Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1850-10-17

execute the printing He denied the ground taken by
the gentleman from Cass (Nr Bidde that this Conven-
ton represents the sovereignty of the people. The
Constitution of the State of Indiana still in exist
ence, and hence this argument untenable The
State Constitution being in existence this Convention
had power than commissioners who might have
been appointed 5 were the Commissioners who made
last revised code In the expenditure Of money! he
commended that the Convention could exceed the for
~ thousand dollars appropriated by the Legislature
Mr.. Steele concurred entirely in the arguments made
hy the gentleman from Cass. He referred TO his
case, and the argument brought up, in the canvass
against him that he ineligible, because he held the
Office OF recorder, it being inconsistent with the Consti
tuition to hold two offices. Now, his position was, that
the moment this Convention organized it transcend
ed all law in the election OF its officers. Ii was the du
ty however of the Convention with economy and
procure the printing on the lowest terms.
MIR. Bascon said, he had expected legal gentlemen
to speak on this question
They had been ready with their speeches when Door,
keepers were to be elected but being, of them,
asprants for higher stations they this ques-
ton. He was pleased with the remarks of the gentle
man from Cass Mr.. Bddle,) because they We're made
earlessly and IN most OF which he entirely conceded.
MIR. Petit denied the power of original sovereignty,
claimed for this Convention He agreed with the gen.
tleman from Hendricks that the printer was contract
or hence the provision that the Convention had the
power elect all officers necessary would apply.
The Secretary of State and Auditor would be called up
perform certain duties, and certainly this Conven
ton has the power elect another Secretary and
Auditor to perform those duties. The law, under which
this Convention is organized makes the members free
arrest; he asked, how could exemption
be put in force by this Convention2
Mr. Bddle would answer that question. As citizens
the Delegates exempted and are consequently I'M
der the law of the State bat in the capacity OF Dele
gates could not be controlled by the Legislature.
Mr.. Petit contended, that the printing done
der contract and the obligation of could
be violated or impaired He told that the entire
profits OF the printing would not exceed hundred
dollars, and of course it much have
ton about He contended that the Convention had
power the Stenograpber-he was an officer oil the
law, properly commissioned, and had much right to
SIT here, and take down his notes. any of the Dele
gates.
Mr.. Niles said, this question Of law. 1t was
one however, but of little practical Importance The
question was simply whether the State Printer was
cessarily the printer of the Convention The gentle
man from Tippecanoe had asked rather triunphanty
whether the Delegates could increase their payl
He thought not, because the pay fixed by the Leg
sature but the necessary expenses of the Convention
provided for in the law. 1t asked whether
they Secretary and Auditor could be elected! As
matter of propriety he said it should be done; but
as question OF power, commission might be deegat
ed to procure information. As before remarked, this
question of law and the committee, in his opin-
ion, had reported correctly.
Mr.. Holman referred to the law Of the State, to show
that the State Printer was an officer In the same con-
nccton with State Librarian. the Treasurer of State
and other officers. The duties of officer may b
those partakng of the nature of contract. The law,
under which he elected, passed seven years
ago. and if at the time of its passage, the printing of
this Convention contemplated, there might be some
argument Tor his performing the duty but Such were
not the case, there could be doubt of the power of
this Convention.
Mr. Foster was in favor of concurrng in the report Of
the committee. After remarks in relation to the pow
of the Convention, in which he differed with gentle
men opposing the report he referred to the case OF the
Ohio Convention, where a printer elected APP
pointed by the Convention, and the speech of Judge
Hitchcock able ust who took the ground that the
printer officer and consequently subject an
ection by the Convention. He proud derive
his right to seat in this body from the people and not
from the Legislature.
The question was now TAKEN on concurrng in the
report of the committee and decided in the affirmative
Mr. Bascom then off red resolution that the Con-
vention will proceed the election of printer to-
morning at ten o'clock; which laid the
table.
Mr. Tague offered a resolution of inquiry providing
for tiennia sessions of the Legislature; which
ferred.
Mr. Petit offered resolution providing for abolish
ing the grand jury system and substituting public exam
nations; which being imperative lies one day.
Mr. Edmonston oHered resolution providing for BIZ
ennal sessions; which lies day.
Mr.. Terry offered resolution of inquiry that the u-
ry in criminal find upon the facts of the issue
y; and that the courts apply the penalty and punish
ment in of conviction; referred
BY Mr.. McCeland, to the propriey OF prohibiting
poll tax referred.
BY Mr.. Shoup to the propriety of prohibiting any
property from being taken from the citizens by incorpo
rated companies without compensation; referred.
MIR. Chapman, in relation to fixing maximum and
minimum for salaries; referred.
BY Mr. Mcguire in relation to re-chartering the pres
ent State Bank or Independent banks under certain
strctions, referred.
On motion the Convention adjourned