Indiana State Sentinel, Volume 10, Number 20, Indianapolis, Marion County, 17 October 1850 — Page 1

"FV "WILLIAM J. BRGWX, Editor. .1 WEEKLY. SE3I I -WEEKLY, U OO I WEEKLY, 2 00 AUSTIN II. BROWN, Publisher VOL. X. INDIANAPOLIS, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1850. NO. 20.

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CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION. KtrjRTED FOR THE INDIANA STATE SENTINEL.

Tcesday, October 8, 1350. Mr. Edmund D. Taylor, a Delegate from Laporte, this morning appeared, produced hi3 credentials, and was sworn into ollice by the Hon. Isaac Blackford, and took Lis seat. Mr. Borden offered a resolution, providing that Robert M. Evans, Herman G. Barkwell and George L. Sites be and they are hereby appointed Assistant Secretaries. Mr. Robinson of Decatur, moved to amend, so that there shall be but one Assistant Secretary, and that the Convention now proceed to the election of that officer. Mr. Borden gave a detailed statement of the duties of the Secretaries, such, for instance, as under the act of the Legislature, the making of a record of all the proceeding?, to be deposited in the office of the Secretary of State. This he conceived, would give employment to at least one Secretary. He did not deny that too many clerks had sometimes been employed bv legislative bodies ; but this body should have Secretaries enough to do its business. In turning to the proceedings of the Convention, that formed the present Constitution of Indiana, Le found that William Hendricks was elected Secretary; but on the second day of the session he found that two additional Secretaries were allowed. The provision for a transcript of the proceedings, to be deposited in the office of the Secretary of State he thought a good one. They would there be deposited for all time to come, and would be valuable for reference in future years. Mr. Robinson thought that two Secretaries would bo sufficient. The business of this Convention would be less than that of either, branch of the Legislature. Mr. Borden cited the State of New York and other States, to show the number of Secretaries that had been employed by Conventions similar to this. Mr. Steck was not prepared to snv bow many Secretaries win;!i! be required. He woul J therefore move n amcii liiio.'if , that additional Secretaries be appointed it Mr. Miller of Gibson, moved that the amendments In; laid on the table; which motion prevailed eyes 100, nays 4 1. Mr. Stevenson moved to amend so t'iatthc Convention now proceed to elect two Assistant Secretaries. Mr. Stevenson said, the method of appointing, in the resolution, was one unknown in legislative bodies. Now, if the resolution contemplated apjiointing One Secretary at a time, he could see no objection to the mode of ap pointment ; but some members might lie in lavor ol one of the persons designated and opposed to another. He h:iJ no opM!sition to anv of the gentlemen. It whs the piirt.-iple contained in the resolution that he was opposed to. The practice would be like cmUdying too many features in a singletbill. He thought two assistants would bo amply sulfic'ent. He wished to be liberal i'i the matter. Mr. Dobson moved to amend the amendment, so that the Convention proceed to tin election of Assistant Secretaries, a Sorgeant-at-Arms and Door-keeper. Mr. D.hson thought that three Secretaries should be elected. The first Convention had two secretaries, and he tlio.jfrlit that three would now lie necessary and would not be considered unreasonable; hut to accommodate the gentlen.an fiofii Fiitnam, (Mr. Stevenson,) he would leave the immber blaiik, to be tilled by a vote of the Convention. Mr. iv!o moved to fill the blank op with "three Secret arie;."' Mr. Claik proposed "two." .Mr. Foster si.l that economy lmd been preached from the stump, by many Delegates. He felt like proving by Lis acts tnat he was a true friend of economy, lie had ex. perieni-e, in yeas gone by, in the duties of a Secretary, and h? believed that two Assistants would be sufficient. Mr. Burden proceeded to show the duties of the Secrc.'tarics, jin l why it was that f;ur Secretaries would be necessary. The business should be done correctly. He whs in favor of electing all ullicers by a rira roe vote. Mr. Nave was in favor of the Convention electing at once a sufficient number of officers, without making it necessary, hereafter, for the Secretaries themselves to appoint assistants; which was known to be the case in our State Legislature. Mr. Clark said, he rose to apologize to the gentleman from Alien (Mr. Borden.) for mukingtle motion to reduce the number of Secretaries. He was willing to concur in the edict of those who hud decided on three Secretaries out of this body ; but not having heard the argu ments that had Imen advanced, he had to discharge a duty to his constituents bv fixing on a number he thought sufficient. Ho thought 'h-t a vote should be taken here on the olfiecrs, although the final decision might have been m;de elsewhere. Mr. Edmonson favored the election of three Secreta ries, as the number best calculated to advance the busi ness of the Convention. JHr. fill er ot O:oson move; the previous question; Wiiiclt was not sustained. The blarik was then tilled with three Assistant Sec retarics. Mr. Watts moved to amend the resolution by adding, that Samuel J. Johnson of Dearborn county be appoint ed Door-keeper; not adopted. The amendment of Mr. Stevenson, as amended, providng for electing three Assistant Secretaries, a Ser-geant-at-Arms and Door-Keeper, was adopted -and the resolution, thus amended, was adopted. The Convention then proceeded to elect the Assistant Secretaries separately by a rira voce vote. On the tirst vote - M. Evans received 13G votes. J.B.liv lav received. votes, votes. Blank ... Capt. R. M. Evans was declared duly elected, wns sworn into office, and entered upon the discharge of his duties. On the second vote Barkwell received 122 Stallard receive! !. 8 Blank 4 Laverty received 1 votes, votes, votes, vote. Harmon G. Barkwell was declared duly elected, was sworn into nice, and entered upon tlie discharge bis duties. On the third vote George L. Sites received US votes Blank 12 votes George L. sites was declared duly elected, was sworn into office and entered upon the discharge of his duties Mr. Read of Clark moved that Capt. Samuel McK.cn zie be appointed Scrgeant-at-Arms for this Convention ; which motion prevailed; also, That Samuel J. Johnson be appointed Door-Keeper; which motion prevailed. Messrs. McKenzie and Johnson were sworn into office and entered upon the discharge of their respective du tics. Mr. Pcttit introduced a resolution that desks bo pro vided for the Stenographers, of such dimensions as tbey may deem proper; wnicn was adopted. Mr. Kead ol Clark moved tnat a committee be ap pointed to wait on the reverend Clergy of this city, and request them to make such arrangements as thev may deem necessary, for the purpose of opening each day's session with solemn prayrr, should they be willing to at tend for that purpose; which motion prevailed. Mr. Pettit offered the following resolution: Resolved. That three committees on tho outlines o the Constitution shall be appointed by the President, to wit : One on the Legislative Department of the Govern ment. whose duty it shall be to ccnsider all matter which mar le referred to it, and prepare and report pro visions relative to that Department One on the Executive Department of the Government whose dutv it shall lie to consider all matters which may be referred to it, and prepare and report provisions rcla tive to tint Department One on the Judicial Department of the Government whose duty it shall he to consider all matters which may be referred to it, and prepare and report provisions re lafivc to that Department Mr. Borden moved to strike out the resolution from the resolving clause, and insert the A llowing: " Thru a Standing Committee lie appointed to consid er and report on each of the following classes of subjects; and that tho several parts of the existing Constitution, which relate to those subjects respectively, be alo referred to snid committee. . " I. The rights and privileges of the citizens and inhabitants of this State. " 2.-Th5 apportionment, election, tenure of office and composition of il e members of the Genera" Assembly. " 3. The powers and duties of the General Assembly, rxeept as to th" pu'oiic df bt and matters otherwise referred.

