Indiana State Sentinel, Volume 10, Number 21, Indianapolis, Marion County, 24 October 1850 — Page 1

n vi j WILLI AM J. BROWN, Editor. AUSTIN II. BROWN, Publisher. 5 WBBKLY. SE2II-WCEKLY, ..(too WEEKLY,. OO VOL. X. INDIANAPOLIS, THUEftDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1850. NO. 21.

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INDIANA STATE SENTINEL: .A GAZETTE OF THE PEOPLE, E7-Office in THE SENTINEL BUILDINGS Xorth Side Washington, near Meridian St., OPPOSITE ODD FELLOWS ttAT.t., AUSTIN II. BROWN, Publisher. THE SEMI-WEEKLY EDITION Is published every Wednesday and Saturday and Tri-Weekly during Ihe Session of the Legislature, at FOUR DOLLABS A TEAS, Invariably La Advance. THE WEEKLY EDITION ts published erery Thursday, aud is furnished to subscribers at the following very lour rates: On Copy, one year, 8'J OO Three Copies, stie year, 5 00 Five Copi, one year, 8 CO Ten Copies, (in Clubs) otie year, 10 00 Ctae Copy, :x momlia, 1 OO One Copy, three mouths, 50 The Honey, in all eases, to accompany intscriptions. 5Any person sending us a Club of Tern, with eah. at the rate of $1.00 each, sliall have a copy gratis for one ear. For a greater number than ten, the gratuity will be increased iu proportion. 0"A11 Post Masters are requested to act as Agents, and, as such, by a recent decision of the Department, they are authorized to frank letters for tlie benefit of subscribers. 7" Ail papers will be storped at the eixl of the term paid for, un- ' less the subscription is renewed, except to those with whom we hare unsettled business accounts. Drop Lttttrs, addressed to this office, iciH not be taken out unless the pnatare is paid. ZyTmnsitnii Advertisements, roust be paid for when presented, or they will not appear. T7.N'o Anonymous Communication will receive attention at this office. C7" Adrertistmtnts must be handed in by 10 o'clock, A. M , on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, to insure insertion in the Tri Weekly. d'7"T'Af. Paper offers inducements to Advertisers equal to any other establishment in the State.

RATES OF ADVERTISING. W wul advertise at the following rates in our respective Weeklies: Patent Medicines, at 8150 CO per column. Bus:i;ess Advertisements, 23 00 per qr. col. Irftal mi l other advertising at 5U cents per square of 2ÖQ ems, for first inscrt.oii, and 2j emits tor each subsequent insertion. Air.VTlN H. BROWN', JOHN D DEFKEtS. CONSTITUTIONAL CUWEYriOX. REPORTED TOR. THE INDIANA STATE SENTINEL. Tcesdat, October 13, 1S50. The Convention was opened by prayer, by tho Rev. Mr. Mvcrs. Mr. Pepper of Ohio offered a resolution, that after the expiration of the present charter of the State Bank, all connection between the Bank and State shall cease; which lies over. By Mr. Hoi bolt, a resolution of inquiry, as to the expediency of engrafting a clauss in the Constitution, so that in all elections, n;t otherwise provided for by this Convention, every white male citizen of the age of twenty-one vtars and upwards, who has resided in this State feix months immediately preceding such election, shall .be entitled to vote in the county where he resides, except such as shall be enlisted in the armies of the United States and their allies; adopted. By Mr. Hamilton, as to the expediency of inserting a clause into our Constitution, rivinsr to the Legislature power to establish a State Bank and Branches; and also ( power to grant charters for pi ivata banking, provided stock of the United S:ntes,or of the State of Indiana, be deposited as security far the redemption of the paper issued by such private banks; the same to be lodged with an ollk-er of the State, who shall, on receiving the stock, deliver blank bank papT, countersigned and registered, to an amount not tu exceed the par value of the stocks deposited ; and provided also, that the stockholders Its held individually liable for the final redemption of such paper as the bank may issue j which was adopted. Mr. Wolfe offered a resolution, that the Convention will, on to-morrow, take np the Constitution in committee of the whole; which lies over. Mr. Pottit's resolution on grand jnric, was taken np and runde the order of the day for Monday next. By Mr. Iladdon, as to the expediency of making it necessary 10 take a vote of the people oh all loans of money th.it the object of the loan shall be specified, and but one object contained in any one law, except loans of money to repel invasion. See.; adopted. ' By Mr. Brookbank, prohibiting idiots and insane persons, and pcrons convicted or inlamons crimes, from excreisinsr the elective franchise; lies over. By Mr.' Lockhart, providing that ever.? white male inhabitant over twenty-oue, having resided one year in the State, Ik? entitled to vote, unless he shall have been convicted of some infamous crime; and also prohibiting the Legislature from extending the right of suffrage to ncsroes and mulattoes; lies over. Bv Mr. Kinlev, as to the expediency of abolishing punfs'inent by death ; adopted. By Mr. Dunn of Jefferson, as to the expediency of incorporating a provision, that on all issue, in civil actions submitted to petit juries, a verdict may be rendered by a majority of three-fourths of the jury; adopted. By Mr. Wolie, that all impeachments be transferred to, and tried by the Circuit Courts', in each county respectively; lies over. By Mr. Read of Mmroe, as to the expediency of introducing a provision to the effect following: that no law shall Ik; passed contingent upon the approval or disapproval of any anthority, except as provided in this