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THE WEEKLY CONSTITUTION'. ATLANTA, GA, TUESDAY JANUARY 26 1886
CONGRESS.
Proceedings of the Two Houses
Last Week.
With the President and His Ad
visers—General News.
Congress gives ns four spicy delates this
week, all of them partisan and two of them
sectional. The republicans still wave the
bloody shirt and still appeal to sectional
hatred. Wise, of Virginia, floors Bontelle,
of Maine, in a rattling speech, and Reagan,
of Texas, attacks the pension frauds. The
debates were spicy and interesting.
Senate*
The bill giving United States judges $5,000
year, and prohibiting them from appointing
their relatives to office in their courts passed.
House.
Mr. Wolford, of Kentucky, introduced a bill
granting a pension to Mrs. Weikleham, only
surviving daughter of Thomas Jefferson.
Severol bills to pension tho Mexican veterans
were introduced.
The following bills were introduced:
Mr. Norwood—A bill for the ercctiou of
court house and post office at Savannah; a bill
for the erection of a public building at Bruns
wick.
Mr. Candler—A bill to pay soldiers who en
listed in what was known as the First Georgia
regiment in the federal service tho sam9 boun
ties and allowances ns the troops who wero
regularly mustered in. It will be remembered
that quite a number of soldiers volunteered in
northeast Georgia for the union army. A bill
to repeal the law taxing tho notes of state
banks, banking associations and municipal
corporations.
Mr. Aiken, of South Carolina, chairman of
the committee on education, recently wrote
Mr. Candler, who is second on that committee,
stating that it was very uncertain when ho
'would be ablo to come to Washington, and re
questing Mr. Candler to call tho committee to
gether and organize it. Mr. Candler did so
this morning. H. W. J. Ham, of Gaincsvillo,
was elected clerk. So action wan taken on
any bill for national aid to education, but tho
committee is largely in favor of liberal legisla
tion on this line. Mr. Candler, who will act
as chairman during Mr. Aiken’s sickness, is
hopeful that some bill similar to that which
passed the senate last session will pass the
house. Mr. Aiken has never favored such a
bill.
By Mr. Wadsworth, Kentucky, tho follow
ing preamble and resolutions:
Whereas, by the l-lth section of tho act of con
gress of February 12.1873 (now section 3,511, revis
ed statutes), the gold dollar of the United States of
25.8-10 grains standurd fineness, is madetthe unit of
value; and,
Whereas, The president, on his accession to of
fice found each and all of full legal tender, gold,
silver and paper dollars of the United States,
equal in value to 25 8-10 grains of standard gold in
all transactions within the United Statcs.therefore,
Resolved, That it became the duty of tho presi
dent to u?e all lawful means in his power to
maintain this c< -—**- *- **- •— -* —*-
dollars, and that ,
has Mthcrto faithfully and properly endeavored to
dircharge that dutv.
The Presidential Succession*
Senator Sherman made a long address in the
senate on the Hoar bill providing for the
presidential succession.
In most of its features, Mr. Sherman con
tinued, the bill was not objectionable to any
one. The critical points involved were two,
both presented by the fonrth section of the
bill* That section provided that in case there
was but one return from a state, tho two
housesshonld meet according to the provisions
of the constitution; that the returns should be
opened by the presiding officer of the senate,
in whose custody they would then be. and that
the votes should then be counted. That man
datory provision was tho only mandatory pro
vision on this subject in tho constitution: that
“the votes shall then be counted.” Mr. Sher
man referred to the fact that a snowstorm
had once interfered with the mooting of the
Wisconsin electors on tho day appointed by
law. All that it said was that the president
of the senate, in tho prcscnco of the senate
and houso of representatives, should open the
certificates, “and tho votes shall then be
counted.” It was to be prosumed that the
framers of the constitution did not foresee the
difficulties that had arisen since their time on
this question of count. The constitutional
provision cited, proved unsatisfactory to the
framers of the constitution, and they changed
it after the celebrated doubt whether Aaron
Burr or Thomas Jefferson should bo president.
They saw that this provision was thwarted
and undertook to correct it. Since
that time there had arisen eleven
cases of dispute as to tho doctoral vote.