"4. The election, tenure of office, compensation, powers and duties of the Governor and Lieutenant Governor. " 5. The election and appointment of officers of State other than Legislative or Judicial, their power, duties and compensation. " 6. The election and appointment of all County officers, their tenure of ollice, powers, duties and com pensation. "7. The Judicial Department of Government, the election of judicial officers, their tenure of office and compensation. " 8. Tha power of impeachment, and removal from office. " 9. The elective franchise, and the qualifications to vote and bold office. " 10. The militia and military officers. "11. The future amendments and revision of the Constitution. " 12. The State University, County Seminaries, Edu

cation, Common Schools and their appropriate funds. 13. The State Bank, Currency and Banking. 14. On such parts of the Constitution as are not oth erwise referred. " 15. On corporations other than Banking. " 16. On canals and internal improvements, public revenue and property, public debt and the powers and duties of the Legislature in reference thereto; and the res'rietions proper to be imposed on the Legislature in making loans of money on the credit of the State. " 17. On the organization of County Boards, the granting of powers of local legislation to them, and the adoption of a uniform mode of doing county and township business. " 1?. On reducing to a Cope such parts of tho laws of this State as may le found practicable and expedient ; aid also on reforming the rules and practice of the Courts of this State. " 10. Oa the Homestead Exemption, and on the accumulation, creation and division of estates in land. "Resolve I, That each committee appointed under the foregoing resolutions shall consist of memliers, ex cept the committee on the judiciary, which shall consist of Mr. Reed of Monroe offered the following as a substitute for both resolutions: " That a committee of be appointed to report a plan for the business of this Convention." Mr. Kelso opposed a'l three of the proj o-itions for the present, although the hist one seemed to suit his views much bett t than cither of the others. A committee had I een app Vnted o dra!"t rules for the government of this body, and until that dtrv was performed, the resolutions now introduced would lie premature. Mr. Reed of Monroe saw nothing in the appointment f the committee on the rules that would conflict with the proposition row before the Convention. Before the question was t:iKen, On motion, the Convention adjourned. AFTERXOOX SESSIOX The Convention proceeded to the consideration of the resolution, pending at the last adjournment au. .uoiucn oi Allien men ooposvu inc pi hikimiiun st- i 1 . t n .i ,i . i :.: ll'-red by Mr. Reed of Monroe. He thought tho Convention itself, in coiTiinittec of the whole, should parcel out the diilerent parts ol the Constitution to com nittccs. He thought that, by this course, everv niemIxt would have an opportunity to advocate the different relorms he was in lavor ol. He was opposed to the re ferring to a committee, without discussion in committee of the whole, because the whole ground would have, to be gone over again after a reimrt. By a discussion in oinniittee of the whole, the Convention would be prepared to rcler all the parts or the Constitution ad isedly. He would tuen advocate the appointment ot a nullit er ol committees suiiieient to enahio every member to participate in the deliberations of some committee. lis proposition contemplated some sixteen or seventeen coiiimittces. Mr. Smith of Ripley favored a committee of the whole, here a full and free discussion should take place. Ie thought much tunc might be saved by this course. He was opposed to numerous committees. The fewer, in Ms opinion, the better, in a discussion in committee of the whole, the Constitution might be taken up, and many parts ot it might be disposed of, without any relcrence to a committee. He believed the bill of rights. in our Constitution, could not be altered fur the beCcr. so w ith other portions of the Constitution. In commit tee of the whole it could be ascertained what portions f the Constitution should be retained. Those should not l e referred at all. He was opposed to following in the wake of tho New York or any other Convention. He was not satisfied but what this tiody would be better oil, if the proceedings of other ltodies were not before us. It is certainly needless to refer all the clauses of cur Constitution -to committees because other bodies have takci that course. Mr. Edmonson was of the opinion that gentlemen were netting along too bist witli their propositions. lie thought the Convention should wait until committees were appointed. He would move to lay the whole mat ter on the tabic, if no gentleman wished to make further remarks. Mr. Kelso was in favor of laving the resolutions on the table; because, said be, whoever thought of icferlitig matter to a committee before there was a comniiftee? He would not, however, move to lay them upon the table, Itccnusc he wished, on all questions, to Lave a full and free discussion. Mr. Uecd of Monroe now withdrew his amendment to the amendment, and offered a substitute in the follow ing words; 'That a committee of be Appointed to report a pl infor the business of th2 Convention, and to designate tue number and functions ol the ditlerent committees Mr. Borden now withdrew his amendmeut to Mr Pcttit's resolution. Mr. Reed of Monroe then moved to strike out Mr. Pet tit's resolution from the resolving clause, and insert his amendment iest offered as a substitute. Mr. Pettit said his proposition w as simple in its de tails. The principle by which he was governed was de rived from our present Constitution the government bo ing there divided into three departments, as provided for in bis resolution the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial. He would remark, that his resolution did not prevent the formation of other committees to ic7eitigate any special matter. 11c would cnccrluiiy aid any gen tleman to investigate any subject by giving him acorn mittee for that Purpose. He opposed the long string ol committees proposed by the gentleman from Allen, as productive of nothing bcnehcial. Iho reterenee to a committee of the whole would be productive of no good, without committees being previously provided. He bad provided for three committees in his resolution, as le thought, naturally growing out of the nature of our government. Under Ins plan, three committees would lie constituted, and subjects coming within the view of each might bo respectively referred. Ho was for nlftcinrr 11 Riihiect before the committees advisedly For instance, the subject of biennial sessions would have its legitimate committee. The reports of the committees could be relerred to a committee ol tho whole for full discussion, and if approved would at once form a part of the Constitution. There was another reposition going to another extreme, nothing more nor ess than the appointment of but one committee. This he thought inexpedient. The merit claimed for this proposition was, that there would bo more uniformity He thought that three committees might trace out tho great outlines ; but nineteen committees would be worse than anv of the old iaslnoncd railroads ol Indiana. Mr Owen said, ho favored the proposition of the gentleman from Monroe. (Mr. Reed,) as a starting point, and the gentleman's speech, last up, had convin ced him of the correctness of his position. He was not prepared to say whether there should be either three or nineteen committees. It would be the province of the committee proposed by the gentleman from Monroe to investigate the subject and determine the matter. ; Mr. Edmonson proposed to fill the blank in the com mittcc proposed by Mr. Reed, w ith one from each Con gressional District. Mr. Borden opposed the appointment of a single com mittee. He thought every member of the Convention should participate as far as jmssibla, and should Luve the privilege of engrafting his ideas, in bis own language, into the Constitution. It was objected that there might le a want of harmony in language. Ibis could be ca sily obviated by reference to a committee of correction after the work shall have been, to a great extent, aeeora pushed. Mr. Rariden said, it was not a necessary consequence that the three committees proposed by the gentleman from Tippecanoe, should make altcrationsor amendments to the Constitution. For, he was aware,that constituted as this Convention was, tho amendments to the Constitution would be made on this floor. Thee committees, as he andrrstood their dutier, wculd act as a kind of

guardian spirits, who would look over, with more care, the work of the Convention, when referred for their supervision. Other committees might be appointed and