Constitution ; adopted. By Mr. Hendricks, as to the expediency of giving power to the Legislature to reduce the number of petit jurors in civil causes and upon trials for misdemeanors, and that a less number than the whole may find a verdict of acquittal in trials for felonies ; adopted. By Mr. Hamilton, as to the expediency of a provision, that the taxes for school purposes, and funds arising from fines and forfeitures of recognizances, be divided among the schools in each township, according to the number of scholars in each school ; adopted. Br Mr. Bascom, as to the expediency of forever prohibiting the issue of bank paper in this State; adopted. By Mr. Hawkins, as to the expediency of securing, by a declaration in the bill of rights, to the head of each family, a reasonable Ijomestead exemption; adopted. By" Mr. Ristine, as to the expediency of abolishing the present county seminary system, and also of the State University, and of so amending the Constitution, as to compel the Legislature to enact the necessary law for the sale of the property of said institutions, ai rl to apply the proceeds thereof to the nse of common schools; adopted. By Mr. Hendricks, that the committee on education lie instructed to report an amendment of the second section of the ninth article of the Constitution, providing that the Legislature, in the establishment of a general vstm of education, shall not provide for or establish, at the public charge, any schools or institutions of learning, other than district or township schools ; lies oer. By Mr. Hardin, as so the expediency of providinü in tho Constitution, that all county officers, for wilful neglect of duty or misdemeanors in office, shall be liable to punishment or indictment by a grand jury or otherwise, and trial by petit jury, and upon conviction be removed from office; adopted Bv Mr. Allen, as to the expediency of prohibiting the Legislature from passing any bank charter, or giving to any person or number of persons any banking privileges w hich ore not extended to all the people of the State ; adopted. Bv Mr. Noffsincrcr as to the expediency of so organiz ing the circuit courts, that tho judges of these courts hull also b the judges of the probate courts; adopted for a provision, that in each counS3 V -'Al . Vial K l'l ty in the State there s hall be a court of record, to be cnlb-d the county court, to l holden by one judre, to bo elected by the voters of the county, with jurisdiction in baheas eörnn. of probates and administration, the issu ing and revocation of letters testamentary, letters of &drnintration and rnardianship, the settlement ol tno crnint3 of executors, administrators and guardians, and of matter in relation to the sale of lands by executors atrul jrunrdirtns, and such organized and appellate jurisdiction in civil cases, as may be provided by law, the term f office of cotintr iiidge to be fortr years, ana to act as bis own !erk,nd receive such fees and compensation as may be allowed by law; adopted By Mr. Sherrod, as to the expediency of abolishing .the present Constitution and adopting a better one ; reler red. By Mr. Dnnn of Terry, that the cashier of th State Rank fnrnikb the amount now Mnging to the Sinking Knnd, fee. ; lie over. Ey Mr. Smith, that no la hi!l h-i rc-iscj or com

meneed by its title, but in such cases the act revised or section amended, shall be enacted or published at length, nor shall the Legislature ever adopt any system or code of laws by general reference to such system or code ; but in all cases shall specify tho several provisions of the laws intended to be enacted; lies over. By Mr. Gibson; as to the expediency of restricting the pardoning power now vested in the Governor and what restrictions are expedient adopted. By Mr. Morrison of W., as to the expediency of fixing the number of members of the House at seventy and the Senate at thirty; adopted. By Mr. Kent, as to the expediency of inserting a provision, that the fund set apart in the bank charter for a 6chool fund lie appropriated to the cause of common school education, in proportion to taxable polls in the several counties; adopted. By Mr. Mowrer, as to the expediency of incorporating a clause fixing the time for the holding of our annual elections on the first Tuesday in October; adopted. By Mr. Miller of Clinton, as to the expediency of preventing the emigration of free negroes into this State, and that the first Legislature after the adoption of the Constitution pass proper and stringent laws to carry this provision into effect. By Mr. Nave, that the standing committee on the practice of the law and law reform be instructed to so amend the Constitution that tire testimony in all causes in equity shall be taken in like manner as" in suits at law; lies over. By Mr. Foster, as to the propriety of limiting the power of the Governor so that iu future ho may be prevented from pardonincr any person accused of crime previous to conviction; adopted. By Mr. Milligan. as to the propriety of incorporating a section in the bill of rights prohibiting imprisonment for debt in any case whatever; adopted. On motion the Convention adjourned. AFTER.VOOX 8ESSIOX. - Mr. Maguire presented a memorial from citizens or Indianapolis, stating that should the Convention conclude to use the Masonic Hall, the amount over and above that deemed reasonable bv the Convention will be paid by them ; laid on tho tabic. By Mr. Miller of Gibson, that the Cashier of the State Bank report the amount of school fund that will accrue under the charter of said Bank ; adopted.