In the Missouri case, Missouri haviug under
taken to vote for president and vlco-prcsident
before being admitted as a state, the question
was presented whether its vote should bo
counted. The difficulty was got over by ignor
ing it, because it would make no difference in
the result. Again, when the Wisconsin electors
bad been prevented by a great snow storm
from meeting at the time and place appointed,
and could not, therefore, voto according to
the constitution, but met and voted next day,
and sent tbeir votes bore
to be * counted, .what happened?
“I remember,” said Sherman, “as well as I re
member the countenances now before me, the
scene of riot and tumult, of disorder and con
fusion that arose, when tho question about
Wisconsin camo up. At the time that Buchan
an was elected president of the United States,
I never saw the house of representatives in a
condition of tumult and disorder more violent
than occurred then, because the president of
the senate, Mr. Mason, undertook to give a
construction to this clause of the constltutioa,
which was at once met by a violent outcry, not
only from the members of the house but of the
senate, and led to the separation of tho two
houses in conAision, and the meeting of the
senate in this chamber. The only way that
difficulty could be solved at that time was by
passing a resolution that whether Wisconsin
was counted or not the result was tho aimo;
that Buchanan was elected. So in tho many
cases that have occurred since that time,where
the votes of the several states were in dispute.
Especially after the reconstruction period the
same difficulty arose,and was settled by saying
that in whatever way the question was solved
the people had elected a certain person to bo
president of the United States. In my judg
ment if, in 18(19, the election of President
Grant had depended on the vote of the state of
New York, after it had been made public and
generally known in the country that the elec
tion in tot city of New York had been carried
by overwhelming frand, I do not bclievo the
people of the United States would have been
satisfied with any fesult that depended upon
the vote of the state of New York.
But then again, fortunately for the
country, we were able to avoid the difficulty
by saying that, however, New York might
be counted, it would not change tho result.”
“8everel times.” Mr. Sherman continued, “that
condition of affairs existed, until finally, in
1877. we come to a point that did really threat
en the very existence of civil war, or might
have done so under certain circumstances
—where the votes disputed did change the
mult, where the change, even to the extent of
vote, might have changed tho mult.
That was happily averted by the contrivance
of an electoral commission, because I cannot
call it much more than contrivance, and I
suppose the senators will not call it anything
else, (I did not support it at time)—by
which a solution was found for this difficulty
without strife. I think this is a vital question,
that wc ought to decide. We ought
to approach it without regard to party
affiliation, and try if we esn to decide this
most dilficult question of American politics.
The'objection I have to this bill under consid
eration is that It does not soive any of these
questions. It does not settle asingte one oC
the questions tlisfc have arisen iu the past,
or that aro likely to arise iu the
future.
Mr. Sherman cited again the case of Wiscon
sin, and the inquiry would be, what would
be done with tho vote of that state under the
circumstauces already stated, and how the
questiou should be determined as to whether
the vote should or should not be counted.
He supposed that iu that case, where trou
ble arose from an act of provideuce, that the
result might bo right. But many cases could
be mentioned where it would not bo right.
But even If right to count it, how should it be
counted, aud by whom should it be counted
where the two housec disagreed. Where tho
two houses agreed they might be regarded as
the best judges. But if they disagreed, why
give to the opinion of one house more weight
than to the opinion of the other? Why say
that in case of disagreement the vote shall be
counted?
Mr. Hoar—The theory of the bill is that
when the state presents itself, and by but one
utterance, declares “this is my action,” it shall
be counted as the constitutional action of the
state, unless both houses of congress agree to
reject it. The vote would then be counted. Mr
Sherman then offered an amendment striking
from the bill the clause allowing either house to
exclude a vote, and providing that in
case of a disagreement between the two
houses, the question iu dispute shall l>o sub
mitted to a joint convention of both houses,
which joint convention “shall” immediately,
without debate, upon the roll call of the respec
tive houses, vote upon the question or ques
tions upon which there has been such disagree
ment, and the decision of a majority of the
members of the joint convention present shall
be deemed final and conclusive,
and tho vote shall be cofintcd accordingly, and
bo announced by the president of tho senate;
that while tho two houses shall bo in meeting
as provided in this act, tho president of tho
senate shall have power to preserve order, and
no debate shall bo allowed, and no question
shall bo put by the presiding officer except
to either house on motion to withdraw, and
upon the questions upon which the two houses
have disagreed.
