Daily State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1865-02-11
The Dfscussion upon the Anti-Siave-
~ Constitutional Amendment an
the n<eG1elntmYe.

Both branches of the Legislature were en-
gagged yesterday in discussing the proposed
amendment to the federal constitution abolishing
slavery. In the Senate the discussion was
opened by Mr.. BRADLEY who made short but
compact and logical statement of the argument
10 opposition to the proposed amendment. He
He vas followed by Mr.. HoRD. of Bartholomew
In forcible and elegant speech upon the same
side. Mr.. Van BuskIRx continued the debate.
advocating and sustaining pure higher law view
Of the question. Mr.. HAMA. of Vigo, followed.
opposing the ratification of the amendment IN
speech most convincing aud complete In argu
ment. eloquence and comprehensiveness
Mr.. HANNA spoke like statesman. disdaining
the rude passions of the hour. that now clamor
Tor change in that solemn compact of our faith
ers; ne looked calmly down the vista of time TO
the logical consequences of this dangerous ac-
ton, and showed whittier we are drifting. Un-
like many who spoke upon this question. he did
+, not wander from the true issue but the whole
Z power of his eloquence and logic was concentra
ted upon the great question Of laying violent
hands upon the constitution of our country. and
thereby striking down the rights Of the states
and people of the states not conserving to this
Amendments.
Mr. HAxxA's review Of the convention that
framed the constitution, and the noble spirits
that composed that body. was peculiarly happy
and impressive He invoked the spirit and pa
xiofism of that hour to guide Us in the present.
We have not space to notice further this able
= speech Mr.. HANNA could leave no richer lega
cy to his children than this great defense OF the
constitution of his country. The speech of Mr.
Hama will be reported IN full. when its merits
can be appreciated by those who did not hear
h.
Judge NILES replied to Mr. HANNA in digni-
fed and scholarly speech, advocating pure sbo
lition doctrines
Therauge and character of the debate did not
suit the republicans. and being unwilling that il
should proceed further, the previous question
was moved ard sustained The joint resolution
d. ratifying the amendme proposed by congress
was then adopted. Messrs. DUSyiSG and DowSEY
- voting with the republicans in its favor
In the House the debate was interesting and
exciting. synopsis of which give in our
legislative reports. Col. DUNBAR made pow
erful and brilliant appeal against the adoption o
the joint resolution. and in defence of the chsrg
e. which had been made against him and th,
democratic party Of disloyalty-of dereliction o
duty as citizens and as patriots. The truly clio
quent speech OF Col DUNLAP thrilled the hearts
Of all who heard him. irrespective of party Hi
defence OF the assaults made upon him by the
gentleman from Yigo (Mr, MEREDrrH); from
Jefferson mr.. WRIGHr). and Tippecanoe Mr.
MILLKR) will never be forgotten by those who
heard IL Ii was whitening and overwhelming
The subject under discussion was a great one
and the eloquent gentleman was equal to it. Thu
: speeches made yesterday in behalf of cons'tu
tional liberty reminded Us of the early and bette
days of the republic