On motion of Mr. Coliax, Messrs. Biddlo and Ristine were added to the committee on Banking. Mr. Chapman offered a resolution ns to the propriety of abolishing official lionds and substituting imprisonment for defalcations; not adopted. Mr. Prather offered a resolution of inquiry, that the Governor and Lieutenant Governor shall not Lo eligible to any State office, or to serve in tho Senato of the United States, during their term of office as Governor and Lieutenant Governor; adopted. The resolution of Mr. Pepper of Ohio, in relation to loans, &.e., by the State, was referred to the committee on the Statcdeht. By Mr. Milligan, as to the propriety of abolishing the militia system except in time of war; adopted. By Mr. Borden, that property acquired by females before marriage, or bequeathed to them afterwards, shall not liecome the property of the husband, and that snch property may be deeded or bequeathed after marriage, and shall not be subject to the debts of the husband; adopted. By Mr. Bowers, as to the expediency of applying all the funds belonging to the State now applied' to educational purposes, to the support of common schools. and report to this Convention such measures as thev may deem necessary to ellect this object; adopted. Bv Mr. llolman.ns to the expediency ol ennraUinir a clause in the Consfitufiunj prohibiting the Legislature from passing nny law authorizing a suit to be brought against this State, iu its character ns a sovereign State; adopted. Bv Mr. Milroy, as to the expediency of denvin? to the Legislature the power to contract debts, without a vote of tho people, 5cc. ; adopted. Ucsolutiuns askui" certain n.lormation from the clerk of the Supreme Court were adopted. , Jvlr. Kelso's resolution on the subiect of abolishing capital punishment, was taken up and referred; also the resolution on tho subject of banking offered by Mr. Dick. On motion of Mr. Maguire, tho resolution on the suliject of taking the papers was taken up. A U IfllCJailUII Uli Uli? UtllCllUIUUUl, Ohl VUl Mr. Kelso hoped that the amendment would not prevail. If anvlhing should be struck out, be was in favor of stri king out the papers that do not pcblih the full reports. The gentleman from Marion, however, was alwut steal ing march on this Convention, by setting this resolutiou adopted, that would prevent action on the question of removing the Convention to another place. Mr. Taylor said, the Convention should not delav its business for any such purpose as that mentioned by the gentleman from Switzerland. The people are anxious to know what this Convention is alout. Business is accumulating, and the question should, at once, be decided, whether the Convention will give the people information of its acts or not. The report of the committee was again laid upon the table. A resolution was offered by Mr. Tague, that every bill that passes cither branch of the General Assembly shall be entirely read on thrco different days, unless in a case of emergency, when two-thirds of the House sha!l otherwise direct, and on the final passage of every biH the ayes and noes shall be called and entered on the Journals; lies over. By Mr v olfo, that all contested elections, as far as practicable, shall bo referred back to the people; lies ovw. By Mr. May, as to the pi oriefy of so amending sec tion o, of tho 1st article of the Constitution, as to guarantee to the inhabitants ofhis Stale the right to the tri al by jury in all civil and criminal cases, w hatever may ikj the amount in controversy or tue nature oi tnc otience ; adopted. By Mr. Helm, as to the expediency ot authorizing free banking; adopted. By. Mr. Ballingall, as to the propriety ol electing the Speaker of the House of llcpresctalives by the people ; adopted. Bv Mr. Holiiday, as to the propriety oi the legisla ture meeting triennially; adopted. By Mr. as to the expediency of inserting a clause, submitting separate amendments to the people, whenever tuey become uissatisiieu wun me constitution ; adopted. Bv Mr: Steele, as to the expediency of providing here after, that whenever 50,000 signatures are obtained in favor of an amendment, it may be authorized to be submitted to the people by ths Legislature; adopted. By Mr. Morrison ot V ., a resolution calling on the superintendent of common schools for information in relation to tue condition oi "surplus revenue lunu, saune fund." Sic. : adopted. By Mr. Ldmonston, as to tue expediency ol dispensing with ossociato judges; adopted. Bv Mr. Lojian, a to the expediency ol inserting a provision in the Constitution, that the Legislature shall provide a uniform mode of assessment and taxation for -. . ... the several counties. Sic.: adopted. By Mr. Coats, that the number of members of the House shall consist of 60, and that the Senate shall con sist of 30: adopted. By Mr. Hovey, as to the expediency of providinjr for 5 Judges of the Supreme Court, and that neither of them shall be a reporter of its proceedings; adopted. By Mr. Milroy, that women who may hereafter enter into'the marriarro state shall not lose or forfeit any legal riühtsby said marriage: adopted. By Mr. Ristine, as to tho expediency of abolishinsr 'be present county seminary 6vstera, and also of the State University, and so amending the Constitution, as to com pel the Legislature lo enact the necessary laws for the sale of the property of the said institutions, and to ap ply the proceeds thereof to the use of common schools; adopted. On motion of Mr. Cookcrly, Mr. Nile was added to the committee on the organization ol the courts and oflawieforra. On motion of Mr. Dunn, Mr. IVewman was added to the committee in relation to the organization of court of iustice. i Mr. Barbour was added to tho committee on the or ganization of oourts. Messrs. Carr and Pepper of Ohio were added to the eommitfeo on banking. . On motion, Messrs. Blythe and Terry wero added to the committee on matters pertaining to the crimina law; and Messrs. Gibson and Iladdon to tho military oominiftee. Convention adjourned. Wf.psespay. October 16, 1850. This mornine's session was opened by prayer by the Rev. Mr. Steele. . "

