PRIVATE BENEVOLENT ENTERPRISES.
The bill [H. R. 54] authorizing private benevolent institutions, and establishing them as perpetuities, coming up in regular order, it was read the first time.
Mr. HANNA said he desired to beg the indulgence of the Senate for the first time during the session, in pressing bill forward out of their order, and hoped he would be favored on all sides, as the pending bill is one of the gravest importance to the people of Terre Haute. Though a measure of general bearings in its character, and in no wise objectionable in the public interest anywhere, it is intended especially to aid the progress of a great public enterprise in the city of Terre Haute. That city had a distinguished citizen, whose name was intimately identified with public enterprise in this State, a gentleman of large wealth and commensurate public spirit, who desired to found two munificient institutions, one for the benefit of orphans, and the other for female education upon a plan similar to the one adopted at Mt. Holyoke. It was understood that he desired to appropriate the vast sum of $300,000 for these two splendid enterprises. Mr. H. hoped, therefore, the Senate would agree to pass the bill through today, that all fears of its fate might be put out of the way.
He moved to suspend the constitutional restriction, in order that the bill may be read the second time now.
A constitutional provision requiring the yeas and nays they were ordered to be taken. After a few minutes delay -
Mr. HANNA said: He was sorry to be informed that there was not a quorum here. He was exceedingly anxious to see this bill passed to-day, and as he was so deeply interested in this question,-he asked indulgence while he demanded a call of the Senate.
The roll was called, and thirty-one members answered to their names.
In a short time two other members appeared in the chamber.
Mr. HANNA, being much obliged to the Senate for the indulgence already shown him, moved to dispense with further proceedings under the call, with the hope that this bill will be taken up when a quorum shall appear.
The motion was agreed to.
Mr. RICHMOND suggesting that several Senators have come in since the call: moved to take up bills on the second reading.
The PRESIDENT had not seen any Senator come in since the call. The record shows there is no quorum present and it is not competent to do any business until thirty-four members appear. If the Senator has any confidence in his suggestion he can demand another call.
Mr. RICHMOND demanded a call of the Senate.
It was ordered and thirty-three members were reported as present and answering to their names.
Mr. RICHMOND moved that the absentees be sent for.
The motion was agreed to.
After waiting some time in vain for the absent members to appear -
On motion the Senate adjourned.