Sir. Edmunds said tliat the proposition of
Sir. Sherman was that in caso tnc senate and
house of representatives disagreed in their
constitutional and automatic capacity as the
government of the United States, there should
be a consolidated count of the heads of the
seventy-six senators and 325 representatives,
and that the majority of all per capita, should
determine tbc result.
“If I were a mouse,” said Mr. Edmunds,
“and had got to bo eaten up by a cat at last, I
should just as soon bo swallowed today as to
be undergoing discussion in her claws for
three or four days before I was swallowed.
That is exactly the case. Tho seuate of the
United States might just as well propose to tho
house of representatives a bill which declares
that in case of disagreement between the two
houses, in respect of the identification of a
vote, that then and there the judgment of the
house of representatives should prevail, and
be douo with-it.
The Union Soldier Debate.
REVIVING THE PAKMIONS OK WAR—WISE, OF VIRGINIA,
FLOGS ROUTE l.l.E.
Washington, January 22.—-In tho houso
Mr. Herbert, of Alabama, from the committee
on naval affairs,reported back the Bontelle reso
lution calling on the secretary of tho navy for
information relative to tho alleged erasures of
certain Inscriptions and the dismissal of union
soldiers at the Norfolk navy yard, with an
amendment/ extending tho inquiry to tho dis
missals made at the navy yard and light house
district at Norfolk during the terms of the
immediate predecessors of the present secretary
of the navy. Mr. Herbert, stating thatftho res
olution was substantially the samo as that
originally offered by Mr. Boutelle, except that
it was somewhat broader, demanded the pre
vious question.
The republicans resisted this, but on division
were outvoted 87 to 84.
“It is evident then,” said Mr. Herbert, “that
the gentlemen do not want their own inter
rogatories answered. I withdraw the report
[Applause on the democratic side ]
Mr. Boutelle—If I may do so I object to the
withdrawal of the report
Mr. Bced, of (Maine.— 1 Tho report is being
acted upon aud cannot be withdrawn.
The speaker held that as the report was
mado to the houso by order of tho committee,
it could not be withdrawn without leave of the
house. [Applause on tho republican side.]
AN EXCITING DEBATE.
Then was crowded into tho next half hour
the most exciting political debate that has
been presented to the house this session.
Tho debate was oponed by Mr. Boutello
who premised his direct speech upou the reso
lution with a remark calling attention to tho
fact that the first legislative act of tho houso
hsd been tbe passage by unan
imous consent of a bill removing the
political disabilities of an ex-confederate
who had united more than twenty years be
fore discovering a desire to bo placed in tho
Jino of eligibility to an appointment under tho
executive department or tho United States.
In contrast with this, ho, (Boutello,) had boon
tauntingly informed that fifteen minutes of
time was an ample allowance In which to pre
sent tho case of the outrageous dismissal of
disabled veterans of the union army from the
employment of the government, and tho ob
literation, debasement and removal of inscrip
tions commemorative of tho success of the
union srmy. He tmated that these foots,
placed iu juxtaposition, would prove
more instructive to tho country than
any remarks he could offer. Tho resolution
ho had introduced had related to tho allega
tions that an officer of the United States gov
ernment, at one of the navy yards of tho gov
ernment, had ordered tho obliteration of
honorable inscriptions on cannon captured by
the United States, and caused to bo removed
from tbc dry dock a memorial tablet sotting
forth that it had been destroyed by the rebels
in 1802 and recaptured in 1803. Ho didn't
understand that tno facts had been In any way
contradicted. On tho contrary he
found the Norfolk paper, whose
editor was closely connected with this
officer, had stated tbnt Comainndant Braxton,
in place of censure, was entitled to praise. Ho
bad found evidence that since tho 4th of March,
’85, there bad been repeated and systematic re
movals from positions in which
they wero placed, of officers of the
government, of wounded and disabled
veterans of the republic, to make place for
first morniug stare saug together. [Applause I of the confederate brigadier!” [Lpu«l at |A
on the republican aide], Tho people of tho —“ —
country ought to say, as old Genera! I)ix
said in regard to the American Hag: “If any
man attempts to pull down tbc memorial of
tho great triumph of the loyal people of this
men who had sought to destroy it. He deemed
that a fitting matter to call tho attention of
tho house and the countiy. The attempt,
whenever made and by whoever made, to set
up tbe nlea that the tearing down of the loyal
memorials of the war, was demanded by any
broad sentimeut of patriotism, was based on
absolute sophistry. If the time had come, or
should come, to obliterate tbe great memorials
oftbc rebellion, the monument of the rebel*
lion itself should lio first torn down. Let not
tbc work bo begun by taking down tbe in
scriptions commemorative of the victories of
armies of tbe United States. He had a list of
tbe great marble memorials growing up all
over this land, to perpetuate the cause of trea
son and rebellion. He bad a description of a
monument erected in Georgia, bearing inscrip
tions breathing anything hut the spirit of
loyalty to this government, a monument bear
ing on its face evidence of a design to perpet
uate tbe memory of the attempt on the life of
the republic. Tbe soldier who came to Wash
ington might wander in vain through the great
art repository of this city looking for the coun
terfeit presentiment of one of the heroes who
sustained the flag of the union. He would
find that the only men who were memoralized
and remembered in the Corcoran art gallery
were Robert K. Lee and Stonewall Jackson.
