Rising Sun Times, Volume 4, Number 164, Rising Sun, Ohio County, 31 December 1836 — Page 2

legislative Summary. SENATE. Dec. 7. The President announced the standing committees. On motion of Mr. Conwell, it was Resolved, That a committee of five be appointed to inquire into the expediency of so changing the road laws, as to authorize each township to elect three road inspectors, to superintend the roads in each township, and also that lhv h Authorized to receive and lav

out all the road revenue in said towuship; and also that they have authority to make any nonessential changes in any of the roads; and that they Ime leave to report by bill, or otherwise. Mr. Vawter offered a resolution, declaring it highly expedient for the present General Assembly to enter into a revision of the Statute Laws of the State; which was laid on the table. Dec. 12. Mr. Plummer offered the following resolution: Revoked, That the Judiciary committee be requested to inquire into the expediency of passing a law authori zing each town or township in Indiana, to erect a House of Correction for the chastisement of all persons who may be found intoxicated or dissipated by the use of ardent spirits. After several motions to amend the resolution, it was lost yeas 9, nays 33 LEGISLATIVE. Indianapolis, Dec. 20. In the Senate, but few general sub lects of interest have been acted on. A considerable amount cf business, how ever, has been referred to standing and select committees, in the form of peti tions, and resolutions, upon which reports may soon be expected. Among the bills which have passed, is one providing for accepting and receiving the fhare of the surplus revenue to which Indiana will be entitled under the dis tribution bill of last session of Con gress. To the passage of the bill, there was no dissenting voice. Among the bills pending, is one introduced by Mr. Siglcr of Putnam, some days ago, to incorporate the Indiana University, which passed to a second reading by consent, and which will most probably pass with but little, if any opposition This is the University which is about being established under the patronage of the Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and which was, by a vote of the late conference at this t . . ft . -1 rw piace, locatea ai ureencasue.j i wo other bills of considerable interest were imported two or three days ago by Mr. Thompson of Lawrence, chairman of ihe Judiciary Committee, the one pro viding tor a uniform township system, mat is to say, either confining the jurisdiction of justices ot the peace every where to their respective townships, or making their jurisdiction every where co-extensive with the counties. Uniformity, both in respect to county and township business, is peculiarly desirable. Little has finally been acted upon as jet by the House. A Bill has passed both Houses accepting that portion of the surplus revenue to which Indiana by the act of Congress may be entitled. It is a question yet to be decided, what disposition to make of this money about one million and a half. A bill, supplemental to the bill providing for a general system of Internal Improvement has passed the second reading, and is now under discussion, on a question of indefinite postponement. If this question should be lost, and the Bill finally pass both Houses, there will no longer be a question as to what object shall this million and a half be applied for that Bill calls for tzco millions though as yet it is entirely uncertain what will be its fate, even in the House, and much more in the Senate. The discussion on the bill is warm and animated. Already has one half day been consumed. The first speaker was Mr. Owen of Posey who addressed the House in a very beautiful and elegant speech of one hour, abounding in historical information, fir.e classical allusion, and decked with flowers culled from mount Parnasus. He was in favor of the Bill. Mr. Evans against the bill, followed Mr. Owen, and being an old debator, and skilled in the use of the shield and the arrow, he handed Mr. Owen a young man with "un gloved hngers." Mr. Eggleston addressed the House in favor of the Bill, in t ery muu and clear manner. He was followed by Mr. Speaker, in r most lorcioie and lucid address of a bout one hour's length. Mr. Speaker, oneot the originators of the bill of last winter, believing that the passage of the present bill would be ruinous to the ?ystem, and break down the credit of the State, was really enthusiastic in his speech. We shall be able to give to our readers, at least a brief of the remirks of members on this important ubject, after the debate is through.

The several standing committees have a great crowd of business before them, but until reports from them are received, we cannot tell what will be the important subjects of legislation during the present session. Journal. LEGISLATIVE. Indianapolis, Dec. 23. The Senate, since our last, has been principally engaged in carving out business for future action. The nomination of John Woodburn, D. H. Maxwell, and J. B. Johnson, Esqrs. (old

