HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
SATURDAY, May 4, 1861.Mr. FORD, Mr. BLACK, Mr. KNOWLTON and Mr. PROSSER asked and obtained leave to record their votes on the passage of the three regiment bill yesterday. They voted no.
Mr. DOBBINS had leave to vote aye, on the passage of the same bill.
On the motion of Mr. FISHER, the reading of the journal of yesterday was dispensed with.
RETURN OF THE VOLUNTEERS.
Mr. HEFFREN submitted the following:
Be it resolved (the Senate concurring therein), That the Governor be directed to return to their respective homes all such companies as have come to this city without orders, or in violation of the same; and that all companies that may hereafter come here without orders or in violation of the same be by him remanded in the same manner.
Mr. H. said it had been supposed for a few days past that there would be a call for more troops; but the Governor had informed him this morning that there would be no call for troops for the present. Gen. Wallace had told him that many companies had come here without orders, and in violation of orders. The cost of keeping these men here was 35 cents per day to the man. There was no use in our feeding 5,000 men here at Indianapolis, when there was no use for them whatever.
Mr. BUNDY suggested the propriety of adding the words, "at their own expense."
Mr. HEFFREN. Oh, no.
Mr. GRESHAM. I undertake to say, that there are companies that have come here under orders, and that there is no evidence of the fact in the Adjutant General's office. Now, if you should return such companies, it would be wrong and unfair. I would request the gentleman from Washington and Harrison to hold up his resolution till the six regiment or the three regiment bill, which ever you call it, can be disposed of.
Mr. HEFFREN. One reason why I introduce this resolution, is the obstinate determination evinced on the part of some captains to come in here with men, and force themselves on the State, in violation of the rights of others.
Mr. GRESHAM. Still, when they come in good faith, he disliked sending them back; and he undertook to say, that there were companies here accepted which ought not to have been here. He hoped the gentleman would withdraw the resolution for the present.
Mr. HEFFREN. But why should these men have the preference who are coming up here now in violation of orders?
Mr. NEBEKER was satisfied that something like this ought to be done.
Mr. FRASIER. Had the Adjutant General kept any books at all?
Mr. NEBEKER. He did not know. The Adjutant had done his business in a hurry. He knew one of the companies from Fountain county came without orders, as appears on the books, but with orders received by them.
Mr. ERWIN was opposed to the resolution. It would do injustice to volunteers from his county. He named a case. He wanted what is equal."
Mr. FRASIER. For that very reason, he was in favor of the resolution. Men were coming up in the face of orders, to get advantage of those who are drilling at their own expense at home. For the order of the companies must be that in which service is tendered and accepted. It had been well said, by the Adjutant General, that any captain coming up here in violation of orders, was not fit to command a company.
Mr. TURNER proposed to amend by adding these words:
Except such companies as have received orders from some officer having competent authority to issue the same, the evidence of which shall be the order itself.
Mr. DOBBINS supported the resolution.
Mr. BINGHAM. The term of enlistment being changed in the six regiment bill, many would not be willing to go into the service, and he thought, therefore, that the men here ought to be retained for the present.
Mr. WOODHULL would retain all, or send all home. The resolution was invidious.
Mr. MOORMAN demanded the previous question, and under its operation, the amendment was rejected.
Mr. HEFFREN said the companies here now cost the State $26,000 a week.
The resolution was adopted.
DEFICIENCIES.
Mr. FISHER submitted the following, which was adopted: That the Auditor, Secretary and Treasurer of State, be requested to communicate to this House what omissions were made in the appropriation bills, and what items are deficient in amount.
Mr. HAYS submitted a formal order, that when this House adjourns, it shall be till Monday, at 2 o'clock, P. M., which was laid on the table.
The SPEAKER caused a communication to be read to the House, which was an intimation from sundry ladies of Indianapolis, that an opportunity was afforded for members to make their individual contributions, towards their fund for arming the troops at camp with copies of the New Testament.
Mr. WOODHULL submitted the following:
Resolved, That the Governor be directed to return to their respective homes, all the troops now here, and not mustered into service.
SIX REGIMENT BILL.
On the motion of Mr. FISHER, this resolution was passed over informally, and the Senate message just communicated by Mr. Brown, their Sec- page: 74[View Page 74] retary, announcing that body's refusal to concur in the amendments of the House to the six regiment bill, was taken up. On his further motion it was -
Ordered, That the House insists on its amendments and asks for a committee of conference thereon.
Whereupon, the SPEAKER appointed Messrs. Fisher, Gresham, and Heffren, to constitute said committee on the part of the House.
