THE BREVIER LEGISLATIVE REPORTS.
TENTH VOLUME.
INDIANA LEGISLATURE.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
TUESDAY, January 12, 1869.The House met at nine o'clock a. m.
The journal of yesterday was read and approved.
STANDING COMMITTEES.
The SPEAKER announced the appointment of the following standing committees of the House of Representatives.
Ways and Means--Messrs. Buskirk, Ratliff, McFadin, Kercheval, Breckinridge, Smith and Sleeth.
Judiciary--Dunn, Gordon, Coffroth, Stephenson, Mitchell, Osborn and Bobo.
Elections--Pierce of Vigo, Wildman, Neff, Chapman, Hamilton, Stewart of Ohio and Zollars.
Federal Relations--Baker, Jump, Miles, Hutson, Chapman, Fuller and Admire.
Banks--Kercheval, Greene, Bates, Davis, Williams of St. Joseph, Cave and Shoaff.
Organization of Courts--Overmyer, Wilson, Welborn, Johnson of Parke, Johnson of Marshall, Ruddell and Cory.
Education--Vater, Baker, Coffroth, Ratliff, Tuber, Gilham and Mock.
Military Affairs--Osborn, Pierce of Porter, Dittemore, Vater, Barnett, Vardeman and Calvert.
Fees and Salaries--Gordon, Wilson, Zollars, Underwood, Mitchell, Shoaff and McGregor.
Corporations--Chittenden, Dunn, Odell, Breckinridge, Davidson, Neff and Cotton.
The SPEAKER laid before the House a communication with reference to the claims witnesses before the Committee on Arbitrary Arrests of the session of 1863, which was referred to the Committee on Claims.
PETITIONS.
Mr. McFADIN presented a petition to so amend the law as to give premiums for Fox scalps, which was referred to the Committee on Rights and Privileges.
Mr. MONROE presented a petition for an increase of the per diem of appraisers and deputy appraisers from one dollar and a half to three dollars per day, which was referred to the Committee on Fees and Salaries.
Mr. WILDMAN presented a general petition for a distinct prison for women to prevent the evils which necessarily arise under our present arrangements, as well as to insure the more certain conviction of female criminals, and a Girl's Reformatory, to which young girls arrested in a life of vice, can be legally sent, are greatly needed in this State, would respectfully request you to take the necessary steps for the erection of such institutions, which was referred to the Committee on Prisons.
Mr. BATES presented a petition praying for the incorporation of the Benevolent Fund Society of the Indiana Annual Conference of the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, which was referred to the Committee on Corporations.
Mr. PALMER presented a petition from citizens of Clinton county, for amendments to the Gravel Road Law, which was referred to the Committee on Roads.
GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE.
Mr. CARNAHAN submitted a resolution to order the printing of five thousand copies of the Governor's Message; five hundred copies of which shall be with the accompanying documents; five hundred copies shall be in the German language; and that five hundred copies shall be for the use of the Governor.
page: 58[View Page 58]Mr. STEWART of Rush, proposed to amend by an order to print twelve thousand copies; two thousand in the German language; and that the whole number be distributed pro rata to the members.
Mr. RATLIFF proposed ten thousand copies; two thousand in the German language, fifteen hundred to be delivered to the Governor, one third of the remainder to the Doorkeeper of the Senate, and the remainder to the Doorkeeper of the House, for the use of the members of their respective Houses.
On motion by Mr. CARNAHAN the amendments were laid on the table.
Mr. RUDDELL proposed a substitute for the resolutions and amendments in the shape of a concurrent resolution, to authorize the printing of ten thousand copies, of which three thousand shall be printed in the German language. That one thousand five hundred copies of said Message shall be delivered to the Governor for his use, and that three thousand copies of the same shall be delivered to the Doorkeeper of the Senate for the use of that body, and that the remainder be delivered to the Doorkeeper of the House for the use of the members thereof.
On motion by Mr. COTTON this amendment was also laid on the table.
