Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1845-01-02

Dir. Coins moved instructions that jurors in Kosci-
usko and Whitley shall receive 81 % per day.
Several other amendments were offered but not
agreed to.
The bill declaring Black creek, i nGreen county, a
navigable stream, after undergoing a considerable
discussion, was ordered to be engrossed by a vote of
ayes 81, noes 81.
The Joint resolution asking lands to complete the
Northern division Of the Central canal from Broad
Ripple to the Wabash and Erie canal, was read a Sc
cund time.
Mr.. Gregory moved to strike out Central canal and
insert Wabash river.
MIR. Tingley moved to refer with instructions, that
if the lands be obtained, the proceeds be applied to the
purposes of education.
The instructions were withdrawn and the joint re-
solution referred to the canal committee.
The joint resolution offered by MIR. Vandeveer, for
the relief of Thomas Wilson Dorr was read a second
time, as follows:
WHEREAs, 1t has been represented to this General
Assembly, that Thomas Wilson Dorr, a citizen of
Rhode Island, is now in close confinement in said
State and whereas, it is believed, that the cause
which led to this lamentable circumstance, was but for
the advocacy and defence of the principles of human
rights and equal Justice TO all mankind the princl-
pies advocated and maintained by the revolutionary ia
theirs of our country in the days of seyenty-six there
fore
Resolred, by the General Assembly Of the State Of
Indiana, That in the opinion of this body the punish
ment thus inflicted on the person of Thomas Wilson
DoTr is against the policy and genius of our free in
stitutions, and subversiye Of justice and the great end
for which our republic was instituted. And be tfur-
Their
Resolred, That the Governor be, and he is hereby
instructed to forward a copy Of this joint resolution to
His Excellency the Governor of the State of Rhode
Island, with a request that the same be laid before the
Legislature of said State.
Mr.. Hazerigg moved to amend, by adding after the
word DOrr, the words "Other c~onvicts."
Mr. Horod rnovod +o rotor ~ tho cou,rniffna on fcda-
raj relations.
Mr.. Vandeveer said, he had offered this resolution
in good faith. He acknowledged that he was incom-
petent to give a full history of this case; but he had
sufficient information to know, that MIR. Dorr was an
abused citizen. In casting his eye over the charter OF
Rhode Island, he saw sentiments inconsistent with
the declaration of independence, which says that all
men are created free and equal-that they are pos
sessed of certain inalienable rights, amongst which
are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. He
believed there were honorable wings on this floor who
thought with him on this subject. He proceeded tC
point out what he considered TO be the obnoxious fea-
lures in the charter of that State; its property qualif-
cations for voters, &C., &c, all inconsistent, In his
opinion, with the spirit of our free institutions. He
showed the grievances under which the mass of the
people labored, and the means used for redress, by the
formation Of a new constitution. Will gentlemen,
said he, sheer at the qualifications of Gov. Dorr! He
has received the suffrages of a large majority Of the
people of Rhode Island. He asked, with much empha-
SIS, will any gentleman rise in his place on this floor
and declare in favor of the provisions of the charter
of Rhode Island! Will they say, that the fat-noseG
negro, possessed of property, shall go to the polls anC
deny to the poor white man the same privileged Dare
gentlemen, representing the free sons of Indiana, ap
probate entiment like these! Dare they say, that
when the partner of Gov. DORIS bosom, with his In
FAINT child, approached his prison, asking but a mo
ment's interview, and the privilege of beStowing bu
a small present, was cast away with contumely anC
reproach, that the Algerine authorities did right
Will they stand up for the federal principles of thei
charter! VIII they dare to advocate the refusal L
Gov. Dorr of the privilege to sign his name to a peti
ton praying, from the highest tribunal of our coun
try, the writ of habeas corpus! a writ wrested from
tyrant king in England, and which is secured TO tn,
poorest citizen of that monarchy, and which is thu
boast of the British nationl Rather than entertain
opinions and principles like these, the free-born SON
of Indiana would fly to the rescue of Gov. Dorr ant
raze his prisoniwalls to their very foundation.
Nh. Vandeveer here gave way for an adjournment
when
On motion. the House adjourned until tomorrow
morning at nine O'Clock.