Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1846-03-05
Frczn The Fort IFnnne Tinnes.

FTCm IHe fOft w dyne IffQeS
To THE Public As much excitement has been
occasoned by the passage of the act of the late Legs
lature, that 1t Glanced to be my misfortune intro
duce, and much Inconvenience resulted to my constit
uents from it, wish briefly to state the circumstances
under which it introduced and passed.
On the 18th January, when all was hustle and con-
fusion in the Representative Hall, this Mr.. Morris
came TO me and told me he had bill he wished me
TO introduce. | replied that | was very busy, and
preferred that he should hand to some one else to
which he said all he wanted of me was barely TO
introduce 1t, and then let it take its natural
He further observed that it bill extend the
time in which to redeem forfeited Canal Lands, from
one to three years. | examined the BILL and finding
It purported on Its face to be what he represented it,
and being entirely unsuspcOuS that 1t contained any
latent mischief, introduced it, and mad it referred
the Judiciary Committee, that it might undergo the
proper scrutiny The Committee reported it back
without amendment-it was then read-the word
"three was stricken out and 81 wo'' inserted-and
passed, believe, by consent.
was not aware, undl after l had returned home
from the Fort Wayne meeting on Saturday, that it
was the bill | had introduced that caused so much
excitement; but when it in the Times & Press,
in counexion with the remarks of Senator Reyburn,
in regard to the conduct of Austin w. Morris, the
truth came upon me Ike a clap of thunder from a
clear sky. | was utterly COMPOUNDED to think that a
in whom had placed confidence, should have SO
grossly deceived me, for the purpose of plundering
my constituents
| can assign reason for the passage Of the bill
through both Houses with such facility. except the
fact that it had passed the sitting process of the
Judiciary committee, whose duty it is to examine all
bills submitted to them critically, 20 that they
contain Objectionable prOvsionsnos secret or hidden
mischief. After bills have been SO examined, they
are entitled to- and receive the confidence Of the two
Houses. They are then supported or opposed upon
their merits. The bill in question carried upon ITS
face relief to large and meritorious class Of citizens
on the line of the canal-hardy pioneers, who are
richly entitled the favorable consideration of the
Legislature-and such voted for it, as voted for
every relief measure before the House, Except di-
vorces) while its heart was filed with the rankest
oppression. All was fair and smiling the surface,
while deadly poison lurked below. So specious was
the appearance of this bill that not only myself but
all the members of both Houses of the Legislature
(for believe there opposition to it in either
House,) the vigi liant Judiciary Committee and Gov
! Whitcomb were deceived by it that in my sip |
had plenty of company. need not say that | SIM
cerely regret my agency in this unfortunate matter
that heartily rejoice that the nLfarouS scoundrels
who conceived the stupendous rascality have been
foiled in their unhallowed attempt If any guaranty
were wanted of the truth Of this declaration it mig
be found in the fact, that every foot Of land own In
the world, is Canal Land, with only the first payment
upon It, Very Respectfully. c. PARKER. s
ST. 10. Township, Feb. II, 1916.