Mr. HAMILTON offered the following amendment:
RESOLVED, That ten thousand copies of the Governor's Message, and ten thousand copies of the Governor's Inaugural Address, delivered to the General Assembly, be ordered to be printed; five thousand of each in English, and three thousand of each in German, for the use of the House of Representatives, and two thousand each for the use of the Governor.
On motion by Mr. GORDON the amendment was laid on the table.
Mr. WELBORN made an ineffectual motion to lay the whole subject on the table, and make it the special order for three o'clock, p. m.
Mr. BUSKIRK raised the point of order, that the tabling of an amendment to an original proposition had the effect of tabling the original proposition and everything connected with the subject.
Mr. PIERCE of Vigo, agreed with the member from Monroe [Mr. Buskirk] in the point made, that the tabling of amendments, tabled the resolution to which they referred.
Mr. COFFROTH expressed the conviction that the uniform practice of the House in the sessions of 1864 and 1865 was opposed to the position now taken by the members from Vigo and Monroe.
And after discussion of the point by Messrs BARRETT, BUSKIRK, COFFROTH and others--
The SPEAKER held that the point of order was well taken.
RE-ORGANIZATION OF THE COURT SYSTEM.
Mr. DUNN offered the following resolution which was adopted:
RESOLVED, That the Committee on the organization of Courts be instructed to take under immediate consideration the following propositions:
- The abolition of Common Pleas Courts.
- The conferring of Surrogate powers upon Clerks of the Circuit Courts.
- The establishment of a system of Criminal Circuit Courts of this State.
- That in case the said Committee find it impracticable to increase the present number of Criminal Circuit Courts, that they take under consider; he establishing of an additional number of CL Courts, so as to give each county of this State three terms of said Court yearly; and that said Committee be authorized to report by bill or otherwise.
COMMITTEE ROOMS.
Mr. BUSKIRK submitted a resolution that special Committee of the House be appointed to confer with the State Librarian, for the procurement of suitable rooms in the Capitol for Committees and Clerks of the House, and if said rooms could not be procured in the Capitol, said Librarian be instructed to procure other rooms adjacent to the Capitol.
The resolution was adopted.
Mr. WILDMAN submitted a resolution, which was adopted, that so much of the Governor's Message as relates to the death of ex-Governor Joseph A. Wright be referred to a select Committee of seven.
RAILROAD INVESTIGATION.
Mr. OSBORNE submitted a resolution that a Committee of seven be appointed by the Speaker, whose duty it shall be to investigate the conduct and management of the several railroads in the State, as to how far they have complied or failed to comply with the laws governing them, and for the purpose of enabling such Committee to perform their labor satisfactorily, they are authorized to send for persons and papers, and will report their progress.
Mr. WILLIAMS, of Knox, moved that it be referred to the standing Committee on Railroads.
Mr. OSBORNE insisted that it is expedient that the special committee be appointed, alleging that the standing committee would have enough to do to attend to the regular business that would be brought before it, and that as the committee appointed by the last House had never reported, and the complaints from the people against the railroads were yet pouring in, the House owed it to itself, as well as to the people, whom it represents, that some effort be made to investigate the conduct of the roads, and the charges brought against them. Then had been much talk of the corrupting influences of the railroad monopolies, and unless something was done in the way of an investigation there would seem to be some ground page: 59[View Page 59] for suspicion that the effect of that influence had begun to be felt in the Legislature of Indiana. It had come to be almost a question whether the Legislature or the railroads were governing the State.
Mr. WELBORN opposed the resolution from the consideration that if the House continued to appoint special committees for this thing and that, there would soon not be a working force for doing the regular business before the House.
Mr. STEWART of Rush, also opposed the special committee, thinking that the work contemplated might as well be done by the standing committee. He proposed that the resolution should go to the Standing Committee on Railroads.
Mr. OVERMYER favored the appointment of a new special committee, as the old one had not been heard from. It was no new thing, certainly, to have special committees, in important investigations of this character, and he hoped the resolution would prevail.
