Rensselaer Union, Volume 1, Number 20, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 11 February 1869 — LEGISLATIVE SUMMARY. [ARTICLE]

LEGISLATIVE SUMMARY.

XLVI GENERAL ASSEMBLY. Hegiilar JSeaslon. — Ti esday. February 2.

Senate.—No quorum being present, no business was’ done at the morning hour. At the afternoon session, concurrent resolutions were presented: Requiring the Auditor of State, in all future reports, to state the amount of Federal taxes paid by the State. Adopted. Authorizing tho State Librarian to furnish each one ot the employes • of the Senate who has been in the Union army or navy, with a set of tlie Adjutant General’s reports.— Adopted Also, the following joint resolu- , tions: I Placing at the disposal of the GovI ernof JIO,OOO, to aid in the apprei hension of men engaged in executing I supposed criminals by inob violence. For the establishment of a United States District Court at Evansville. The following Senate bills were • presented: No. 155, fixing the time wherein ' personal property shall be listed—to 1 begin the first of March., • No. 156, accepting the donations I proposed by Tippecanoe Comity, and < providing for the location of the Agricultural College at Tippecanoe Battle Ground. No. 137, to provide for the free transportation of members -of the ■Legislature to and frbni the Capital, -artd to present their acceptance of

No. 158, to provide for the public printing find for the election of a . puhlrgjrityr, ■ _ No. 159, to rttise and £fcdify™wF laws of the State. * 1 -i A j No. 160, fixing the salaries of. I county officers. No. 101, to provide for the organization of Savings Banks. No. 162, to provide for the service of processxju railroad companies. tNo. -HM,- to amend t»eet towed-3yd3s and 160, of the common school law. Senate adjourned. Hulse.—Petitions presented : On temperance. Asking Certain amendments to the gravel road law. On railroad extortions. On fees of Jurors before Justices. Against the employment of children under 16 years of age in factories. For the erection of monuments over the graves of Governor Willard Two petitions on railroad extortions. =—;=========--. - For a law enabling townships to Tisscss taxes in aid of railroads. Contested E'ection. —The Committee on Elections in the case of Beatty against Peele, of Starke and Laporte, presented a majority and minority report, by either of which Peele loses his seat. It is under discussion whether Beatty shall succeed him.

The bill authorizing official publications in papers printed inforeign languages was indefinitely postponed. The afternoon was taken up in the discussion of the bill increasipg the salary of Common Pleas Judges, and the contested election case of Beatty against Peele.

Wednesday, Feb. 3. Senate, —A committee was appointed to investigate an old proposition from Hancock county for the location of the Agricultural College there. A concurrent resolution to pay the widow of Rev. IL C. Skinner, late .Moral Instructor of the Northern j Penitentiary, $122 6 I was adoptedjoint resolution No. 6, instructing our Senators and requesting our Representatives lii Uo ligress touse the) r influence to procure the passage of an act of Congress authorizing the Secretary of the Treasury of the’ United States to receive coupons of the United States bonds in payment of import duties, and permitting such | coupons to be so received in advance lof their coming due, was reported j back to the Senate and made the I special order for 2.1 o’clock, p. m., when it was discussed and laid on the table. The following resolution was passed : Be it Resolved by the General Assembly of the State of Indiana, That our Senators in Congress be instructed, and our Representatives requested, to oppose by their influence and votes the passage of any bill that shall specially legalize coin contracts, until the United States shall redeem its treasury notes in coin; and to oppose the enactment of any law which shall have the effect to reduce the present volume of the paper money in uso among the people of the United States. " . The following Senate bills were introduced:, No. 164, to authorize the amendment ofu bill of exceptions in certain eases. No. 165, to authorize Boards of County Commissioners to relieve sureties on the bonds of any county officer, on the petition of a majority of the voters of said couiity.’ ‘ No. 166, provides for establishing election precincts by County Commissioners. No. 167, to amend sec. 4 of the act for the incorporation of manufacturing, mining, and building companies. No. 168, authorizing turnpike and gravel road companies, heretofore or hereafter organized, to increase their capital stock where necessary to complete their road. No. IG9, authorizing Common Councils of incorporated cities to act as school trustees. No. 170, to revise and amend sec. 13 of the act for the organization of Circuit Courts. No. 171, amends the plank and gravel road law, regulating rates of toll. No. 172, exempts bury ing grounds from sale on liens, judgments or decrees. No. 173, changes the name of the Widowsand Orphans’ Asylum, of Indianapolis, to the. Orphan Asylum. No. 174, providesJfo.r the measurement of corn and hay in bulk. Mr. Sherrod's joint resolution, instructing against the proposed suffrage amendment to the National Constitution, was laid on the table, by a party vote. Air. Cravens’ railroad bill, declaring a forfeiture of "Special charters by' railroads when consolidated with other roads, was discussed and laid over until Friday. ___ Senate adjourned.

