The Indianapolis sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1880-1904, 1885-02-25

whether the first section would not at oucs
release all who have served the time pre-
scrIbed in this bill, under the operations Of
the existing law.
Mr.. WILLARD: TIE Law OF 1883 lie not
retroactive.
Mr.. FOWLER: hope this bill will not
pass 1t seems TO be q dangerous bill. IL
would turn loose upon society class of men
possessing the lowest instincts of humanity,
after confinement some thirteen or nfteen
years. 1t certainly is not possible that our
criminal laws need such amendment. III
little more hanging were done society would
be much better of. The law as IL stands Is
not any too strenuous on this class OF pris-
cners
Mr.. MARSHALL. / feel that l want to
be on the side of humanity, aud Will sup
port the bill. ! have learned that the Good
Time bill passed in 1888 has worked Won
ders in our penitentiaries Every man Is
put upon his good behavior. When you
consider the length Of term they will have u
stay iu prison, there are very few men who
live in prison so long. That such may have
something to live for, this bill should be
passed think the great object for which
a man is put in prison has been accomplished
in about two years confinement.
Mr.. MCCULLOUGH: am opposed to this
bill. IL proposes a material change in the
criminal laws. That class OF community
disposed TO commit crime should be shown
what punishment will follow crimes. / be-
lieve murder is the worst OF crimes. 1t is not
honorable under any circumstances. If con-
vlction follows, the doom of the convict
should be the gsllows or Incarceration in
prison for life. Say that such men shall be
tErued out, aud such legislation will be con.
demned by the people.
Mr.. CAMPBELL, of st. Joseph There has
been no bill that has come before commit
tee on which / act that have given SC much
oE1 cro ion tn nrrf "a /
haye been q member OF the Prison Commit
tee, have conversed freely with the class OF
persons serving life sentences. At least eight
OF every ten have committed the crime
under momentary or temporary in
sanity-that is, they were drunk.
This sympathy. has brought upon me very
much. The object of punishment is two.
fold-for punish ment in its reality and for
protection to the community. / have feared
the effect that would come upon the com.
munlty il it were enacted that life san
tence should be but fifteen years imprison-
ment / believe that 90 per cent. OF
such would go out and make good citi-
zens. But i am afraid of the restraining
effect upon community. This is q grave
question, and should be carefully consid-
cred. l believe ii is not wise for the Legis-
lsture to enact that q jury shall not i'm pose
life sentence. ] move to amend so that
| thirty years De inserted Instead Of
Mr. THOMPSON: If punishment is for
| reformation, the puEishmsnt heretofore in.
| hicted has proven a failure Men have
/ served five and ten years. and have come out
worse than when they went in. Instead of
] turning them ont reforu ed, they are turned
| out with the spirit of devils. Many fires in
cities are attributable to men who have
| served long terms III the peuitentiary AID
| feel they are cut off from other human BE-
| ings. ! believe hope never should be re-
moved from the human breast. Where such
is the case that man is no friend to humon-
| ity. / hope the bill will pass L may need
| some amendment, bat let Indiana take q
| step in advance in this matter
| The amendment was agreed TO upon a
/, division affirmative 81, negative not
| counted.
| The Senate ordered the bill engrossed for
| third reading by yeas D, nays 81.
Mr. CAMPBELL, OF Hendricks. explain
| ing his negative vote: believe it is too
rsdical change and would result in turn
| ing q great many life conyicts loose.
THE WIDOW or EDWIN NAY.
Mr.. Thompson's bill 3 1871 to appropriate
| $40 900 to Sarah May widow of Edwin May
| for services as architect of the new State.
| house, was read the second time.
| Mr.. CAMPBELL, of st. Joseph, explained
| the circumstances of the claim: The claim
is based upon equity. There is not dime
due upon the oontract-ths committee and
the commissioners of the State-house rejoice
upon that