Mr. McFADIN, though a friend of railroads, was in favor of the appointment of a special committee to examine into the complaints of the people. The work of the standing committee is of a general and supervising character, and in doing that, if it is done well, that committee has an abundance of labor to perform. He thought work for a special character like this should be referred to a special committee.
Mr. WILLIAMS of Hamilton, thought the special committee superfluous. As for examining into grievances, if any body had grievances, the law afforded a resort in the courts, which fact alone, he regarded as a sufficient answer to the member from Cass [Mr. McFadin.] He hoped the business would be left where it properly belongs--with the standing committee.
Mr. BUSKIRK saw no valid objection to the appointment of the proposed committee. The railroad interest has exercised an influence even upon the legislation of the country, detrimental to the interests of the State, and a special committee should investigate the subject to the bottom. The overwhelming influence of the railroad monopolies upon the legislation of the States, and the country at large had not, strangely to him, excited the fears of the community. The corruptions practiced by this governing power demand attention, and for one, knowing that their influence had been felt in the legislative halls of the State and of the Nation, he was in favor of having a special committee appointed to investigate the doings of the railroads, that infractions on the laws may meet with proper rebuke, and the grievances of the people be redressed.
Mr. JOHNSON of Parke, thought the expense attending the appointing of a special committee a waste, inasmuch as the report of such committee would be referred for consideration and revision to the standing committee, and the result, after all, would be to leave the matter with the standing committee. He was, therefore, opposed to the resolution.
Mr. PIERCE of Porter, said that besides the enormous expense attending the appointing of a special committee on business of this kind, which he thought not justified by any emergency, he feared that the work of the two committees on railroads, the standing and special, would clash, and such an antagonism would only embarrass business. If he knew of any good to be accomplished by a special committee he would gladly vote for the resolution. He could not, however, see that good would result from it.
Mr. NEFF thought he might explain his support of the resolution by quoting the old adage, "Where there is so much smoke, there must be some fire." He had heard complaints against railroads and talk of their combinations for securing privileges that should not be granted, and he was strongly in favor of a committee that would show up the doings of these monopolies and investigate to the bottom of the matter. As to the expense attending the sending for witnesses and papers, he did not believe the committee would incur any expense that the public interest did not demand. He hoped the House would grant the committee.
Mr. RUDDELL favored the resolution. He thought the standing Committee on Railroads would have enough to do without investigating charges against the roads.
Mr. GORDON in reply to the remarks of Mr. Johnson of Parke, to the effect that the report of the special committee would be referred, after all, to the standing committee for revision, thought that the House would see no impropriety, when the time arrived, in hearing the reports of both committees. He knew the grievances of the people are many and burdensome, and he hoped the special committee would be granted, in order that the people may know that their representatives have done their duty.
Mr. BARRETT favored the resolution. He alluded to the corruptions of the railroad monopolies the wrongs practiced by them on the people, their growing power, and the unconscionable manner of using that power for securing additional grants. He hoped that the House would begin at once to watch and hold, it within proper limits, and promised at an early day to revive the bill vetoed by the Governor at the last session, restraining the rapaciousness of these monopolies.
Mr. STEWART of Rush, demanded the previous question. The demand being sus- page: 60[View Page 60] tained, Mr. Stewards motion to refer the resolution to the Standing Committee on Railroads was rejected, by yeas 42, nays 55.
The original resolution was then adopted.
BLIND ASYLUM INVESTIGATION.
Mr. RUDDELL submitted a resolution, which was adopted by unanimous consent, to-wit:
WHEREAS, Certain charges have been preferred against certain officials connected with, and having charge of the Asylum for the Blind, by a number of the pupils thereof; and
WHEREAS, a number of such pupils have been summarily dismissed from said Institution for having exercised their rights of petition for the redress of their grievances without a fair and impartial hearing as they do aver, therefore,
RESOLVED, That a Select Committee of five be appointed by the House, having full power to send for persons and papers; whose duty it shall be to investigate at once the causes of these charges, ana report the result of their investigation as soon as practicable.
