HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
THURSDAY, January 122, 1867.The SPEAKER took the Chair at 9 o'clock.
The journal of yesterday was read and approved.
CORRECTION - COUNTY AND PROBATE BUSINESS.
Mr. GRIGGS said that last Friday he had offered a preamble and resolution, (which was adopted,) which does not appear in the journal of the proceedings of that day, and which was incorrectly reported in these columns.
The proposition was this:
WHEREAS, The Court of Common Pleas, owing to its mixed criminal, civil and probate jurisdiction, has proved to be a great annoyance and delay to the probate business; and, Whereas, The Commissioners Court, having failed to administer the county business in an economical manner, therefore,
Resolved, That a joint special committee of three be appointed by the Speaker to inquire into the expediency of abolishing the Court of Common Pleas and the County Commissioner's Court, and erecting in lieu thereof a County Court in each county, which shall have exclusive jurisdiction in all county and probate business; that said committee be authorized to employ a clerk, and report to this House by bill or otherwise.
The SPEAKER. The clerk will examine into the error, and the correction will be made.
PETITIONS.
Mr. SMITH, of Lagrange, and Mr. RATLIFF presented petitions - the former the petition of John A. Cutler and others, citizens of the State, asking for a law which shall effectually prevent the sale of intoxicating liquors as a beverage - the latter the petition of Alfred Barnard and others, in the same matter. They were referred to the Committee on Temperance
Mr. McFADDEN asked and obtained unanimous consent to have his game law bill [H. R. 83] taken up and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
EXPENSES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.
Mr. NEWCOMB, from the Committee on Ways and Means, returned the General Assembly appropriation bill [S. 26] with an amendment making a distinction between the pay of elective and employed officers, the latter $4 a day, the pages $2 a day; and appropriating $40,000 for the expenses of the Benevolent Institutions; for the Hospital for the Insane $15,000; for the Institution for the Blind $12,500; for the Deaf and Dumb Asylum $12,500.
The bill takes its place in the calendar.
Mr. MILLER, from the Committee on Ways and Means, returned the petition of sundry citizens of Allen county praying for the repeal of the act legalizing the issueing of county bonds, &c., approved March 3, 1865, reporting "that, inasmuch as these bonds were issued for the purpose of procuring volunteers for the army during the rebellion, and whereas many of these bonds may now be held by those who took them in good faith and went into the service of their country, thereby relieving many drafted men who would otherwise have had to go; and we believe the inducements then offered to those who did go and assist in putting down the rebellion should be held inviolate; and as we believe it would be doing injustice to those who have already paid their taxes, we therefore recommend the refusal of the prayer of the petitioners, and ask to be discharged from further consideration of the subject."
The report was concurred in.
Mr. SABIN, from the Committee on Fees and Salaries, returned Mr. Montgomery's Commissioner Fees bill [H. R. 11] with the recommendation that the same do pass.
The bill goes to the calendar.
TOWNSHIP TRUSTEES.
On motion by Mr. PRATHER, it was
Resolved,That the Committee on Election, be instructed to inquire into the expediency of reporting a bill changing the terms of office of the Township Trustees of townships, towns and cities from one to three years.
CLERKS FOR COMMITTEES.
On motion by Mr. MOORE, it was
Resolved, That the Committee on Organization of Courts of Justice be allowed a clerk.
On motion by Mr. McLEAN, it was
page: 76[View Page 76]Resolved, That the Committee on Education be allowed to employ a clerk.
CHARGE OF BRIBERY.
Mr. PEELLE offered the following:
Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to inquire into the charge of bribery and corruption contained in the Cincinnati Daily Gazette, of January 15, 1867, against the officers and attaches of this House.
Mr. P. read the following extract from a letter to the Cincinnati Gazette of the date mentioned, as his reason for offering the resolution:
"Bribery to some extent is going on among the officers and attaches of the Legislature Several soldiers who served honorably through the war having applied for clerkships, were informed by an agent that a certain amount of money - generally one-third of the salary - would procure them the desired position. In all cases so far as I have learned, the offer was indignantly rejected."