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Messrs. Anthony and Zenor were added to the committee on elections. , Mr. Beard presented a memorial from the Society f Congregational Friends., in Wayne county, praying thatno distinction should be made, with regard to color, wj the new Constitution. t Mr. Borden moved that it be referred to tLe commit tee on rights and privileges. I Mr. Owen said, that it would bo well to decide, a once, whether we should receive petitions on all sub jects couched in respectful language. Ho referred to the action of Congress, and to tbe fact, that after tho abrogation of the 21st rule, there was no evil arising from tbe unlimited right of petition, although it had been said by the South, that it would lead to dissolution of tho Union, if abolition petitions were received, lie was opposed to the matter contained in the petition ; but, as beloie remarked, be was in favor of reccivurg all pat titions couched in respectful language. , Mr. Foster said, be had never heard of Congregational Friends before. They were a kind of nondescript that were little known. Mr. Colfnx agree! Tvith the remarks of tho gentle; man from Posey (Mr. Owen.) Ho was opposed to the memorial, and bad told bis constituents so, although representing as strong a free-soil county as any in the State ; but he could not agree to suppress any petition of respectful import. Mr. Morrison of Marion favored receiving all petitions, as the best means of preventing agitation. Messrs. Ritchey and Chapman also favored referring to n cornmiitce. Mr. Rariden said, it was altogether unimportant,1 whether this memorial was or was not referred to a committee. He remarked, w ith regard to the Congregational Friends, that they belonged to no particular de. nomination ; but were dissatisfied with all. They were a kind of people who wished to baptise tho country with the doctrine that all men should be brought together, without distinction of color, into one common brotherhood, religiously, morally, and socially. A principle! however, bad been brought forward, and that was the matter with which this Convention had to do, and not the person or Society introducing it. Mr. Clark of Tippecanoe favored referring to a committee. The rights of all should be resected, whether respectable or not. In a matter so important as personal rights, he akcd, would this Convention refuse to hear the petition of any? Even the black man himself should bo beard. To reluse would be to estublish a principle not consistent with our form of government. Mr. Dobson favored referring; but was opposed to having a negro debate of six months in this Convention. It w as a harmless matter, and the sooner referred the better. Tho memorial was unanimously referred to the committee. Mr. Gregg, from the select committee to whom was referred the subject of a removal of the sittings of this Convention to the city of Madison, reported a correspondence with the Madison city Council, in which the Council say, by a resolution, that they respectfully tender, free of charge, tho choice of two rooms. First, the Melodoon, 45 by 65 feet , w ith a ceiling of IS fect high. Second, Jenny Lind Hall, 50 by SO feet, witlt a ceiling of 15 feet the first in the second, and the second in the third story, with several rooms attached for committee rooms. The committee state, that they visited eight or ten hotels, 8nd found that boarding could be procured at prices ranging from three to seven dollars per week ; and further, that several private families would open their houses for boarders. That under an arrangement of the railroad company, tenderin? the members a free passage to aild frcuiLjUadisQUr-duriuu; the session "-tW4Lonvcntion, the passage of niomüers to and lrom tms city would bo free of charnc if a removal took place. Tiie committee were in favor of a removal from this Hall on account cf its crowded state, and recommend tho adoption of a resolution, that when this Convention adjourns on Friday, it adjourn to meet on Monday next, at two o'clock, in the Melodeon at Madison. Mr. V olfc moved to amend, by striking out and inser ting, that the Convention will remain in this Hall to the end of the session. Mr. Pet titt would vote against the amendment; but would not vote to co to Madison. Mr. Rariden said, that the Convention should look at the matter, in a view of economy and the proper proceeding of its business. Thero seemed to be but one argument in favor of going to M idison, and that w as the inconvenience felt in this Hall. He bad been on a committee to procure another room. That committee bad found two rooms in this city, well calculated for the Convention. Some thousbt that the price of these private Halls, asked by a few individuals, was exorbitant. The ughest price asked would amount, for a long session, to no more than a thousand dollars. Pass this rcolnlion to day, and nothing wonid to done ov this convention un til Tuesday next. The expenses of the Convention were five hundred dollars, at least, per day. This would show the economy ol the measure. Here was the Mate Hora ry, a concentration of all tho mails in the State, and other advantages possessed by no other town in Inana. lie bad no unkind teelinirs tor iHartison. llo ad mired tic, attention of bcr citizens to the interests of their city, whereby they bad so greatly prospered, but a sense of duty would induce him to vote against the removal. Mr. Colfax said, tbo centlcman from Wayne, (Mr. Rariden,) had anticipated much that he would have said on this subject. He denied the position assumed for this Convention, withreiard to Us powers. He bclievcd it was a creature of the law. In the law the members of this Convention are entitled to the use of the State Library. He asked, whether the Library should be packed up, placed upon tho cars, and with Mr. Dillon on the top of it sent to Madison? This could not be done, and the loss of the use of the Library to the Con vent ion, would bo incalculable." bo with, other departments of the government. So far as boarding is concerned, there were five or six first class betels in this ci ty, and but one, he believed, was claimed tor Madison. With regard to economy, he remarked, that members would be entitled to additional mileage; whether their hats wero challked on the railrbad or not, w hich would amount, in this single item, to $2,623. He asked whether it was the intention of the Legislature und tho people to make a travelling menasrerie of the Convention, to go first to Madison, aiid if dissatisfied fherp, then to remove to lerre Haute, and so on. But the Convention, under a proposition of the citizens of Indianapolis had tbe pri ileire of removinsr to the Masonic Hall on its own terms. Mr. Dolson said, the matter had three sides to it. He, himself, was for remaining in this hall. Here were oU; bies for our constitnents, that they knew they were enti tled to. I ho fuel and all other conveniences w ere here. The expenses of removing to Madison would bo at least three thousand dollars. This, added to the milcngo would make the expense more than rive thousand dollars. So far as comfort was concerned, the mcmbc?s were more comfortably situated here than many of their constituents. To pet here, in tho canvass, w hen night over took them, many could crowd themselves into almost any room, even among the looms, spinning wheels and other matters; but when they come up here, they nave suddenly become very great gentlemen, and must bo provided with every luxury. Mr. Kelso denied the powers of the Legislature claimed by the gentleman from St. Joseph (Mr. Colfax.) He believed that tin's Convention had power to go where it pleased, as long as it kept within the limits of Indiana. Ho was on the first committee, and had stated tho facts in both cases. He was opposed to removing to any other building in Indianapolis. , Mr. Kent moved to. amend, so that the subject should be committed to a committee w ith instructions to correspond with citizens of New Albany, to ascertain whether a room could not bo procured in mat city, ana also the price of boardins; which