Indiana State sentinel., 1850-10-31

By Mr., Prather es to the expediency Of providing
that of the Legislature should dispose Of the
tates of minor heirs, during their minority; adopted
By Mr.. Hawkins to the expedency of providing
in the Constitution, that majority of the legal
of this State general election by direct vote
upon the subject may extend the right OF universal su
frage.
Mr.. KeIso remarked, as the term universal suffrage
generally understood he could objections
the resolntiOn bur, if it understood to include
groes and women, he was against it.
Mr.. Hawkins thought the resolution sufficiently
definite TO be understood 1t no less than
giving power the voters of the State to determine
who should the elective franchise. Should the
people determine, at the polls admit negroes to vote,
there could be valid objections urged against it. 1t
democratic doctrines that the will of the people
should govern.
MIR. Hovey moved to amend, so except 'ne-
groes, mulattoes and Indians y when
Mr.. Colfax moved that the proposed amendment be
laid upon the table; which motion did not prevail, ayes
&c. noes l05.
The hour having arrived for considering the special
order-thc resolution aboshing the grand jury system,
Sc.the pending resolution laid for that pur-
pose; motion Of Mr. Robinson, the order of business
was suspended, and he introduced petition from the
citizens of Decatur, Jennings Riacy and Bartholomew,
in relation the boundaries ol said countless which
referred to the committee county and township or
ganizaton.
Mr.. Foley offered a demonstrated on the same sub
iect; referred to the committee.
The debate on the resolution, providing for aboshing
the grand jury system and substituting public examna
tions, was resumed.
Mr.. Biddle having the floor, opposed the resolution,
stating that he would have remained silent did he not
believe that the question in danger Gentlemen had
found by this time that the OF the resolution
in earnest. He always in earnest great questions
OF national or State policy. He has placed his resolu
on fairly before the Convention and it was his duty to
the hest of his ability meet it, and ii he fell, he
would, in the language of the gentleman from Wabash
fall in good cause He then proceeded 10 oppose the
resolution length He took up the arguments of the
from ATr poi \ lv
and discussed them in very interesting manner, stating
that he placed the grand jury system along side oi our
great bill of rights, the National and State Constitn-
Ons, the habeas corpus and the trial by jury lie sald
with much feeling that not until he could be shown
President able to govern the country without Con-
gress Governor who shall be able to dictate laws to
the State, through Legislature, without investsa-
ton could he wish to have Court, for the adminstra-
tion OF Justice, without a grand jury
The discussion continued by Mr. Niles. He ad-
mitted that grand uries had great extent, answer
ed the purposes of the past that with the gentleman
from Wayne, (Mr Newman he also admitted that they
had been terror evil doers. But he would adj
NIT that they had been the buwark of our liberties
They had been engine of oppression many and it
remedy of these evils that he had the greatest de-
sire accomplish That in excited state of the pub
lie mind grand uries liable to parake Of that feel
ng and, far the ends of justice perverted by
such Influences grand uries would afford rejection
He opposed, with much feeling the secret character OF
the grand jury system and remarked, that in di-
rect conflict with the spirit of the age. He not.
however, in favor of pulling down SYSTEM without be-
ing able to another He opposed the plan. offered
by the gentleman from Tippecanoe, Mr. Pett) of SUBJ
stItutng examinations before Justices of the peace
he believed they would not answer the purpose His
opinion was, that should wait until the public mind
was prepared for change. He suggested that a
kind OF court OF inquiry might be established, TO be
taken from the justices of the peace OF county to
sist of three five persons who should take cognzanee
OF all minor offences, such retailing spruous liquors
gaming &C. That this court should try these petty Of
fences, and punish the oiienders and addition to ibis
that they should act a OF inquiry, with power
to investigate the higher crimes of elonies, &C., that
might have been committed in the county, aud with pow
also recognize the court, where there a
strong probability Of guilt; but that these examinations
should be made in public where the party accused might
be heard. He had only thrown his remarks in rel
tion TO this court, suggestion for the consideration
of the Convention. In conclusion he said should
90 farther than he did in favor of the right of the ia
by jury. His right should fall from his body before
he would attempt destroy but the grand jury sys
TEN, with its inquisoral powers. better becoming the
past than the present age would continue to meet his
opposition.
1t being half past twelve o'clock, the Convention
adjourned.