COUNTY ELECTION LAWS.
Mr. Williams of Union's, election law amendment bill, [H. R. 23] coming up with amendments from the Committee on Elections--constitutional vacancy to be filled as now provided by law, and declaring an emergency--
Mr. PIERCE of Vigo, said: Its object is to postpone the coming spring elections, and combine the spring election with the October election, making them biennial, and allowing officers to hold over till their successors are elected and qualified. Municipal elections are not affected by the bill. He would be glad if such a provision could be made.
Mr. WILLIAMS of Knox, proposed to recommit with instructions to so amend as to retain the spring elections of 1869, and 1870, and the fall elections of 1869, for county officers. He showed the propriety of the amendment.
Mr. BUSKIRK and Mr. JOHNSON of Parke, showed that the bill provides for vacancies, which the amendment proposes to fill by elections--objecting to these spring elections on account of expense and excitement.
The amendment was laid on the table.
Mr. PIERCE of Porter, proposed to amend so as to include the municipal elections.
Mr. BUSKIRK suggested constitutional objictions as to the power of the General Assembly to modify charters.
Mr. PIERCE of Porter, withdrew his amendment.
Mr. CARNAHAN made an ineffectual motion to print the bill.
The Committee amendment to section three, that all vacancies by a constitutional limitation be filled as provided by law, and the emergency clause amendment, were adopted, and the bill as amended, was ordered to be engrossed.
The House then took a recess till two o'clock p. m.