This paper came to his knowledge some days since, but he had waited for the action of older members. He proposed it in justice to officers and members. He knew nothing as to the truth of this charge, but if we have officers or attaches attempting bribery and corruption it should be known. He stated that having been appointed to serve on so many other committees, he did not desire to be appointed on this.
Mr. PRATHER felt like his friend (Mr. Peelle) in this matter. But if we appoint Committees to investigate all these little matters, we shall too much distribute our labor. Still, such men, if we have them here, ought to be pointed out. This Committee also should have power to call and examine witnesses.
Mr. STEWART thought it should be made a joint resolution, and the investigation be had fully.
Mr. HUGHES thought it would result in waste of time and expense. The charge was indefinite that applicants for clerkships were met by an agent, &c. It would be a very large assumption for an agent to control all these appointments. In nineteen cases out of twenty such a lobby man as this writer in the Gazette never speaks to a member. And such a man as that referred to was only a villain disposed to pick up money by playing on the credulity of outsiders. He would vote for a Committee to investigate any charge made by responsible parties. He moved to lay it on the table, but withdrew the motion for -
Mr. KIZER, who thought it all right that all pure bodies should purge themselves of such things. He thought of amending the resolution by adding an emergency.
The SPEAKER. The gentleman will send up his amendment in writing.
Mr. KIZER then declined to offer the amendment, but spoke further to the original proposition, especially the motion of the gentleman to lay on the table a charge of corruption by his twin (political) brother of Cincinnati. He was for immediate action.
Mr. CAMPBELL concurred in the main in the remarks of the gentleman from Monroe [Mr. Hughes ] He proposed to amend the resolution by adding the words: That such committee first ascertain the name of the correspondent who sent the dispatch to the Gazette, and examine him under oath, and unless he can give some more definite information than is contained in said dispatch covering said corrupt influences, the further investigation be abandoned.
Mr. PEELLE accepted.
Mr. RATLIFF was informed by an employee that he had been approached and offered $100 for a place.
The resolution was then adopted.
GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE.
On the motion of Mr. NEWCOMB, the House now went into a Committee of the Whole on the Governor's Message - Mr.. Higgins in the Chair.
Mr. NEWCOMB submitted a resolution referring the several subjects discussed in the message of His Excellency to appropriate committees.
Mr. SHUEY proposed to refer the matter relative to the Soldiers' and Seamen's Home to a special Committee of five of its friends.
Mr. NEWCOMB insisted that the Committee on Military Affairs - a majority of them soldiers - was the proper Committee. Then, unless there was a necessity, the regular Committee was better, to avoid complications.
Mr. TEBBS also thought the Military was the proper Committee.
Mr. SHUEY. This was not a military, but a benevolent matter, of the highest possible public importance.
Mr. WRIGHT was opposed to raising so many special committees. On his motion, the amendment was laid on the table.
The resolution was then adopted.
The Committee then rose, and the Chairman reported the resolution to the House, and asked and obtained discharge from the further consideration of the subject.
Mr. SHUEY proposed to amend the resolution reported so as to refer that portion of the message relative to a House of Refuge for juvenile offenders to the special Committee on that subject.
Mr. NEWCOMB said he had forgotten that there was a special Committee on the subject.
The amendment was then agreed to, and so the resolution was adopted.
NEW PROPOSITIONS.
Bills for acts of the General Assembly numbered and titled to the following effect. page: 77[View Page 77] introduced, read the first time and referred to appropriate committees:
By Mr. SHUEY, [H. R. 96] authorizing the Board of Trustees of incorporated towns to establish fire limits, and to prevent the erection of wooden buildings within such limits.