These representations were not simdly to keep
alive the memory of a great war, but were re
presentations of soldiers. They were depicted
in ftill confederate uniform. Two years ago,
when the house was considering an appropria
tion of one million dollars for the New Orleans
exposition, the people down there who were so
snxions to have the union memorials obliterat
ed, were erecting a monument thirty feet high
to Bobert K. Lee, tbe chief militaij head of
tbe rebellion. There waa no justice in the
claim that broad patriotism required the ob
literation of the records of the grandest
tviemph ever made for humanity since the
country, shoot liim on the spot?’ [Prolonged
applause on the republican side]. A few days
ago a report hsd been sent down to a Richmoud
paper, in which be was spoken of with that
degree of politeness for which
the people down there wore
noted. Ho was informed that ho had boon
macerated and deasicated by the gentle
man from Virginia (Wise), and he found iu
the tame paper an idyl under the head of “A
Southern Historical Society Paper,” which
showed that the southern i«ople were not so
anxious to forget their part iu the war. The
I taper praised Ballcntin's report In tho last
congress relative to the fight between the
Blerrixnac end tho Monitor, and declared that
it reftited completely the popular delusion in
the north that tbe Monitor had beaten the Mer-
rimac. (Laughter on republican side.) Those
gentlemen wore not anxious to have tho his
tory of the war wiped out. They wanted to
write It over. They wanted to write their
victories over the face of the record that
showed the great triumph of union arms.
(Laughter and applause on republican side.)
He protested against this sort of thing.
Whether ho stood here or elsewhere, whether
his position were that of a member of con
gress or a citizen in private 11 fo, ho
entered his protest against this morbid senti
mentality, against this false idea of magnam-
ity, which would for ono moment tolerato the
laying of the hands of desecration on the me
morials of tho triumph of tho union arms.
There were two statutes on the books declar
ing that in government appointments soldiers
should bo given the preference. Theso had
not only been treated with contempt, but in
case of tbe Norfolk navy yard and custom
bouse, gallant, efficient,worthy, faithful public
servants, who had followed the Hag of tlielr
country across a hundred battlo fields, had
been turned out that tbeir places might be
given to men who had fought to destroy tho
government. [Applnnso on the republican side.]
FI.AVKD BY MB. WISE.
Mr. Wise, of Virginia, waa glad that ho had
nil opportunity to make a statement of facts,
although he had hoped that the subject of this
resolution would not have been discussed until
information had been received from tho secre
tary of the navy. The gentleman from Maiuo
(Boutelle) ou more than occasion had sought to
revive the passions and prejudices of tho war.
He (Wise) would examine how much of truth
there was in tho statement of those resolu
tions. Tbe secretary of tho navy was
called upon to report if any tablet
bad been destroyed at the Norfolk
navy yard, which commemorated tho fact that
the dry dock at Portsmouth bad been destroy
cd. He was glad of the opportunity to inform
the gentleman from Maino that tho dry dock
ut Portsmouth had never been destroyed. [Ap
plause on tho democratic side.] Tho gontlo*
man asked the secretary of navy if tho
Inscription! bad been removed from tho can
non raptured from the confederate army. Ho
would inform the gentleman from Maino that
no cannons with such Inscriptions had ever
been in the Portsmouth navy yard. [Applause
on the democrat sldo.] The gentleman from
Maino wanted to know if a union soldier had
been discharged and a confederate put in his
place. He would inform the gentleman from
Maine that the man who was discharged had
never been in tho union army; had never boon
within a thousand miles of a lino of battle; had
never heard tho music of a minio ball. [Ap
plause and laughter on the democrat side.]
