Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1861-03-13
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The journal devotes column and half to
Interpretations of the action of the Democratic
Senator's in reference to party legislation. In
neither branch of the General Assembly have the
Democratic members interposed any obstacle to
legitimate legislation. On the contrary, they
have done all in their power, and have ever been
ready to do their whole duty to advance and pass
any measures required by the public interests, or
which would promote the welfare oft the State. In
both houses the Republicans have large working
majorites, and if any necessary legislation fails,
with them rests the responsibility and the people
will hold them accountable therefor. All the i'm
portant committees-and it is there that business
is matured for the action of the Legislature-are
under the control of the Republicans, and they
have the entire organization of both branches in
their hands. Under these circumstances, what pos
sible excuse can the dominant party offer,
if any necessary legislation fails? If they have
neglected to mature the measures required by the
public interests, and if for want of time, at the
heels of the session, any necessary laws are lost.
can the party which has the entire control of the
General Assembly offer any satisfactory apology?
They knew the exact time they had to accom-
plish legislation, and if it neglected to adj
vance partisan schemes and party interests the
people will know just where the blame rests Du-
ring the last hours of the session when bills can
be constitutionally passed, the most important
measures are passed through with railroad dis
patch, without the opportunity of investigating
their character This is the cause of so many
loose and inefficient laws. But to the charges of
the Journal. The Democratic members have
not attempted to dictate legislation. They had
not the power to do so. Mere party measures
they have done all in their power to defeat
The Republicans have attempted to force the
passage of apportionment bills, districting the
State for Congressional and representative pur
| poses, which were framed for the express object
of perpetuating their power without regard to
public sentiment or the rights of the minority. The
honest Republican voters of the State who look
more to the interests of the public than to those
of party, will not care the snap of finger if all
such measures are defeated. What objection to
the present apportionmentg Under it the Repub
licans have elected seven out of the eleven Con-
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Legislature. Should not that be satisfactory?
Is any change necessary unless to advance party
interests? What violation of allegiance to the
Constitution is it, if the present apportionment
remains when no necessity exists for changer
The Journal says the Democrats have com
mitted another great outrage We quote its
complaint:
"And the militia bill is required by the trouble
some and dangerous times we are now passing
| through. But the Democrats were willing to spit
upon their oaths, and leave the State defenceess
in case of civil war, to effect party purpose"
Who Is going to attack Indiana What occa-
sion to put the State upon war footing? VIII
Kentuckians ever invade soil with hostile in
tent, unless we provoke, nay drive them to do it
The militia bill to which the Journal refers, il
enacted into law, would have added largely to
the burdens of the tax payers, without any neces
sity requiring it, We need no standing army in
Indiana. We need no expensive militia system
Ii can do no good, but on the other hand it might
breed mischief aud bring about the very evil
which would give occasion for it. Nothing but
party purposes nstigated the proposed measure
The sober and rejecting citizens of the State viii
have words Of censure for those who aided to de
feat the militaryb a law of the character pro
posed would be milestone around the neck of any
, party, and if the Democrats desired to effect 9
J party purpose" alone, they would permit the Re