The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1874-01-06

tifieations and all other works of defense,
with leave to send for persons and papers.
Mr.. Dawes, of Massachusetts, offered
resolution directing the surgeon general OF
the army to detail one or more medical Of
ficers of the army to visit the towns at which
the cholera prevailed during 1873, or such OF
them as the surgeon general may deem
necessary and confer with the health author
tiles and resident physicians of such towns,
and collect all the facts of importance with
reference TO such epidemic, and make de-
tailed report on or before the first day of
January, 1875. Adopted.
The House then resumed the considera-
tiOn of the supplementary civil rights bill.
Mr.. Stephens, of Georgia, arose to address
the House, but said he could not say all he
had TO say in twenty minutes and he asked
to have an hour allowed him. f. X. Hoar
objected, but subsequently offered to with
draw the objection in case the same privi-
lege were granted to Elliott, of South Caro-
lima, colOred.
Then Walls. of Florida, also colored, re-
newed the objection, but he too withdrew it.
Mr.. Stevens then proceeded to read
speech in opposition to the bill, remarklng
that in view of the great importance of the
subject he had reduced his views to writing
His opposition TO the bill did not spring from
prejudice against any one on accountOf race,
color or previous condition of servitude. He
believed all men were created equal, but he
was opposed To this measure or to any one
kindred to it, because of the want of neces'
sary power on the part ofCongress under the
Constitution. He assumed that every mem
ber would admit that its power was specified
and limited, and that all legislative powers
which Congress could rightfully exercise
were held by delegation from the people of
the several States, and he contended that no
new powers had been conferred on Congress
by either the fourteenth or fifteenth amend
ment to the constitution. The proper REM
edy was in the judgment of the courts to be
rendered in such way as Congress should
provide, declaring any State act IN violation
of the rights of citizens to be null and of no
effect He opposed the bill further, because
Ofits inexpediency. Ever if the power were
unquestiOned in Congress to pass this law
he thought il would Oe injudiclous and un-
wise to exercise it. 1t would be better TO
leave all such matters to the States. He
didn't believe, in point OF TACT, that the coll
Ored people of Georgia desired it. Their
religion and church organizations, except iii
the case of the Catholics, were distinct from
those of the whites, and they had their own
schools, even a college for cOlored youths.
They did not desire to have mixed schools
The peroration was in these words; III you,
who
"CALL YOURSELVES REPUBLICANS
s'ShalI in obedience to what you consider "A
party behest, pass this bill in the vain ex-
pectatiOn that the Republican principles of
the old and true Jefferson school are dead,
be assured that you are indulging in a fatal
illusion. The old Jeffersp Democratic-Re-
publican principles are not dead, and will
never die so long as true devotee OF liberty
lives. They may he buried for period as
the Magma Charta was trodden under foot in
England, for more than half a century, but
these principles will come up with renewed
energy as did those of Magma Charta, and
that too at no distant day. When the
tides of ocean cease to ebb and flow; f;
when the winds of heaven are hushed into
perpetual silence; when clouds no longer
thunder, when earth's electric bolts are no
longer felt or heard; when her internal fires
go out, then and not before will these prin-
ciples csase to live; then and not before will
the principles cease to animate and move the
liberty loving masses of this country.
Mr. Ransier, of South Carolina, a colored
member, followed in q written speech in
support of the bill, contending that there
was no practical freedom in the Southern
States for the colored people and would not
be so long as the matter was left to the dis
cretion of the several States.
The Speaker laid before the House mes
sage from the President, in reference to the
steamer Virginlus. The message was read
and referred to the Committee on Foreign
Affairs. House adjourned.