Marshall County Republican. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1856-1878, 1865-11-23
Indiana LEGISLATURE.

which they were called together, and hopes are en-
tertainei that it will prove the mos useful and
harmonious session that has convened for ten or
fifteen years past. ri
The House, as was stated in our last, organized
the first day by re-electng the officers Of the for
mer session. but the Senate did not appear dispo
sed to follow this precedent. This feeling was
caused by charges of waste and extravaganza, and
dishonesty, the part of the principal Secretary.
Mr.. A. T. Whittlesey, (Dcm.) and poorkeeper.
Mr.. J. H. Johnson, (Union.l the expenses for en-
ployees during the regular session footing UP near
ly $4,000, and The stationery expense to several
thousands more. Messrs whittlesey and Johnson
were thought to be justly responsible for this e1-
travagance and waste, aud the Union Senators de-
termined to make an effort to displace them and
elect more economical and honest officers in their
stead, which would, the Senate being politically
tie, perhaps, been rather difficult operation, had
it not been for the absence of Mr.. Downey, Dem }
Mcssrs. Whittlcsey and Johnson seeing the storm
brewing. and to avoid public exposure Of their
populations and corrupt acts, resigned Mr.. Broad
well, DEM Assistant Secretary, though not in
any way implicated in the trouble, resigned also,
thus creating vacancies in all the elective Offices.
An election was held and Union men elected to
fill the positions vacated.
AS before stated both Houses have gone to work
in earnest. The unfinished business of the regu-
it was left, and the second and third readings
of bills ordered without any di!atory motions to
impede business. The White Water Canal Bill
which created so much trouble at the close of the
last session, was passed by the Senate in few
minutes, ayes 80. noes 10, and the "Gov errors
BILL" another source Of wrangling at the last ses
sion, ratifying the action Of his Excellcncy in pro-
government to aid in equipping and forwarding
Indiana troops would have been passed with little
opposition had it been pressed, but Governor Nor
ton had settled the business and thus rendered the
bill unnecessary.
Several bills have passed the House, but none Of
general interest. We will have occasion to no.
tee them hereafter should they pass the Senate.
There some ten members of the House and
two Of the Senate absent.
On Wednesday, the 18th, an Interesting and
rather spirited debate occurred in the Senate on
the following preamble and resolution introduced
by Mr.. Bennett from Fayetsc and Union:
WHEREAS, Jefferson Davis, late President of the
so called Confederate States is now and has been
for some months past, in the custody OF the United
States, on charge OF treason against the Govern
mcnt. Therefore.
Be ii ResoLUcd By the Senate, (fte House concur
ring, That in view of the enormity of the crime
and the demands Of the loyal people Of this State,
We respectfully request his Excellcncy, Andrew
Johnson, President of the United States, that the
said Jefferson Davis. for his alleged treason. be
speedily brought to trial before the proper civil tri
buna, and il convicted that he shall suffer the pen
atty prescribed by law.
The debate was caused by the opposition of the
Democratic members to the latter portion of the
resolution which requests the President to cause
the sentence hat may be passed to be speedily ex-
ecued. They were willing that Davis should be
tried, but wanted President Johnson left untram
meled in regard to the pardoaing power. The mo-
ton to strike on. that portion of the resolution
was finally laid on the table-ayes &c, noes %;
Senator Corbn voting no. Mr.. Brown of Wells,
then offered the following by way of su5sti tute:
Resolved blythe Senate (the House concurring)
That in relation to the case Of Jefferson Davis.
President OF the late so-called Confederate States
We have full confidence in President Johnson's
sense ana spirit Of justice, and may safely leave
the entire disposition of said Jefferson Daviss
in his hands, subject always to the Constitution OF
the United States and laws of Congress in pursu
ance thereof.
Mr.. Brown supported his amendment by a brief
speech. 1t was plain to be seen from the tenor Of
his remarks as well as others who participated in
the debate that side, that they did not want the
arch traitor hung. but these same men cried aloud
and Dunning followed in reply. The latter's re
marks were caustic and eloquent and elected ap-
plau,c from the Hobbies. The resolution and sab
stitute were finally referred to the Committee on
Federal Relations, Mr.. Dunning voting for the
reference, being curious TO see what kind OF re.
port the mnorit would make.
Several petitions were presented during this and
other days praying for such change in the liquor
law as shall compel the applicant to obtain the
signatures Of majority of voters in the city,
town or township, to his petition for license, so
that no license shall be granted unless minority
of the voters are in favor of it. They we're all re-
ferred to the Committee on Temperance. The
old law referring the question to the people at the
Spring elections, was the best law on the subject
the State ever had. In nearly all the principal
towns and cities the liquor traffic was prohibited,
and it served to keep the temperance question a.
live But Judge Perkins, we believe, decided that
law unconstitutional.
No business of much Importance was transacted
In the House on Wednesday. q
When the Senate met at o'clock. p. m on
ant Governor not being present, Hon. Paris c.
Dunning called to the Chair. Soon after the
Prcsiden: pro. TEN, laid a communication before
the Senate from Lieut.. Governor Baker, inform
ing that body that he was preparing 70 assume new
official duties and that he would not probably be
able to resume his position in the Senate during
the present session.
On motion the Senate proceeded to the election
of presiding officer, after tabling a motion to
postpone the election until Tuesday. ~ % '3an.
The Union men nominated Paris @. Dupning
and the Democrats James d. Williams of Knox,
for the position. The vote stood, for Dunning
"a, Williams %. A'is "- i Fa
The President elect upon being conducted to
the Chair briefly acknowledged his thanks and
promised impartial discharge Of the duties Of the
position. ~ 49, yn
The joint resolution for the abrogation Of The
18th article Of the Constitution, prohibiting ne
groes from settling in the State, introduced by
Hon. F. NJ Meredith, Of Terre Hante, came up
on its third reading, In the House on Thursday,
but By general consent was set down the spe-
cial order for Tuesday of next week. IL is not
Al j. =.