Mr. Woodhull spoke at length on his resolution, asking for definite action thereon.
On motion of Mr. WILLIAMS, it was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.
Mr. VEATCH submitted the following:
Resolved, That the committee of conference be instructed to insist on no greater number than four regiments, and that they should be dismissed without pay when not needed.
The SPEAKER ruled it out. The House could not trouble a committee of free conference with resolutions.
SUBSISTENCE OF TROOPS.
The SPEAKER laid before the House a communication from the Commissary General, Isaiah Mansur, in reply to the resolution of Mie 30th, introduced by Mr. Henricks concerning the supply of military stores and rations, the manner of the purchase, the cost, &c., which was read by the Clerk.
Mr. HEFFREN. Either the soldiers are great liars, or that report is not reliable. On his motion, it was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.
On motion by Mr. FISHER, the bill [S. 16] providing for the manner of procuring, and the quality of subsistence and stores in the Commissary's and Quartermaster's Department for the volunteer and military forces of this State, and providing punishment for the violation thereof, was taken and passed the first reading.
On his further motion, (the rules being suspended for the purpose,) it was read the second time by title, and referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.
ORDER OF ACCEPTANCE OF VOLUNTEERS.
The SPEAKER now announced the consideration of the special order for this hour (10 o'clock,) viz: the report of the special committee to inquire into the order in which volunteer companies have been reported to the Adjutant General, &c.
The report was read, being a list of the companies reported to the Adjutant General's office, in excess of the six regiments mustered into the service of the United States, with the names of their Captains and counties.
After numerous suggestions of corrections,
Mr. VEATCH moved to recommit the report, with instructions to strike from the list all companies that have not their rolls filed in the Adjutant General's office, and rank the companies in the order of their roll-files.
Mr. BUNDY and others cited cases for consideration.
Mr. FORD cited the case of a Captain who told him that he telegraphed that his company was ready, and got it accepted before he had a man in his company.
Mr. WILSON stated that the fourth company raised in Jefferson county, when they were ready to march, received instructions to hold on and keep themselves in readiness. The Captain done so. They had been kept under drill on expense in the city of Madison; and he asked whether they should not be remunerated.
Mr. WOODHULL knew a company which had been in camp several days. The Captain had not yet filed his muster-roll. He had offered it to the Adjutant General, and had been told it not necessary.
Mr. KNOWLTON hoped that the resolution would not be adopted, because, since Captain Brown who had offered his company had received orders to wait, others had been allowed to come in and file their rolls.
Mr. CASON. This was the report of a committee appointed to investigate the Adjutant General's office. I should like to know what right this House has to 0 into the Adjutant's office to see whether he has kept his books in order. If we are to instruct the Adjutant General to send troops home, it seems to me it must be done by concurrent resolution. I think all this outside the province of the House. We can do no more than to receive this information and act upon it.
SIX REGIMENT BILL.
On motion by Mr. FISHER, the report was passed over to enable him to make the following report from the Committee of Conference, appointed this day:
Mr. Speaker, the Committee of Free Conference, to whom was referred the Senate bill No. 1 and, the disagreeing votes thereon between the two Houses, have agreed upon the following, and report the same to the House for its action with the following recommendations, viz.:
The Senate recedes from its disagreement to the House amendment in line 36 section 1. [''Three years." The cavalry.]
The House recedes from its amendment to said section as to the proviso. [Preference to companies in counties in which none have been accepted.]
The Senate recedes from its disagreement to House amendment to section 2, lines 10 and 11. [Two Lieutenants.]
The Senate recedes from its disagreement to the House amendment in section 4, line 6. [Three quarters pay of officers.]
The Senate recedes from its disagreement to section 5, ["Public" notice of recall to service.]
The House recedes from its amendment called section 6. [Mr. Bundy's amendment.]
The House recedes from its amendment in line 6, section 1. ["Seven" regiments.]
The Senate recedes from its disagreement to House amendment, line 6, section 4. ["Rules and," "United States" Army.]
The Senate recedes from its disagreement to amendment as to last section. [The number.]
The Senate recedes from its disagreement to the amendment of the House of Representatives in section 3. [One Brigadier General," &c.]
The House recedes from its amendment as to the title.
HORACE HEFFREN,
S. FISHER.
W. Q. GRESHAM,
B. F. CLAYPOOL,
J. D.
CONNER,
M. M.
RAY.
Mr. VEATCH hoped the House would not concur in this report. He was not tenacious about his own views, but there is one provision in the bill he regarded as wrong - the power to keep in service and dismiss troops on half pay when not needed. That was open to glaring injustice and wrong. page: 75[View Page 75] Mr. FISHER. That matter was not before the committee.