shouid be appointed on different questions, as they arise. Mr. Morrison ol Marion opposed the appointment of three great committees. They would lie too unwieldy for under a fair division of labor, they would have to be constituted of fifty members each. On motion, the pending resolutions were laid on tho table; when The President laid before the Convention the corres pondence of the ollicers of State in relation to the use of the Masonic Hall for this convention, in which the Agent for the hall declines to rent tho same for one hundred dollars per month ; but proposes to fit np the same for twenty dollars per day, or such compensation as the Convention may agree upon; wlucli, on motion of Mr. Pcttit, was laid upon the table. Mr. Rariden otlered a resolution, that the Secretary ascertain and report, whether a more convenient room cannot be procured for the sessions of this Convention. On motion, the word "Secretary was stricken out and a committee of three inserted. Thus amended the resolution was adopted. Mr. Milroy offered a resolution, that a committee of seven be appointed, whose dutv it shall be, to enquire into and report to this Convention, upon the legality of the claim of the present State Printer to do the printing for this Convention, and that, in the meantime, the Secretary of the Convention be authorized to cause the necessary printing to Ik? done at the prices usually paid for similar work done for the General Assembly. Before the question was taken on the adoption of the resolution The Convention adjourned. Wednesday. Oct. 9, 1330. The President announced the following gentlemen as the committee on the rules of the Convention, to wit: 12th circuit, Mr. Borden: 1st, Pettit: 2d, Read of Clark; 3d, Dunn of Jefferson; 4th, Hall; 5th, Wallace; Clh, Smiley; 7th, Stevenson ; 8th, Biddle; Pth. Wheeler; llUh, Doi.son; 1 Ith, March ; 13th, Smith or Kipley. He also appointed Messrs. Rariden, Kelso and Morri son of Marion, the committee in relation to procuring a room for the Convention. The President also laid before the Convention a communication from the Secretary of State, enclosing the papers in relation to the contested seat of the delegate irom Union ; which were laid upon he table. The Convention now resumed the consideration of the resolution in relation to the right of the State Printer to perform the printing of the Convention. Mr. Kelso knew of no one that contested the right of the Convention to dispose of the printing as it thought proper; if there was, the resolution would be proper. Mr. Chapman staled that he was the State Printer, as well as a memlier of the Convention, and he held himself in readiness to execute all printing that might be ordered, having given a bond for that purpose, and had prepared himself for execut ing the work. He asked to be excused from voting on the resolution;' which request was granted by the Convention. Mr. Kelso, after hearing Mr. Chapman, was for an investigation. Mr. Borden moved to strike out so much of the resolution as authorises the Secretary to procure printing until the matter was finally settled. Mr. Kilgore moveil to amend the resolution, so that the printing, until the matter is settled, should be given to the State 1'nnter. Mr. Clark supported the amendment. He was anxious to relieve the Secretary' from the task of making a selection. The question was taken on Mr. Kilgorc's amendment and decided in the negative. Mr. Kilgorc then moved to amend, so that the Secre tary shall have the printing executed where it can bo done cheapest and most expeditiously, instead of at the present prices of public printing. Mr. Edmonson called lor a division ot the question. Mr. Morrison of Marion opposed the amendment. He was opposed to cutting down the prices of printing, as he believed it was low enough at present, and he thought the Convention was pursuing a jkkmt business in economising in this matter. Mr. Kelso held that when a mechanic or other person made a bargain or agreed to do work, he made his bar gain with his eves open, and there would be nothing unfair in compelling him to comply with it. There was no danger but a sufficient price would be demanded. Mr. Nave thought the Convention should lust decide the question under the resolution, whether the State printer is the legal printer of this Convention? If he is, hen this Convention has no power to authorize any oth er ptrson to execute the printing. Any other course would involve the State in difficulty, for the State prin ter, sboultl lie lie decided tol-e bound, or have tue rmut, to execute the printing, would have his recourse upon the State. Mr. Steele, under a division of the nuestion, was for striking out. Ilewaswih the gentleman from Dela ware in his proposition. He was in favor of giving the printing to the best printer in the city; vet he willed the printing executed at the lowest rates that the work could be well performed. This had !ccn the principle that had governed him through life. So far as the right of the Convention to elect its printer, and all other officers, wasconccrncd, be had no doubt. The State printer had no rights in the matter. Mr. Bascom opposed the principle ot setting up tho printing to tho lowest bidder. He was opposed to grinding down the laborer in his wages. He relerred to the report of the committee of Ways and Means of the last session of the Legislature, where this subject was in vestigated, and to letters of Messrs. Dcfrces, Milligan and others, practical printers, w ho took the position that the price now paid by the State was low enough. He also con tended that printing had alwavs been executed in an in ferior manner under tho contract system. Mr. Kilgore withdrew bis amendment. M. Steele renewed it. He said he renewed it because it met bis views. Ho believed the State printer had no rights here: that tho Convention must commence de no vo on this subject. The act under which the printer was elected had no power over this body. The Convention might govern the Legislature, but the Legislature could not control the Convention. At the suggestion of several gentlemen, Mr. Steele withdrew bis amendment. The question was taken on the resolution as original ly offered; when it was adopted. 1 he President laid betöre tue Convention, a commu nication from the Governor, announcing the appointment of Harvey Fowler as Stenographer of the Conven tion. Mr. Gregg offered tho following preamble and resolu tion : Whereas, it is desirable to complete the work dele gated to us by the people, with as little delay as possi ble, and witli an eye to the strictest economy, consistent with the honor of this body, and the interest of those whom we represent ; therclore Resolved, That we deem it inexpedient to report and publish the debates of this Convention at the expense of the State, and to this end we respectfully decline the services ot a Stenographer tendered to us ny tue legislature. Mr. Gregg said, that his resolution, if adopted, would accomplish all that was therein set forth. The Conven tion will necessarily have to keep a journal ol its pro ceedings, which w ill be printed. This he thought sumcient. The Legislature has limited us to our pile. Forty thousand dollars Las licen appropriated for our expenses which should be considered a munificent amount. Bat look at it. The expenses of this Convention will be almnt five hundred dollars per day; this, in CO davs w ill be $30.000. Add mileage to this $4.0U0. and we have only $6,000 left for printing. But the item of expense ot a stenographer is not the only one. a stenographer will increase tho length of the session, for he will increase the number of speeches. In our neighboring State of Kentucky, where debates were reported by a stenographer, one member alone made 199 speeches", and he would have made 200 had he not been cut off by the operation of the previous question, and he could set a number of Indianians against the best of Kentucky's sons, for wind and bottom. He gave an amusing description of a stenographer, w ho reported Mr. Clay's speech for him in this city, where he was miserably hoaxed, under the idea that he, (Mr. G.) as the editor of a paper, would have the only correct transcript of Mr. Clay's effort on that occasion. The pcopl e, he be. lieved, did not wish the expense. He did not wish to cover up anything that was transacted here. He did not ask the "position of a Delegate on this floor. It was given him. unasked, by a generous constituency The. same people had rose superior -to party and had consigned his honorable colleague, (Mr. Bright,) the same position, although a party majority was against him ol several hundred votes. 1 he people, he oenevea were not afraid to tnut their Delegates.. The indfpen

