Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1847-12-23
Adjournment of the Legislature.
INplANAPoLIs. Dec. %. -

AOBOuEntncht
INDIANAPOLIS, Dec. 20, I547
MEssRs. EDITORS Having advocated the adjourn
ment of the Legislature on Wednesday last permit
me through you to state of the reasons of my
self and others for such adjournment.
The power Of the Legislature is not questioned;
Sec. 49, Art d. of the constitution provides for the
setting of the Legislature at a different place from
the seat of government on account of the dangers
from contagious diseases.
Why this proviso by fathers who framed the
constitution! For two One, that the men,
bers of the Legislature might not be prevented by
their obligations TO the public from consulting their
own safety, just as all others might and could and
ought to do. Second, that, any in his senses
might know, members in the midst of such a disease
and whilst their fellow members are sick and diving
around them. could do no business.
Is it the intention of this provision in our costtu-
ton, that the Legislature should retreat from the
small pox, other contagiOn, before after they
have caught it! Let those sage gents. who pretend
to find fault with the adjournment answer this ques-
ton.
The question is asked, are we to adjourn every
time the smallpox makes It's appearance in this cty
1t is urged that since the railroad is completed this
point, the disease will be frequent our river
towns. 1t is true there is but one case yet.
Some of the citizens OF the city afraid the ad-
jOurnment will increase the panic, and thereby d.
mnish trade.
gislature and State if it should out that there
should be but one case in the city.
Some of US took the pains to ascertain that it was
true that case of smallpox was in the city. en-
qured into the circumstances. We then waited to
if the city authorities would take any efectual
steps 10 prevent its spread. They appeared to US to
be dilatory.
We then determined to consider what would be our
duty TO ourselves and the State.
Had it been the of obscure person in q re-
tired location, it would have been very different
thing.
The individual having the disease was Mr. Kenne-
dy formerly Representative in Congress. He was at
the Palmer House, principal hotel In this city. His
room was sort of head quarters, and members and
others were there in almost constant throng. When
1t reported that he attacked with spasms his
friends rushed around him, not knowing it was the
smallpox. Many were in daily contact with him, and
then mixing and coming in contact with others at the
State House; which, account of elections, was
much thronged by visiers and citizens of the city.
Alarm and excitement increased so much that ma
ny members apprehended it would be their duty to
leave families in which they boarding, on &C.
count of the liability of communicating TO them the
disease.
petition was presented from Delaware, requesting
further time for the collector of that county, and sta
ting the for further tme that the smallpox
existed IN that county, and that there difficulty
of collecting on that account Mr.. Kennedy had
caught it there The person communicating 1t to him
had died and it represented spreading rapid
ly, in malignant form. Many of the members were
farmers, resided In the country, had had the
disease nor been vacclnated. Without an adjourn
ment it clearly foreseen that the excitement must
increase, especially with the increase of cases. and
that if adjournment negatived, it would re-
peatedy come up; and that would remain in ses-
SION, under the circumstances at the expense OF the
State, and do no business, and ultimately, by the
| Of ho Il
quorum.
An immediate adjournment was the most effectual
step, check the spreading of the disease BY dis
person of the members and others crowdng the Halls
the excitement would be allayed intercourse between
those who might have, and those who had not recev-
ed the contagion would be more limited, and under
circumstances less dangerous That thus the Legis-
lature and the City would be the enabled to
resume their business, and less injury result TO all
concerned.
If tt ere should be but case, and that not fatal
it will be pleasant and welcome joke indeed No
one possibly enjoy it better than will those who
voted for the adjournment | for may insist that
credit is due to them for preventing a great meas
ure the ravages of this loathsome malady by the ad
iournment, which has had the effect diminish in
here, and of the chances of spread
ing the disease.
Remaining in the city few days to bring up the
rear, am glad to see that the city authorities are
taking measures, since the adjournment, TO circum-
scribe much possible the spreading of the disease
The crowd having mainly dispersed from the places
of constant resort there is much less danger at present
There is not much danger in the ordinary pur-
suits of trade and business in going into crowded
rooms.
In this respect respectfully beg to admouish your
readers, especially in the city. Although the disease
is less contagious before eruption. breaking out
this is the stage which it is apt be commu-
nlcated, for the obvious reason, that neither the per-
son who has it, others know it. Hence it is that
guarded and limited intercourse is the safest
J. B. LOWE