HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
THURSDAY, January 17, 1861.Mr. ROBBINS and Mr. WILLIAMS asked and obtained leave to record their votes in the election of United States Senator, yesterday-the former voting for Joseph A. Wright, and the latter for Henry S. Lane.
The SPEAKER laid before the House the report of the State Librarian.
STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE HOUSE.
The SPEAKER announced the Standing Committees, under the rule of the House of Representatives, as follows:
- On Elections -Messrs. Ragan, Lightner, Pitts, Lods, Campbell, Feagler, Henricks.
- On the Judiciary -Messrs. Veatch, Bundy, Edson, Cason, Bingham, Jenkinson, Woodbull, Gresbam, Heffren.
- On Ways and Means -Messrs. Branham, Fisher, Heffren, Jones of Wayne, Sherman, Fordyce, Gifford.
- On Agriculture -Messrs. Thompson, Moorman,Harvey, Hudson, Davis, Turner, Collins of Adams.
- On Banks -Messrs Hopkins, Nebeker, Cram, Veatch, Owens, Trier.
- On Federal Relations -Messrs. Bundy, Gresham, Jones of Vermillion, Parrett, Newman, Ford, McLean.
- On Education -Messrs. Grover, Lane, Orr, Collins of Adams, Veatch, Holcomb, Moss.
- On the Organization of Courts of Justice -Messrs. Bingham, Newman, McLean, McClurg, Parrett, Jones of Vermillion, Stotsenberg.
- On the Penitentiary -Messrs. Jones of Vermillion, Grover, Bryant, Brucker, Dobbins, Owens, Collins of Huntington, Horton.
- On Claims -Messrs. Sloan, Brucker, Boydston, Dobbins, Stephenson, Black, Atkinson.
- On Fees and Salaries -Messrs. Gresham, Burgess, Moody Roberts, Prosser, Cameron, Jones of Vermillion.
- On Rights and Privileges of the Inhabitants of the State -Messrs. Orr, Hurd, Smith of Bartholomew, Lee, McClurg, Prosser, Sherman.
- On Roads -Messrs. Wells, Hull, Holcomb, Fleming, Epperson, Randell, Prow.
- On Manufactures and Commerce -Messrs. Burgess, Dobbins Dasheil, Orr, Moss, Wilson, Stephenson.
- On County and Township Business -Messrs. Frasier, Grover, Brett, Jones, of Wayne, Lane, Ford, Wilson.
- On Swamp Lands -Messrs. Moody, Bryant, Brett, Gore, Randall, Sherman, Dobbins.
- On Benevolent Institutions -Messrs. Cameron, Kendrick, Woodruff, Branham, Heffren, Packard, Lee.
- On Temperance -Messrs. Jones, of Tippecanoe, Wells, Turner, Prosser, Atkisson, Parrett, Frasier.
- On Affairs of the Town of Indianapolis -Messrs. Kendrick, Ferguson, Warrum, Gore, Polk, Hays, Underwood.
- On Canals -Messrs. Hopkins, Brett, Lee, Frailey, Ragan, Bryan, Howard.
- On Public Expenditures -Messrs. Nebeker, Sherman, Smith, of Bartholomew, Knowlton, Lane, Woods, Robbins.
- on Corporations -Messrs. Parrett, Hurd, Ford, Combs, Collins, of Huntington, Erwin, Cooprider.
- On Enrolled Bills -Messrs. McLean, Frasier, Orr, Horton, Williams, Nebeker, Thomas.
- On Engrossed Bills -Messrs. Anderson, Woodruff, Huts, McClurg, Kitchen, Thompson, Jones, of Wayne.
STATE OF THE UNION.
Mr. WOODHULL submitted a resolution, which was referred to the Committee of Thirteen, declaring that the provisions of the Constitution of the United States are ample for the preservation of the Union and the protection of the National interests; that it needs to be obeyed rather than amended; and that the remedies for present difficulties are to be looked for in efforts to preserve and protect the property and enforce the laws, rather than in new guarantees, compromises, and concessions to unreasonable demands.