By Mr. GORDON, [H. R. 97] amending the second section of an act concerning the organization of voluntary associations and repealing former laws in reference thereto, approved February 12, 1855. [Adding agricultural, hotel or gymnastic associations, or associations for the encouragement of mechanic arts; and to organize churches, conferences and religious societies. To provide suitable grounds to erect monuments thereon and maintain the same in memory of the dead, and for other event.]
By Mr. SPENCER, [H. R. 98] to amend sections 160 and 163 of an act entitled, An act to provide for a general system of common schools, approved March 6, 1865.
By Mr. WHITE, [H. R. 99] to empower the Boards of County Commissioners of the several counties of this State to convey territories to incorporate towns and cities.
By Mr. CRANE, [H. R. 100] districting the State of Indiana for Senatorial and Representative purposes.
By Mr. NEWCOMB, [H. R. 101] to amend the act entitled An Act authorizing the construction of plank, McAdamized and gravel roads, approved February 28, 1853.
By Mr. BIRD [H. R. 102] to amend section 1 of an act entitled An Act to amend section 35 of an act to provide for a general system of common schools, the officers thereof, and their respective powers and duties, and matters properly connected therewith, and prescribing the fees for certain officers therein named, and for the establishment and regulation of township libraries, and to repeal all laws inconsistent therewith, providing penalties therein prescribed, approved December 20,1865. [If school meetings designate additional branches to be taught in their schools, the teachers shall be examined as to qualifications to teach such additional branches.]
By Mr. McLEAN, [H. R. 103] regulating insurance companies doing business in the State of Indiana, prescribing the duties of the agents and officers thereof, and of the Auditor of State, in connection therewith, and providing penalties for the violation of the provisions of this act.
By Mr. GREER, [H. R. 104] to amend section 35 of an act repealing all general laws now in force for the incorporation of cities, prescribing their powers, rights and duties, and the manner in which they shall exercise the same, and regulating other matters properly connected therewith, and repealing certain acts therein specified, approved December 20th, 1855, [by adding the following: Provided, that nothing in this section shall be construed as authorizing common councils to exact and demand a greater fee or license to retail intoxicating liquors than is required by the State for the same purpose.]
By Mr. HAMILTON, [H. R. 105] defining the crime of conspiracy, and prescribing the punishment therefor, and repealing an act entitled an act defining what shall constitute certain felonies, and fixing the penalty therefor, approved May 31, 1861.
By Mr. RATLIFF, [H. R. 106] to amend section seven of an act entitled An Act regulating the fees of officers and repealing former acts in relation thereto, approved March 2, 1855. [So as to authorize the recorder to demand his fees in advance.]
By Mr. VAN VALKENBURGH, [H. R. 107] to amend section 21 of an act entitled An Act defining misdemeanors and prescribing punishment therefor, approved June 14,1852 [So as to read: SEC. 21. Every person who shall live in open and notorious adultry or fornication, shall be fined in any sum not exceeding $1,000, and imprisonment not exceeding twelve months.]
By Mr. WATSON, [H. K. 108] requiring Clerks of the Circuit Courts and Courts of Common Pleas to make indexes to certain record books in their respective, offices, and providing compensation therefor.
By Mr. DAGGY, [H. R. 109] to amend section 37 of An Act in relation to criminal proceeding, [by adding these words : "and all recognizances contemplated by and in said article when once taken and executed for the appearance of parties or witnesses shall remain in force until such party or witnesses are finally discharged."]
By Mr. CHAMBERS, [H. R. 110] apportioning the State of Indiana into Congressional Districts.
By Mr. PEELLE, [H. R. 111] limiting the liability of Inn Keepers.
By Mr. WHITE, [H. R. 112] to amend section 113 of an act entitled An Act to revise, simplify, and abridge the rules, practice, pleadings and forms in criminal actions in the courts of this State, approved June 17,1852. [Forms of procedure on trial.]