The SPEAKER appointed as said Committee, Messrs. Ruddell, Williams of Union, Buskirk, Cory and Barrett.
RAILROAD INVESTIGATION.
Mr. MITCHELL offered a resolution which was adopted; that the Special Committee on Railroads be required to report their doings to this Assembly on or before the third Monday in February, 1869.
RESOLUTIONS.
On motion by Mr. DITTEMORE, it was ordered that the engrossed act of the House of Representatives No. 19 of the last session of the General Assembly, together with the Governors objections thereto, be taken up, and that one hundred, copies thereof be printed for the use of the House.
Mr. PIERCE of Porter, submitted a resolution, which was adopted by unanimous consent, for the admission of the veteran, James Hutchins, to a seat within the bar of the House.
Mr. MOCK submitted a motion, for an order, to so change the rules of the House as to authorize the Speaker to appoint two committees on the prisons (one north and one south) which lies over one day, under the rules, for amendment.
THE MORGAN RAID, &C.
Mr. OVERMYER submitted a resolution that a special committee of three be appointed to take into consideration the subject of the "Morgan Raid Commission," appointed under a concurrent resolution of the last General Assembly, and the report of said Commission now in the hands of the Governor, together with all matters arising out of the Morgan Raid or pertaining thereto, and that the said Committee report to the House as soon as possible such measure or measures as may be deemed proper or expedient.
Mr. PIERCE of Porter, opposed the appointment of a special committee and moved that it be referred to the Committee on Claims, But--
On motion of Mr. STEW ART of Rush, it was laid on the table.
Mr. BARNETT submitted an order to amend the rules so that a standing committee shall be appointed to which may be referred all petitions in relation to the importation and keeping of Mexican and Texan cattle within this State.
It lies over one day.
PUBLIC PRINTING INVESTIGATION.
Mr. HAMILTON of Vigo, offered the following preamble and resolution:
WHEREAS, The Evening Mirror, a daily paper published in the city of Indianapolis, has repeatedly charged in its columns that the State Printer has charged the State for printing and material furnished, more than a fair and just price under the law for the same, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That a special committee of three be appointed by the Speaker, to investigate the accounts of the State Printer, and that said committee be authorized to send for persons and papers.
In explanation, he said, that in submitting the resolution he was not moved by any knowledge or suspicion of his own on the subject. He would not say whether he believed the charges made by the Mirror or not. The a-mount paid out for public printing would reach seventy-five to one hundred thousand dollars yearly, and he believed it to be to the interest of the people to have the charges investigated.
The resolution was adopted.
Mr. BUSKIRK submitted a resolution, which was adopted, authorizing the Librarian to furnish a copy of Cushing's Manuel to the Speaker of the House.
COUNTY OFFICERS FEES.
Mr. STEPHENSON offered the following resolution which was adopted:
RESOLVED, That the Auditor of State be requested to furnish to this House a list of the aggregate amount of fees reported to him by the various county officers of this State, for the years 1866 and 1867. Provided, That the fees accuring from Probate business to be reported in a separate column from all other fees, and that a copy of this resolution be presented to said Auditor.
STATIONERY AND STAMPS.
Mr. CARNAHAN submitted a motion to reconsider the vote of last Friday on the last clause of the report authorising stationery and postage stamps. In explanation of the motion he said that as the matter was left by the House, and as it stands on the minutes, there was no action taken in regard to an appropriation for the purposes mentioned, and he desired to have the appropriation made, page: 61[View Page 61] and the money drawn legally. He also stated that members were drawing stationery and stamps under the conviction that the action of the House had been final on the subject, but they were in error. He called for the reading of the minutes, which were read, and which, he insisted substantiated the statement.
The SPEAKER stated that, from the reading of the journal last Friday, the chair is satisfied that this House has not passed any order giving any amount of either stationery or postage to members. He rehearsed the order of proceeding in the consideration of the report of the special committee on stationery, etc.; and because the House struck out Mr. Cory's amendment for forty dollars to each member, there is no provision in the report, as it was adopted, for supplying members with stationery and postage.