Mr. BUNDY submitted a joint resolution, which was referred to the Committee of Thirteen, setting forth, that whereas the preservation of the Federal Union is an object of such transcendent importance as to demand of every patriot the use of all just means to prevent its dismemberment; and whereas, a friendly interchange of opinion by people bound together by a common origin, language, laws and literature, tends greatly to strengthen the bonds of union and friendship; and whereas, the opinions and purposes of the people of the Northern or non-slaveholding States of the Union in reference to the domestic institutions of the Southern States have been greatly misrepresented, and are very much misunderstood by the people of those States; therefore resolved, &c., That His Excellency, the Governor, be requested to appoint one or more of the most eminent citizens of the State to proceed to such of our sister slaveholding States of the border, whose Legislatures are now or shortly hereafter may be in session, as he may deem proper ; and it shall be the duty of such commissioner, by public addresses or otherwise, to assure the people of those States of the sincere desire of the people of Indiana to preserve the American Union, and to protect all the' Constitutional rights of such slaveholding States.
Mr. ORR submitted resolutions, which go to the Committee of Thirteen, declaring that, whereas, there has been great complaint made by certain of the States of the United States against certain of the other States of the Republic, that they have existing on their statute books laws conflicting with the Constitution of the United States and the laws of Congress, particularly the law known as the Fugitive Slave Law: therefore be it resolved, that the Judiciary Committee shall examine the statutes of the State of Indiana to ascertain if they are in conflict with, or if there is any act or part of act now having the form of law in the State of Indiana, which, is in conflict with, or which will tend to hinder or prevent the just and faithful execution of the laws of the United States, made in pursuance of the second section of article four of the Constitution of the United States, &c., and report to this House as soon as practicable.
PETITIONS.
Mr. NEWMAN presented the petition of sundry citizens of Wayne county, asking for a modification in the law for the protection of wild game-diminishing the time to from. March 1 to November 1-which was referred to the Committee on Rights and Privileges.
Mr. HOWARD presented the petition of N. Field, and other citizens of Clark county, praying for authority for the admission of persons to the Lunatic Asylum who have been rendered insane from epilepsy ; which was read and referred to the Committee on Benevolent Institutions.
Mr. HENRICKS presented the memorial of the Board of Commissioners of the county of St. Joseph, praying for a repeal of the act exempting from taxation the property of manual labor schools, to the extent of 350 acres of land. The memorial gives an example of the injurious operation of said law in said county, in the incorporation of a society of monks in Clay township-the same parties being also incorporated as the University of Notre Dame du Lac, and asks that manual labor schools be placed on the same footing with regard to taxation, with other literary institutions.
On motion of Mr. HENRICKS, it was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.
Mr. VEATCH presented the petition of four citizens of Spencer county, asking for an efficient law for the protection of sheep against, their destruction by dogs; which was referred to the Committee on Agriculture.
GIBSON COUNTY COMMON PLEAS.
Mr. HOLCOMB, from the select committee thereon, returned the bill [H. R. 12] to change the time of holding the Common Pleas Court in Gibson county, recommending that it lie on the table, and reporting a bill [No. 69] in lieu thereof for the same object, recommending its passage. The bill [59] was accordingly passed the first and second readings, under a suspension of the rules, and ordered to be engrossed.
page: 62[View Page 62]On motion by Mr. JENKINSON, it was ordered that the select committee on the Northern State Prison be authorized to employ a clerk.
Mr. WILLIAMS submitted a resolution which was adopted, directing the Committee on Ways and Means in consideration of the present financial embarrassments, to inquire into the expediency of extending the time for the collection of taxes for town county and State purposes.
Mr. COLLINS, of Adams, submitted a resolution which was adopted, for the appointment of a special committee of three to inquire into the powers and duties of county commissioners and township trustees in regard to the construction of embankments for highways, &c.
The SPEAKER appointed Messrs Collins of Adams, Hopkins and Lee said committee.
Mr. EDSON submitted an order which was adopted, authorizing the Judiciary Committee to employ a clerk.
Mr. RAGAN submitted an order, which was adopted by consent, that 200 copies of the Standing Committees of the House of Representatives announced this morning be printed for the use of members.
Mr. ATKINSON submitted an order, which was adopted, directing the Committee on Education to inquire into the expediency of abolishing the Township Library system, and of applying the Library Fund to the Common School Fund.
Mr. JONES, of Vermillion, submitted an order to employ documentary clerks for the business of the stationery room; which he withdrew, with the understanding that the Stationery Committee first report the service to be performed.
Mr. WOODRUFF submitted an order, which was adopted, directing the Judiciary Committee to inquire into the expediency of amending the law providing for the settlement of decedants' estates, so as to authorize executors and administrators to administer the necessary qualifications to appraisers of personal property of estates.
