SWAMP LAND FUND.
Mr. FEAGLER submitted a resolution, which was adopted, for the appointed of a committe of seven to inquire into the condition of the Swamp Land Fund, how the same have been expended, &c.
Mr. Thomas proposed to amend by adding a requistion that the Clerk lay on the table each member a copy of the report of the Joint Committee on Swamp Lands to the last Legislature.
Mr. BRANHAM proposed to amend so as: that instead of creating a select commitoee, the matter of the resolution be referred to the Committee on Swamp Lands. If we revise special committees, and take the business cut of the hands of the standing committees and give it to them, we duplicate the work. Not only have we not men enough to proceed in this way, but, it will cost the State twice much.
Mr. MOODY was as much in favor of investigation as any other member, but he was opposed to the raising of special committees for such purposes. He knew something of the difficulty and expense of such an investigation from the committee raised to years ago. The standing committee to be appointed by the Chair, would be able to so direct the investigation as to accomplish all the gentleman desires, without this endless expense of special committees.
Mr. Branham's amendment was accepted, and the resolution adopted by consent.
Mr. Heffren introduced a bill, [H. R. 17.] regulating the Public Printing of the State of Indiana, providing for letting the same to the lowest bidder, also for the purchase of paper from the lowest bidder, &c.; which was passed to the second reading.
Mr. WOODHULL submitted several resolutions, [J. R. No. 4.] which go to the Committee of Thirteen under the order of last Friday, declaring-
1. That, as the Constiution of the United States affords the most perfect government ever formed by man, we will oppose with firmness every violation of its provisions, or alteration of its parts, except in that way provided i by the instrument itself.
2. That Indiana recommends to every State, in that spirit of fraternal feeling which should govern the people of a common country, to repeal any and all laws that may be found to contravene any provision of the Constitution of the General Government, or which mny conflict with any law of Congress made in accordance with said Constitution, and she stands pledged to strike from her statute books any such laws, if they should be found therein.
3. That we recognize no conflicting elements in its composition, nor sufficient cause from any source, for a dissolution of the government; that the Congress of the United States is not authorized to destroy, but to sustain and harmonize the institutions of the country, and to see that equal justice is done to all parts of the same; and that it is the duty of the Congress and the President to maintain, support and perpetuate the government upon terms of justice and equality to all the States, and to use all the power conferred upon them for the securing of that end.