Mr. Boutelle—Did he not render great ser
vice to his country ?”
“No, sir,” replied Mr. Wise, “he, air, was In
receipt of a large salary in a bomb proof posi
tion, while brave men fought the battles of
their country.”
Mr. Brady, of Virginia, rose and asked per
mission to propound a question.
“No, sir; no, sir!” exclaimed Mr. Wise. “I
will give my attention to you in one minute.
The confederate, .or the one whom yon (Boar
telle) allege was appointed on acooont of this
service In the confederate army, was appointed
after a competitive examination, and the man
to whom you refer was removed for beastly in
toxication. [Applause and laughter on the
democratic side.] One other foct I commend
to your consideration. During the Arthur ad
ministration, the postmaster at Portsmouth.
who%as a union soldier, twice woundod and
twice promoted for gallantry, was removed at
the dictation of William Mahono. [Applause
on the democratic aide.] Ah. Mr.
8peaker, it is a good thing to
raise a ftiss over this, Isn’t It? “Your follow-
citizens, of Maine,” addressing Mr. Boutello,
“are anxious to know If a confederate has boon
appointed in the Norfolk navy yard by this
administration. Have you forgotten that
during tbe Grant administration and during
the administration of Hsyes and Arthur, you
sent the captain of confederate guorrillas,
John 8. Mosby, to represent tho government of
the United States in a foreign country? [Ap-
J ilauso on tho democratic side.] Have you
orgotten that Longstreet, a confederate lieu
tenant-general, was selected by your republi
can administration for tho most Important of
fice in Georgia ? Why is it, I will ask tho gen*
tlcman from Maine, that wo have not hoard a
howl from that ice bound region about those
anointments ?” [.Laughter on the democratic
“Does the gentleman desire a reply?” In
quired Mr. Boutelle.
“No, sir,” exclaimed Mr. Wise, “Go read the
speech of a senator of tho United States, who,
with all kindness, is in the estimation of the
whole country a hotter man than you arc. Go
read the speech of Charles Sumnciy of Massa
chusetts.”
If Charles Sumner knew that his magnani
mous suggestion would bo quoted by you for
such a purpose, ho would turn in his gravo,”
exclaimed Xfr. Boutelle amid much confusion.
“Go,” continued Mr. Wise, “read tho speech
of Charles Sumner, of Massachusetts. If I
mistake not, he was the first in tho country
who declared, some fifteen years ago, that tlio
>vuu ucciarcti, BUUIU iiiivlii ycum ugu. tusi. mu
time bad come for peace, and that tho bitter
memories of the war should be removed. And
mark the contrast between tho leader of tho
federal army and tbe gentleman from Maine.
The list words spoken by that great lcador on
his dying bed at McGregor, wore that ho
thanked God that be closed his eyes on the
world believing that peace had returned to a
distracted country. [Applause on democratic
side.] And vet, and yet the halls of legisla
tion are to be annoyed by the backbiting of
such men as the gentlemau from Maine. Now,
Mr. Speaker, I want to say one word more to
him. While wo set here and voto pensions to
your soldiers ”
“Our soldiers!” exclaimed Mr. Bontelle.
“Yes,” replied Mr. Wise: “onr soldiers! Wo
are in the bouse of our fathers, and wo have
come to stay. «[Applause on democratic side.]
While we are ready and willing to voto pen
sions to honorably discharged soldiers who
served tbeir country in time of war, we will
never consent that it shall be held sod pro
claimed on high that one who happened to
have been in the confederate army is forever
debarred from tbe service of bis country,
protest that theso honor**
soldiers of the union army
shall never again be subjected to the treatment
they were subjected to nnder the last admin
istration, when men who bad fought bravely
tor tbe union, under a circular tearing tbe
name of William Mabone as chairman, and
James Brady, present member of the bouse, as
There was no such circular,” interrupted
Mr. Brady. “I challenge him to produce the
circular.”
When,” continued Mr. Wise, not heeding
the interruption, “they were required, under
the whip oi the master, to give money fur par
tisan purposes, required like slaves to hold
tbeir ballots up that their bosses’ minions
might see whether they voted right. Oh,
what an attitude to place the discharged
soldiers of tbe nnion under the whip and lash
continued applause ou democratic side and iu
the galleries.)
