Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1843-12-19
:. of er.rr renilaman on lhis anor; but ri.h regard to

Friends. he did them the greatest injustice as their per-
secutions, recorded in the impartial records of history
would bear him witness
Mr.. Bowlesr referred to the 9TH article and second sec
ton ofthe Constitution, which says, that no conscientious
person shall be obliged to perform military duty, if he
paws the lowest amount of fine assessed on privates, and
another article SAYS, expressly, that this ine shall be ap-
propriated to the cause of education. No law we can en-
act can compel the conscientious TO GO into the muster
field, therefore he could see no reason why the peaceful
Quakers should be brought in here. as if their rights were
about to be taken from them. For his own part he was will
ling, that the Quakers or other conscientious persons should
have all the privileges which the Constitutions gives them.
The cause to be promoted by their money was a noble
one, and one that all are willing to promote.
Mr.. Macy said, that even if we pass such a law as
contemplated, the people would not regard it. Public
opinion had put down mastering and would do so again.
Therefore he considered it unnecessary TO legislate.
Mr. Lee considered a law Of the description contempla-
ted, as equal to a tax Of four dollars a year on each person
liable to muster. He had not fought many battes, but
were he going into the field, he would brefr taking troops
of one weeks training to those who had been drilled in
The militia. He wa in favor of an organization without
mastering.
Mr.. Williamson moved that the resolution and proposed
amendments be indefinitely postponed. 5
Mr. Allen of Laporte, hoped that this motion would not
prevail. He believed that the proposed measure would
be productive of immortality, vice and dsipation-that no
good would arise from it, and be hoped nothing would be
done on the subject.
Mr. Handy opposed an indefinite postponement. Gen.
tlemen object because we have no experienced command
es. lhcy might as well object To otner laws, because eA-
Perienced officers have not always been chosen to fulfil
their duties. They have referred to scenes OF riot and
dissipation at musters, and therefore none should take
place. BY the same reasoning they might abolish our
general elections, because, ~perchance, there might be i'm
~prudences committed
IN Elder gave the reasons which would induce him to
vote differently from the wishes of some of his friends on
this floor. At the late election he had pledged himself
not to interfere with any Of the laws that had not been
under discussion before the people during the canvass, I'M
less specially instructed. He believed his constituents were
satisfied with the militia law as it now existed and with
The practices under it. and therefore. he should vote for the
indefinite pOslponement of this whole question.
The House then took a recess until 2 o'clock.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
The House resumed the consideration of the question
pending at the last adjournment.
The question being taken on the indefinite postpone
ment Of the resolution and proposed amendments, it was
decided in Tho negative, ayes 43, noes 40.
Mr.. Logan of w. then withdrew his amendment.
The question was then taken on Mr.. wiiIiamson's
amendment, striking cut that part which related 10 masters
by prTvates and c~onfning the musters to officers, and de-
clded IN the negative, ayes 80, noes 65.
MI. Robbins moved to. amend by striking out Is and
inserting 90, and striking out as and inserting 40 not
adopted.
The questisa recurring on the adoption of the resOlu-
ton.
Mr.. Hannah, moved to strike out the imperative charac-
ter of the resolution, and amend so that the committee
shall enquire into the e~xpediency thereof.
MIR. Parker said, that be was in favor of a law being
enacted that would cause the largest number of militia TO
be enrolled. but so far as training was concerned IT bad
gone out of practice by common consent. 1t was neces-
sary that the militia should be enrolled in order that we
get our quota Of arms. Unless this be done. our proper
ton of arms would 60 TO the other States. He was in
favor Of the continuance Of the Military Academy at
West Point and volunteer corps, and would exempt per-
sons enrolling themselves in this manner from labOring on
the public highways ard the payment OF a pol[tax.
The question wa taken on Mr.. Hannah's amendment,
and decided in the affirmative.
On the question, shall the resolution as amended, be
adopted =! il was decided in the negative, ayes 40. noes %.