By Mr. BELFORD, [H.R.113] to amend the 58th section of the Practice Act. [On affidavit for a change of venue, the Judge shall issue a special venire to the jury, and the defendant shall be allowed double'e the number of challenges. If this will not satisfy, a change of venue shall issue.] It was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
In the orders of the day -
Mr. Crain's joint resolution [H. R. 2] for priority in payment of the interest-bearing national debt, coming up, it was read the third time.
Mr. HUGHES could not see the propriety of the State instructing their representatives in Congress in regard to the national finances. He believed the present Secretary of the Treasury understands this subject better than those who have not made it their study. Secretary McCulloch has had no superior in this matter since the days of Albert Gallatin. The resolution could have no effect anyhow. Neither was this a subject upon which we should tie the hands of our representatives.
Mr. BELFORD hoped the resolution would pass. This was a most important question. It occurred to him that the nation was drifting to bankruptcy, and that the published policy of the Secretary of the Treasury was accelerating that result. The Secretary's policy was bad, manifestly. It was to withdraw the greenbacks from circulation. They are worth a premium - the government was pledged to redeem them. The Secretary's policy would produce a panic inevitably. He illustrated by reference to the fact that when the Secretary turned eighteen millions of them it caused a financial shiver all over the country. His policy would result in a financial crisis similar to that which occurred during the Administration of General Jackson, and it would defeat the Union party in 1868. Therefore, he was opposed to making the Secretary of the Treasury a financial stock jobber. He had no confidence in him.
Mr. McFADDEN. It seemed a principal thing of the gentleman from Laporte (Mr. Belford) to take care of his party. page: 78[View Page 78] Better take care of his country. He referred to the distinguished financial reputation of Hugh McCulloch, and his late report. This currency (greenbacks) had subserved its purpose. Now let it go; and let the people return to a metalic medium of circulation. We should look to the true interests of the country - not to the interests of party. He was surprised at the position of the gentleman from Laporte.
Mr. SHUEY differed with Mr. Hughes also with Mr. Belford, in the apprehension of ruin to the Republican party Every measure of the Democratic party ruined that party - none other. The withdrawal of legal tenders would result in this: that we would have to pay our debts as in specie. Secretary McCulloch was acting in the interest of the New York stock jobbers not in the great commercial interests of the country. He was withdrawing greenbacks and issuing interest bearing bonds. Any man was financier enough to know that it was bad economy to take up paper bearing no interest with interest bearing paper. He insisted that the Secretary of the Treasury might be interested in the Bank of the State of Indiana - to furnish currency through the local banks. He denounced the policy as unwise and corrupt throughout.
Mr. KIZER insisted that the greenback had subserved its purpose and was likely to depreciate. The McCulloch policy was wise and good. He was happy to agree with the gentleman from Monroe [Mr. Hughes] this once more. The Secretary's policy was to return to a gold basis, so that we shall not be compelled to pay so extravagantly for the gold bearing bonds. He reviewed the financial course pursued at Washington, and by the Directors of the Bank of the State of Indiana. He would have the national debt a dead debt. He wanted Hugh McCulloch to close the eyes of this legal tender paper. He repudiated the resolution, and the considerations in its favor, submitted by Mr. Belford and Mr Shuey.
Mr. McMURRAY moved to lay on the table, but withdrew for -
Hr. HUGHES. This financial policy was not the main question, though it was legitimate in debate. But the whole subject legitimately belonged to others more competent to dispose of it. The assistance of this Legislature could but feebly sustain a great party in connection with this question Whatever were the political opinions of Secretary McCulloch, he was the same accomplished financier whose reputation won him his appointment by President Lincoln. It was singular to hear him denounced here as a stock jobber, &c. Upon what authority was Mr. McCulloch arraigned upon such a charge ? Gentlemen making such a charge were exposed to be taken before an investigation committee now in session at Washington. The Secretary wants to return to specie payments - not immediately, but gradually - the first of January, 1868
Mr. BELFORD Is not the greenbacks currency as good as gold for all the purposes of internal and domestic trade? And if so, where is the necessity for specie payments?