Mr. VEATCH. But I desire to consider that matter.
The SPEAKER. The chair decides that the debate must now be confined to the matter that was before the committee.
Mr. VEATCH was going to confine himself exclusively to the report. He had never known before a ruling that would cut off the consideration of anything properly connected with the question. The reason why he was not in favor of concurring was, first, by this report they had restored the six regiments; and secondly, that these six regiments are to be quartered upon the State, and kept on half pay when there is no use for them. He might consent to this if the committee had agreed on but three or four regiments. But when they insist there shall be six regiments, and that these six regiments shall be kept on half pay when the State does not need their services, he insisted that the House ought not to agree to the report so far as that is concerned.
A VOICE. They won't neither.
Mr. VEATCH. There were various estimates, but none of the distinguised men who have made them seem to have any distinct idea as to how much these regiments are going to cost. But in the army of the United States the estimate was that it costs about $1,000,000 annually to maintain one regiment of men. At such a time as this we could scarcely touch anything by appropriation of money, that there is not likely to be a large amount of wastage in it. Favoritisms would creep in and men would hang round like vultures about a dead body seeking to fatten on the State regardless of the rights and interests of the people. For these six regiments he supposed there were now anxiously regarding the proceedings of this body at least six gentlemen who are, or who suppose themselves, qualified to be colonels, six more who desire to be lieutenant colonels; and one at least who expects to be made bragadier general. If the exigencies of the country required that we should put into camp five thousand or twenty thousand, or any number of men., he would be ready to go for the measure; but when they are not needed he was not willing to support any man on half pay to do nothing or even less than nothing; though he repeated that he might assent even to that if the number were reduced to three regiments - consent to have them quartered upon us at half pay. But when it came to putting six regiments upon us it was a public burden a little too heavy to be borne. He did not want to stint their pay. If they have to fight, pay them: but if there is no need for them he would leave it to the discretion of the Governor to let them go out of the service on the same footing with the other militia of the State.
Mr. JENKINSON said the gentleman from Spencer was right. This was a bill for the benefit of officers. He would give millions for arms if necessary. He would arm every man for defense. This bill was only made for camp life. He said if this bill should pass it would kill every man that would vote for it; and so it ought. Give men half pay at home! It was wrong. The men here voting against the bill would give as much for defense, as those voting for it.
Mr. FRASIER was averse to renewing this discussion. He differed with the gentleman from Spencer, while there was perhaps no difference between them in principle. He was for the half pay provision as a matter of economy. There was also a provision in the bill, that, when the troops were not needed, gave the Governor full power to disband the troops and send them, home without any pay. But if things should so shape themselves that they could be retired temporarily only, there would come in the advantage of the half pay provision. The threat that voting for this bill would kill a man politically was wholly lost upon him.
Mr. RAGAN. This was a very important measure; and in the discussion of any measure one man's opinion was just as sacred as another's, and our motives should not be impugned. Every member here stood on an equal footing, and if we differed on this subject it was no wonder. We differ on all subjects and have a right to differ. Men did not like to be brow-beaten; and he was sorry to see a disposition to indulge in that way, with reference to our brave volunteers around us, who could not speak here for themselves. He rejoiced to see the patriotism evinced by our men who are crowding into the army at such a time as this, and hoped nothing would be said, at least in this place, to discourage and repress that patriotism. He gloried in the readiness of our people to volunteer. He hoped we might have ten thousand men more than we needed. * * * * * He was willing to make the number of the regiments four, or even five, but six he thought would be more than enough. He could not believe that the General Government would desert the State of Indiana. We had men enough now up in Camp Morton. The important point was to guard our border, and our President would take care of that. He was glad to see the proclamation by the Governor of Kentucky for a special election of members of Congress, to be ready for the called session in July. It showed that Kentucky was going to stay in the Union; and he thanked God for that. He knew the Governor of Kentucky, that he had been in the council of traitors; but he hoped that he was now in the hands of better men. If he thought ten regiments were necessary, he would vote them freely.
Mr. ROBERTS would like to know whether, while Gov. Magoffin was making this proclamation, he was not secretly conniving at the work of sending troops to the Southern confederates?
[Here a Senate message by Mr. Drapier, their Secretary, announced that that body had concurred in this report without a division.]
Mr. FISHER was very much surprised to hear the gentleman from Spencer endeavor to create the impression that sinister and unworthy motives were operating here in favor of six regiments.