At this point tho speaker brought down his
gavel, and declared that Wise’s timo had ex
pired.
Mr. Brumm, of Pennsylvania, was imme
diately on his feet, asking unanimous consent
that Mr. Wise’s timo bo extouded iu expecta
tion that if this were done, a similar courtesy
would bo extended to Mr. Boutello
to reply, but the democrats were wary,
and comprehending that Wise had been
cutoff in the most telling part of the speech,
and that its effect might be weakened by tho
additiou of further remarks, responded to tho
suggestion with a storm of obiections.
Washington, January 22.—[Special.]—
George Wise’s speech in reply to Boutello on
the alleged abuses ut the Norfolk navy yard,
Is conceded to havo beeu one of the huppiest
efforts made in the house in xuauy a day. Mr.
Herbert bad yielded only five minutes to
Wise, but at the expiration of that time ho was
making the fur fly at such a rate that Herbert
exclaimed, “Go ahead; toko all the timo!”
Wise went ahead aud showed up the republi
can practices iu Virginia in an unanswerable
array of facts, and splendidly put together. Tho
most nmusing thing about tbe entire episode
was that tbc republican! had boon filibustering
to get three hours for debate, and in fifteen
minutes Mr. Wire completely pulverised thoir
blataut champion from Maino. Wise was
cheered heartily and had a continued ovation
after he resumed bis sent. It was not tho first
time that Boutelle had been severely sat upon
in the bouse, but this experience is ono ho is
not likely to forget.
The Silver Debate.
TIIE SILVER MEN TAKING EVERYTHING BY
STORM.
Mr. Morrill addressed the senate oil tlio
silver question, ire premised with tlio re
mark that the elaborate speech of tho senator
from Kentucky, Mr. Beck, scorned to throw
the burden of a rejoinder ou tho frlonds of tho
admiuistration.
“I do not mean,” ho continued, “to en
croach upon privileges which so many demo
cratic senators appear eager to enjoy, of com
ing to tho rescue of the president and tlio sec
retary of tlio treasury, against the rather
ciucl attack made upon a cardinal measure
of the administration, as I know tho
fnto of (hose who venture to
interfere with family quarrels; hut this moos-
urc, by which silver might bo maintained on a
par with gold, so worthy of all acceptation, I
fear will not have—after tho hot demonstra
tion of tho recognized leader of Ids party in
the senate against it—that unanimous support
to which it may ho fairly entitled. In tho
first place, let mo say, that there are no par
ties, so for as I know, in tho sonato or out of
it, that propose or that have any wish to de
monetize silver. To chargo otherwiso is a
baseless assumption and uuworthy of
tho arena of fair debate. Everybody
is willing, nay, anxious to kocp as much of
silver iu circulation as can bo dono and keep
it at tho samo time at par with our gold coinago.
The only hostility to silver arises from what
seems to be the fixed and passionate purposo on
thepartofsomoofits advocates to promote such
an excess of silver coinage as wifi drive gold
colnsgo out of tbe country and Icavo our vast
trade of commerce based upon silver only. In
reaching this position of silver monoraotalism,
it is impossible to bo blind to the disastrous
contraction of the circulating modium of tbo
country that would at onco occur, for whon
tbo moment arrives for gold to command a
premium It will all bo hold as a commodity
for sale and not for circulation, as
small as five per cent, premium being as
productive of universal hoarding as twenty-
five per cent and no possible advantage to our
people could be expected from following tho
fame and fceblo example of India or Mexico
in utilising a silver currency only.”
Mr. Morrill insisted that there was no war
nnpn silver, but that In substance and effect a
depuration of war had been made on gold. by
theiMd^F'offhodcmocratlo party In tho sen
ate. From the pleasure which tho senator
from Kentucky had evidenced In delivering
In the senate his antagonism to the president
and the secretary of the treasury, it seemed to
Mr. Morrill that the senator had been for a
moment under the .delusion that he was still
belaboring with a lefthanded compliment,
some * republican, president and secretary,
but Mr. Morrill could look on with composure,
confident as he was, of “tho survival of the
fittest.”