dent f-M would have its reporters here, and this, he I

ociiceu, wohiu oe sumcieni, ana wouiu save mucn nine and expense. He belived, in the conclusion, that the publication of a volume of debates would be a refineii. . .ii m i. uiwuii iuiiv . x tic men uiiti n rciiTeuce initio An ' 1 . r .11.. ' I " I. : I . 1 . I - I . I hereafter be made to these debates for the meaning ot ire wonsuruiion was rioieuious. u wouiu do jusi as well to look to the Koran or to the writings of St. John, I at Patmos, for a correct interpretation of the instrument to be framed. Mr'. Kelso was of the opinion that the gentleman was not serious in his opposition to a stenographer; but he thought it convenient to whip tho democrats over this officer. His principal reason, in opiosing a stenographer, was, that it would prolong the session. Now, he ucnevcu a sienograpucr wouiu nave a reverse cuect. He would prevent such cayenne party speeches as that made by the gentleman on the present occasion. Besides, the Constitution here to be made, would have to come before the people, and he was in favor of Jetting them know all that was said in this body, and he would tie in lavor ot Having tho debates published in tue newsiiapcis, so muh, ai me enu oi me session, me peopic would be as well informed of what takes place here, as ' . . - . I members on this floor. 1VT-C. .. I .1. i 1-J ?.ir l . oievcnson saiu, me iCgisiitiure una proviucu ior a stenographer, and ho believed their wishes should be carried out. Mr. Owen said, that a Convention was not a common occurrence a generation has passed away since our old constitution was adopted, and it would be well to enquire into the expense of a stenographer, as that question had been brought forward, which, he said, would ue lound to amount, under a lair calculation, to only oiiMui iri,u. Mr. Pcttit moved that the resolution be laid upon the table; which motion prevailed. Mr. Owen then offered a resolution recognizing Harvy rosier, oi v asnington city, appointed uy tuo governor, as the Stenographer of the Convention, and that he be me sitniu price us aiioweu ior reporting tongresssional debates. Which resolution was referred to a select committee of seven. Mr. Morrison of M. offered a resolution, that a com-

mittee of seven be appointed, to make arrangements consent of the people expressed through the ballot-box-with the publishers of papers in the city, so as to en- 6. That the Legislature shall meet biennially but

sure a daily publication of the proceedings of the Convention Mr. Kelso moved to amend, so that the committee al so make enquiry in relation to postage; which was ac cepted by Mr. Morrison. Mr. Sims opposed the resolution. Mr. Morrison of Marion stated that he introduced the resolution at the request of other Delegates. The Leg islature of the State, for the last twenty years, had ta ken newspapers, and the people, he believed, were well satisfied with the proceeding, and he thought that there was an additional reason now for this course, l he people wished to be informed of the proceedings of this bo dy, and a faithful report could not be given, by the press ol this citv, without this patronage, tie liclieved it would be money expended that would be very cheerfully paid bv the people. Mr. Sims was not opposed to distributing newspapers among the people; but he insisted that the Delegates should incur the expense themselves and not the State TVTr 1t.innm cnlil 1ia u-n tnetrntml l.rr liia .nnnliln. ents, to send them papers containing the proceedings of the Convention, and tho only complaint heretofore made was, that papers enough had not been distributed. The discussion was continued by several other gentlememen ; when Mr. Sims moved to lay tho resolution on the table : which motion did not prevail. Ihe resolution was the adopted. AFTEItXOON SESSION. Mr. Hall offered a resolution, that no part of the present Constitution of Indiana, nor any proposed amendment thereto, shall be relerred to any committee, other than the committee of tho whole, until the same has been considered ind approved by the Convention, as proper to be inserted in, ai.d made a part ol, the new or amended Constitution. Mr. Hall said, the course pointed out in his resolu. tion, was borrowed Irom the proceedings ol a sister State, and is a plan of operations much better than any that had vet been offered. He thought it would be time uselessly wasted, to refer matters to committees before they are decided upon by the Convention. Much time, he