Mr. VEATCH. If any language of that sort had escaped him he did not intend it. He was referring, not to members upon this floor, but to men at large, who think themselves qualified for military positions. He hoped the gentleman would allow him to say that he had no idea any member of the committee had any ambitious views in that direction.
Mr. FISHER. The gentleman dwelt upon the cost of these regiments. Last night, after con- page: 76[View Page 76] sultation with Gen. Morris and with Major Wood, of the U. S. army, I went to work and made up an estimate of the cost of these regiments. I believe the number of non-commissioned officers and privates in each regiment is 674. The estimate of the cost of pay and subsistence of these men is one dollar each, which is $20,220 a month for each regiment. There would be ten captains at $150 a month, which is $1,500. Seventy lieutenants would be $2,500. One colonel, $300 a month. One lieutenant colonel, $280. One major, $270. Two sergeant-majors, $200 a month each. Five staff officers, $625. Then one third of the pay of the brigadier-general, (he commands three regiments) $150. The total of these being multiplied by twelve, make $254,940, for the cost of pay and subsistence of one regiment for twelve months. To cover all contingencies, add fifty per cent., which is $382,410. Six regiments, then, on full pay for one year,would cost $2,294,640. I have added fifty per cent, for contingencies by the advice of Major Wood, who has been in the army fifty years, and Gen. Morris concurs with him. These estimates are justified by the pay-roll of the army of the United States. One word more: I am not going to argue the expediency of six regiments or any other number; but the Committee on the part of the Senate assured us in our conference that the Senate were determined to adhere to their opposition to the amendment of the House reducing that number. We were, therefore, obliged to report that the House recedes from that. We thought it better, therefore, to make this report, even if the House should adhere and call for a second committee on that point. We thought this course batter than to risk the chance of getting no bill at all.
Mr. EDSON inquired whether the proviso as to giving preference to companies in the counties, that have had no companies accepted, was stricken out?
Mr. FISHER. Yes.
Mr. NEBEKER demanded the previous question, and under its operation, the House refused to concur in the report of the Committee - affirm positive 26, negative 44.
Mr. VEATCH. I move now that the House ask for a new Committee of Conference.
The SPEAKER. The Chair would state to the House that it is of the utmost importance that this bill should be disposed of today. It was due to the feeling of the men in camp. Our men ought to know what they have to depend upon, and the House should forthwith appoint or refuse to appoint another Committee of Conference.
Mr. HEFFREN. That is what I am willing to do. The House has refused to concur in the report, and there should be an end of it.
Mr. VEATCH considered the motion was double. The first question being, Will the House concur? and that being decided in the negative, the second is, Will the House ask for another Committee?
The SPEAKER. The Chair is of the opinion that the motion is not double. The remark of the Chair was dictated by a desire to let the House know the wish of the officers and men, and the condition of things at the camp.
Mr. HEFFREN. What did the Chair say with regard to mutiny?
The SPEAKER. The Chair should state that the camp is not in what might be called a state of mutiny. The men are greatly desirous of being retained in the service; but there is a painful state of uncertainty of mind as to whether they are to go home or not.
Mr. HEFFREN. The House has passed a resolution that the Governor send home all the companies that have not been accepted.
A VOICE. The Senate has not concurred in that.
Mr. GRAIN. The Senate certainly ought to concur in that resolution.
SEVERAL VOICES. The Senate has adjourned till Tuesday.
Mr. CRAIN. Still I think we ought to appoint another committee. I want the country to see what that body has done.
Mr. PACKARD. I understand that the Senate has not yet adjourned - only agreed that when it does adjourn it shall be till Tuesday.
A VOICE. They have adjourned.
Mr. GRAIN. I don't want to talk. I am in favor of the committee.
Mr. DOBBINS moved to take up the Senate message announcing their concurrence in the report of the Committee of Free Conference, and agree to that.
The SPEAKER. The Chair would inform the Senator from Martin that we have nothing whatever to do with the Senate's action on the report of the Committee of Conference.
Mr. PROSSER. I can not consent that either the Senate of the State of Indiana or the boys out in camp - good fellows as they are - shall force us into any measure of legislation. I say, let us act like men of honor. If they want to adjourn and go to the devil, let them do so; I am for asserting the dignity and rights of this House. I will never yield to revolution.
Mr. CASON. I was informed that the Senate adjourned because they could get no quorum.
Mr. PROSSER. Then somebody is to blame. I hope we shall not break up, but insist upon a new committee.
Mr. HEFFREN demanded the previous question, and under its force, the motion for a new committee of conference was adopted. Whereupon the Chair, on the part of the House, appointed Messrs. Veatch, Parrett and Robbins.