A bill was introduced by Mr. VanWyck, to
E revent tho demonetization of American coin
y certain persons In tho United States. In
introducing this bill, Mr. VanWyck said that
the senator from Vermont (Morrill) yesterday
remarked that no parties, in the senate or out
of it, were seeking to demonetize silver. But
even now, Mr. VanWyck continued, even now
and for some time there had been a determine
tion or conspiracy on the part of capital to de
monetize ailvor, and to violato tho laws
and constitution. Some years ago the national
banka in New York roado an attempt to de
monetize by ostracising silver, but as thoy
were tho immediate creatures oftbc law, thoy
lisd shrewdly calculated the hasard of the
venture. Now the wedge was to be entered in
a different shape. Capital was arraying itself
against tho laws, and almost tho universal
sentiment and prosperity of the people.
It waa n bold and deliberate “strike,” dono
with mallco aforethought, against tho interests
of tho masses and of labor.
In concluding his speech Mr. Symes warned
tbo bouse that tho demonetalism of silver
J. M. HIGH,
The Regulator and Controller of Low Price*.
Will mail samples of all classes of Dry Goods, and
pay expresrage on all order* above*110.00. You
will save money and get better variety to select
jrem by writing us about what you want and get
ting onr samples. Tbe largest stock in Atlanta and
the acknowledged lowest price*. U and 48 White
hall street, Atlanta, Os. Mention this paper.
and insignificant.
The Penulon Debate.
SPICY TALK BETWEEN MEMBERS ON THE OLD
SOLDIER QUESTION.
Washington, January 20.—In the morning
hour in the house, Matson, of Indiana, on be
half of tbo committee on invalid pensions,
called np tho bill increasing tbe pensions of
widows and dependent relatives of soldiers
from $8 to $12 per month. Mstson stated that
tbc bill had.received tbe uuanimous approval
of tho committee. A very careful estimate
made less than two years ago by a gentleman
who was thoroughly familiar with tbe subject,
showed that additional annual cost to the gov
ernment by reason of the pasaage of this bill
would amount to something over $800,000.
Washington, January 21.—No hills of any
importance being reported under the call of
committees, tbe house resumed In tho morn
ing hour, consideration of the bill to increase
the pensions of soldiers’ widows.
Mr. Wolford, of Kentucky, made an Im-
pafrioned sjiccrh in favor or tho bill, and as
there waa much confusion in tho hoiue, tho
m< niters crowded around him as he stood in
tbo center aisle, to listen. He advocated tho
repra! of tho arrearages limitation, hut
thought that to incorporate this provision on
the bill might endanger the passagoof both.
He was frequently interrupted by Mr. Browne,
of Indiana, and the word fencing between the
two gentlemen waa heartily enjoyed by tho
house.
M r. Reagan, of Texas, took the ground that
only soldiers who bad been disabled in
tbc war, or widows wno had teen
the wives of soldiers at tho time the disability
bad occurred, should receive pensions. Ho
criticised tbe manner in which special pension
bills were passed by congress, and stated that
he would drive the petitioners to tbe pension
r flier, und make them give the proofs required
by Isw. lie would not allow them to como
here with <z parte evidence "and secure pen
sions. Jn these bills relating to tho pensions,
the contest was not so much about doing jus-
tice to the soldiers, as it was a contest for po
litical supremacy, a bid for tho votes of the
soldiers.
Mr.Funstcn, interrupting—What right havo
you to impugn the motives of the members in
that manner?
Mr. Retgsn declined to yield. He had occu
pied s seat in the house when tbe arrears act
had passed, and be had seen democrats urging
democrats to vote for it, becaoaa it would give
them tbe soldier vote, and tbe republicans urg
ing republicans to vote for ft, in order to get
ahead of tbe democrats. No one would doubt
that instead of tbe supreme and sole motive for
this legislation being to secora Justice to those
who served their country another and stronger
motive was to secure political supremacy.
What was this to como to? Ho warned tho
members that a point- might bo reached
when public opinion would revolt against vot
ing away the money of tho toiling millions in
this tort of way. lie said there were numbers
of men—he might say thousands—who wero
receiving pensions who had no more right to
them than ho had.
Mr. Funston.—Who are they? Who are they?
“The gentlemau can make his speech when
the time comes,” replied Mr. Reagan, “He
will not interrupt mo any more. I camo hero
as a rcresentntive of r portion of tbe American
prople. I came here to speak for them, and I
do not proposo that mombera on this floor shall
challenge my right to express my convictions
ou great public questions. I do not expoct to
defent this proposition, but in the name of my
constituents, in tbc uame of the taxpayers of
this country, I proposo to make a protest
against the universal and indiscriminate grant
ing of pensions to all men and all women who
ask for them.”