was not adopted. ' Mr Ttunn nf Tf"frUruiri s:ii.l. be would not snv arvthincr with rccrard to Madison. Tke citizens baif made a proposition.' The Convention could see whether they had proffered them a hospitablo welcome or not. He had no opposition to Indianapolis. He cloned in her prosperity. Tbe citizens of Madison bad no- envy of her. He could wish that there had always lieen a re cinrocal feelin? manifested bv Indianatiolij. Gentlemen had contended that there was liifht and knowledge here This roi!jht bo so: but a few simulations iriisht bo sent to his eity. So far as this Hall was concerned, he con tended, that th injrrnnity of tho architect must have lecn ransacked to make it uncomfortable. It was a perfect r'aughter-house of the health of the members. Two years ago he wns here and had, with others, ufJered exceedingly. Mr. 1). continued, at icngtn, a ac scription of the Aiscomforts of tho Hall. Mr. Steele was opposed fo removing from this room When be came here, he (bund most of the soaM oecu pied; but at lenffth found one, where he now stood, that answered his purpose. If he died hero, ho would die in a trood cause. ! Owen opptcd the amendinrnt, as It would coni

pel the Convention to remain here throughout the session, whether sickness might occur in the city or not. With regard to the proposition from Madison, he thought it a liberal one it was worthy of the spirit and enterprise of that flourishing city. But gentlemen should reflect well before they voted, what would be tho answer they would give their constituents when they went home? He believed members would be entitled to mileage, and that the expenses of removal would not be less tlaii five or hx thousand dollars. He was not prepared to say, that he was satisfied with the prices demanded for the Masonic Hall ; but certainly the ogent of the fraternity had the right to make bis own demand. He was not a member of that fraternity, and did not know the reasons that operated npou them to demand the price they did; but such things were natural in business, to' get the best price for any article.- His acqnainta"hce with this and other seats ot government enabled him to make the observation, that there was a jealousy, to some extent existing against the citizens a kind of feeling, that as much would be asked for all articles as could be obtained. But o far as Indianapolis was concerned, there was not more of that spirit here indeed Le believed there was less than in other scats of government. The discussion was continued by Messrs. Helm and Maguire, the latter gentlemen, after stating, that there was no hostility to Madison, remarked, that the citizens

of Indianapolis, whenever appealed to, would make a proposition equal to any coming from Madison. They had not been appealed to, either collectively or individually.Mr. Kelso replied to Mr. Maguire, and said, that the gentleman Was too Sensitive, fto charge had been made against the cjtizens of Indianapolis. In reference to the Masonic Hall, ho believed the price demanded was ex. orbitant, and that if the Convention could get another room free of expense, ho was in favor of getting it, even if we have to goto Michigan city. Mr. Ritchey replied to the gentleman from Jefferson (Mr. Dunn,) in reference to the unwholesomeness of the Hall. He said, that this room could be as well ventilated as any room at Madison or even the Masonic Hall. Hisopinion was, and be gave it in part, as a medical man, thai heretofore indulgence at the table and other causes, (iad produced more sickness than any other. He was pposed to removing from this Hall. He would not take tbe Masonic Hall or Baptist Church if now offered gratuitously. But if a removal took place he was fur goi)g to Madison. They had made a most magnificent offer, and be was in favor of giving them a vote of thanks for it. But if we went there, he believed the -citizens would be like the people or other places some of them would skin tbe members after they got them there, should opportunity offer. Mr. Bascom said, that he was opposed to going to Madison ; but did not w ish to tie up the bands of the Convention. Mr. Nave moved to amend the amendment, so that the Convention should have the privilege to remove to another room, during the session, if deemed necessary; which was not adopted. Mr. Morrison of M. would voto for the amendment to remain in this Hall, because it would settle the question of removal. If adopted, aud anything afterwards occurred, the resolution could bo rescinded and a removal take place. t . The question w:as then taken on Mr. Wolfe's amendment to remain in this Hall, and decided in the affirmative, ayes 73, noes 59Ayes Messrs. Allen, Anthony, Beach, Beard, Berry, Biddle, Bryant, Butler, Carter, Chandler, Chapman, Chanowith, Clark of II., Clark of T., Coats, Cole, Col fax, Crawford, Davis of M., Dick, Dobson, Dann of P.j EwMwr Foley f Garvtn, Oouire; OorclotlTjraaam ol'MJi' Graham of W., Iladdon, Hall, Hamilton, Harbolt. Helmer, Hei:dricks, Hilt, Hogin, Hovey, Huff, Kendall, of Wabash, Kendall of Warren. Kinlev, Lockhart, Maguire, March, Mather, Mathcs, May. McClelland, McLean, Miller of Fulton. Miller of "Gibson, Milroy, Moore, Morrison of Marion, Morrison of Washington, Murray, Nave, Nofsinzcr, Read of Clark, Ristine, Ritchey, Sherrod, Shotip, Sims, Smiley, Snook, Steele, Stevenson, Tague, Taylor, Todd, Vai'ibenthusen, Wallace, Wolfe, Wunderlich, Yocum, and Zenor. 73. Nats Messrs. Alexander. Badger, Ballingall, Barbour, Bascom, Bickncll, Blythe, Borden, Bourne, Bowers, Bracken, Bright, Carr, Cookerly, Davis of Parke, Davis of Vermillion, Dunn of Jeficrsou, Duzan, Edmonson, Fisher, Foster, Frisbie, Gibson, Gregg, Holiiday, Hardin, Hawkins, Helm, Holman. Howe, Johnson, Jones, Kelso, Kent. Logan, Mc-Farland, Milligan, Mooney, Morgan, Mowrer, Nilcs, Owen, Pepper of Ohio. Pepper of Crawford, Pettit, Prathsr, Read of Monroe, Schoonover. Smith of Ripley, Smith of Scott, Spann, Tannebill, Terrv, Thomas, Watts, Wheeler, Wiley, Work, and Mr. Presidcnt--53. AFTERXOOJt SESSION. Mr. Badger offered a resolution, that a committee of five be appointed to thank tbe people of Madison for their kind proposal; wl.icn was declared out or order, unless thejules nre suspended. The Convention refused to suspend the rules. Mr. J i aid in moved, that the resolution reported by the Madison committee, as amended, be laid upou tho table; which did not prevail. Mr. Pettit said, that lie did not wish to vote for the resolution as amended. He thought the whole object was accomplished. It was determined bv a large ma jority that there' would be no removal to Madison. At any other tune, when another room miirbt be procured, the Convention should have an'opportunity to remove its sittings. Mr. Grccrg said, ns thero wero two resolutions one declaring that this room was unsuited to our meetings, and the other accepting tho proposition from Madison, ho bad determined to call Tor a division of the question. He thought this room altogether unht foi tho meetings of the Convention, and if a removal was not made to Madison, he was in favor of occupying some