TREASON AND ITS PUNISHMENT.
On motion of Mr. HEFFREN, the House now took up the consideration of the Senate amendments to the House amendment of the treason bill, S. 5, and the same was concurred in without a division.
THE SIX REGIMENT BILL.
Mr. PROSSER. I understand from a member of the Senate that they did the best they could to obtain a quorum.
The SPEAKER. The Chair would remark that the excuse for absence on the part of the President of the Senate was the intelligence just received by him that his house was fired by an incendiury last night.
Mr. FRASIER moved that when the House adjourn it shall be till Tuesday, two o'clock. page: 77[View Page 77] Mr. SMITH, of Bartholomew, said he had been informed by one of the captains of volunteers that he would go to the camp and bring his men down and mob us.
The SPEAKER. That matter is not before the House. The question is on the motion of the gentleman from Kosciusko [Mr. Frasier.]
Mr. HEFFREN, (in his seat.) I believe I'll join 'em; for the House has not been anything but a mob for two days.
Mr. FRASIER withdrew his adjournment motion for -
Mr. WOODHULL. I move to reconsider the vote by which the House refused to concur in the report of the committee of conference on the disagreeing votes about the six regiment bill.
Mr. JEKKINSON. Does the Chair entertain that motion.
The SPEAKER. The motion to reconsider is before the Honse.
Mr. JENKINSON. Then I appeal from the decision of the Chair.
The SPEAKER. The gentleman from Allen will reduce his appeal to writing.
Mr. JENKINSON thereupon submitted the following:
"A motion to concur in the report of the committee of conference having been voted down by the House, and a motion to appoint a further committee of conference having been sustained by the House, and that further committee having been appointed, it is not in order to move a reconsideration of the original motion."
The SPEAKER. The Chair will state that a motion to reconsider is always in order, unless a similar motion has been already rejected. The question is, shall the decision of the Chair stand as the judgment of the House?
Mr. WOODHULL said he came here with the Intention of doing what is necessary for the defense of the honor and protection of the interests and rights of the State of Indiana and the General Government; and during the protracted discussion on this and the military bill he had not uttered one word. He had remained here in silence because he knew very little of military matters. He was unwilling now to do anything that is not required by the necessity of the case; but hearing that the border is invaded; that the houses of the members of the Legislature are burned down, he was obliged to regard hesitation here upon any measure for the public defense, as putting dollars and cents in the scale as against the property and lives of our fellow citizens. He considered that in refusing to concur in the report of the committee of conference we have done wrong. He was not for responding needlessly with expensive preparations, but still willing to take the last dollar if necessary. He was decidedly in favor of concurrence. And if a few days in the future should show that there is no necessity for this preparation, if we remain in session a few days until that time, we can repeal the bill. The city of Louisville had voted $200,000 to arm that city alone. How then could it be said that we've done too much in voting $500,000 to arm the State of Indiana? Whilst other States were concentrating on our Southern border, it seemed almost as though we were idle. It has been said that we can arm our men down there. But their men had come up here into camp, and men could not be here or at home and at the point of defense at the same time. He would say, send troops down to the aid of the Southern border, and put arms into the hands of our fellow citizens there. Both these measures of precaution would perhaps be needed, and no man could tell how soon.
Here the House took a recess till 2 o'clock, P.M.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
The SPEAKER laid before the House a communication from the Secretary of State with reference to the distribution of the current volumes of Indiana Reports, and a money difficulty about getting them from the publishers.
On motion by Mr. FRASIER, it was referred to a select Committee of five.
SIX REGIMENT BILL.
The House then resumed the consideration of Mr. Woodhull'g motion to re-consider the vote non-concurring in the report of the Committee of Conference about the disagreeing votes on the House amendments to the six regiment bill.
Mr. DOBBINS took his position in favor of this bill without reference to outside influences. If there was a necessity for one regiment, there was a necessity for six. Gentlemen have neglected to notice the position of defence in which the States of Illinois and Ohio had placed themselves. We had been looking southward for conciliation. We were looking at the cost of these preparations for defence. But it would not do to balance money against the integrity of the Government, and the security of the rights, and of the lives and the property of our people. He hoped the House would order the re-consideration ; that these regiments would be authorized, and also that arms would be placed in the hands of the people. Would the man be politically buried who should vote against this bill? Well: he was willing to be buried if he could but maintain the honor of his country, and provide effectually for the security of the interests and the perpetuity of the institutions, and the welfare of our beloved country, and of the State of Indiana. [Applause.]
