AFTERNOON SESSION.
Mr. CORBIN introduced a bill [119] repealing an act approved March 5, 1861, authorizing the Governor to obtain posession of all public arms and military equipments, to institute proceedings to recover the same, and providing for the distribution of the same, which was read the first time.
A committee report was concurred in recommending that the bill [S. 59] for the relief of John B. Redd, be laid on the table.
Mr. CORBIN offered a resolution which was adopted, requesting the Governor to inform the Senate what amount of arms he has distributed, where sent and for what purpose they were distributed.
The bill S. 38 (see page 80) was read the third time and finally passed by yes 33, nays 10.
ARMING OF NEGROES.
On motion by Mr. COBB his joint resolution [10] protesting against the enlisting and arming of negroes, was taken up.
Mr. REED moved to amend by striking out all after the first specification of the preamble and inserting the following:
AND WHEREAS, Great prejudice exists in the public mind against the negro race, it being regarded as inferior to the Anglo Saxon, and unfit to associate on terms of equality with the white citizen, and its employment in the military service of the country, as degrading to the white soldier, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the State of Indiana, That our Senators in Congress be instructed and Representatives requested to use their influence to shape the provisions of the bill now pending before Congress for arming the negroes as aforesaid so as to secure the following ends:
- That such negro troops, so far as compatible with the good of the service, and the efficiency of the army be employed in separate departments in the military and naval service of the country, and not in immediate contact with white troops.
- That in officering such negro troops no rank higher than that of Captain be conferred upon persons of African descent, nor shall such person in any instance be placed in command over white officers or soldiers.
Mr. REED said that it was an undeniable fact that the blacks of the South would come within the lines of the Federal army for protection and it was proper that they should be put at some useful work. There were places in unhealthy regions where they could do military duty without being required to associate with white soldiers. He admitted the existence of the prejudice in the army and among citizens against the black race, and desired that negroes who might be armed should be placed where they would not come in contact with white soldiers.
Mr. WOLFE demanded the previous question, which was seconded by a vote of yeas 26, nays 20.
Mr. Reed's amendment was rejected--yeas 20, nays 25.