NEGROES AND MULATTOES.
Mr. PROW submitted a resolution, that in the opinion of this House, it is inexpedient to allow negroes and mulattoes to attend as scholars in the common schools of the State, or to give testimony against white persons.
On motion by Mr. BUNDY, it was referred to the Committee on Rights and Privileges.
Mr. HEFFREN submitted an order, which was adopted, that the Committee on Roads inquire into the expediency of keeping the highways in repair by a poll and ad valorem tax, instead of by the present system.
Mr. ROBBINS submitted an order, which was adopted, directing the Committee on Roads to inquire into the expediency of requiring the supervisors of roads to require the two days' work required annually by law to be applied between the first day of June and the first day of October.
IDIOTS AND INSANE.
Mr. EDSON submitted a resolution directing the Committee on Benevolent Institutions to inquire into the expediency of establishing a school for idiots, and an asylum for the benefit of those unfortunate persons who have been admitted to the hospital for the insane and pronounced incurable.
Mr. E. said: According to the present law we had no provision for this class of persons The regulations of the Hospital provide that no idiot shall be admitted; and that persons pronounced incurably insane shall be sent back to their respective counties. It seemed to him that the same benevolence which was extended to the curable insane should not be withheld from idiots and the incurable insane. The object of the resolution was to inquire into the expediency of either establishing anew institution or making such additions to the Insane Asylum as will accomplish the object.
The resolution was adopted.
Mr. WARRUM submitted an order, which was adopted, directing the Committee on Roads to inquire into the expediency of amending the Road law, so as to require a certain number of days on the roads for personal privileges by such person as are required by law to work on the roads.
STATE OF THE UNION.
Mr. STOTSENBURG submitted a resolution declaring that whereas this House, in passing the resolution to refer all motions and resolutions of a national character to the special Committee of Thirteen, expressed a desire to have a report from that committee at an early day ; and whereas it is due to the conservative people of this State that the voice of Indiana should be heard on the side of peace and harmony amongst the States of the Union, and in favor of measures of peacification and conciliation ; therefore, resolved, that the said Committee of Thirteen be required to report to this House next Monday the final result of their action on all motions and resolutions of a national character, that have been or may have been then brought before them.
Mr. S. urged the adoption of this order from various considerations. We had been officially informed by the late Governor, that we were now unwilling witnesses of events pressing upon and imperatively demanding our attention. The Governor elect had also informed us that we were in the midst of events tending toward the disunion of the States. Now it was important that the voice of this General Assembly should be heard at an early day on the side of conciliation and harmony, he felt that he would be false to the interests of the county he represented here if he did not urge it upon the House that a fair expression of the sentiments of the people of Indiana may be given here speedily, such as shall assure the border States that we are on page: 63[View Page 63]the side of peace. His people were suffering deeply in the present condition of affairs. They earnestly desire this expression to be made. He could not speak with the same assurance as to other counties, but he believed of the whole State were anxious that this committee should report at an early day. It was a matter conceded by every member that this thing demands our immediate attention; and he hoped every member would be willing now to instruct this committee to report.
Mr. VEATCH. As a member of the Committeee of Thirteen, he would say merely that he represented a district of country occupying the same position toward the border slave States with that of the gentleman from Floyd; and he was certainly just as anxious to have a report made at an early day as that gentleman could be. But he did think it an unprecedented thing to begin to urge upon a committee charged with such a grave matter, to report within an hour after they had been announced. This committee had riot yet had time to meet. Surely the gentleman would restrain his impatience till the committee should have time to see each others' faces. Expedition, he knew, was required, but indecent haste, never.
Mr. PACKARD. I most heartily concur in the resolution of the gentleman from Floyd, and the remarks he has submitted for its support; and I certainly hope it will prevail. We have already been in session a week, and yet no voice has gone up from this House in reference to those matters which are of such vital importance, not only to the people of this State, but our common country. It is far from my purpose, Mr. Speaker, to urge forward this matter in order to drag before this body a lengthy, partizan discussion. I trust there is patriotism enough in this Chamber at this painful juncture in our national affairs to sink all partizan feeling-all pride of opinion-and rise to the rescue of a country our forefathers purchased at so costly a sacrifice, and around which our dearest hopes and interests cling.
