Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1851-12-25

tracts made " knowinrlyD with negroes who were no
in the State the first Of November was an Open di
rect, and papable violation of the Constitution. Th,
Constitution expressly declares that all contracts mad,
with such persons shall be void and the committee pro
posed to limit this provision The Legislature clearly
had power to do this. Mr. S. contended that the
gistration proposed by Mr. Slack was most efficient
means Of protecting those negroes and mulatoes who
were in the State when the Constitution into eff
feet.
Mr. BIlliken thought we might pass the most strin.
gent laws possible this subject, and they would
be lived up to. We have had law, almost stringent
as the one proposed statute book for several
years and 1t had been enforced He believed that
article OF the Constitution was an outrage upon the
black man, and instead of making its provisions more
harsh, we should soften them down. He believed the
thirteenth article be in violation Of the Constitution of
the United States. He wished to the provisions OF
the thirteenth article soltened much as possible
Mr. Logan thought that the Constitution carried this
thing as far any humane man in Indiana
would desire. He had thought of proposing amend
ment but had committed it to paper that after all
the forms had been through with, of proving their
citizenship the first OF November that the clerk
should brand czen" the forehead of these unlortu-
nate men. 1t had been said that these more
degraded under the operation of present laws than
the Southern slaves and he hoped that this Legislature
would not add still further TO this degradation. He
opposed to this BILL because it not only oppressive
to the white man but degrading to the black.
Mr. Emerson said as this was matter of Importance,
and he did not believe the Senate prepared to act
upon present he proposed postpone the further
consideration of the subject till o'clock Monday
next. Carried.
BY Mr.. Emerson. from select committee reporting
back resolution requesting the Clerk Of the Supreme
COEt inform the Senate OF the number Of cases dock
eted and decided since the May term, 1850. Concur
red in.
BY Mr. Knnard refer petition of citizens of Cln-
ton county to the committee on constitutional questions
Concurred in.
BY Mr. Athon, bill prescribing the time Of holding
Courts in the Second Judicial Circuit. sc.
Resolutions offered.
BY Mr. Eddy, nstructing the judiciary committee to
examine that part Of he Constitution that conempates
the creation Of Banks and also the charter Of the pres
ent State Bank and report whether Free Banks can be
abshed by this General Assembly without violating
the vested rights OF the State Bank. Adopted.
By Mr.. Nlback, instructing the judiciary committee
to inquire whether the present General Assembly has
power TO amend modify In any manner, IAN act to
apporon Senators and Representatives for the next five
years" approved Jan. g. 1851, to make the same
applicable TO biennial sessions Of the Legislature instead
oi annual sessions, therein provided, amend
modify the same in any manner whatsoever. Adopted.
by Mr.. Longshore. to inquire into the propriety of
aboi'shing the Grand Jury system. Adopted.
By Mr.. Emerson, that when member is excused
from serving standing committee. his place shall
be filed unless the number OF the committee shall be
reduced below five.
Rr. Secrest excused from serving the commit
tee federal relations.
MIR. BIliken offered resolution instructing the com.
miltee on finance to report bill for enclosing the Tip
pecanoe Battle Ground. Adopted.
Bills on their Third Reading.
bill for the election of three Commissioners to
wise, simplify, and abrdge the rules of practice Lost
Ayes Is, noes 25.
number of bills up the second reading, and
were appropriately disposed of.
Messages of the House were then taken up and dis
posed of.
MIR. Holloway excused from serving the Joint
committee on enrolled bills, and Mr. Woods appointed
in his place.
Mr. Slack was excused from serving on the commit
for disricng the State for the election of Supreme
Judges
Mr.. McCarty offered the following resolution, which
not adopted:
Resolued That the committee finance be instructed
inquire into the expediency Of excmptng from
on railroad stocks that acquired by the transfer Of
lands therefor, until such railroads shall be in working
order dividends until the lands shall be
sold for money and that all stocks subject taxation
shall be taxed their cash value without refer
cnce the face Of the shares.
Senate adjourned