llortF..—Petitions: From Genevieve Lodge 269, Independent Order of Temperance, on the subject ot a prohibitory liquor law. House Bills and Resolutions Introduced : No. 133, for the relief of Thomas Hays, returning purchase money paid for swamp laud in Jackson county. No. 134, amends sec. 75 of the act defining misdemeanors,‘etc. No. 135, provides for tho disposition of moneys in the Slate Treasury, to the credit of estates without hews, and declaring them escheated to’the State in twenty years. No. 136, creating a lien on real, estate sold for taxes “by County Tresurers, and for subsequent taxes. ] No. 13Y relates to Terre |

Haute & Richmond Railroads. No. 139, for the relief of Nicholas Mon back, J < 'soph E, Lange and 1 rnneis Joseph Wetzlcr, securities for said Mwelxick, who was robbed of certain frfrblio mone/t). No. 140, repealing sections 2 to 22 inclusive, of the registry act of March, 1867. No. 141, fixing the ihode of aysessing the amount of personal property upon which tares shall be assessed. [Tax payers may take out their indebtedness.] Resolutions were adoptedJeoking to the erection of n monument over the remains of Geu. P. A.Tlackelman. No. 142, relates to settlement of decedents’ estates, etc. No. 143, an act supplemental to an act providing for the takifig up of animals running at large, No. 144, aniem.b s.ec. Gl of theact. for the incorporation of cities and towns. No 145, amends see. 1, 6 and 9 ol the act incorporating the Lafayette Insurance Company. No. 146, reqinringTownship Trustees to examine the dockets of Justices of the Peace, as to their -delinquencies in the payment of fines, etc , to the proper officers. No. 147, providing for the care of certain idiots. No. 148, relating to the paymenb of costs in certain appeals. No. 149, providing against the bringing into and keeping within this State any cattle or stock affected with any contagious disease, providing for the recovery of damages.. No. 150, appropriates $12,000 for the north wing of the Hospital for the Insane.

No. 151, to prevent the hitroductionsbf cattle affected with the disease commonly known as Texas or Spanish Fever, or any cattle likely to impart such disease, and prescribing damages. No. 153, to repeal all laws providing that not more than five acres of land in cities shall be subject to taxation. No. 154, to authorize Boards of County Commissioners to levy taxes for subscription to the capital stock ot railroad companies running thro’ the county. No. 155, relate to the keeping of useless and sheep-killing dogs, etc , and putting the tax on dogs in the school fund. No. 156, to prevent ihc introduction into this State of cattle affected with Spanish or cattle fever, declaring the bringing of such cattle between March and November a miss demeanor, prescribing penalty, &q. No. 157, to regulate the publication of legal advertisements, preferring daily papers where such dailies have a larger circulation in tbo county than any weekly paper.. Joint resolution instructing our Senators and requesting our Representatives in Congress to use their influence to secure the passage of a law granting land warrants to all soldiers who served in the Union army. No. 158, to amend section 23 of the act to provide for tha valuation and appraisement of real nnd personal property. No. 159, relates to allowances by courts and boards for drafts ou county treasuries, etc. No. IGO, relates to acts of Boards of Trustees of Noblesville. No. 161, amends the act exempting certain property. No. 162, extends the term of Township Trustees to three years. No. 163, prevents the erection of nuisances on land belonging to the State or adjoining thereto. Refers to tippling and gambling houses, and lioiiscs of ill-fame. No. IG4, relates to the appraisement of lands lying adjacent to any gravel road, etc. No. IGS, provides for a Geological Board, and the appointment of a State Geologist. No. 166, requires the publication of legal advertisements in German newspapers in certain cases. No. IG7, defines certain niisdemcanors, prescribes punishment for permitting minors to play billiards in public billiard rooms, fixing fees of officers in certain cases, etc. No. 168, encourages the destruction of foxes and wildcats. No. 169, relates to amending the act concerning damages by breachy animals. Resolution for the payment of the claim of James -N. Thornton, the contestor of the seat of Mr. Wile, lor per diem and mileage. No. 170, provides fpr tho assessment and collection of taxes for municipal purposes. No. 171, amends section 8 of the act providing for the election of Clerks of Circuit Court and prescribing some of their duties. The afternoon was taken up with the debate on the contested election case of Beatty and Peele.