members) and the nomination ot John A. Graham, Esqr., in the place of Amos Claik, rejected, have been continued bv the Senate, with but little opposi tion, as has also been the nomination of Dr. Isaac Coe.as Canal bund Commis sioner, in place of N. M'Carty Esqr., resigned. Several resolutions have been adopted directing inquities as to the best mode of disposing of the share of the surplus revenue of the United States to which Indiana is entitled under the act of Congress of last session, but no plan has yet been agreed to. A joint resolution requesting our Sena tors and Representatives to procure the passage of a pre-emption law has been passed by the Senate. The Senate on Thursday adopted a resolution providing for an adjournment from to day till the 2d day of January, but the House of Representatives not concur ring, the Senate as well as the House, adjourned over from Friday till Mon day next. In the House, nothing has been done scarcely except the discussion of the question which was then pending namely: "Shall the Bill be indefinite ly postponed?"" and the final vote on that question. the debate commen ced Monday in the afternoon, and continued till Thursday 1 1 o'clock. The subject was warmly contested on both sides. Many of the members participa ted in thedtscusion and generally sus tained themselves well. There were great efforts made to decide the matter on some other question than indefinite postponement and finally the previ ous question was called. The ques tion then being, shall the bill be en grossed for a third reading, was deci ded in the negative Ayes 37, oes 6 1 . Such a majority is evidence of the cor rectness of the decision, but a better evi dence of the same thing, is found in the oge of those both as men and as poll ticians, who opposed, in their speeches, the Bill. There has not perhaps ever been before the Legislature of more importance than the one just decided and particularly, if the views of those who opposed the bill be correct. If it is a fact, that the state is not now able to extend her public works, and to attempt it, would ruin or injure our credit abroad, as was argued truly we may felicitate ourselves on our present escape from danger. In order that the public may look at this subject in all the variety of shapes in which it has been held up to the Legislature, and that the people may hold their servants re sponsible for their political heresies, if any'have been published on either side of this question, we shall take pains to publishas nearly as we can the remarks of all the speakers on the subject. Some effort was made in the House to get a short recess between Christmas and New-year, but all resolutions on that subject failed though to treat it self for its faithfulness to its constituents in denying to itself this short holiday universally allowed, the House ad journed from Friday morning over to Monday morning. Journal. SUMMARY. The Legislature the past week have been actively engaged in carving out business for the whole session. Resolutions almost innumerable have been introduced upon almost every possible subject. A majority of these resolutions have been introduced for the benefit of the Committee on Canals and Internal Improvements. That committee have been instructed to inquire into the expediency of surveying, locating and constructing some work of Infernal Improvement in almost every county in the State. On the part of both Houses there appears to be a disposition to have the laws revised this session. A Joint Committee was appointed to wait on the Judees of the Supreme Court and inquire of them if . . . i. iey would undertake a revision ol the laws,and received for answer,that they would with much pleasure if requested so to do. A contrariety of opinion seems to prevail about the surplus revenue. The disposition of it has been somewhat agitated in both Houses. Some are for adopting the recommendation of the Governor, and others for making it a common school fund. That part of the Governor's Message on the subject of the surnhii rpvpmic r I select committee of fourteen, two from

each Congressional District. Mr. Stapp

introduced several resolutions on the same subject. His views as gathered from the resolutions, are to maice it a fund for the benefit of our common schools. Active steps have been taken to bring before the Legislature our present militia system. A joint resolution has been introdu ced into the House instructing our Senators in Congress to vole for Colonel Johnson for Vice President. Af ter quite at) animated discussion it was laid upon the table. Mr. Prolnt has also introduced in the House a joint resolution out of which may grow much discussion. It is a resolution instructing our Senators and re questing our Representatives, to oppose the admission of Texas into the Union. This is a question in which the whole people of the United States are interested. Should lexaseverbe come a free government, and its independence acknowledged, this govern ment will have to act upon the question As there is every probability that Tex as will become a free government, the introduction of the resolution at this time seems to be very proper. It will awaken discussion, and prepare the peo pie for a decision when the question of its admission is presented to them. A joint resolution ncm. con. passed the House instructing our Senators and requesting our Representatives to op pose the purchase by the United State of the stock in the Louisville and Port land Canal. Mr. Eggleston the past week intro duced a supplemental Internal Irn provement bill, (known among the members as the calf,) which has been read twice and referred to a select com mittee. About one million and a half of dollars are appropriated by this bill for additional works of Internal Im provements. A few bills of a local character have already passed both Houses. Many have been introduced, both of a loca and general character. It cannot be expected at this early period of the session, that a final action could be made upon many subjects. It require some time fo propose business for the action of the Legislature, and then some time for the Legislature to act upon the subjects. Democrat Dec. 20. IX SENATE. The bill from the Senate, authori zing the Treasurer of State to receive the portion of tile .-llr-pl.a i-cvotviic of llie U. States, which this State will be entitied to on the 1st of January, 1837, wa reported to the House on yesterday. It was read the first time, and the rules of the House being dispensed with, the bill was read a second and third time and passed. ib. i ne select committee to whom was referred the supplemental bill of inter nal improvements, introduced by Mr. Eggleston, was reported back to the House on Monday and amended by striking out from the enacting clause, and inserting an entire new bill. ib. The Board of Internal Improvement of this State made their first annual re port to the Legislature on yesterday. It is a document of great length and was referred to the committee on canals and internal improvements and or dered to be printed. ib. Calvin Fletcher, Esq. and Alexander Worth have been elected Directors of the State Bank of Indiana, on the part of the State. ib. Unfortunate Occurrence. We find the following painful intelligence in the Natchez Courier of the 16th. "We regret exceedingly to state, that the Hon. George Poindexter met with a very serious accident, which it is to be feared will have a fatal result. During the night before last in passing out of his room into the second story of the Mansion house in this city, he mistook his way, and stepped off the lobby. His room was one of a range on a lobby, which terminates (with instead of a window,) a double folding door, unfortunately with no protection or landing place whatever attached to it. In coming out of his room for the purpose of going down stairs, instead of taking the right hand for the purpose, he by mistake turned to the left, and opening the door above mentioned, fell instantly fo the ground. His right leg and left thigh were broken, and his right ancle sprained. Launch. A splendid steam-boat, bearing the name of St. Louisand said to be the largest boat upon the western waters, and fully equal for strength and beauty of propotion and finish to any boat now afloat on the Ohio and Mississippi, was launched on the 23d ult. at the shipyard of Messrs. Phillips and Bettg, in Freedom, Beaver co. Penn.

