IN SENATE.
MONDAY, April 29, 1861.The PRESIDENT laid before the Senate a communication from the Adjutant General of the Indiana militia, enclosing a report of the number of volunteer companies reporting themselves as ready for duty; which, together with sundry instructions following a proposition to refer to the Military Committee, was laid on the table.
Mr. STEELE introduced a joint resolution, S. No. 3, which was read and referred to the Committee on Federal Relations.
Mr. NEWCOMB, from the Judiciary Committee, returned his bill No. 8, introduced yesterday morning, recommending passage.
The report was concurred in.
On motion by Mr. WOLFE, the joint resolution, H. R. 1, printed in the House proceedings of Friday morning, was taken up, and being read, he proposed an amendment as follows:
Resolved, That in thus pledging the State of Indiana to the maintenance of the Federal Union, it is not the intention of this State that any of her resources of either men or money, shall ever be employed either directly or indirectly in any aggression upon the institution of slavery or any other constitutional right which belongs to any of the States, and that while Indiana is not willing to surrender any of her constitutional rights, it is her ardent desire that the present unhappy difficulties shall be speedily settled in a manner alike honorable and satisfactory to all sections of the Union, and to that end our Senators in Congress are instructed and our Representatives requested to vote for the calling of a Convention of the States or any other proposition looking to a speedy, honorable and peaceful solution of our national troubles.
On motion by Mr. MELLETT, the joint resolution and amendments were referred to the Committee on Federal Relations.
Mr. STUDABAKER, from the committee on finance, returned the bill [H. R. 12.] "to provide for the defense of the State of Indiana" &c., recommending its, passage, with the following amendments:
Insert after the word "men" in the second line on the second page, these words, "including such as are now our land fit for service, and such as he may be able to procure from the General Government." Amend by striking out the word "six," where it occurs in the second section, and insert the word "five."
The report was concurred in, and the amendments were adopted.
Mr. COBB moved to recommit the bill with instructions to strike out "$500,000," and insert in lieu thereof, "$300,000." page: 28[View Page 28] On motion by Mr. HULL, the motion was laid on the table.
On motion by Mr. STUDABAKER, the bill was considered as engrossed and read the third time.
Mr. COBB. I think $500,000 is too much for the State of Indiana to appropriate for the purchase of arms. It seems to me that we are legislating upon the principle that Indiana is a free and independent nation of itself, and that it goes into this war as such, to fight its own battles against the world. Why, sir, I understand that the Federal Government is the great prime leader in this war, if we have a war at all, and that the government of the United States owes to the State of Indiana protection. And when we have once purchased arms for the State, there is no obligation upon the General Government to take the arms from us, and pay back the money. Do we want stands of arms for 20,000 men, in addition to what we have and what the General Government will give us? It is the duty of the General Government to supply the State of Indiana with arms, and not only arms but men and means by which we can be protected. It seems to me that the principle upon which this bill is based, is that the State, of Indiana is to go to war with enemies surrounding her everywhere, and that she will look to no other source than that of her citizens for protection. It looks to me to be unnecessary to provide such a large sum. I maybe mistaken, but I cannot consent now to cast my vote for this bill. I am willing to go to the full extent of the necessity; but it seems to me that when the State plunges herself into debt a half a million of dollars in this way, it is going beyond what the state of the case requires. Whenever the necessity of the case arises for the appropriation of half a million of dollars with which to buy arms, I shall be as anxious as any man to cast my vote for it; but I do not conceive that necessity has arisen, nor do I believe it ever will arise. I believe the Government of the United States has implements of warfare sufficient to supply all the wants of its armies; but if the General Government is deficient, the General Government will buy as soon as the State of Indiana can. I understand the General Govern merit is buying all the arms necessary to carry on the war. That we owe allegiance to that government is proven by the acts of the State of Indiana; and the General Government owes us protection.
Mr. CLAYPOOL. I do not understand that it is the duty of the General Government to arm the citizen soldiery or the volunteers of the State of Indiana. The first thing which ought to be done by this Senate is to determine, if it is not already) determined, whether there is or is not a war necessity upon us. I think it is determined, and I think we ought to act upon this bill and vote upon it to-day, and show the country that we are going to do something. Under the provisions of this bill not a dollar of this money need be expended if the arms are in Indiana or if they can be procured from the General Government. I would arm the citizens of the State with a jack knife if I could not do anything more. I would not stick here in a state of inactivity while we are in a state of war. This is the first bill which has been introduced here that amounts to anything, and I say pass it. I trust it will pass just exactly as it is.