Mr. GRESHAM also desired the re consideration. It had been said by the gentleman from Spencer, that there were men hungry as vultures, hanging round here for promotion in these regiments. If this were true, could not the same objection be urged against any similar bill? He showed that the Senate had yielded something in this Conference report. The cavalry had been conceded. Cairo was sure to be attacked, and that would be the signal for war all along the river line. These very men in these six regiments would probably be required on that line. With them, we could have a force anywhere on the borders at a day's notice. The reason for the retired half-pay was in the fact that these men had left their business, and could not leave it and take it up at pleasure, without loss.
Mr. BRETT, interrupting, asked what had become of the rumor that there was a requisition for more troops?
The SPEAKER. The Chair had a conversation with the Governor since dinner, and the Gov- page: 78[View Page 78] ernor said he had received several telegraphic dispatches from Washington, from which he gathered that six regiments more would be required of this State. But the Secretary of War had not yet made his apportionment for the call. The Governor supposed that he would be fully advised by Monday.
Mr. GRESHAM resumed. He would take the best bill he could get. He had been ready to acquiesce in three regiments. Indiana was much more exposed than Michigan, and Michigan had authorized eight regiments.
Mr. HEFFREN supported the government without reserve in every emergency. The Governor had not responded to the inquiry of the House as to how many men were needed; and today the Governor had told him that the Legislature ought to take this responsibility. He had advocated this bill yesterday. But when it was proposed to give us but three regiments, it was but to invite incursions from the enemy. Now, there were perhaps strong and ready hands enough on the Southern border. Then, since the House had refused to concur in the conference report, he would say to gentlemen, give us arms and keep your men at home! He was even sorry the motion had been made to reconsider. He did not expect gentlemen to be dragooned into a change of the votes they had given this morning. The men of the border were able and willing to take care of themselves.
Mr. NEBEKER was ready, as he had been this morning, to close up this business by voting for the six regiments.
Mr. HEFFREN had thought he would not himself go for this reconsideration. He certainly would not go on his knees here to ask justice for protection of the border. But the border was menaced, and if the State would give them arms they would hold their position, and stand as a breakwater to keep off the invaders from their Northern brothers. But still the question would come home: Will you do us justice, or will you not?
Mr. ATKINSON. Did not the gentleman vote against the bill yesterday?
Mr. HEFFREN. He voted against it because of its three-quarters pay of officers. What man that loved his State would be willing to subject the brave man that volunteers for her defense to be taunted as "three-quarter officers."
Mr. VEATCH could not endorse the intimation of the gentleman from Washington and Harrison that the North was not willing to do us justice. He repeated his paramount desire to have a well armed militia. He thought the Legislature should not adjourn without appropriating a half a million of dollars more to arm the militia.
Mr. GRESHAM. If you will introduce a bill making such an appropriation I will vote for it.
SEVERAL VOICES. "So will I."
Mr. JENKINSON. I have a bill appropriating a million of dollars for arms. I tried to get the floor to introduce it.
Mr. VEATCH. A well armed militia was the best defense against invasion. He referred; for an example, to the fields of Lexington and Concord, and other scenes of the war of the revolution. As a matter of choice, of judgment, of judicious expenditure, he preferred not to concentrate so much money in these regiments. He preferred to expend less for men, and more to buy arms. [Applause.] He gave notice that if some other member did not he should, now, at an early hour, introduce a bill making the approprition to purchase arms for the purpose he had indicated.
PERSONAL EXPLANATION.
Mr. SMITH of Bartholomew (by unanimous consent) read the following paper:
INDIANAPOLIS, May 4,1861.
MR. SMITH, Representative from Bartholomew - We find in the papers of this morning, that in reply to a question of Mr. Allen, that you made use of the following language, to-wit: That the people of Kentucky were just such Union men as I am; they would not invade the soil of any other State with any hostile purpose. Now, sir, the people regard such sentiments as traitorous, and perhaps it would be well for you to remember that in times like these, the people sometimes declare themselves above all law. We are satisfied that you are doing all you can to defeat the passage of all bills for the support of our army, raised for the maintenance of our Union. And, further, that the people of this State require, and will insist, that the body of which you are a member, make all necessary appropriations for the defense of the State and of the Union, and that if the Legislature should adjourn without making provisions for the support of our noble volunteers, that those who are found to have caused the failure of such support, will never be permitted to leave Central Indiana.
VIGILANCE COMMITTEE.