believed, would be saved by this course. Principles, in his opinion, should be tust settled by the convention. Mr. Read, of Clark, moved to amend, by providing for a committee ol one from each judicial circuit, to as certain the number of standing committees necessary to facilitate tho deliberations and business ol the Convention, and that said committee report the same, together' with a proper designation of each ol said committees. Mr. Edmonston opposed the resolution and amend ment. A committee had Ireen this morning appointed to frame rules ind regulations for the Convention. That committee would supersede the amendment. The plan of the gentleman from Gibson, (Mr. Hall,) with all due deference to his age and experience, he must oppose, because he desired every thing introduced by gentlemen, on this floor, to'huvo a fair and full investigation by committees. Mr. Dobson opposed tho resolution of the gentleman from Gibson, because, if the Convention is first to decide, the action of committees will lie a mere nullity. He was opposed to the resolution, as he before remarked; but he was glad it was here, that a final decision murht at once be made, as to the course to be pursued Mr. rrave opposed the resolution. He said it must have originated in Kentucky, where everything is brought about by stump speaking. He conceived the proposition contrary to the genius of our institutions, which seemed to imply a full and fair investigation of every sunieet. The President here declared tho amendment of Mr. Read to be out of order. Mr. Borden said, there were gentlemen here who thought the old Constitution a very good one, and were satisfied w ith it, or at least wished but very slight alter ations. These gentlemen might very properly go into committee of the w hole, and their work would be easily accomplished. But there were others, like himself, who wished many amendments, and who wished to refer all the subjects to appropriate committees. As a member of tho committee to whom the subject of the rules was referred, he wished to know whelher committees were necessary or not Mr. Hall said, that the jrentleman entirely mistook his resolution. It was not to do away with any committee. To illustrate, he referred to a subject of amendment he was instructed to introduce. His Plan was, tnat a vote should first lie taken on the proposition, and, if ap a . proved by the Convention, then it should be relerred to a commutes. - Mr. Edmonson again objected to the resolution, as calculated to retard the action of the Convention, by laving the same ground traveled over in committee of the whole and also bv other committees. Mr. Pettit opposed the resolution, and said, before he sat down, h would move to lay it upon tho table, with the view of taking an the one'offered by himself. He saw nothing to be gained by the intervention oi a committee of tho whole. His plan was to decide in Convention what matter should be referred. He had several questions winch ho would offer as positive instructions to committees. When thev made a report the matter might be referred to a committee of the whole and there fully discussed. He was in favor of three committees, growing out of the structure of our government. Other gentlemen might have as many committees as they might choose. He moved to lay the resolution on tho table : which motion prevailed Mr. Pettit moved to take un his resolution for tha ap nointment of three committee, too-ether with the riend - ing amendment, laid on the table on yesterday; which motion rtrevailed. - Mr. Reed of Monroe said, that it was from no dispo - ation to act as the chairman of a committee that he offered his amendment. Indoed. in looking over the Convontion and sooinrr tho mmnii men who hud erved lioth in our StntA iit NntiY.n! oonnr-iU. hn had determined to decline serving as chairman. 1ut the resolution or amendment, an offered bv himself, ho thouffht the most advisable course to pursue. The plan of business, in his oninion. im th first thirxr to be done. Mr. Owen favored tho amendment It was not a committee to take every thing into consideration. We would need many committees. In reference to the plan of the gentleman from Gibson (Mr. Hall) he remarked, that there were ten questions worthy of investigation to everyone that was adopted. He woald favor tho idea, that no proposition should be sent to a committee until it came before the Convention in the shape of a reelutior or otherwise. Mr. Tettit. to test the nuettien, moved to lay tha.