Were each of us at this hour to appear before our constituents, what, Mr. Speaker, would be the first question asked of us? Is there any difference of opinion as to what that question would be? Would it not be, " What are you doing at the capitol to avert the disasters which so imminently threaten our country?" "Is not the great conservative State of Indiana, through her General Assembly, to be heard, and that too speedily, in this fearful crisis ?" In the face of what we have done in this body, how would we answer that constituency? Would we not hang our heads in confusion, and the blush of shame mantle our cheeks ? Would we dare to answer them that in our judgment matters of State legislation were of more importance than questions o this kind, and that therefore we had deferred them to a more convenient season? I tell you, Mr. Speaker, I fear our delay will be more fatal than that of Felix when he said to Paul, go thy way this time ; when I have a more convenient season I will send for you."
The concerns of our State are of importance, I grant, but are they, at this particular crisis, of that moment that measures are that look to the pacification of our troubles, and the preservation of the integrity of this Union. No, Mr. Speaker; all excuses of this kind would fall to the ground, before the face of an indignant constituency.
As I said before, we have already been in session about a week, and we have, in the mean time, introduced several bills, elected a number of officers, passed a series of unimportant resolutions, spent considerable time discussing the number of pages we would have upon this floor, qualified and inaugurated two Governors, but not one thing has been done for our distracted and divided country. On the contrary, we have ignored the fearful crisis, by refusing to hear and discuss any question looking to the disturbed condition of federal relations. Was this the case, Mr. Speaker, when events of no greater importance were crowding themselves upon an assembly in the city of Philadelphia, a little more than 84 years ago ?
I don't know how it is with other gentlemen upon this floor, but I do know that my constituents are looking with intense anxiety to the action of this Legislature in behalf of the Union. Irrespective of party they demanded of me, as a member of this body, that there should be prompt and early action in this behalf, and that Indiana should early show herself to be on the side of the Union, and for the peaceable adjustment of all the difficulties surrounding our country.
The citizens, in various parts of the State, irrespective of party, are holding Union-meetings, and in speeches and resolutions, expressing the sentiments that inspire them, and shall we, alone, be silent? We, of all the people, stand with folded hands, and look with indifference upon the events and issues s,o thickly crowding upon us? We, alone, turn a deaf ear to the mutterings of the gathering storm, and heed not the voice of patriotism calling upon us for help to save a common country ? God forbid that we should thus betray the sacred trust reposed in us that we should thus prove recreant to our high duty! It is a time for action-a time for counsel-as was expressed in the noble address introduced by the gentleman from Gibson, on Thursday morning, " events of an age are crowding themselves into an hour." At such a crisis, then, inaction becomes something more than impolitic, it becomes criminal. Let us then-
"Act, act in this living present,
Heart within,
and God overhead."
For these reasons, Mr. Speaker, I earnestly page: 64[View Page 64] hope the resolution of the gentleman from Floyd will prevail.
Mr. HEFFREN was sorry the resolution had been introduced. If it were proper to rehearse private conversation, Democrats here, he supposed, would be satisfied with an explanation he could make. He made this explanation in justice to the chairman of that Committee, Mr. Bundy.
Mr. BUNDY. In addition to the explanation of the gentleman from Washington and Harrison, it might be proper for him to say, for himself, that he did not yet know, and had not been able to find all the members of the Committee: and such had been the press of business, that it had been utterly impossible for him to do more than be had done. To satisfy those desiring an early report, he would say, that such of the members of the Committee as he had been able to see and converse with, had agreed that we should have an early report. He had no doubt that, by the middle of next week, the Committee would be ready to submit a report. Whether it would be such a report as all could agree upon or not, he could not say, of course; but he trusted that it might be so. He would say further, that there was no desire on the part of" the Committee to delay action.
Mr. STOTSENBERG had no desire to cast any reflection upon the Committee. He did not press for a report before the Senatorial election. He was willing, under the circumstances, to withdraw the resolution.
JUSTICES' JURISDICTION.
Mr. HAWORTH submitted a resolution, which was adopted, directing the Judiciary Committee to inquire into the expediency ot so amending the 10th section of that act providing for the election of a justice of the peace, and defining their jurisdiction, as to give them jurisdiction in cases founded on contract and tort, where the sum does not exceed $300.
EPILEPTICS AND IDIOTS.
Mr. CAMERON submitted an order, which was adopted, requiring the Committee on Benevolent Institutions to inquire into the expediency of taking the initiative at the present session of the General Assembly for establishing an asylum for epileptic patients and for the care of idiots.