Mr. SMITH called for the reading of the following report, of his language yesterday, pending the consideration of Mr. Jenkinson's resolution, to which the paper refers:
Mr. SMITH, of Bartholomew, could not forbear saying a word for the Union men of Kentucky. Had not the Union men, once before this, overcome the secession efforts of Governor Magoffin? and might they not do so again? He believed it would appear now soon that a majority of the people of Kentucky are Union men. Their Legislature were to convene soon. The secession candidates for their convention had withdrawn from the contest.
Mr. Speaker ALLEN. Were they conditional or unconditional Union men?
Mr. SMITH. They were just such Union men as he (Mr. Smith). They would not invade the soil of any other State with a hostile purpose.
Mr. SMITH. Gentlemen may be disposed to make light of this matter, but I don't know how it is. However, I would ask gentlemen to bear me witness that I have not pursued a treasonable course upon this floor. On the contrary, I have labored earnestly for the passage of the military bill and all the other bills of the session to provide for the public defense; and I call upon the House to say whether these sentiments or any any other sentiments of mine can be justly characterized as traitorous or treasonable. If the House will say so, I will resign my place and go home; but I will not be intimidated by such threats as that paper contains. I have endeavored at this session and every other that I have served here to do what I conceived to be my duty in the service of my constituents and the State at large. I have uniformly voted without reference to sinister views, and I shall not now take any course inconsistant with my record. But I must be allowed to act in all matters as my judgment shall dictate; and I will do that though my body be taken from this hall as a corpse.
Mr. GRAIN had voted against concurrence because six regiments were too many. He had hoped to reduce the number by one regiment. But since another conference could not be had; page: 79[View Page 79] since he had always been a friend of the bill; and in order to retain the men now here, he came to the conclusion that we should all vote for it. He was not like his friend from Washington. He did care whether the State was defended or not. He also desired to see arms placed in the hands of the people, and would be willing to vote more money for that. He believed that the harmonious organization of the Legislature had had a healthy effect on the mind of the State at large, and he considered that, for the same reason, all such bills as this should be passed here as a unit, just as he understood his had passed the Senate.
Mr. UNDERWOOD desired the previous question, but did not press the demand.
Mr. JENKINSON demanded the yeas and nays, and they were ordered.
Mr. EDSON said: From the very outset I have voted for men and money, upon every question, and with regard to this six regiment bill I was one of the committee that reported it with the amendments. I have voted in favor of every proposition to a'dvance that bill. I voted in favor of it when it had only three regiments in it. I have voted for it all the time. I was anxious for the bill as it went last night to the Senate. And now, since they have thrown out our amendments, and the House has refused to agree to the adjustment in the report of the committee of conference, I am still anxious for it. One of the provisions I have most earnestly desired was that those counties which have not been able to get their companies accepted here should have the preference in these regiments, but that was stricken out. On the last vote that was taken here, as to whether we should concur in the report of the committee - not knowing that the Senate had adjourned - not knowing but we should have another conference upon the conflicting votes, I voted against concurrence in the report of the joint committee. I did not do this because I was not in favor of doing every thing I could do for the honor of our State and country, and the defense of our people in every emergency. I live in a portion of the State that is most exposed to incursions. I live, sir, where at every hour defenceless houses are being attacked in the night, and pillaged and plundered by marauding parties of secessionists. I live in the first town on the Ohio river that is likely to be the place of attack and conflict above Cairo; and I wish to make my appeal to the House to reconsider this vote and act with me in every effort to uphold the honor of our country and its flag, by supplying all the men and means in our powercost what it may and throw in our own personal services, regardless of everything but duty and honor.
The question was then taken upon the motion to reconsider, resulting - yeas 58, nays 22.
So the vote was reconsidered and the question recurred again, Shall the House concur in the report of the Conference Committee.
Mr. UNDERWOOD and Mr. CHAPMAN demanded the previous question and there was a second.
The yeas and nays having been demanded by Mr. Jenkinson and Mr. Smith, of Bartholomew, were again ordered, and, being taken, resulted - yeas 60, nays 17 - as follows:
YEAS - Messrs. Anderson, Atkinson, Bingham, Brucker,Bryan, Burgess, Cameron, Campbell, Cason, Collins of Whitley, Cooprider, Grain, Chapman, Dashiel, Dobbins, Edson, Erwin, Feagler, Ferguson, Fisher, Fleming, Fordyce, Fraley, Frasier, Gore, Gresham, Grover, Hall, Haworth, Henricks, Howard, Hudson, Kurd, Jones of Vermillion, Jones of Wayne, Kendrick, Kitchen, Lods, Lightner, McClurg, McLean, Moorman, Nebeker,Newman, Owens, Pitts, Randall, Roberts, Sloan, Sherman, Turner, Underwood, Veatch, Warrum, Wells, Williams, Wilson, Woodhull, Woodruff, Woods, and Mr. Speaker - 60.