Mr. BUSKIRK showed that if the amendment, allowing forty dollars was adopted, it could not be in order for the House afterward to strike it out.
After debate on this question of order
Mr. COFFROTH moved to correct the minutes by striking out that part reciting that the motion of the member from Franklin[Mr. Cory] was adopted:--the effect of which would be that the journal would show that the report of the committee as a whole was adopted, which appropriated fifty dollars worth of stationery and stamps.
Mr. PIERCE of Porter, made the point of order on the motion to reconsider the vote on the question of stationery, that members had begun to draw stationery and stamps, and that by parliamentary law. after such action, the matter could not be reconsidered.
After further debate on the point of order, in which Messrs. OSBORN, RATLIFF, PIERCE of Vigo, PIERCE of Porter, SHOAFF, JOHNSON of Parke, and others participated, the matter was passed over for the
INTRODUCTION OF BILLS.
Mr. NEFF, by leave, introduced a bill [II. R. 6] for an act providing for the location and construction of lateral railroads, and for the assessment of damages occasioned by the location or construction and use of the same, which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Mr. COFFROTH introduced a bill [H. R. 7] to authorize foreign guardians to take posession of, sue for, or receipt for, any personal property or assets of their wards in this State, which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Mr. LONG introduced a bill [H. R. 8] authorizing appraisers of real estate to appoint their deputies, and authorizing appraisers to remove their deputies, and fixing the compensation of such appraisers and their deputies, and repealing all laws or parts of laws in contravention of the provisions of this bill. [It provides three dollars a day for deputies.]
On motion of Mr. LONG the constitutional restriction being suspended for the purpose--yeas 95, nays 0--the bill was read the second time by title and ordered to be engrossed and made the special order for to-morrow at two o'clock p. m.
Subsequently--
On motion of Mr. OSBORN, it was ordered that the bill be referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Leave of absence was granted to Mr. McBride for one week.
The House here took a recess till two o'clock.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
The SPEAKER resumed at two o'clock p. m., and announced the special order, viz: The consideration of the report, as amended, of the special committee on the employees of the House.
Mr. WILLIAMS of Knox, being entitled to the floor, proceeded to contrast this class of legislative expenses now, with those of twenty-five years ago--the expenses now being about thirteen thousand dollars against about eight hundred then. He claimed that four engressing clerks were not needed, one or two at most would be sufficient to do the work, and that there is no necessity for two enrolling Clerks; that six journal Clerks is an unusual and unnecessary number; that three assistant doorkeepers are not needed; that the keeper of coats and cloaks he had never been able to find, nor had he ever yet been able to find a cloak room. Assistants to announce messages from the Senate he thought showed dignity at the expense of propriety and economy. Two firemen and two water carriers he thought were not needed, for although the gentleman from Marion had introduced a resolution requiring employees to drink water, we would not need an amount of that article that will justify the employment of two water carriers.
Mr. McFADIN desired to reconsider the vote adopting the amendment to the report, fixing the number of folding clerks at one instead of four; for which he submitted various considerations.
The motion was rejected--yeas 47, nays 47.
Mr. OVERMYER moved that the report of the committee, as amended be concurred in.
Mr. WILDMAN made an ineffectual demand for the previous question.
Mr. VATER proposed further to amend the report by striking out the words "water carriers."
Mr. OVERMYER insisted that there was inconsistency in Mr. Vater's motion to ex- page: 62[View Page 62] clude water carriers, because by a former proposition of that gentleman, it would be remembered that officers and employees of the House were restricted to "water" as a beve-age.
Mr. SHOAFF proposed to amend Mr. Vater's amendment, by inserting "one" water carrier, which was adopted.
So the amendment was concurred in and the motion agreed to.
[The SPEAKER announced the Special Committee on Blind Asylum Investigation, viz.: Messrs. Ruddell, Williams of Union, Cory, Buskirk and Barnett.]