other room in this citv. Mr. Edmonson said, it would bo disrespectful to the citizens of Madison, who had made a most liberal offer, to adopt the resolution as amended, and lie would there fore move to lay the whole matter upon the table; which motion prevailed ayes 60, noes The special order of the day beincr tbe reference of tho Constitution of the State to appropriate eommittecs was now taken up: but owing to the State Printer not having printed the Constitution of the State, although handed to him on the first day of the Convention, by the Secretary, for that'imrposc, the order was postponed un til to-morrow at two o clock. Mr. Sims offered a resolution for a clause in the Constitution, compelling non-resident owners of land to pay a road tax ; adopted. ' By Mr. Graham of Warrick, a provision in relation to the removals of county seats, without a vote cf the people: adopted. By Mr, Foster, that seminary fiues bo devoted to common schools; adopted. By Mr. Borden, that tho first General Assembly after the adoption" of tho Constitution shall appoint not Jess than three, nor more than five commissioners, whose duty It shall be. to revise, reform , simplify and abridge the rules and practice, pleadings, forms and proceedings of the Courts ol this Mate; and tney roan provide ior tne aliolition of tbe distinct forms of actions at law now innse, and that justice shall be administered in a uniform roodo of pleading, without relcrence to any distinction Detween jaw and equity ; and it shall also be the duty of said commissioners to reduce into a written and systematic Code, the whole body of the law of this State, or so much and such parts thereof, as tbe said commissioners shall find prac ticable and expedient, and that said commissioners shall, from time to time, report tho result of their labors to tho General Assembly for the revision and approval of the same; adopted. By Mr. Terry, as to the expediency of inserting a provision in the Constitution, that no retrospective laws shall be passed. - The resolution providing for biennial sessions of tho Legislature was now taken up. Mr.. Read of Clark moved to strike out "biennial," ami insert "triennial" sessions; whioh amendment was not adopted, tys 44, noes J. Mr. Dunn ol Jefferson said, this was a very important question, and should bo properly considered. He would move to amend, so that tho committee should enquire into the expediency of the measure ; which amendment was not adopted. Mr. Graham of Warrick moved to amend, so that the Governor shall have power to call the Legislature together, whenever an emergency shall arise making it neoes-Ttry ; which amendment was adopted. Mr. Clark of Tippecanoe favored annual sessions. The reform called for by tho people was to put down too much legislation. That object could be accomplished by restraining the Legislature from passing local laws. Annual sessions would enable committees of the LrgMaturc to be appointed to investigate the finap..

cial concerns of the State- A frequent accountability

of officers is desirable. If local legislation could not be prevented, in any other way, his constitnents would favor triennial sessions ; but believing that it could be prevented in another manner, they would be satisfied wun annual sessions. Mr. Watts moved to amend, so that the House shall consist of 66 members and the Senate of 33 members; wtucn was not adopted. Mr. wilier of i uiton moved to amend, so that if the people should hereafter desire annual or triennial sessions the Constitution shall bo so amended, bv a voto of the people: not adopted, Mr. Read of Clark favored biennial sessions, and stat ed that three-fourths of the people were in ftvor of it. Mr. Biddlo wus in lavor of annaaj srwocs. Biennial sessions, ho said, wasaretrogade movement. One great cause of too much legislation as it is called, is, that we nave many opinions, ihe people here have come from many parts f this Union and of the world, and there would be a difference of opinion until wo all become native Hoosiers and bad procured for ourselves an identity of feeling and opinion. Too mnch legislation was an evil ; but the power to legislate never wss an evil. Bad legislation should be oasily remedied. We should have rthe power to remedy legislation of this character at least annually. 1 he power to legislate frequently is the nearest approaeh to a true Democracy. In arbitrary governments, few laws are necessary ;bnt here, the very nature of our institutions 'demand much legislation. In our corts there should Ikj a freqnent administration of justice. It would tie unwise to retrogade in this partieulay, by removing, at a greater distance, the administration of justice. He was slow to believe, that the sovereign power of the State was in favor of tbe proposition before the Convention. Gentlemen speak of instructions. He was also instructed. The positions now advanced by him were taken before tha people. Mr. Allen lavorcd tne resolution. Tlhe reforms that would be introduced, he believed, would make it less necessary for annual sessions such as the election of offi cers by the people, instead of by the Legislature, and tie adoption of general incorporation laws instead of special. Sec. ' iIr. Murray said, bis constituents were in fwor of biennial sessions, on account of tbe great amouiit of local legislation. He would be in. favor of a longer term for our officers, and that they should be ineligible after tbe first term. Frequent elections were productive of great evil and commotion among the people. jlr. roster moved to amend, so that the members ol the Legislature should have half pay only alter tho first six weeks ; not adopted. Mr. Hardin moved to amend, so that the Governor, in bis proclamation, should specifically state tbe object for which the Legislature shall be convened, and no other subject shall be brought bofore it; which was not adopt ed. The vote was then taken, settling the quesiion in fa vor of biennial sessions and decided in the affirmative, ayes 124, noes 5. UJ motion, tue convention aujoumca. Thursday, October 17, 1850. This morning's session was opened by prayer, by the Rev. Mr. Jamison.Leave of absence was asked for Mr. Milligan; which was granted. - The Constitution of the State of Indiana wns this mocning, according to order, taken up and its difierent artielcs and sections referred to appropriate committees. Messrs. Mooncv and Milroy were aoded to the com mittee on military affairs. Mr . B ascoxa. in cscnted a petition from -Uio effieers if ti-Baptrst Church, ia" favor of a claiiso in tbe'Constitutron that all persons of color, not guilty of crime, setting their feet on Indiana soil, shall be free ; referred. Also, a petition by Mr. Kinlcy, of Henry, lrom the Society of Friends, in favor of permitting negroes to exercise the elective franchise stating that for the sake of the reputation of the State there should be no distinc tion in color; referred to committee on personal rights. Ihe resolutions laid over, of an imperative character, were now taken up. 1 he resolution providing tor single Districts, in elect ing members