A MONUMENT TO GOV. JENNINGS.
Mr. FERGUSON, from a Select Committee thereon, in compliance with a petition from citizens of Clark county, reported a bill [S. 233] providing for the erection of a monument over the remains of Hon. Jonathan Jennings, (the first Governor of Indiana) and making an appropriation ($500) therefor.
Mr. NEWCOMB submitted a minority report, dissenting; which did not regard the page: 271[View Page 271] erection of monuments to deceased men, how-ever worthy, as a legitimate expenditure of funds raised by taxation, &c.
The majority report was sustained by Senators Slack. Hamilton, Ray and March.
Mr. FERGUSON. I had no agency in getting up the petition that was referred to the committee. It was, however sent to me with a request that I should earnestly call the attention of the Legislature to the subject. I admit that it would not be right to make a lavish expenditure of the people's money in building monuments for the great men of the State. But we should not decline to do a meritorious act for fear of setting a bad precedent. We should act in all cases without regard to precedent, and let the merits of each case speak for themselves. Besides, this appropriation, if made, cannot be adopted as a precedent. There is no similar case in the State. Most of the great men of the State of Indiana, whose remains lie buried within her soil, left children and kindred to care for their graves. Jonathan Jennings left none. Without a child to visit his grave, and without a fortune to entomb him in a manner that his greatness deserved, it is not. surprising that there is great danger, that in a few years it will be difficult to find the precise location of the sacred spot.
But it has been said that the people of Clark county are the proper persons to erect the monument. To this I have only to say that the services of Gov. Jennings were given to the State, and not to any particular county. For years his was the only voice she had on the floor of Congress, and lie it was that presided over the convention that gave to her her excellent constitution. In all the early history of the State his name stands prominent over all others.
The appropriation asked for is a very small one, about as much as it takes to pay two Senators, or two clerks, or two doorkeepers, for the present session. The object is not to build a monument to be admired and gazed at, but only to preserve the burial place from oblivion.
On motion by Mr. LINE, the minority report was laid on the table.
Senators Line and Steele were for concurrence in the majority report-Senators Beeson and Hull opposed.
Mr. WAGNER moved to amend by appropriating $5,000 for the improvement, of the Tippecanoe Battle Ground.
Mr. CLAYPOOL opposed the report and the proposed amendment.
Mr. MILLER moved to amend the amendment by reducing the amount one-half.
Mr. MELLETT objected to both the report and the amendments.
Mr. TARKINGTON was opposed to the amendment, but favored the report.
Mr. WOLFE favored the amendment as a separate proposition, but not as an amendment to this.
Mr. DEHART. Mr. President-I do not arise to consume the time of the Senate in discussing the resolution. The character of that resolution forbids. I only desire to say that my vote shall always be recorded in favor of ample appropriations to rear monuments over the remains of every distinguished pioneer of our noble State; and more cheerfully do I vote for one to mark the resting-place of the first Governor of Indiana, Jonathan Jennings. Those who knew him best, bear testimony that he was "a noble old Roman." I deem it our noblest privilege and best economy to perpetuate the memory and virtues of those who have gone down in the front ranks of civilization. It is true that the scarred oaks upon the classic field of Tippecanoe stands sentinel over the brave dead who fell upon that bloody ground, but that is no reason why we, who enjoy the fruits of their toil and blood, should refuse to rear monuments of a more durable character above their warworn remains. Kentucky has gratefully gathered home to her soil many of her noble sons who fell upon our battle-fields, and raised the sculptured marble above them. Some of that brave band are mouldering away into their native element within the borders of our State. I hope this Senate will be unanimous for an adequate appropriation for monuments for all the noble dead-whether soldiers or statesmen.
Mr. FERGUSON. I regret that the Senator from Warren has offered his amendment at this time. Had I anticipated anything of the kind, I would not have presented the report until the Senate was full. I will do a.s much as any one to perpetuate the glorious deeds of the heroes of Tippecanoe. But I do not think the two subjects should be connected together in the same bill. The State already owns the battle field, and has provided for its inclosure. No better monument is wanted than the field itsalf. When we have pointed out the place and said to strangers and visitors : " This is the Tippeccanoe Battle Ground" we have said enough. The pages of history will tell what heroes perished. I do hope the Senator from Warren will withdraw his amendment.
Mr. STUDABAKER favored the original report, and desired, in passing upon matters of this kind, that each individual case should stand upon its own merits.
Mr. WHITE was for the report, but against the amendment.
Mr. WAGNER urged the adoption of his amendment.
Mr. BLAIR should vote against the whole proposition.
Mr. MELLETT moved that members and officers of the Legislature contribute three dollars each-pro forma.
On motion by Mr. WAGNER, the whole subject was laid over till Monday, 2 o'clock, because of the slim attendance of Senators.