Mr. HUGHES had already said that he did not feel very competent to answer as to these financial questions. If the greenbacks were good, it was because the people still believed that there wan gold behind the paper. The price of gold gave the answer. It was not as good. Secretary McCulloch's report was not made to us, but to Congress over which body we have no control.
Mr. MILLER. This was a question requiring reflection; upon which we should be governed by considerations of right. But the Secretary's policy looked like increasing the debt, and destroying the means of payment. In order that members may have time for reflection, he moved that this joint resolution be postponed and made the special order for today one week.
Mr. CRAIN regarded this a most important question. Generally, the less we do the better for the country. But few measures were necessary. This question, however, was before the country, and therefore the House should dispose of it with a becoming deliberation and discretion. The resolution was not directed against the Secretary of the Treasury. As for the opposition on this account, he was willing that the gentleman from Allen [Mr. Kizer] I should go home and tell his constituents that he voted here for a measure that made his constituents pay their proportion of twenty-eight millions more of the national debt.
Mr. Miller's motion was agreed to, and this subject was postponed.
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION
Mr. NEWCOMB, from the Committee on Ways and Means, returned the bill [H. R. 60] by Mr. Smith, of Lagrange, for an appropriation of $200 to distribute the report of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, recommending that it be laid on the table. The school law makes it the duty of the Superintendent to distribute his report, and it would seem to authorize him to draw on the township library fund for that purpose. But if not, the place for the money was in the general appropriation bill.
Mr. McLEAN opposed concurrence in the report. He read from the acts to show that the Superintendent of Public Instruction should have an appropriation for the page: 79[View Page 79] distribution of his report. It should be distributed now, when the matter is new and of practical utility. The proposition was to distribute the reports along with the township libraries.
Mr. STACKHOUSE said he had a conversation with the Superintendent, and he had expressed himself satisfied with the report just made by the Committee on Ways and Means.
The report was then concurred in.
ELECTION OF UNITED STATES SENATOR.
On the motion of Mr. NEWCOMB, (this being the hour appointed by resolution yesterday to go into the election of United Sates Senator) a call of the House was ordered, showing ninety-five members preset. Absentees, Messrs. Carter, Long of Jackson, Newland, O'Neil and Scammahorn.
On motion of Mr. HIGGINS, the House now proceeded to the election by viva voce vote.
Mr. NEWCOMB read the act of Congress providing for said election.
Mr. NEWCOMB nominated Oliver P. Morton.
Mr. HAYS nominated D. W. Voorhees.
The vote resulted - for Morton 60, for Voorhees 33, blank 1 - as follows:
The voting for O. P. Morton were -
Messrs. Belford, Bischop, Blanch, Brucker, Campbell. Chambers, Crain, Daggy, Donaldson, Dunn, Erwin, Evans, Ferns, Foulke, Funk, Geisendorff, Gordon, Greer, Griggs, Hartman, Hamilton, Higgins, Hopkins, Hudson, Hughes, Litson, Long of Kosciusko, Martin, Mason, McCarthy, McClasky, McLean, McMurray, Miller, Moore, Newcomb, North, Peelle, Prather, Ratliff, Ross, Sabin, Shook, Shuey, Skidmore, Smith of Lagrange, Smith of Wabash, Spencer, Stafford, Stewart, Thrasher, Thomas, Wason, Watson, Wilson, Wolfer, Wolflin, Woods, Wright and Mr. Speaker - 60.
Those voting for Hon. D. W. Voorhees were:
Messrs. Baker, Barrett, Bird, Black, Bobo, Corey, Crowe, Douglass, Edmonson, Fuller, Green, Hays, Honneus, Hungate, Inman, Kiser, Lopp, Matthis, McFadden, Morrison, Montgomery, Ross, Shanks, Shields, Shoaff, Shull, Tebbs, Thatcher, Van Valkenburg, Vawter, Williams, White, and Wolfe - 33.
