The Evansville daily journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ia. [i.e. Ind.]) 1848-1862, 1850-12-17

INDIANAPOLIS. Dec. 10th. 1850.

INDIANAPOLIS, Lee. lUtn, lou.
A. H. SANDERS, Esq.-Dear Sir:-The
rate at which the Convention is now pro-
crossing, promises soon to bring its labors TO
a close. The time for debate seems to have
passed, and the members 60 to work 10 right
good earnest.
The Committee to whom was referred the
several reported sections of the Constitution,
in relation TO the immigration Of free negroes
in the State, has not yet reported; but it seems
to be understood, that the several subjects
will be reported in separate sections; per-
haps, with a recommendation that they be
separately submitted to the people.
The most unfortunate occurrence of the
session, hitherto was the introduction by MIR.
Rariden, Of Wayne county, of a series Of res
olutions approving the Compromise meas
ures, passed at the last session of Congress.
In the course Of the debate which ensued, a
bitterness of feeling was engendered, which
will manifest itself throughout the rest of the
session. Two thirds at least of the members
thought that the resolutions ought never to
have been introduced; that the Convention
was not the place for the discussion Of the
principles contained in them; and that an
expression Of opinion by that body-such an
expression not being called for, or sanctioned
by the object for which it was convened.
would not be entitled TO as much weight as a
similar expression of opinion from an equal
number ofcitzens convened for that purpose.
But when the Convention found, that by the
fact that the resolutions were introduced, it
was almost forced TO express an opinion
ether one way or the other; or risk the false
differences, which might be drawn from the
summary disposition which was at first made
of them, they were taken from the table,
amended, and passed by handsome MAORI
ty.
On yesterday, the section fixing the num-
Der of Representatives at one hundred, and
Senators at fifty, was passed. Onder
this section the Legislature may dmin-
ish, but not increase the number. A pro-
position was made to diminish the number OF
Senators, and increase the number Of Repre-
sentatives, but so as not TO exceed together
one hundred and fifty. But it was thought
that this plan would give Too much power in
to the hands Of the large counties. Senators
will serve four years, aud Representatives
two years. Both must be citizens of the
United States. can see no good reason
why United States citizenship should be re-
quired iii the case OF Senators and Represen-
tatives, when by section passed some weeks
since, this qua ,ifcation is not required in any
county officers. No officer or appointee mn
der the United States, or this State, is eligible
to seat in the Legislature. MIR. Walpoie
made an effort to have Bank, Insurance, OF
Railroad officers, or.Attorneys at Lap, also
declared ineligible. Had not this proposition
extended TO lawyers-though many llwyers
voted for it as it was-my opinion is. that il
would have passed. 1t is right enough that
government officers should be restricted e
one Office at a time-this the convenience
and security ofthe State in the transaction oil
it's business requires. But it is one step to-
wards despotism, to make the pursuit Of any
private lawful business. a bar TO the enjoy.
ment Of an Office Of honor or profit under the
government.
The Convention to-day, fixed the frs
Monday and Thursday in January, bienni
ally, Tor the meeting of the Legislature.
] Yours &C.,
Il +. e. 3.