of the House of Representatives was now discussed. Mr. Smith of Riplcv, moved to amend- so that it should be referred w itli instructions to inquire into the expediency of the measure. Mr. Stevenson opposed the amendment. Ho was in favor of deciding this question at once, in order to save time. Tho sense of the committee might not be the sense of the Convention. He had made up bis mind in favor of single Districts. What objection could lc urgd against it? It would prevent combinations amongst candidates. Around the county seats ate frequently a set of politicians who arrange who shall be elected, in total disregard of the rights and interests of the people. New York and several other States had adopted the system he contended for; Mr. Cookerly hoped tho amendment would prevail. The subject was new to most of the members. The amendment was adopted, and the resolution referred to the committee on tho Legislative Department. On motion, the Convention adjourned until to-morrow morning at nine o'clock. FniDAT, October 13, 1550. The Convention was opened by prayer, this morning, by the Rev. Mr. Cooper. " Mr. Owen, from the committee on the rights and privileges of the people of the State, to whom the memorial of the Society of Congregational Friends was referred, asking that there should be no distinction in color in tho rights and privileges of the citizens, reported, that the committee, after investigating the matter, bad decided that it is inexpedient to insert any snch a provision in the amended Constitution, arid atk leave to be discharged from the further considerai ion of the subject. The report was unanimously concurred in, and the committee discharged. The resolutions of an imperative character, heretofore laid over, were taken np. The resolution for inserting a provision in the Constitution, that a majority of all tbe members elected, of cither branch of the General Assembly, shall be necessary to pass any law, and that the oves and noes shall be taken on tho passage of every bill, was then taken up. . Mr. Kelso opposed the resolution, or at least so much as required a majority of all elected to pass a bill, and moved to make it a resolution of inquiry only. .Mr. Stevenson hoped tho question would be met at once. One decision had been made by the Convention in relcrence to biennial sessions. He advocated the resolution on the ground, that a few members should not be suffered to pass important measures; which had sometimes leen done towards the close of the session by a mere handful. A provision of the kind contemplated by the resolution, was contained in the New York Constitution, and no evil bad arisen nnder it. Indeed, ho believed it would be productive of much good. Mr. Pepper, of Ohio, was in favor of deciding the question 8t once. There was certainly no hardship in requiring fifty-ono members to pass a bill where a House might consist of one hundred members. He hoped the imperative character of the resolution would not bo altered. . ' Mr. Clark, of Tippecanoe, was in favor of settlina the question; but would vote ngainst the resolution. He said that members might withdraw, and thus prevent a majority from being obtained. - Air. Shoup favored the resolution, and also of settling the question at once, without having the ground to travel over again. He contended that it was the duty of every lesislator to be present, and should a measure be defeated, in conscqueneo of his absence, be would be responsible to his constituents. A measure of this kind would prevent hasty and improper legislation. Mr. Ritchey said, that more complaint than any other had been made against too much legislation. In his legislative experience ho bad seen bills of a most obnoxious character passed, where the ayes and noes had not been called. Ho was in favor of making the ayes and noes ndeessary on the passage of every bill. Ho was also in favor of requiring a majority of all tho memlcrs elected on every bill before it could bo passed. He did not care whether tho resolution was referred to a committee or not. Mr. Nile said, it waa discourteous to the mover of the resolution to change its character in so important a particular. He hoped that the freedom of discussion would not be put down in this way. It is not necessary that matters should be decided upon at once; but they may be postponed from 'day to day. In his section of the" Stata there was but one sentiment, and that. was. that thero should lie. greater guards against unwise and hasty legislation. He would not alter the imperative character of the resolution : but he would make it still a. - more stnntrent; and, should occasion otler, be woniu move an amendment, providing that every bill should be . . , .i y - ij- r -1 read entirely through on three several days of the scs

sion. it is this tasty, indiscriminate and reckless legos, lation that has encumbered out statue books with so

many unw ise laws such as charters for insurance and other companies, of a bigLly injurious character. Mr. Ldmonston opposed the resolution. He thought that a provision against local legislation would better effect the object of gentlemen than a section requiring a majority of every member elected. He thought a provision requiring a general law for corporations, would ensure tbe object contended for. In bis experience be bad seen many questions of a highly important character that were passed by a majority of those present. The Stata debt bill could not have been passed, at the time, under a provision of this character. The preponderance cf evil he believed would be against the resolution. Mr. Kelso said, Lis motion to amend seemed to be enpopular; but he could not see why it was so. The object of committees was to investigate such matters as were brought before them ; it would save time to mnko such references. So far as the merits of the resolution are concerned, it seemed to be one objec t to confine members of the Legislature to their seats. This , he believed, would not be accomplished, so far as tbe majority contended for, isconeerned. The latter provision, requiring the eyes and noes to be recorded, he believed, would have a tendency to keep members in their scats. He gave a history of his legislative experience to show that his positions were correct. A factious minority, under the gentleman's resolution, would have power to defeat almost any closely balanced question. Mr. Owen agreed with the gentleman from Switzerland, (Mr. Kelso.) so far as bis amendment was con. cerned. He differed with the gentleman from La port e, (Mr.Niles,) that it was discourteous to make the amendtnent. referring to a committee for investigation. He rather thought, that it would be discourteous to tho Convention not to refer. The question of biennial scs. sions was referred to, as a precedent. That question bad been so generally discussed amongst the people that tht-re opj.