-yeas 16, nays 14-to strike out the preamble.
On motion by Mr. MURRAY the motion to refer was laid on the table-yeas 20, nays 13.
The resolution was adopted.