Mr. HAMILTON. We ought to provide the State of Indiana with arms. * * * I have learned not to count the cost in this matter, though I believe I am in the habit of counting the cost as much as any other gentleman upon this floor. This is not the time for economy; it is the time for action, and I trust this bill will pass.
Mr. WOLFE. I believe the State ought to have arms, but the simple question is how are to get them? I have not been able to ascertain whether the General Government is enabled to furnish us arms, and if it does not then we should be in a position to supply ourselves, and that is what the bill itself contemplates. I was not in favor of the passage of this bill as it came from the House, but I think the amendments of the committee cover all objections. If adequate provisions are not made by this Legislature to meet the wants of the people in this emergency, then the people along the border counties will be compelled to make appropriations to defend themselves; and if we arm ourselves at the expense of the counties we never can come up here and ask the Legislature to relieve us, for there is a constitutional; provision which prevents the State from ever refunding a debt incurred by a county. Will you then say that the people of the border States shall bear this great burden?
Mr. President CRAVENS. (Mr. Tarkington in the chair.) It is true the General Government will arm us when it has the power, but when its strong arm has been paralyzed by treason, shall we remain with our hands folded, and say to the General Government, "Arm us, it is your war?" The border belongs to the people of Indiana and to the' Republic. Is it not in danger? Who knows but that the foe is on us now? We have no guarantee that Kentucky has not gone out of the Union. But she is doing the people of Indiana and this republic more harm than though she were among the secession States. Her people are trampled down, arms are in the hands of the secessionists, and Union sentiments are suppressed. Let us have no more hesitation and delay. We have six regiments of troops mustered into the service of the United States, and there have not been arms enough to arm these men by one thousand. Yet we must fold our arms and wait - wait, till we are tied hand and foot. Sir, I hope the vote will be taken on this bill, and that we will have no more of this waiting for conviction.
Mr. STUDABAKER, We must place in the hands of the Governor means and some discretion of power to act as the emergency arises. I have no idea - I do not distrust him for a moment. I cannot think, if we do place in the hands of the Executive this power, that he will abuse it. I believe that the emergency of the times requires us to so act, and I think this bill should be passed without delay.
Mr. MARCH. I have no desire to run any bill helter skelter through this body. Unless every Senator expresses his opinion here freely, there is no certainty as to the correctness of our conclusions. If we can come out right, and I page: 29[View Page 29] have no doubt but we will, I have no doubt the General Government will remunerate the State, It has been done heretofore. It was done in the lust war with Great Britain. I trust this bill will pass unanimously.
The bill finally passed the Senate by yeas 39, nays 0.
And then came the recess till 2.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
Mr. MELLETT, from the Committee on Military Affairs, returned the joint resolution [H. R. No. 2,] recommending that the same be amended as follows: Strike out the words "one thousand" and insert in lieu thereof, the words "five thousand." And insert after the words "counties of" the words "Dearborn, Ohio, Switzerland and Jefferson." And by adding after the word "Posey" the following: "Said arms to be sent and distributed in accordance with an act entitled an act to organize the militia, providing for the appointment and prescribing the duties of certain officers thereof." Approved June 14, 1852.
The report was concurred in and the amendment adopted.
On motion by Mr. SLACK, the resolution was further amended by adding in the proper place the words, "to be distributed at the discretion of the Governor."
The resolution, as amended, was passed the Senate by yeas 36, nays 0.
Mr. COBB, from the Committee on Military Affairs, returned Senator Ferguson's bill, No. 10, introduced Saturday, recommending that no further legislation is necessary on the subject.
On motion by Mr. MILLER, the bill was recommitted.
Mr. MILLER, from the Committee on Military Affairs, returned Senator Line's bill No. 3, introduced on Thursday, recommending that it lie on the table; legislation upon the subject being deemed inexpedient.
The report was concurred inaffirmative 20, negative 8.
Mr. MILLETT, from the Committee on Military affairs, returned Senator Wagner's bill, No. 1, introduced Thursday, recommending its passage with the following amendments:
Strike out section one, from the enacting clause, and insert in lieu thereof these words: "That the Governor be authorized and required to call into the active service of the State six regiments of volunteer militia, to be composed of the companies which have been organized and reported to the Adjutant General under and pursuant to the proclamation of the Governor, and which have not been mustered into the service of the United States, to be received and mustered into the service of the State in the order in which they were organized and reported to the Adjutant General. And if the companies so organized and reported are not sufficient to constitute the number hereby required, companies in counties which have no companies in the service of the State or United States, shall have the preference in the order in which they may be tendered. Said regiments, when so called into service, are to serve for the term of twelve months, unless sooner discharged by the Governor. The said six regiments to be divided into cavalry, artillery and infantry by the Governor, as the service may demand."