ADJOURNMENT FOR SATURDAYS.
Mr. BUNDY submitted an amendment of the rules requiring the adjournments on Saturdays to be from 11 o'clock a.m., till Monday 2 o'clock p.m.; which lies over one day.
AFFAIRS OF THE NORTHERN STATE PRISON.
Mr. VEATCH submitted an order to increase the number of the Committee to Investigate the Northern State Prison to nine.
Mr. V. said this matter had been suggested to him. He had. no interest in it, himself, but supposed there would be something of a spicy war got up over it between his friends from the North. All he desired was that they might have a fair hearing. As the Committee was now constituted, there was no member to represent the present location He asked that at least one member be added to have an eye to that.
Mr. JENKINSON hoped the House would not increase the Committee. There appeared to be a peculiar concern on the part of the Directors of the Prison, and a great deal of outside pressure. Let the Committee stand, and if he did not show that a baser fraud was never committed, he would give it up.
The SPEAKER stated again that he had endeavored carefully to fill the Committee with disinterested men.
Mr. HEFFREN. The Committee were only to inquire into the alleged frauds in the case.
Mr. CAMERON. The eligibility of the location was part of the inquiry. His amendment to leave that out did not prevail. He understood that it was the intention of the gentleman from Allen to show that the location was bad. Why. then, should not at least, one man be added to the Committee, knowing something of the location, &c. There was one thing in favor of the present location. It was where all the goods manufactured would be carried out of the State.
Mr. BINGAAM was in favor of increasing the number, as asked in the resolution.
Mr. GRESHAM thought it evident there was going to be a strike against the location at Michigan City, and that it was no more than right that the friends of that location should be represented on the Committee.
Mr. PACKARD was about midway between Fort Wayne and Michigan City. He concurred with the gentleman from Porter, thinking it inexpedient to revise the location. But since it was to be done, Michigan City ought to be represented.
Mr. VEATCH modified his resolution so ns to ask for but an increase of one instead of two-making eight members.
Mr. STOTSENBERG proposed to amend by submitting that the committee inquire what amount of money has been expended in the location and construction of said prison ; how much it would require to finish the same; and what it would cost to add 400 cells in a suitable and proper addition to the old prison at Jeffersonville, sufficient to provide for the accommodation of 400 additional convicts.
The SPEAKER ruled the amendment out of order.
Mr. JENKINSON spoke of $91,000 of expense incurred-of the equivocal position of parties concerned-of the disadvantages of the location at Michigan-six miles to haul sand! He did riot think anything obtained in fraud could be right.
Mr. GRESHAM did not think this the proper time to make charges.
page: 65[View Page 65]Mr. SHERMAN concurred. When the proper time should come, they would be ready to vindicate the claims of the present location. It was certainly the object in the proposed investigation to give the North a fair represention. But in the organization of the Standing Committee on the Penitentiary he perceived that there was not an individual on it presenting the North. So the Standing Committee could not be expected in this respect to operate as a check on the Special Committee. If the committee were to investigate the claims of the location, he held that there should be some person on it acquainted with the location and the amount of work done. He denied the right of the Special Committee to assume the duties of the Standing Committee.
Mr. JENKINSON demanded the yeas and nays, which were taken, and the order was adopted by yeas 84, nays 13.
The SPEAKER accordingly appointed Mr. Sherman the additional member of the committee.
Mr. HEFFREN submitted an order, which was adopted, that the committee to investigate the Northern State Prison inquire and report what propositions have been made by any person or persons in any part of the State for the location of the prison, site at any given point.
RAILROAD APPRAISEMENTS.
Mr. GROVER submitted a resolution which was adopted, requiring the Auditor of State to inform the House what railroads have been re-appraised under the provisions of the 86th section of the appraisement law of 1852, &c.; and whether, &c.
Mr. BURGESS submitted an order that the committee to investigate the affairs of the Northern State Prison be allowed the privilege of employing one or more messengers, as may be necessary for their investigation.
Mr. PARRETT proposed to amend by making the number definite-one or two.
Mr. BURGESS. One man could not do the work. He was willing to accept two.
And so the order was adopted.
Mr. FRASIER moved to reconsider the vote adopting Mr. Heffren's order above. Me lived in a town where no proposition had been made for the location of the prison, and could speak without any suspicion of interested motives. He considered that the people of the State could not be concerned to know what inducement may have been offered for the location, and that this proposition would result in nothing but waste of money.
