The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-01-13

Erie canal amendment Is q part of the cOnstitu-
tion not depends entirely whether it asserts
the right or wrong construction OF the contract.
A clause IN the constitution that woud strike
down tho rights in a contract between the States
creditors and herself would he void anyway
Mr.. Bell did not propose at this time to enter
into a discussion OF the question Involved II is
ono of the highest interest TO all Neither did
he regard it Us political question. When be
learns where the right and truth lies it is be-
yond the power of any body of men belonging to
any party to control or direct his action. This
Is question OF Jurisdiction. We have no jurls,
dlctlon In any amendment not properly passed
By preceding General Assembly in accordance
with the constitution. Our action and our judg
ment Is fnal, aud no court III the land can re-
view 20 behind it, Every member is called
upon to exercise his highest skill in the dctermi
nation of this question, The principal point
about which he was not well satisfied il what is
meant by the words in the constitution ''tO be en-
tered up"n their journals" II the constitution had
said $40 be spread at length upon the journals
of the House." then there would be no doubt
about the meaning whatever Do those words
IN the constitution mean that p minute shall be
ntered, or do they mean the resolution itself
shall be enteredf Do they mean 1t shall be
spread hic verba, to use the language OF the lawf
There are peculiar reasons why that should be
The strong reason is there seems to be n o
other method of authorization provided. II
need nee l., not be by joint resolution that that
may originate in either house and
agreed to by members OF both houses
Another reason In support of this bill is that the
trainers of the constitution were contemplating
a safe preservation of the exact language of the
proposed amendments, so that it might be out
or the power OF any body to change lt-a paper
TO be 70 u nd only among the macs of natter in
the Secretary of States Office, containing i'm
portant a matter amendment to the con-
stltution-the attempt TO preserve such paper
In that manner would he unwise; and that may
have been the view the trainers of the constitu-
ton took of it. 1t is altogether probable the
trainers of the constitution meant to provide
method of preservation beyond the possibility OF
mistake, and to put it beyond the power Of
change or loss. He hoped the resolution would
pass; hoped the committee will investigate and
report all the light that can be had on this sub
iect, and then hoped to hear not only from those
who agreed with MIN, but just as fully from those
who disagreed.
The resolution was adopted--yeas 27, nays 81.
Pending the roi-eall, Mr.. Bischo wski, in
PLANTATION of his vote. when his name was called ;,
said as the resolution OF the Senator from Ma
rion only seeks to have tho facts reported by the
Judiciary committee concerning the constitu-
tlonai amendments, and not the opinion OF that
committee, he should vote yea.
Mr.. Howard, when his name was called, stated
his pair with the Senator from Noble AIr. Hos
letter., and as this has the aspect of political
question, preferred not to vote.
Mr., Willard, in explanation OF his vote, said,
as he understood 1t, this resolution merely
called upon the Judiciary committee to furnish
any Information IL may pc aDie 10 OBTAIN IN re-
gard to the condition of the Journals and as he
could not understand it as requiring the ex
preston of an opinion, either one way or
other, upon the question to whether these
amendments have been properly entered upon
the journals. but merely for the purpose of
curing this Information under the authentica-
aye.
Mr.. Yancey, when his name was called, said,
as lie believed these amendments were pending,
ana these sort OF measures simply hoodwmk-
ing. quibble, and a legefdemAn practice TO
fool the people of the State, he should vote "no."
The President pro tenn. Mr. Henry in the
chair, from the Secretary Of State presented
additional papers in the case of Overstreet
Johnston, which were referred to the committee
on education.
BANKRUPT LAW.
MIR. McCulloch offered a concurrent resolution
requesting representatives and instructing In
diana congressman To oppose the adoption of any
bankrupt law.
Mr.. Bundy made an Intellectual motion TO refer
the resolution to the committee Federal re-
lations. He said 1t very important sub
ject, and should not be passed upon hastily.
Mr.. Spann gave notice of protest against the
reference OF additional papers in the Overstreet-
Johnston contest.
The resolution was adOpted-yeas &c. nays 81.
Mr.. Faulkner, in explanation of his vote,
stated that he thought our senators and repre-
sentatives in Congress capable of attending
to their own business without instructions from
us.