OrWe copy the following article

from the Cincinnati Gazette; and although it was written for Ohio, it is most admirably calculated for this me ridian. INTERNAL IMPROVEMENT. A few years ago it was difficult to get from Maysville to Lexington; there was but little travelling. Since the construction of the present excellent McAdam road, the travelling has increased to an astonishing degree. '1 he i number of travellers on the road, is so great, that it requires, now, three daily lines of stages between the above points, and they are generally filled. v rom tins we see how much Cincinnati loses, for the want of good roads for ordinary travel. A new era in the pros perity of the city would be witnessed, had we good McAdam roads to Chillicothe, Lexington, Indianapolis, and Co lumbus. It is certain, that the num ber of travellers between this city and Columbus, would be increased ten fold if there was any means provided for get ting from one point to the other, with out risking life, as now has to be done and that too, the greater part of the year, summer or winter. Cincinnati can only be reached pleasantly, in one way, and that is by the river. In winter, or in wet or frosty seasons of the year, the city is cut off from communication from every side; and is the worst, most difficult point to be approached of any of which we have any knowledge. Good roads, for ordinary travel, are so very desirable, and accommodate so well all classes of the community, that we think their construction should be encouraged by the Stale, in such a way as to insure the making of them. The State of Kentucky lakes this view of it, and she has a general law to subscribe one half, or a third, in all roads which may be commenced or undertaken in the State, making the Stale subscription equal to individual subscription. By pursuing this course, she has eaued large subscriptions to be made, and a great number of McAdam roads to be commenced. With others, they are now constructing, and have it far advanced, a McAdam road which will reach fiomtlie OSiio to the Tennessee river. If in this State a similar policy was to be pursued, a few years would see good McAdam roads in the place of the present country, ungraded roads ;at least, bet worn all tin: great thoroughfares. Individuals, :ird ihe State, WiMlId lV;.f a rii'll h:irve frnm thrfv. lotion ihi-j would produce. Will not ihe members of the Legislature, this winter, at least attend to that which concensthe public, and devote them selves to business, and let alone that which concerns only themselves, or has only a political or parly effect to pro dure. Out of a term, the members might agree to devote one winter exclu sively to public business. He com mend to their consideration the above subject. TEXAS. A Resolution has been introduced by IVlr. rrotlit, declaring the annexation of Texas to the U. S. impolitic, &c. 1 his is a subject ol no ordinary impor fance, and we opine it will elicit an in teresting debate whenever taken from the table. The citizens of Texas are strongly and almost unanimously in fa vor of a union, and no marvel that they should be so: I hey are nearly all original citizens of the United States some speculators some volunteers some because the U. S. were loo small for them, are now there. Besides it would be very convenient for them, to avail themselves of the strength, and surplus revenue of the U. S. to enable them successfully to contend with Mex ico. But how far we would be benefitted by this accession of Territory, and ex penditure of funds, and by getting into a quarrel with Mexico, is another question. Indiaiia Farmer. Although the Congress of Texas had definitely resosolved on continuing to hold Santa Anna as a prisoner, so soon as the three commissioners arrived at the seat of government, they had a long interview with the cabinet of Texas, and afterwards with Santa Anna. If he shall propose proper terms, and that the Texans can rely both on his pledges and his power to enforce the terms, they whould not act expediently by keeping him still a State prison er except, indeed, that they wish he should pay an adequate ransom, which he is able were he willing to do; and which might be almost as acceptable to the Texians, as a Mexican treaty re cognizing their independence. Jy. O. Standard. The Congress of Texas have passed resolutions authorising a negotiation to be opened with the United States gov ernment, to annex that republic to the American. I be terms insisted on are.