amendment upon the table : which motion did not pre-

van. . Mr. Foster favored the amendment of his colleague (Mr. Reed.) '1 . 1 . a no question was lasen on tne amendment to tlie amendment of Mr. Reed, filling the blank with one from cacn congressional District: which amendment was not adopted. Mr. Maguire proposed a committee of two from each Congressional District: which amendment was adonted. The amendment of Mr. Reed, as amended, to wit: "That a committee of two from each Congressional District be appointed to report a plan for the business of this Convention, and to designate the number and functions of the diiferent committees," was now adopted as the sense oi the convention. Mr. Kilgore offered a preamble and resolution, "that we recommend to the people of the State the present Constitution as proposed by their Delegates in A. D. 1816, and adopted by the people, and that this Convention now adjourn, sine die." Mr. v olle moved that the resolution be laid upon the tame: wnicn motion nrevai eu aves iz.noesii j Mr. Hall offered the following resolutions; which were laid upon the table until the committees are an. pounea, towit: 1. That Judges and all other officers shall be elected bythepeojlc. 2. That corporations shall be erected under a General law individual liability to tho extent of stock shall lie imposed the issue of bills of credit for general circnla tion shall be prohibited. No banking privileges shall be granted except to a State Bank and a limited number of Branches, properly restricted. j, i uat special legislation snau oe prohibited no act shall embrace more than one subject, and that shall be expressed in its title. Upon the final passage of cvcry bill in cither House, the "yeas and nays" shall be entered upon the journals: and bo act ol the General As semblv shall be in force, until after its publication in print and distribution among tho people. 4. That the Legislature shall be prohibited from granting divorces and from establishing lotteries. 5. That the Legislature shall be prohibited from bor rowing money upon the faith of the State, without the may be convened by the Governor incases of emergency 7. That all fines assessed for any breach of the penal laws, shall be applied to the support of common sehools8. That all distinction lictwecn proceedings in courts of law and of equity shall be abolished, as also all dis tinction between diuerent kinds of actions 9. That the House of Representatives shall consist of one hundred members, and the Senate of fifty members; provided, the number in either bouse may be diminished by legislative enactment. 10. lhat all elections by the General Assembly, or cither branch thereof shall be determined by a plurality ol the votes given After ihe introduction and adoption of several busi ness resolutions, The Convention adjourned. Thcrsdat, Octolier 10, 1850 Previous to the reading of the Journals, the President laid before the Convention, a communication from the Reverend Clergy of the city, stating that they accepted Vlh plea!ä,uc ,be invitation to open each morning's session by solemn praver, and had agreed in a joint meet ing to officiate alternately on the days set opposite their names, to-wit: On Monday mornings, Rev. Dr. Camp and Rev. C E. Bh1.1i; on Tuesdays, Rev. A. H. Myers and Rev. J. Hull: on Wednesdays, Key. J. C. Steele and Key. t . C Hollidav; on Thursdays, Rev. T. R. Cressy and Rev L. H. Jamison; on Fridays, Rev. Mr. Cooper and RevMr. Coffin: on Saturdays, Rev. C. L. Mills and RevMr. Isensee The Rev. Mr. Cressy then, in pursuance of the almve arrangement, opened this morning s session ny solemn I prayer Ihe President announced the following committee on the resolution of Mr. Reed of Monroe, adopted on yes terday, providing for a plan lor the business of the Con vention, and to designate tho number and t unctions i the different committees, to-wit: Mr. Reed of Monroe, Chairman. i irst District, Messrs. Owen and Edmonson. Second District, Messrs. Kent and Carr of Jackson Third District, Messrs. Berry and Watts. Fourth District, Messrs. Newman and Trembly. Fifth District, Messrs. Tannchill and Maguire. Sixth District, Mr. Terry. Seventh District, Messrs, Cookcrly and Davis of Parke. Eighth District, Messrs. Bryant and Tcttit. Ninth District, Messrs. Nile's and Miller of Fulton Tenth District, Messrs. Kilgore and May. The following committee on printing, under tlie reso lution offered bv Mr. Milroy, to ascertain whether the I . T-. ' . 