NAYS. - Messrs. Back, Brett, Combs, Epperson, Gifford, Hayes, Horton, Jenkinson, Moss, Mutz, Packard, Parrett, Prosser, Smith of Bartholomew, Stevenson, and Trier - 17.
Mr. ATKINSON, pro forma. I am satisfied three regiments would be sufficient; but inasmuch as the Senate has adjourned, I will vote to concur in the report rather than lose the bill.
Mr. JENKINSON desired to be excused from voting to enable him to say that his opposition to the bill had not been factious, but the rules were enforced against him and he withdrew his application.
So the report was concurred in. [The announcement was received with demonstrations of applause in the House and in the galleries.]
Mr. FRASIER desired to repeat what he said in reply tn the gentleman from Alien. He had said that the man who voted in these times with a view simply to political preferment would be buried so deep that the hand of political resurrection would never reach him.
Mr. VEATCH. Mr. Speaker, whilst this patriotic fervor is upon the House, I hope the gentleman from Allen will be allowed to introduce his bill to appropriate money to buy arms.
["Consent" "consent."]
ARMS FOR CITIZEN SOLDIERY.
Mr. JENKINSON then had leave to introduce a bill [31] entitled an act to procure additional arms for the citizen soldiery of the State of Indiana. [It appropriates one million of dollars to procure arms for the voluntary active militia of the State of Indiana, to be expended in due proportion for the cavalry, artillery and infantry service.]
The bill was passed to the second reading.
ADJOURNMENT TILL TUESDAY.
Mr. HEFFREN. I understand that it is necessary when we make an order to adjourn over till Tuesday to do so by resolution. I submit the following:
Resolved, That when this House adjourns it shall be till Tuesday, two o'clock, P. M.
The resolution was adopted.
ARMS FOR CITIZEN SOLDIERY.
On motion by Mr. JENKINSON, the rules being suspended for the purpose, his bill [31] was read again and considered on the second reading,
Mr. GRESHAM proposed to amend by striking out "one million" and inserting "$500,000 "
The bill and the proposed amendment were referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.
SUPPLIES FOR THE VOLUNTEERS.
On motion by Mr. HEFFREN, the Senate concurrent resolution for a joint committee to examine the condition and quality of the provisions furnished the men in camp was taken up and concurred in.
Whereupon the SPEAKER appointed said page: 80[View Page 80] committee on the part of the House of Representatives, namely: Messrs. Heffren, Cason, and Chapman.
Mr. BLACK obtained leave of absence till Wednesday.
And the House then adjourned till Tuesday, two o'oclock, P. M.
Enrolled Act No. 19, of the Senate.
AN ACT to provide for the employment of six regiments of volunteers for the protection of the property and citizens of the State, and making provision for the organization and equipment of the same, and fixing the compensation of the officers and men comprising said force, and procuring arms therefor.
SECTION 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Indiana, That the Governor be authorized and requested 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; and that the troops organized under the provisions of this act shall be subject to the order of the Governor of the State, to fill any requisition made for troops, on this State, by the President of the United States.
SEC. 2. Each regiment, except the cavalry, as herein provided for, shall consist of one Colonel, one Lieutenant Colonel, one Major, one Quartermaster, one Commissary, one Surgeon, and one Assistant Surgeon, and ten Companies, each of which shall be composed of one Captain, two Lieutenants, four Sergeants, four Corporals, one drummer, one fifer, and sixty-four privates.
SEC. 3. There shall be appointed and commissioned by the Governor for the six regiments herein contemplated, one Brigadier General.
SEC. 4. The forces herein provided shall, while in the service of the State or of the United States, be organized by, and subject to, the "Articles of War, and the Rules and Regulations of the United States Army;" and while in the service of the State, as privates and non-commissioned officers, shall receive the same compensation allowed by the United States; and the commissioned officers shall receive three quarters of the pay of the same grade of officers in the army of the United States.
SEC. 5. The Governor shall have power, if in his judgment it may be deemed advisable, to temporarily retire the said six regiments from active service, or any part thereof, after the said troops shall have been sufficiently drilled and discipline, but shall, at any time thereafter, recall said regiments when the public safety may require same, by giving notice thereof; but said regiment shall receive but half pay whilst so retired from the service.
SEC. 6. Whereas an emergency exists, this act shall be in force from and after its passage.
