THE MILITIA.
Mr. Gresham's bill [105,] for the organization of the militia, to provide a military fund, to provide for its disbursement, &c., coming up-it was passed the second reading, by title, under a dispensation.
Mr. ROBERTS proposed various amendments, and moved that the bill with the amendments be referred to the Committee on Military Affairs. He did not think this bill, in its present shape, could ever pass this House. Its passage and approval by the Governor would be equivalent to the passage of a military despotism in this State. The people of Indiana would not comply with its provisions-never would submit to them. Courts martial, by this bill, were invested with as much power ac the Circuit and Common Pleas Courts in time of peace: and it gives into the Governor's hands as much power as that exercised by the Czar of Russia. Whenever he believes the public danger requires it, he has the power to compel every man in the State required to bear arms to muster into active service. It was left to his discretion. In his opinion,when the exigencies of war require it, there is love of country enough to respond to the proper page: 174[View Page 174] call from the General Government, and rally to the standard by thousands and tens of thousands. The history of the Mexican war showed this. There were more troops volunteered than- there were places for them.
The bill was referred to the Military Committee.
On motion by Mr. HEFFREN, his bill [146] regulating the same interest, was taken up,, passed to the second reading by title, (under dispensation,) and referred to the same Committee.
The Judiciary Committee's bills [106, 107] to amend the 12th section of the misdemeanor act. of June 15, 1852, and to amend section 343 of the Practice Act, were ordered to be engrossed.
Mr. Packard's Select Committee bill [108] to regulate foreign insurance, was ordered to lie on the table, and be printed.