1 TT . T ' 1 puiuic 1'rinicr is ine iTinier 10 tins Vonvciuion, was u ixiinted, to-wit: JUessrs. .Milroy, jjunn oi .ferry, Uid die, Logan, Thornton. Lockhart and Rariden. Mr. Miller of Clinton offered a resolution as to the ex pedieney of preventing the emigration of free negroes to this Itate ; adopted. Mr. Cookcrly introduced a resolution that the Slate Auditor correspond w ith the Clerks and report os to the expenses ot tho tirand Jury and Associate judges. Mr. Borden moved to amend by instructing tue tec rctary of State to correspond with the Clerks and to in quire into and report as to the circuit courts, length of terms, numucr oi cases oi cacu amu, prouaio com is, See., See. Also in-iuiries to lie made by State Auditor as to the expenses ot urana Jury, Associate juuges fr a Tl. &c, fic. Also to report tne number ot pons, tic Mr. Cookcrly accepted the amendment. Mr. Basocin" moved to lay the resolution on the table Carried. Mr. Read of Clark moved that tho clerk of supreme court be requested to report the numlicr of cases ou the docket of tiiat couri and tho year thev were docsetcd Carried. Mr. Pettit gave notice that he would, on Monday next or some subsequent day of the session, ruovo a res olution as to the expediency ol abolishing ine grana ju rv system, and substituting public examinations. Several business resolutions w ere offered and adopted Mr. Owen gave notice that be would, on this day week, or some subsequent day olfer a resolution confer ring on married women the right ol holding propcrn separate from their husbands, kc., either by gilt, deed" devise or bequest. Mr. Borden now again offered bis resolution, hereto. fore withdrawn providing for nineteen dillerent commit tees. Mr. Foster moved to lay it upon the table; not car ncd. Tim rosdbition wna hn referred to tho eommitfCO providing for a plan for tho business of tho Convention. Mr. Edmondson gave notice that he would offer I resolution on Mondav.or some subsequent dav, providin for biennial sessions. Mr. Kent gave notice, -that on Tuesday next, he would introduce a resolution, instructing the committee on education to insert a provision in the Constitution, I that at the expiration of the charter ol the Mate ianK of Indiana, the fund set apart in the 114th section of saiu cuarter, as a permanent iunu io ue npprop:icu the cause of common school education, shall !e divided in the proportion of the taxable polls among the counties of the State. Mr. Tague gave notice that he would introduce a Jesolution on Monday next, providing for tn-enmal sessions Mr. Kelso offered a resolution for the appointment of a committee of seven to inquire into the expediency of inserting a provision in the Constitution abolishing capital punishment; laid on the table. Mr. Moore oflered the following resolution, wnicn was 1 laid on the table, to-wit 1. That there shall be a provision in the Constitution prohibiting free blacks from emigrating to this State. 1 2. That the sessions of the Legislature shall be limit ed to six weeks, and that the member s pay be fixed at I $2 00 per diem. I 3. That no officer shall be elected or appointed lor a lonffer term than lour years. 4. That Clerks, Auditors, Treasurers, and Sheriffs shall be ineligible to more than two terms in succession. 5. That the technicalities and special pleading in our courts of lUStlCC shall be abolished. I 6. That the funds arising from the sale of our public works, water rents, 6to., be sacredly applied to the liquidation of the State debt 7. That the grand jury system be abolished. I a. i uat all elections snau do ny rir roce. j 9. That our general elections shall be held on the first monuay in uctooer 10. That no man shall bold more than one office of trost and profit at the same time. Mr. Morrison, of Mrion, gave notice that on Mn-