that slavery shall be permitted; that no Indian tribes shall be sent or allowed in Texas; and that she shall enjoy

equal rights and privileges as the oth er States of the Union. JC O: Standard. THE MILITARY COURT OF INQUIRY. The Fredericktown (Md.) Herald of Saturday gives the following account of the meeting and proceedings of the Military Court of Inquiry in that city: 'Uur town is at present enlivened by presence of many of the most distinguished officers of the U. S. Army, who are in attendance on the Court. The Court consisting of Maj. Gen. Macomb, and Brig. Generals Atkinson and Brady, proceeded to business on Monday last. I heir duty was to inquire into the cause of the failure of the Southern campaign, and abo into the propriety of the publication of certain orders by Gen. Gaines, or oLher officers. 'As a Court of Inquiry is somewhat unusual in our country, some curiosity has been felt to know the course and mode of their proceedings. The Court is held in public, the house lately occupied by Casper Waver, E?q., being used tor that purpose, and many visitors, both male and female, attended the investigation. All the officers attended in full dress uniform, and the Judge Advocate conducts the trial. The proceedings, when we have been present, consisted of nothing more than the meie reading, by the Judge Advocate, of the communications from and to the War Department, during the Southern War, with an occassional remark or explanation from Gen. Scott, w hose conduc t is at present considered of by the Court. Alllio1 from (lie fact that the proceedings are conducted almost entirely in wrilting, they are not calculated generally to interest those who are not familiar with the whole subject, or who do not understand the minutiae of the campaign, yet the presence of so many of the noble and gallant officers, who h ive oft-times planted the standard of victory upon the camps of their country's enemies, has an imposing effect. They now have exchanged the field for the forum, and solemnly engaged in the trial of one of their fellow -officers, who like themselves, has often won theapplausc of his countrymen by his bravery and daring, but has been unsuccessful in the late contest, surrounded, as it appears to have been, with numberless difficulties, which catinoi lc appreciated by those not having experienced them. We are grateful to witness that, with all the pressure in the money market, improvements in considerable numbersare going on in the city. Many houses, for dwellings and storesarc being put up or finished. We particularly notice the constant increase of new churches. Three large ones are just completing one on Sixth, one on Ninth, and one on 10th streets. We also notice a pork house on Sycamore, near the canal, of mammoth size; two large foundries on Front street, a new saw mill on the canal. These things shew that the spirit of enterprise in the city is not abated. Cin. Gazette. More Powder Mills Blown up. The late explosion of the Powder Mills at Acton, N. II. produced a scene of distress and ruin seldom to be witnessed. The Yeoman Gazette states that there was supposed to be from twelve thousand to fifteen thousand pounds of powder burnt. There were four men at work in the mill. One of them was literally blown into fragments, and pie ces of his limbs and flesh were found twenty or thirty rods distant in the neighboring field. On the summit of a hill, at least fifty feet higher than the mill, miserable pieces of humanity were scattered and hanging like rags on trees and bushes. All four of the hands were killed in a most shocking manner. The mill was swept to its foundation some of the timbers were found on the hills, and thousands of fragments, great and small, scattered all over the mead ows like leaves. So great is the crowd of emigration to the West, by way of the lakes, that the steam-boats, though numerous, refuse to carry any thing, except passen gers the carrying of passengers being more profitable than the carrying of freight. The concequence is, that immense quantities of merchandize have accumulated at Buffilo, for the West, which will not be shipped till the pres sure of emigration ceases. Candidates. There were about forty-seven applicants for the impor tant offices of door keeper and of ser-geant-at-arms, of the Pennsylvania Legislature. One hundred thousand dollars is esti mated fo have been lost, on the late Presidential election, in the city of

Philadelphia alone.

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