IN SENATE
TUESDAY, February 19,1861.On motion by Mr. LINE, the reading of yesterday's journal was dispensed with.
Mr. FERGUSON presented a petition from citizens of Clark county, praying that a monument be erected over the grave of Jonathan Jennings, the first Governor of Indiana, which was referred to a Select Committee, viz : Senators Ferguson, Slack and Newcomb.
Mr. COBB presented the petition of 723 citizens, praying that an act be passed for the relief of the treasurer of Martin county, whose office was robbed of $2,300 ; which was referred to a Select Committee, viz: Senators Cobb, Murray, Anthony, Steele, Claypool and Craven.
THE EMBEZZLEMENT BILL.
Mr. WAGNER, from the Finance Committee, returned the embezzlement bill (H. R. 1)-described on page 175 of these Reports-recommending passage with immaterial amend merits.
Mr. MURRAY moved to recommit the bill, with instructions to make its penalties applicable to county and township treasurers.
Mr. WAGNER explained its provisions.
Mr. TARKINGTON. I want to vote for this bill. I am willing county treasurers shall be liable to the amount of their bonds alone (let it be sufficient), and let them do what they please with the money. I think that is the safest way.
Mr. MURRAY. This Senate adopted a similar amendment when the Senate bill, identical with this one, was before it: and I want to know if a change has come over the spirit of their dreams. I hope the Senate will insist upon the position it has taken.
Mr. LINE. I have concluded to vote for this bill, even if it does not refer to any but State officers.
Mr. CONNER. I will go as far as any Senator to protect the public funds, either State county, or township. It would be wrong to impose penalties upon county or township treasurers for depositing funds in their possession, when they have no safe to keep them in. I think the Judiciary Committee should examine this bill. I want to be assured it is right, and then I will vote for it. I move to refer, with instructions to report in what manner it affects county and township treasurers.
Mr. MURRAY withdrew his motion.
Mr. MARCH. I am in favor of passing the same laws affecting county and township treasurers that applies to the State treasurer. I am willing to vote for this bill, embracing only the custody of State funds, and then vote to pass the Senate bill embracing also county and township treasurers. I believe every county in the State is able to provide a safe, and it is policy for them to do so. I am opposed to recommitting the bill, trusting the Senate will pass the other bill also, and throw the responsibility upon the House.
Mr. ROBINSON. I hope this bill will not be recommitted.
Mr. RAY. For one I am not in favor of the passage of the Senate bill, for the reason that the expense for safes would be disproportionate to the benefit arising therefrom. It would involve an expense greater than all the thefts of county funds in the State would amount to. I think it proper the State Treasury should be better guarded than it has been. Corruptly speaking, there has not been a dollar lost by any of the Democratic State officers.
Mr. CONNER withdrew his motion, and proposed to amend, by unanimous consent, hat nothing in this act shall be so construed is to prevent county treasurers from depositing funds, for safe keeping only; at the risk of such county treasurers so depositing.
Mr. WAGNER opposed motions to refer.
[A MESSAGE FROM THE HOUSE
Announced the passage by that body of the bill [H. R. 8], providing for allowances to clerks of courts, &c. Also : the bill [H. R. 3] to provide for holding Common Pleas courts in Newton county.]
Mr. SHIELDS. I would be very glad to see the bill passed as it is; but I do not see why i cannot be so amended as to apply to county nd township officers as well. If any funds should be guarded, it is the county and township funds.
Mr. WILLIAMS submitted additional instructions, that the Judiciary Committee report what effect this bill will have upon county treasurers, and also to incorporate the amend