-efired no necessity for an investigation by a c-onimittee. So far cs the merits of tbe resolution were concerneJ, the provision, he believed, would bavo a tendency to check unwholesome and hasty legislation. A bad law passed, n-er could be recalled ; but the pre veniion of its passage, like the veto power which he was in favor of in a restricted form was only a postp nemer.t for more deliberate consideration. Tho pas. sage of unwholesome 1jws bad done far more injury than the postpon raent of good ones. Mr. Smith cf Ripley was in favor of the resolution ; but be was also iu lavor of referring till subjects to com mittccs. Under a different course, questions would be sprung rpon the Convention at an unsuitable time, and w;hen, at last referred, w hether imperative or not, tLe discussion, on a report would be double. ' Mr. Chapman was in favor of the amendment of the gentleman from Switzerland (Mr. Kelso.) but he w as in favor, also, of discussions, like the present, on important questions, which would operate as a guide to the committees in regard to the sentiments of the Conven tion. He had no experience within the bar of the Legislature ; but nine years' experience without the bar had enabled him to make tho observation, that restrictions should be adopted to prevent hasty and improper legislation. , . - Mr. Borden moved to amend, so that it shall require two-thirds to appropriate moneys, or for charters ol private companies; which he subsequently withdrew. Mr. Head or Clark favored the resolution, and gave a history of his Legislative experience to prove the necessity of such a provision. Mr. Stevenson still insisted on having the question setUcil . : UpdeLth? rules oftte . ConvontionJ one day's notice has to Ce "iven on all resolutions, of an imperative character. Tbe Convention has had four or five days' notice of this resolution. He contended, that there would be no danger of a factious minority, withdraw ing. If fifty-one members arc in favor of a bill, the forty-nine might withdraw and produce no evil. This argument was, therefore, untenable. Mr. Wolfe was in favor of the resolution. The suljeet bad been agitated in Lis county as calculated to remedy a great evil in our legislation, particularly tbe one requiring a record of the ayes and noes. Mr. Pepper of Ohio, w as in favor here, as elsewhere, of the largest lilierty of discussion. He thought that disenssion should take place, on every subject, before being referred, that those having little knowledge of the arts of legislation might have the full privilege of giving their opinions and making amendments. It was not expected that the standing committees should report at once ; hence the propriety of discussions here, leading to a concentration cf the opinions of tbe Convention. -He would be in favor of postponing the resolution to afuture day, if gentlemen were not prepared to vote. Mr. Steele was not prepared to vote on the resolution, and would be glad of its reference to a committee, on whose report a full discussion might take place." Mr. Read of Monroe wss in favor of the resolution ; but he was also in favor of its reference as a means of more careful consideration. A provifcion of this kind bad been incorporated in tbe Constitution of New York; but in some of tbe late Constitutions it had cot been adopted. There should be careful deliberation. Mr. Clark of Tippecanoe gave a part of bis lecislative experience, in the most important period of tbelegislative history of the State. There were such things, ho said, as combinations in legislation; and when the mara' moth internal improvement bill came before the Sen ate, a proposition was made by the minority, proposing the addition of a million and a half dollars in wenrks of improvement; but, in reality, including works that would have cost ten millions and bad a proposition, like the one in this resolution, leen in existence then, the minority, on that occasion, would have attained their oIk ject and the provision would have lcen added. Mr. Taylor was opposed to a portion of the resolution; but believing it would be referred for investigation, he w ould make but few remarks, until the committee should report; but would then, should a report he made favorable to its provisions, endeavor to defeat it. He was opposed to trameling fice legislation in this manner. Mr. Nave favored the resolution, and hoped the question would be at once decided. ' Mr. Nilcs said, that in consequence of a difference, on this question, with bis worthy colleague, he would make some additional remarks. He was opposed to a wordy discussion ; but there certainly could be no evil arise from a free interchange of opinion, as any memIkt, however obscure, under such circumstances, mighthave the opportunity to make valuable suggestions. Mr. Taylor was not opposed to the entire resolution. He was in" favor of a reference to a committee untramcled. If they agreed with Liin he would have no opposition to make; but, if otherwise, be would then make the best argument be coidd against their report. Mr. Cookerly hoped the resolution would be referred. It was an important question going to change the organ, io law of the State in an important particular, and should not be adopted without due reflection. He was now inclined to believe that he would support the resolution; but would prefer an investigation by a committee. Mr. Dobson said, tust an argument had been made in favor of this resolution, that under the present provision of tho Constitution, in the matter under consideration, our State had been rained. - This, be tboagbt, was far from being the case. It was true that there had been bad legislation and tro much legislation; but Indiana, which,"at the tiroa of the adoption of our present Constitution, consisted of only a handful of inhabitants, now numbered more than a million of people, and had increased in a three-fold ratio in the last seventeen years. He tbonght to important a change, as that contended for, should not bo made without an investigation from a committee, ond be therefore hoped the amendment of tho gentleman from Switzerland (Mr. Kelso) would prevail, and that the resolution, thus amended, would be adopted. The vote was taken on the amendment to inquire into the expediency of the measure and adopted. " The resolution, thus amended, was then adopted. Mr. Carr offered a resolution that the Convention will, on this day, at two o'clock, P. M., proceed to tho dec. tion of a Printer; which resolution was adopted. Mr. Murray offered a resolution of thtrnks to the citizens of Madison, for their munflcent offer of a Hall and other accommodations; which was adopt ed by consent. Mr. Dunn, of Perry, moved to reconsider tbe yote? oa the adoption of the resolution, providing tbr going into the election of a Trinter for this Convention, on this day, at two o'clock ; which motion Lea over, under the rule, until to-morrow. On motion, the Convention adjourned. AFTEKNOOX SESSIONAi the suggestion of Mr. Owen, by unanicocs escnt, the Convention suspended the mle, which provides that a motion to reconsider a vote shall be laid over one day j and the question was pot, on reconsidering the vouv adopting the resolution, providinj (feing into tbe elee- -tion of "a Public Printer on tbis day at two o'clock; which motion did net prevail ayes 30, noes 7.