Amend section three by striking out the words "four Brigadier Generals" and inserting "two Brigadier Generals;" and strike out section six.
Mr. WOLFE moved to amend by adding to the 4th section the following:
And while in the active service of the State the officers shall receive one-half of said compensation, and when retired from active service said officers and privates shall receive one-half the pay which they receive in the active service of the State.
Mr. CLAYPOOL. I trust the necessity for keeping these troops in the field will have passed within three months, six months or twelve months, and I am willing to pay them so that they will be a credit to the State and not a disgrace. I believe it is our policy, and that it is economy to give such salary as will command the best talent of the State. I know there are men wholly unfitted, which will rush forward, and if they appoint such persons they are criminal before the people of the State, and little short of guilty of murder. I should consider any man criminal that would be willing to accept a position who had not the qualifications and some training in this line. Let us hold out inducements for men to educate themselves in this profession.
Mr. MARCH proposed to amend the amendment by striking out "one half" and inserting "three-quarters" To be an officer, and command 100,000 men, and wheel then in such a manner as to strike an effective blow, does require the highest human capacity. I want to know if there should be that distinction in the pay of officers and men? They are fighting not for pay, not for a tyrant nor for a throne, but for the principle of free government, for the most glorious flag that ever floated in the breeze of Heaven. Whenever these men are called into active service, then I am willing to pay them full pay. The commissioned officers in Ohio only get half pay, and I believe when we propose to pay them three-fourths, it is liberal.
Mr. TARKINGTON moved to lay the amendment on the table.
Mr. CARNAHAN moved to include the bill in the motion to table.
Mr. TARKINGTON seconded a division of the question.
The amendment by Mr: Wolfe was laid on the table - yeas 20, nays 19 - as follows:
YEAS - Messrs. Beeson, Blair, Claypool, Cobb, Conner, Craven of Madison, Cravens of Jefferson, De Hart, Hamilton, Hull, Mellet, Miller, Murray, O'Brien, Ray, Slack, Steele, Tarkington, Teegarden and Wagner 19.
NAYS - Messrs. Bearss, Campbell, Carnahan, Conley, Culver, Dickinson, Ferguson, Johnston, Line, March, Robinson, Stone, Studabaker, Turner, White, Williams, Wilson and Wolfe - 17.
The Senate refused to table Mr. March's amendment by yeas 15, nays 24. The Senate also refused to table the bill by yeas 2, nays 35.
Mr. SLACK offered the following amendment:
"Said companies shall be received and mustered into service in the order the rolls are filed and the companies marched to the Capital."
On Mr. STEELE'S motion this amendment was laid on the table.
Mr. March's amendment was then agreed to.
Mr. RAY offered the following amendment:
Amend by adding in the proper place the following: "One of which regiments shall be cavalry. The cavalry shall be enlisted for and during the war, unless sooner discharged. The regiment already offered having been tendered for the war, and having been accepted by the Governor, subject to the provisions to be enacted by this General Assembly, the Governor is hereby authorized to muster such regiment into the service of the State, and to equip the same as soon as practicable "
page: 30[View Page 30]On motion by Mr. STEELE, this amendment was laid on the table.
Mr. RAY offered the following amendment, which was also laid on the table:
Amend by inserting in the proper place: "Provided that the Governor may discharge said troops at any time when peace shall be restored, or when it shall appear to the Governor that their services are no longer necessary for home protection or drill for the service of the United States."
Mr. RAY submitted the following, which was adopted:
Amend by inserting in the proper place: "That the troops organized under the protection of this act, shall be subject to the order of the .Governor of the State to fulfill any requisitions made for troops on this State by the President of the United States."
Mr. WILLIAMS submitted the following, which was adopted:
Strike out "Major General" and "one brigadier."
Mr. MELLETT moved that the bill be considered as engrossed and read the third time now.
On motion by Mr. CONNER, this motion was laid on the table - yeas 21, nays 14.
On motion by Mr. CONNER, all that part of the bill which relates to the cavalry was stricken out - yeas 21, nays 16 - as follows:
YEAS - Messrs. Bearss, Beeson, Berry, Blair, Claypool, Conner, Dickinson, Hamilton, Hull, Johnston, Landers, Line, March, Murray, Hobinson, Steele, Stone, Studabaker, Teegarden, Turner, White - 21.