On motion of Mr. PIERCE of Vigo, it was ordered, by consent, that the items of the report be considered separately.
Mr. NEFF moved that the report be re committed to said special committee, with instructions to report the names and residences of the employees. He proceeded then to say that he had heard complaints that the appointment of employees had not been conducted in the manner contemplated, and that the committee had not been consulted by the officers of the House at all in making such appointments, which was contrary to the wishes and expectations of all. He wanted to know whether one or two or three counties in the State were to control all the appointments to positions in the gift of the House, and, for one, he should like to know where the employees of the House had come from and where they resided.
Mr. BUSKIRK followed in the same strain, and supported the motion. He said it might not be of any special service to the House to know their names and residence; but it might throw light upon the subject of the appointment of these employees. It might even furnish a good reason for resisting the adoption of the report.
Mr. VATER considered it a singular consideration to ask the House to know whose constituents are employed here, before it determines how many employees we shall have.
Mr. OSBORN supported the motion of Mr. Neff.
Mr. McFADIN said he had in his possession a copy of the names and residences of the proposed employees, and if Mr. Neff would withdraw his motion he would move to amend by adding the list to the report.
Mr. NEFF refused to withdraw his motion.
A motion to lay Mr. Neff's motion on the table was rejected--yeas 19, nays 77; and then it was adopted without a division.
So the report was recommitted.
NEW PROPOSITIONS.
Mr. BOBO (by unaninous consent) introduced a bill [H. R. 9] for an act to fix the salaries of the Judges of the Common Pleas Courts of the State of Indiana, and to provide for the payment thereof out of the State Treasury, which was read the first time, and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
On motion of Mr. JOHNSON of St. Joseph, it was ordered that the papers in the Beatty and Pealle contest for a seat in this House for the counties of Laporte and Starke be taken up and referred to the Committee on Elections.
Mr. STEWART of Rush, presented the report of the State Librarian, B. F. Foster, in regard to the condition of the State Department under his charge during the past two years, which was referred to the Committee on State Library without reading.
Mr. WELBORN (by unanimous consent) introduced a bill [H. R. 10] for an act in relation to the settlement of decedents' estates--to amend section 43 of the general act, approved July 19, 1852. It was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Mr. SMITH introduced a bill [H. R. 11] for act to create the twenty-first and twenty-second Judicial Circuits, to fix the time of holding Courts therein, and to provide for the salaries of the Judges thereof. It was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Mr. RATLIFF introduced a bill [H. R. 12] for an act to amend section five of the act entitled "An act to provide for equalizing the appraisement of the real property of the State of Indiana," approved May 28, 1852; and on his motion it was referred to a special committee consisting of one from each Congressional District.
Mr. DUNN introduced a bill [H. R. 13] for an act to prevent the importation of Texas Cattle, to make drovers, traders, and other parties, liable in damages for injuries caused by violation of this act; affixing a penalty and declaring an emergency, which was referred to the Committee on Agriculture.
Mr. FIELD of Lake, introduced a bill [H. R. 14] entitled "A bill to amend section third of an act regulating interest on money." 2 G. and H. p. 656, amendatory of the law of the statutes of May 27, and July 14, 1852. It was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Mr. WILDMAN introduced a bill [H. R. 15] for an act regulating interest on judgments. It was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Mr. WILSON introduced a bill [H. E. 16] for an act fixing the time of holding the Circuit Court in the first Judicial Circuit, repealing all laws in conflict therewith, making all writs, summons, and process, returnable thereto, and declaring an emergency, which was referred to the Committee on Courts of Justice.
page: 63[View Page 63]Mr. VATER introduced a bill [H. R. 17] for an act establishing and regulating a Public Printing office, making appropriations therefor and repealing all laws inconsistent therewith, which was referred to a Select Committee of seven.