Thursday, Feb. 4. Senate.—The forenoon was spent in the discussion of joint resolution 10, toplace at.tlie disposal of the Governor ten thousand dollars, to be used in bringing to justice persons executing supposed criminals by mob violence. The vote stood ayes 23, noes 19 —failing for want of a Constitutional majority. The following Senate bills were introduced : '*i ■ No. 175, defines who shall be bompetent witnesses in any court or j udicial proceedings. No. 176, amends section 16 of the act regulating she fees of officers. No. 177, prohibits Clerks of Circuit and other courts from taking and certifying the declaration of intention of any alien to become a citizen of the United States, except as therein prescribed. Bill 178.- declares what counties ’ shall compose the First Judicial Circuit. Bjll amends sec. 1 of the act

fixing the time for holding Circuit 1 Courts. Bill passftd. Bill 180, authorising Judges of Courts of Common Pleas to Appoint Judges to hold adjourned terms; the bill failed for'wanlof a constitutional majority. Bill 181, to amend sec. 313 of the practice act. Bill 182, provides for the establishment of a reformatory for girls and women. —: —*— “~ Bill 183, prohibits secret associations. Ihe following Senate bills were passed: Bills 144 nnd 145, to prevent the introduction and .spread of Spanish cattle fever. Bill 73, regulating the grafting ol new trials. Bill 5, to amend see. 1 of the act declaring abandoned certain vnfinished railways. __ ' Bill 48, to protect the banks of water courses. Bill 73, to amend sec. 53 of the act for the incorporation of towns. Mr. Hughes offered a joint resolution providing for closing up the Soldiers’ Ilonie at Knightstown and selling the property, which was re--ferred. House.—Petitions presented:— Three on the liquor traffic. For a change in the common school law. On railroad monopolies and extortions. For further regulating the liquor . traffic. EroiU-citizens ol Sullivan county asking a prohibitory liquor law. For a law authorizing County Commissioners to subscribe stock to railroads. The rest of the day was consumed in the Peele-Beatty contested election case. The vote ousting Beatty and instating Peele, stood, ayes 44, noes 51—a strict party vole. Mr. Beatty was sworn in.

Friday, Feb. 5. Senat4.—The following Senate bills were introduced : Bill 184, to amend see. 10 of the act defining felony, and prescribing punishment. amend 4tec. 49 of the election law of June 1852. Bill 186, to establish a Court of Common Pleas in each county of the State. Bill 187, to revise an act relating to lands in cities, and provides that tracts of forty acres used exclusively for agricultural purposes, shall not be liable to city taxation. Bill 188, provides for the sale of certain lands in Clay county. Bill 189, amends section 18‘of the registry law. * Bill 190, authorizing the people of the townships to prohibit the retailing of intoxicating liquors. Bill 191, enables cities and towns to make and keep in repair roads leading to cemeteries. Bill 192, amends 15th sec. of the election law. Bill 183, amends sections 1 and 10 of the registry law. Bill 194, makes an appropriation to the sinking fund to repay tor tho money borrowed to erect the now State building. Bill 195, to amend sec. 17 of the act incorporating cities. Bill 196, defining crimes of grand and petit larceny, and prescribing punishment. Senate adjourned until Monday. House.—Bills Passed: Senate bill 114, to prevent the introduction o£Spanish or cattle fever. Senate bill 145, to prevent the spread of Spanish or cattle fever, and providing damages for losses sustained by its introduction into the State. Senate bill 178, amending an act fixing the time of holding courts in several counties of the State. House Bills Introduced: Bill 17'2, relating to the Indiana College: of Agriculture and the Mechanic Arts. Bill 1,73, to amend 4th and 6th sections of the acts prescribing the powers and duties of Coroners. Bill 174, providing for the improvement of streets of incoporated towns and villages. Bill 175, to provide for special terms of courts in this S.tate, to settle issues, hear motions, account orders, etc. A message from the Governor was received, transmit ting a communication from the Commissioners of Monroe county, offering to issue bonds to the extent of fifty thousand dollars, in aid of the College of Agriculture and Mechanics, in case that institution shall be established in said county. Election of State Officers : For State^rinter —A. 11. 'Conner. , State Agent—W. Q. Gresham. State Librarian—M. G. McLain.