Mr. STOTSENBERG seconded the motion. The only proper inquiry at this time was, whether we ought to go on and finish this Northern Prison, or whether money would not be saved by throwing away what has been done, and making additional cells to the Jeffersonville Prison. He was opposed to inquiring into alleged frauds when nothing practical could be gained by it.
Mr. HEFFREN. It was well known that excitement had been raised in Fort Wayne and Logansport about this location ; and it had been alleged that citizens of the latter place had raised and tendered a certain sum of money for the location. If madam rumor was to be credited, these places were as deep in the mire as Michigan City. He was sorry to hear the gentleman from Allen say there had been fraud ; but since there was to be an examination, let it be seen if those of any other locality have been trying to get their hands fraudulently into the people's pockets. He hoped this would not, be made a one-sided investigation. Let us approach the question as we ought to-probe it, to the bottom. It seemed to be a, case of rivalship between two or three cities. May be some of them had been cheated. For all the purposes of fairness and impartiality, he believed the business of the committee, would have been better done without, either the gentleman from Allen or the gentleman from Laporte.
Mr. FRASIER. If he understood it, the inquiry was whether any fraud had been committed either in the location or construction. But this resolution directed an inquiry into all kinds of frauds, if any have been made, to influence the location. What matters it if the citizens of Fort Wayne had offered lands or if they had corruptly offered the commissioners money, so long as their money had not been accepted? If he understood it, the investigation does not contemplate matters of this kind. If the bribe offered had not been received, did it import anything? Were the commissioners chargeable with fraud? It might be a different question if it could, be proved that a corrupt bribe had been offered received. But the allegation did not cover that.
Mr. CAMERON. The history of this Northern Prison had placed a figure on the history of the State; therefore it, had been proposed to investigate it. Let it be thorough and complete. It was well known that the commissioners at the first made the location at Fort Wayne. Now we wish to know by what means it was located at Fort Wayne, as well as by what menas Michigan City was able to over-size her pile.
Mr. JENKINSON had seen the record-wanted a full investigation. Fort Wayne would meet the gentleman, and if she didn't show a clean record, he would give it up. But if a damnable conspiracy were proved, he wanted the House to condemn it.
Mr. PARRETT saw no good to result from going into an investigation for the purpose of ministering to the passions of gentlemen. It would be wholly useless expense. He would vote for the reconsideration.
Mr. BUNDY concurred. He had no preference as to where this institution should be located. He would vote for the reconsideration, page: 66[View Page 66] but was opposed to the whole of it-opposed to the investigation itself-because we did not need this Penitentiary. He was for repealing the law authorizing this prison, and establishing a House of Correction. We did not want this Northern Prison. It was the original intention that it should cost but $50, 000. Now it appeared that it was to cost three-quarters of a million. It might be the cheapest investment the State could make of this $50,000 just to let it go.
On motion of Mr. GRESHAM the motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
The SPEAKER announced the Committee of Invitation to the President elect of the United States, viz : Messrs, Cameron, Branham, Jones of Vermillion' Veatch, Henricks, Stotsenberg and Packard.
SCHOOL MONEY.
Mr. STOTSENBERG presented a preamble and resolution, which was adopted, setting forth, that it appears from the 8th annual report of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, that there is now $255,000 which has not been distributed amongst the counties, and directing the Committee on Education to inquire into the expediency of authorizing the several County Treasurers to retain their pro rata shares, &c.
On motion by Mr. WOODS, the Committee on Public Expenditures was authorized to employ a clerk.
Mr. KITCHEN submitted an order, that the Committee on Mileage report on the expediency of changing the law regulating the mileage of sheriffs earring convicts to the Penitentiary, &c.
The SPEAKER. There is no Committee on Mileage under the rules of the House.
On motion by Mr. STOTSENBERG, it was referred to the Committee on Public Expenditures.
On the motion of Mr. TURNER, the Auditor of State was directed to inform the House what sums have been paid to the Attorney General since the 1st of January, 1859, on account of cases attended in the Supreme Court.
LAW OF DESCENT.
Mr. BRUCKER submitted a resolution which was adopted, directing the Committee on the Judiciary to inquire into the expediency of amending the law for descent of lands held by foreigners having declared their intention to become citizens in such manner that their property shall descend to their heirs the same as though they had been citizens of the United States.
The House then adjourned.