Mr. UNDERWOOD introduced a bill [H. R. 18] for an act to amend sections two and four of an act for the incorporation and continuance of building and loan fund and saving associations, and supplemental thereto, which was referred to the Committee on Corporations.
Mr. HAMILTON introduced a bill [H. R. 19] for an act to create a Department of Insurance, to provide suitable regulations therefor, to transfer the business of insurance from the office of Auditor of State to the Department of Insurance, and to define the duties of Insurance Companies in connection therewith, which was referred to a Committee on Insurance.
[Mr. HAMILTON made an ineffectual motion--yeas 52, nays 38, two thirds not voting "aye" that the constitutional rule, requiring bills to be read on three several days be suspended, and that the bill be read the second time by title now.]
Mr. OSBORN introduced a bill [H. R. 20] repealing all laws which discriminate between races in raising revenue and providing for common schools, and providing that common Schools of the State shall be equal and free to all, and denning the duties of certain officers, and supplemental to an act entitled "an act to provide for a general system of common schools," &c., approved March 6, 1865.
Mr. PIERCE of Vigo, moved that it be laid on the table, and that three hundred copies thereof be printed.
Mr. COFFROTH and Mr. RATLIFF submitted that it were better first to refer it for the consideration, and probably the amendment, of the Committee on Education.
The bill was referred to the committee.
Mr. GORDON introduced a bill [H. R. 21] for an act regulating docket fees of Prosecuting Attorneys in Circuit Courts, and District Attorneys in Courts of Common Pleas and before Justices of the Peace, and fixing the salaries of District Attorneys in prosecutions on forfeited recognizance, which was referred to the Committee on Fees and Salaries.
Mr. BUSKIRK introduced a bill [H. R. 22] for an act to amend an act authorizing the construcnion of plank, macadamized and gravel roads, approved May 12, 1862, which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Mr. WILLIAMS of Union, introduced a bill [H. R. 23] for An act to amend an act entitled an act regulating general elections, and prescribing the duties of officers in relation thereto, approved June 7, 1852, and to amend an act entitled an act to provide for township elections, approved June 15, 1852, to provide for the continuance of the terms of certain officers, and to repeal all laws inconsistent therewith, which was referred to the Committee on Elections.
Mr. OVERMYER introduced a bill [H. R. 24] for an act to regulate the standing of the Medical profession, declaring who may practice medicine, and providing penalties for its violation. [Not to be construed so as i o apply to those practising dentistry.] Which was referred to the Committee on Rights and Privileges.
Mr. STEWART of Rush, introduced a bill [H. R. 25] for an act to repeal the Gravel Road Law, and declaring an emergency, which was referred to the Committee on Roads.
Mr. BOWEN introduced a bill [H. R. 26] for an act to amend the tenth section of an act providing for the election and qualification of Justices of the Peace, and defining their jurisdiction and powers and duties in civil cases. Approved June 9th, 1865, which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Mr. PALMER introduced a bill [H. R. 27] for an act to authorize the assessment of all lands within one and a half miles of Macadamized and Gravel Roads, and repealing former laws on the subject; which was referred to the Committee on Roads.
Mr. MASON introduced a bill [H. R. 28] for an act to amend sections one, two, and nye of an act entitled "an act to create the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit of the State of Indiana, and afixing the time of holding Courts therein," approved March 1st 1867; which was referred to the Committee on Organization of Courts.
Mr. BARRETT introduced a bill [H. R. 29] for an act to legalize the Tax Assessments for the year 1868, in certain incorporated cities; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Mr. MITCHELL introduced a bill [H. R. 30] for an act to amend section nine of an act providing for the election of Clerks of the Circuit Courts,and prescribing some of their duties, and declaring an emergency; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Mr. WILSON introduced a bill [H. R. 31] for an act to amend section nine of an act entitled an act providing for the election and qualification of Justices of the Peace, defining their jurisdiction, powers and duties in civil cases, approved June 9th, 1852, and repealing all laws in conflict therewith. [Their jurisdiction shall be co-extensive with the county,] which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
The House then adjourned.