Mr. Stackhouse voted blank.
The SPEAKER announcing the result, said it would be communicated to the Senate.
On motion of Mr. HIGGINS, Mr. Woods, of Elkhart, obtained leave of absence for next week.
The House then took a recess till two o'clock.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
Mr. MILLER obtained leave, and introduced a bill [H. R. 114] for an act to authorize the assessment of all lands within one and a half miles on either side, and within one and a half miles of the termini, and where the subscriptions and construction amount to $800 per mile, &c. It was passed to the second reading.
The SPEAKER said the House will proceed to the consideration of bills on the second reading.
Mr. Woods' 14th judicial circuit bill [H. R. 12] coming up, it was read and passed to the engrossment.
Mr. PRATHER obtaining leave, introduced a bill [H. R. 115] for an act to establish a Reform School for the State of Indiana. [For juvenile male and female offenders under sixteen years of age - the building to accommodate fifty males and twenty-five females - an appropriation of $5,000 for the female department] It was referred to the Special Committee on the House of Refuge.
Mr. Shuey's Foreign Insurance Company bill [H. R. 95] coming up, it was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
UNITED STATES CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.
On the motion of Mr. SHUEY, the vote making the United States Constitutional Amendment the special order for three o'clock to-day was reconsidered, and said joint resolution [S. No. 1] was taken up and read by the Clerk - the question being, Shall the joint resolution pass?
Mr. KIZER referred to the difficulty about understanding this proposition, and he hoped the unlearned, like himself, would be excused for lack of appreciation in its discussion. He regarded it as a covert attempt to subvert our form of government, and he referred to the ancestors of its supporters as the tories and traitors of the revolutionary war. He spoke ironically of its supporters as progressing - as seeing in their progress "better things than the blood of Abel." They were a chameleon party changing color. He recognized the old classification of politicians - friends of free government, and tories. The latter class was the same to-day, only with a slight change of color, and he wanted to see them stand up here to-day and show their hands for negro equality, with all its promises of blessedness in this free Northwest, whose civilization cost the blood of our settlers here. Were it not like the Devil making the offer of all the kingdoms of the world to the Saviour of men, when the darn'd old scoundrel hadn't a foot of land in his right?
The SPEAKER pro tem., called the gentleman to order for profanity.
Mr. KIZER. Does the Chairman dictate what I shall say?
The SPEAKER pro tem. The Chair decides what the gentleman can not say in order.
page: 80[View Page 80]Mr. KIZER proceeded in a vein of facetious opposition to the proposition to the close of his remarks. The old form of government - without change - was good enough for our ancestors, and it was good enough for him. The attempted change had already brought irreparable evil upon the white race, for a questionable effort to benefit the blacks.
Mr. VAN VALKENBERG rose to order the gentleman is not discussing the matter before the House.
The SPEAKER pro tem. The point is well taken.
Mr. WOLFER. The gentleman from Allen [Mr. Kiser] reminded him of a certain man that went out hunting. He imagined he saw a squirrel on a tree, and he fired his gun at the squirrel; but the squirrel did not come down. He fired again, but still the game did not fall; so he kept on firing till he had exhausted his ammunition. Whereupon he proceeded at his leisure to examine the cause of his failure; and, behold, there was a big louse on one of the hairs of his eyebrow. [Laughter.]