ay next, or at some convenient day thereafter. h would

introduce a resolution inquiring into the necessity of to amending the Constitution, as to allow an additional amount of banking capital, and providing that such & system of banking may be created as will allow a healthy competition in banking, and establish a safe, cor rect, ana judicious general banking law, under which all banking operations shall hereafter be managed La tha täte. Mr. Foster gave notice, that on Wednesday next, or t some subsequent day. he would introduce a resolution to amend our present "State Constitution, so that fines heretofore appropriated for tho use of County Seminaries should be appropriated for the use of" Common c?cuoois, in tne aiiicrent townships, wherever such fines are assessed and collected. For the purpose of giving the different committeesime to report, on motion, The Convention adjourned until to-morrow afternoon at 2 o'clock. Fridat, October, 11, 1850. AFTERXOOX SESSION. The Convention assembled in pursuance of adjourn ment. Mr. Pepper of Ohio offered a resolution, that the com mittee on be instructed to report a section, requiring that each General Assembly shall provide for all the appropriations necessary for the ordinnrv eontin gent expenses of the government, until the next regular session, the aggregate amount cf which shall not exceed the amoüt of revenue authorized by law to be raised in such time; provided the State may, to meet casual deficits in the revenues, contract debts, never to exceed the aggregate of $50,000, and the money thus borrowed shall be applied to the purpose for w'hieh it was ob tained, and to no other purpose; and no other debt, cxcpticrtne purpose ol repelling invasion, suppressing insurrection, or defending the State in war. shall be con tracted, unless the law authorizing the same, shall at a general election, have been submitted to the people, and have received a majority of all the votes cast for memers of the General Assembly at such election. The General Assembly shall provide for the publication of aid law lor three months, at least, b-lore the vote f the people shall be taken upon the same: and nrovis ions shall be made at the time, for the payment of inter est annually as it shall accrue, by a ta'x levied for the . . .... . purpose; and tue law levying the tax shall be submitted to the people, with the law authorizing tha debt to be contracted. Mr. Borden, from the committee on that subiect. now reported, at length, parliamentary rules for the Convenlon i j in number. Mr. Pcttit moved to amend the 14th rnle. which pro vides that ten members may call the ayes and noes, bv striking out "ten" and inserting "one-tifth of the mem bers proscnt." Mr. Kelso said that about one-third of the rules sub mitted might be called gag-laws, and the amendment of the gentleman was mak.ng them worse. He would move to lay the rules upo.i the tabic, and print them for the information of the Convention : which motion pre vailed. Mr. Milroy from the committee to whera the subiect of printing was referred, reported, unanimously, that the State Ti inter is notrx officio the Printer of this Convention, and has no legal right, under the law, author izing his election, to execute the printing for this Convention. Mr. Nave, for the purpose of ivestigation. moved that the report be laid upon the table; w hich motion did not prevail. Mr. Borden still hoped, that the report would lie laid Upon the table for consideration, as there w as a Ic-al question, which, should the Printer for the Stete have rights, as contended lor, might involve the expenditure of money from the Treasury. At the suggestion of the Chair, be moved that the consideration of the report lie postponed until Monday next ; which motion prevailed. Mr. Borden, from the committee on rules, to which the subject of messengers to mail letters, 8cc, was referred, reported that the Doorkeeper had already employed eight assistants, and that sboukl that number be retained, there is no necessity for the appointment of messengers. They respectfully suggest, that the Convention take immedi ate measures to ascertain the number of assistants tho Doorkeeper shall have, and recommenJ the adoption of a resolution that the Doorkeeper appoint one Assistans Doorkeeper, one messenger, one attendant on the committee rooms, and one person to make tLe fires. Mr. Kelso opposed the resolution, as he believed it was determined to remain in this Hall, and that the number of Assistants already appointed was not too great. Mr. Borden, in justice to the Doorkeeper, made an explanation of the reasons tvby he has appointed the present number of Assistants. Mr. Foster moved to amend, by adding two additional messengers; which was lost. Messrs. Stephenson and Robinson favored the resolu tion. Mr. Dobson, said, as a member of the Committee, there was no intention to east censure on the Doorkeeper. lie had called, temporarily, a numlicr ol persons to his assistance, ihe objector the committee was to denn the number. The avos and noes being called, the vote was taken on the adoption of the resolution and decided in the affirmative ayes R4, noes 47. Mr. Read of Monroe, from the Committee of two from each Congressional District reported a plan for the regulation of the Convention and the number and functions of the different Committees, to wit: The Standing Committees shall le the following, to whom shall be referred all such matters touching tho Constitntion, as properly belong to each, and that they report, without argument, the provisions, alteration, or amendments required: 1. On the rights and privileges of the inhabitants of this State, to consist of nine members. 2. On the Legislative Department, to consist of nine members.' 3. On the executive, to consist of nine members. I. On the State officers other than the exec utive and judiciary, to consist of seven members. 5. On the organization of the courts of justice, to consist of one member from each judicial circuit. 6. On matters pertaining to criminal law, to consist of seven members. 7. On the practice of tho law and law reform, to consist of one member from each judicial circuit. 8. On special and local legislation and uniformity of laws, to consist of seven members. 9. On impeachment and removals from office, to consist of fivs members. 10. On county and township organization, powers and officers, to consist of one member from each Congressional District. II. On currency and banking, to consist of eleven members. " 12, On corporations other than banking, to consist of nine members. 13. On State debt and public works, to consist of seven members. 14. On finance and taxation, to consist of seven members. 15. On the militia, to consist of five members. 16. On education, to consist of nine memliers. 17. On future amendments of the Constitution, to consist of five members. IS. On Tublic institutions of the State, to consist of five members. 19. On salaries, compensation and tenure of office, to consist of five members. 20. On miscellaneous provisions, to consist of five memliers 21. On revision, arrangement, and phraseology, to consist of the chairmen of the preceding twenty commit- , tees. In addition to the standing committees above named, on the various portions of the Constitution, yonrcommittee recommend the appointment of a committee on elections, ard a committee on accounts, each tö consist of five members. Your committee further recommend, that no resolution or other matter shall be referred to any standing committee, until the same shall have previously been submitted to the Convention. Which report was laid on the table and ordered to be printed. Mr. Morrison, from the committee appointed to take into consideration the propriety of taking the city papers, containing the proceedings of the Convention, reported in favor of a subscription to the difiorent pnpers. . Tho Journal and the Seutinel to be published daily, and to contain the regular reports of the Stenographer. Missrs. Watts, Kelso, Sherord and Steele opposed the report in its present form, and Messrs. Murray and Bascom favored it. Mr. F-dmoppn mevf d to strike cat 'three ' as the number. fi'-e'nd mfcrt