NAYS - Messrs. Campbell, Carnahan, Cobb, Conley, Cravens, of Jefferson, Culver, DeHart, Ferguson, Mellett, O'Brien, Ray, Shoemaker, Slack, Tarkington, Williams, Wolfe - 16.
The bill as thus amended was ordered to be engrossed; considered as engrossed, read the third time and passed - yeas 34, nays 3.
So the bill passed with amendment of title striking out "twelve regiments and inserting "six regiments."
MEMORY OF MR. ROBBINS.
Mr. LINE, from the select committee thereon, submitted the following report:
WHEREAS, We have learned with deep sorrow that the Hon. Richard Robbins, a member of this body from the county of Decatur, departed this life on the 14th day of March, 1861.
AND WHEREAS, we deem it due to the memory of the deceased to express our deepest sympathies for the family of the deceased, in this, their great bereavement, that carries to the heart of the wife that pang which can never be forgotten, that she is a widow, and to the children that they are fatherless; therefore,
Resolved, That we bow to the high behests of Him who doeth all things well; that, while He giveth, He hath a right to take away.
Resolved, That we do deeply sympathize with the family of the deceased, in this, their great bereavement and affliction
Resolved, That a copy of this preamble and resolutions be signed by the President and Secretary of the Senate, and forwarded to the family of the deceased, at Greensburg, Decatur county, Indiana.
Mr. LINE. Mr. President, the Hon. Richard Robbins was born at Madison, in the county of Jefferson, while our State was a territory, in the year 1811, from thence he moved to the county of Preble, Ohio - spent two winters in the Miami University with the proceeds of his own labor - graduated in the Cincinnati Medical College - spent one winter in the practice of his profession in Louisiana - returned to the county of Rush in this State, where he sold goods and superintended a farm for several years, and also practiced medicine - moved to Cincinnati and engaged in the wholesale grocery business for one year. In 1854 he removed from Cincinnati to Greensburg, and commenced the study of law, in 1855 was admitted to the bar, and commenced the practice of law, with good success. In politics, the deceased was a Republican, and though warm and ardent in the support of his political principles, he was courteous and liberal towards those who differed with him in these matters. In 1856 he was a delegate to the Philadelphia convention, which nominated John C. Fremont for the Presidency. In 1860 he was nominated by his political party, as a candidate for a seat in this body, from the county of Decatur, and was elected over his opponent by a majority of 312. At the commencement of the last regular session, the deceased came to Indianapolis, and though he remained here some thirty days, owing to his extreme debility, he was only able to be in his seat some eight or ten days. On the 6th of February last, he returned home to receive those kind offices which only a wife and friends can bestow in the hours of affliction, and never left his room till his decease, which occurred March 14th, 1861. The deceased was a member of the Presbyterian church, and in all the relations of life shed a lustre on the Christian profession, and though a family mourn the loss of a husband, a father, and a friend, they mourn not as those who have no hope.
Mr. DeHART and Mr. CLAYPOOL followed in brief funereal addresses, and then
The resolutions were unanimously adopted.
Mr. CLAYPOOL, from the select committee thereon, returned Senator Hamilton's, the resolution introduced Saturday relative to the statement of Commissary General Mansur, recommending the following amendment by way of substitute:
WHEREAS, The answer of the Commissary General to the resolution of the Senate of the 26th inst. is deemed unsatisfactory and insufficient: Therefore,
Be it resolved, That said Commissary General be and he is hereby required to report to the Senate, specifically and particularly, the amount and kind of provisions, groceries, &c., purchased by him for the troops in and near Camp Morton, from whom purchased and the prices paid respectively therefor, and whether the same were purchased by contract or otherwise; if by contract, whether any notice thereof was given; if so, how was it given. Also, report the quantity and kind of provisions and groceries furnished each man per diem, and the cost of each article thereof giving the average cost per diem of provisioning each man. And to further report what provisions have been donated and by whom, and the kind thereof.
The amendment was agreed to, and so the revolution was adopted.
On motion by Mr. O'BRIEN, to was -
Resolved, That the Committee on Military Affairs be requested to inquire into the propriety of reporting a bill providing for the establishment of a board of competent physicians, whose duty it shall be to examine into and report as to the qualifications of all applicants for the appointment of Surgeon and Assistant Surgeon in any of the volunteer regiments of this State.
And then the Senate adjourned.