Mr. KIZER replied that the gentleman might get rid of the question he had sprung, by allowing the louse to escape from his brow and to repose on the brow of the negro. When he had concluded -
Mr. ROSS considered what privileges and immunities the negro would acquire under this amendment. They were the same as those enuring to the white man. The negro may be President - for the amendment makes him a co-equal citizen with the white man. And the second clause of the first section forbade the abridgement of negro right in any State of the Union by any other State. It will repeal all our State laws making distinctions because of race and color. In reply to an interrogatory by Mr. Woods; he said this amendment would simply operate as though it had struck out the word "white" from the State Constitution; so the blackest negro would become eligible to a seat to the Speakership in this hall. The blacks would sit with us in the jury-box, and with our children in the common schools. He examined the negro's claim to their rights. The negro had neither voice nor hand in the formation of this Government, and now, to admit him to a participation in its administration, would be to subvert its foundation principles They were a race too distinct and manifestly inferior in their habits and in their nature, to be admitted to this participation without provoking a war of races that would exterminate the weaker. The ballot would be degraded by this amendment. The negro vote would be corruptly controlled by their employers - it may be chiefly in the interest of their former masters. Having considered the first section, he proceeded to the fourth. Was there ever before a proposition to incorporate the inviolability of a public debt in the fundamental law? Were we afraid of national dishonesty? Who were asking for this? The farmer? The merchant? Or was it not rather the bondholder? Would it add ability to pay? Assuredly not. The public debt can only be paid through taxation - and such taxation as the people are able to bear. Then what was the purpose of the amendment? There could be but one. We have national bonds, &c., exempt from taxation, and the only desirable effect of the amendment would be to keep repeal away from the tax exemptions of these bonds and securities.
Mr. BIRD. There were some provisions in these amendments so odious, that he could not let them pass without protest. The first section assumed too much for the United States - to say who shall be citizens of a particular State: that was the province of the State only. Its ratification would be the giving up of this right hitherto exercised by all the States. This was a white man Government, made for white men, and the partnership of an inferior race would debase the administration. To the second section he objected that its operation was a bribe to authorize negro suffrage: and he offered objections. To the third section he objected, that the red-handed traitor may be admitted to Congress by a two-thirds vote.
Mr. BELFORD interrupting. Would you admit Alexander H. Stephens to Congress?
Mr. BIRD. He would not. He would admit no traitorous leader to the national councils. But he would admit such as Johnson, Hamilton and others, Union men, I coming with proper credentials. But why place such a clause in the Constitution, as a permanent thing, when they may be now admitted by vote in either branch of Congress? In reply to Mr. Belford he said the negro was not taken into service of the United States as a citizen. It was not necessary that a man should be a citizen in order to come into the service.
Mr. BELFORD asked whether the Supreme Court of the United States had not decided that the negro is a citizen of the United States by admitting him to practice at its bar?
[A message from the Senate informed the House of the vote of that body, taken this day for United States Senator - giving 28 votes (a majority) to Oliver P. Morton; and also of the passage of a concurrent resolution for a joint convention to meet in the Hall of Representatives, to-morrow, at 12 o'clock M., to compare the senatorial vote this day taken, &c.]
On motion of Mr. NEWCOMB, the resolution was concurred in, and the Senate was page: 81[View Page 81] invited to assemble in joint convention, &c.
Mr McFADDEN next took the floor against the ratification resolution. He objected to the exaltation of the negro to citizenship, because it belied the pleadings for the war against the rebellion, and be use it strikes down the definition of citizen in the Constitution of the State of Indiana. He objected to the blending of distinct propositions in one in this amend And why take political partnership the negro, and leave out the noble Indian? But there were distinctions of race. God made it so; for He marked and recognized the Hebrew race as his peculiar people. He objected to the apportionment clause, because it was falsely pretended to proceed upon a voting basis, and because the State of Indiana would lose by it one Congress man. He also objected to the clause for the protection of bondholders from taxation. But the money paid for those bonds was to support the war for the Union. Very well But is money of more value than blood? It was not wise to legislate so far into the future as to fix this protection of the bondholders in the Constitution. When he had concluded -
On motion by Mr. SHUEY, the further consideration of the subject was postponed and made the special order for to-morrow two o'clock.
The House then, at 4:10 P. M., adjourned.