Directors Northern Prison—A. D. tllamriek, Col. Willis A. Blarfch, J. W. Hart. , Director Southern Prison—W. W. Curry. Trustee of Sol/licr's and Seamens’ Home—fllenry B. Hill. President of the Board of Trustees of Benevolent Institution.— Dr. P. H. Janfesdn. Trustee of Hospital for the Insane—Dr. J. H. Woodburn. Trustee of Blind Asylum—John Beard. > Trustee Deaf and Dumb Asylum —Dr. John M. Kitchen.

Monday, February 8. Senate. —Senate met at 2 o’clock. The following Senate bills were introduced : Bill 197, to provide for an extended and improved system of educationJn the State of Indiana, by increasing and securing the endowment of the State University at Bloomington. Endowing a law school and law library therein by appropriating thereto any net revenues that may arise from the State prisons or either of them ; providing tree tuition in eaid University; establishing an<J endowing at Ipdiannpoljp.a juedfcal department of said

University; providing for contingent expenses Connected therewith,and for (] K . sale or lease of square No. 25 in Indianapolis; empowering the city of Indianapolis to pnrCliHM silid square; for the investment and management of the proceeds thereof, ami the government of said department; declaring the State Normal School at Terre Haiitea branch ofsaid University, and appropriatingS73.ooo for the benefit thereof, and adding a Truak e ; accepting certain donations from the Commissioners of Tippecanoe cwudy. and others; establishing art Agricultural College in connection with suit! State University, and fixing and pledging its location and providing for its organization and government, and a filings Trustee; providing for matters pertaining to said subject, and declaring an emergency. Tho bill was made tlie sjieeiuTordcr for Thursday,, at 2J o’clock. Bill 198, authorizing the assessment of lands for tho construction of gravel and macadamized roads, nnd repeating laws in conflict. Bittltrt), amends sections lod 3 of tho act for the ineor]>oration of cities. Bill 500, legalizes all assessments made by incorporated cities In 1868 fur taxation. , Bill 201, to revise and amend section 5 of the act for tho organization of (Jircuit Courts. Bill 202, authorizing railroads to sell, Jease’or otherwise dispose of rights or franchises. Bill 203, to amend the act authorizing railroad companies to sell their rrfcuts. Bill 204, to repeal the registry law. Bill 205, to revise and amend section 79 of the act for the incorporation of cities. Bill 206, fixing the times of holding courts in the Sixth Judicial Circuit. Bill 207, to amend section 37 of the common school law. Bill 208, to authorize County Commissioners to make allowances in c6rtain caseKto Common Pleas Judges. Bill 209, provides for the forfeiture of certain estates held for life, or in reversion of failure to pay taxes. Bill 210, defines certain offenses and provide punishment therefor; providing for tlie punishment of persons who usurp judicial powers and connect themselves with companies to punish crime, declaring it felony, fixing the penalty, providing for tlie ottering 6T rewards by the Governor and making an appropriation. Bill 2U, fixing tlie times ofholding courts in the Eighth Judicial Circuit. House. —The session was taken up with tlie discussion of House Bill No. 62, a bill authorizing tlie teaching of 44i|rmnn in the common schools,__Tli_e; ■amendment.proposed by the Committee on Education, requiring the German to be taught, whenever the parents or the guardians of twenty-five children attending the school shall request the same, was adopted by the following vote: ayes 49, noes 24. Governor Boreman has been elected United States Senator from West Virginia, to succeed \an Winkle. The number of foreign emigrants that landed in New York last ’year amounted to 213,689, of whom 101,986 were German, 47,571 Irish, 29,695 English, 14,520 Swedish, 7,310 Scotch, 3,302 Swiss, 2,811 French, and the rest divided between twentyfive different other nationalities.— The bulk ot these emigrants went to the following States: New York 65,714; Illinois, 34,625 ; Wisconsin 16,237; Ohio 11,133; Massachusetts 7,904 ; Michigan, 7,324 ; Missouri, 6,517. Less than 3,000 were destined for the late rebel States. An exciting scene, occurred the other day at Alcazar, in Spain.— Madamosello Rosa Saqui, a rope dancer, was performing soma jugglery feats, balancing dagger?, lighted torches? etc., on the tight rope, when suddenly the cry “You are on fire!” arose from the audience. A piece of burning stuff from one, of the lighted _torehes had fallen on her head and set fire to her hair. With one foot on the rope and the other in the air, the woman did not loose her presence of mind. She passed her hand over her clothes and felt nothing. “In your hair!” cried the excited peo.pie. Mlle. Saqui understood, and carrying her hand to her head rapidly” stifled the flames. She then continued her performance as if nothing had happened.