THE ANSWER IS AT HAND.
Disregard of law, disregard of obligations, treating with contempt Constitutions and oaths, seeking to obscure rather than emblazon defects and departures from the straight and narrow way of duty, listening to clamor rather than conscience and Constitutions, and instead of mending ways doing that which expedites disintegration and danger I speak for myself on this floor. I am not opposed to amending the Constitution Indiana, though the Constitution as it is, in my opinion, meets all the requirements which, wisdom and prudence can demand. But, if it is to be amended, I for one stand here to declare that in so far as I can influence action it shall be Constitutionally amended. I will strike no blow at any of its requirements and commands. My fealty to the Constitution shall not be satisfied by adhering to certain provisions, while that as of little or no value other provisions which stand in my way. I shall cast no vote designed to obscure the fatal mistakes of the last General Assembly. page: 129[View Page 129] It disregarded the Constitution, and by its acts it must stand or fall. I am interested in the record this General Assembly shall make, and when the gavel falls for the last time, and this House is dismissed from its labors, I hope, whatever else may he said of it, that every page of its record may be emblazoned with votes, yea or nay-that above all and over all shall testify that it was true to the Constitution.
Mr. Chairman, In conclusion I plead for thoughtful, prudent, conservative and cautious action. Let not sensational and partisan clamor direct our votes. Having faith in the Constitution of our State and in the wisdom of those who made it, I can not for an instant be led to believe that it is necessary to violate it in order to perpetuate its existence. If our opponents have raised a tempest it then becomes our duty to direct the storm so that justice may be done To all and the rights of the people be preserved and their liberties protected under the Constitution.
Mr. ANTRIM, was of the opinion that there was no irregularity in the proceedings of the last Legislature on the question of the Constitutional amendments. While He believed that every article of the Constitution should be strictly complied with, he did not think it was necessary to add any provision to the Constitution and then insist on compliance therewith. He did not think the word "enter" was a strange one to Courts and lawyers, citing examples from the statuses and other sources to show that the word didn't necessarily mean to spread at large; that in many cases it would be impossible to give the word such an interpretation.
Mr. STERRITT said: Whatever my personal desire may be regarding any of the amendments I deem it my first duty to known avid do what is required of me by the Constitution. That the amendments are Constitutional before this Assembly can not be doubted by carefully considering the journal of the Fifty-second General Assembly and Article 16 of the Constitution, and believing that, he should so vote, thus doing his duty under the Constitution to his people.
Mr. WILSON, of Marion, moved that the Committee rise report progress, and ask leave to sit again to morrow at 9 a. m.
The motion was agreed to, and accordingly the Committee reported to the House this action.
The report was concurred in.
Then the House adjourn till 10 a. m.