The Speaker laid before the House a communication
from the Auditor Of State, relative TO the salaries of
county Auditors, in which S stated that no definite In
formation is in possession OF the Auditor as to the amount
of salaries, as contemplated. The Auditor has addressed
the several county Treasures on the subject, and will COM
muncaie their answers as soon "a : received.
Mr.. Chapman offered a resolution, that the Judiciary
COMMITTEE enquire into the Consttutionahty OF calling a
Convention TO amend the Constitution oftener than once
in twelve years. Not adopted.
By Mr.. Matheny, to amend the act to value the property
of the State passed to a second reading.
BY Mr.. Ferry. for the relief of George Micke; passed
10 a second reading.
BY Mr.. Miller of ", to authorize the School Commits
sloneTs of Vanderburgh county to refund certain money
passed to a second reading.
By MT. Ferry, repeating the act authorizing the recep-
ton of canal scrip for tolls on the Wabash and Erie
Canal
Mr.. Gregory moved to reject the bill.
Mr.. Jones of Fountain said, tina. this was a subject of
great importance to the people Of the Wabash valley snd
to the State at large. The scrip mentioned in the bill
had deprecated go or 65 cents on the dollar. The con-
tractors nevertheless were still receiving it for labor, at
par. 1t required great efforts to keep up the credit of this
circulation. The reception Of Ibis scrip for tolls aids to
keep up its credit; but repeal this part Of the law and the
scrip must go down still further, and the further progress
of the work receive q vital stab at the hands of this
House.
aar. Gregory, whose county lies thirty mics along the
line Of the extension, also contended for his notion to re-
ject.
MI. Ferry hoped this bill would be suffered to take the
usual course. He contended that the water power mentioned
in the bill had been leased at very low rates. and the less
ors were now paying but thirty cents on the dollar for their
respective privileges. The reception of this scrip for tolls
was compelling the State to take her pay in funds, at 10
per cent. discount.
Nh. Jones of Fountain, alluded to the character of the
work which was in the progress Of exte nsion, and asked,
with much earnestness whether the small sum to be gain
ed now, bore any comparison with the general advantages
that would arise to the State, when the whole work should
be completed.
Nj. Blakemore favored a rejection but on other grounds
than those urged by the gentleman from Fountain. twas,
that by the reception of this Scrip, or blue dog as it is call
ed, tolls are greatly reduced, and Is consequently not only
of great advantage TO the farmers of the whole Wabash
valley but to the people of the State at large. He had
offered a proposition, which was now before a committee,
that the scrip received for tolls should be invested incanal
lands for the benefit of the State. If this be adopted, the
whole country is benefited, and the State will not be the
loser.
MI. German said. that the law proposed to be repealed was
reported by himself from the committee on canals and inter-
nal Improvements, for the purpose of improving the scrip.
and to enable the State 10 complete the canal. Gentlemen
should recolIect the position in which the State now stands,
in relation to the ultimate completion of this work. lie.
faith is iIevocably pledged for its completion. The motives
which induced the presentation of this bill can be no other
than that it might he g the interest Of certain sections Of the
sis.e that this canal should stop.
Mr.. M'DOnah would not wish, by any vote he could give,
10 retard the extension Of this canal, consistent with the in
terests of the State. The individuals interested in the con-
tnuanee Of the law, as it now stands, were those only who
paid tolls. He did not believe that fifty dollars less would
be received in tolls if paid in good money. He had no feeling
OF interest in regard to the extension of the canal. and was
willing the work should 60 on, and would do every thing in
his power to further that object, consistent with the interests
Of the whole country.
Mr.. Ferry said, he could not see how the people of Fort
Wayne were interested in The point of termination of this
canal, whether at Lafayette, COvington, or Terre IIaute
This work, with Others, had aided in embarrassing the coun-
try, and he now wished to do every thing in his power TO
make return to the State, and it would not operate against
the interests Of our own citizens.
AT the suggestion of Mr.. Coffin, Mr.. Gregory with
drew his motion; when the bill was read a second time
and referred to the committee of canals and internal i'm