Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1862-05-19
From the Columbus Statesman, May 3.
Ohio Repu biicauism and Soldiers
SUFFRAGE.

Both branches of the Legislature adjourned
between two and three o'clock on Friday morn
ing, to meet again next January
The significant feature, however, of this mem
orable night session was the discussion and ac-
ton on the bill to enable the Ohio volunteers to
vote wherever they may be on the day of cleo
ton in our State. That whole-sOuled patriotic
Democrat, Mr.. Ubl, the Representative from
Holmes, succeeded in getting it before the House
by reporting it back from select committee.
Mr.. Converse promptly moved that it be en-
crossed for third reading Notions to kill the
bill then rapidly followed from the Republican
side A discussion ensued which will never be
forgotten by those who heard t.
Mr.. Smith, the Republican member from Clin-
ton made two or three speeches against the bill.
He argued that the law would be unconstitution-
al, and that il would destroy he purity of elec-
tions-claiming that it would tea great source of
corruption Thus he charges hat our brave and
gallant volunteers not to be trusted to holdan
ell, ction-that they are less honest than those
who stay at home and hold elections and vote.
DIR. Dressed spoke in favor Ct allowing the vol
uDteers to vote His arguments were cOnyinc-
ing and conclusive. He reminded the Republi
cans that their opposition TO the bill arose from
wholesome fear of Democratic thunder from the
noble soldier boys. Kill this bill, said he, and
the soldiers will know who their friends and
who are not.
Mr. Odin (Republican) from Montgomery,
made a speech against the bill
Mr.. Gribben (Democrat) from Hancock, who
has just returned from the battlefield at Pitts
burg Landing, with the remains of dead
brother that fell there nobly defending the Union
and the Constitution, spoke patriotically and
eloquenty in favor of the bill to allow soldiers
vote.
Mr.. Converse made a clear, logical and con-
II g
allowing soldiers to vote. He answered in a
most triumphant manner the constitutional OBJ
jections that had been raised against the bill,
and able defended our gallant soldiers on
the charges of fraud and corruption that
had been insinuated against them by some
of the Republicans. He paid high COM
pliment to our noble volunteers, and express
ed entire confidence in their honesty and regard
for law and order He desired that they should
and in deciding at the ballot box the great ques
tons we shall soon have to meet. Fifty thous-
and petitioners had asked the legislature to pass
law to prohibi: negro immigration, but the ma
jority have utterly disregared the wishes of those
petitioners. He wanted the soldiers to have a
voice in deciding the questions that will grow out
of this negro immigration, which has been invited
by Republican votes The soldier absent fight
ing the battles of his country, and the negro in
his very homel Terrible to think of. The in
creasing tread of the Democracy which these
Republicans hear alarms them. The fact that
there four Democrats in the army to one
of the other party accounts for the Republican
opposition to this BILL We shall see by the action
of members on this bill who are the friends of our
brave volunteers.
Mr.. Hills (Republican), from Medina, spoke
bitterly and excitedly against the bill.
The Republicans then killed it, while the
Democrats were trying to pass it.