NEWSPAPER CHARGE--FREE PASSES.
Mr. LAWLER, submitted a resolution for a committee to investigate charges against Mr. Beatty, representative forom the counties of Laporte and Starke, preferred by a writer in the Starke County Ledger.
The extract referred to, to the effect that Mr. Beatty had made improper proposals to railroads for passes, representing himself as a member of the General Assembly, etc. was read for the information of the House.
Mr. BEATTY denied the charge in the paper (that he had applied for railroad passes, proposing probable consideration to the railroad interest, etc.,) as false without qualification. He denied the charge in toto. He said that he had not only not made the proposals he is charged with having made, but he has absolutely not written a letter of any character to any President, Superintendent, or any managers of any of the railroads of the State. He said the publication was inspired by malice, and being totally groundless and false, he desired, if the House should not deem it too expensive, to have the matter thoroughly investigated by a committee.
Mr. RATLIFF said that unless the charges found indorsement by some member on the floor, so that there may appear some reasonable hope of effecting something by such investigation, he would oppose the resolution.
Mr. PIERCE, of Porter, and Mr. McFADIN, regard the resolution as unworthy of no-notice here.
Mr. BEATTY made a statement still inviting investigation, and denying in detail the whole story, pronouncing it a wicked and baseless fabrication.
Mr. JOHNSON of Parke, willing to take the gentlman's word, moved that the resolution be laid on the table.
It was tabled accordingly.
Mr. LAMBORN submitted a resolution for a special committee, to report a bill against Prize Fighting in this State.
Mr. STEPHENSON, stating that there was pending a stringent bill in relation to that matter--
Mr. LAMBORN asked and obtained leave to withdraw his resolution.
The House then took a recess till two o'clock p.m.