Mr. Dnnn, of Arkansas, hail not expected
that this bill would be made an omnibus one,
a Santa Claus pension wagon, but It seemed
that it was to be loaded with amendments. Ho
remembered a class of soldiers who had done
more to earn pensions at the hands of this
J overnment than any other class had dono.
lo remembered men who had added to tho
public domain that vast region of country from
the Louisiana purcliaso to tho I'acifio
ocean, men who had unrolled the map
of tbc country across tho rock-ribbed
mountains of tho west until it reached down
to tho far distant coast of California, men who
had borne tbe flag of tho country across the
plains of Mexico and planted it on tho walla
of the great city of tho Montezuma*. He
spoke for them, and he sent to tho clerk’s
dc*k a New Year’s gift to nut into tho Santa
Claus pension wagon. The gift consist
ed of ■ a, proposed amendment granting
pensions to the survivors of tbo Mexicau and
Indian wars.
Mr. Matson, of Indiana, spoko briefly in
favor of the bill, urging that It bo passed with
out amendment. Ho Incidcutully replied to
Mr. Reagan’s speech, and quoting that gontlo*
man's querry, “what is this to como to?” by re
marking: “In all kindness to my friend, I
say that be ought to have thought about that
long ago.” [Applauso ou republican sldo.]
Continuing, ho said that the widows of tlio
men who had lost their lives in defense of their
flag, ought to be provided for in a manner
coinmenstirato with tlio greatness of the coun
try. and it did not lie iu tho mouth of any one
tossy that because of this littlo thing or that
little thing, pensions should not bo granted.
Mr. Reagan thought that he had a right to
express his views and represent his constitu
ents on this floor, without teiug subject to
personal taunts. The constitution and the
laws, and tho partiality of liis constitueuts bad
rent him hero, and ho did not come to Inquire
from tho gcntlcmnn from Indiana (Matson),
whether or not ho was [privileged to debate or
discuss on any question.
Mr. Warner, of Ohio, offered an amendment
providing that this net should apply to the
widows ouly who wero married before IU pass
age.
Mr. Townihcnd, of Illinois, offered an amend
ment, as a substitute for Warrer’s, providing
that when an invalid pensioner shall die, hls
widow or minor children shall be entitled to
an original pension without being required to
prove that tlio death of tho pensioner waa duo
to bis military or naval service.
Mr. Townshcnd thought the amendment
was meritorious and Justlflablo from evory
standpoint. If tho soldier who hod unfortu
nately incurred disability in sorvico should
die, it waa nothing more than humane andjnat
that tho widow and children ahonld be tar
nished means sufficient to keep them oat of
the lMiorhouso. He believed in liberal pen
sions. not only to soldiers of the late war, bnt
to the soldiers of every war in which the
United States had been engaged, and no better
use could be made of the surplus of the treas
ury than to pay it out In pensions to the sol
dier.
Mr. Cutcheon, Michigan, in speaking in sup
port of the amendment denied the right of the
gentleman from Texas (Reagan) to impugn tho
motives and integrity of every gentleman who
voted for an Increase of pensions to tho soldiers
of the late war. For one, he did not acknowl
edge tho right, and nover would conoedo the
propriety of the gentleman from Texas im
pugning his motive, when ho voted to pension
the widows of tbe men who fell in the smoko
snd carnage of battle. He was not here to be
lectured by the gentleman, and he would vote
for any measure he wishod, without asking
the gentleman’s permission.
Mr. Townshend’s amendment was rejected
by a voto of 108 to 115, and Mr. Warner'a by a
voto of 106 to 120.
Capital Gossip,
Washington, January 11).—[Special.]—The
president said to a friend .tonight that he
was surprised at the rumors that he meant to
back down from his position on tho silver
question. Ho said:
“I have never thought of such a thing, and
there is no foundation whatever for this re
port. I stand now exactly whore I stood when
1 delivered my inaugural, and when I wrote
my message. Thore Is no clianoo for a com
promise on this question.”
The president waa theu asked what he meant
to do about tarnishing tho sonato hls reasons
for removing officials:
“I shall do nothing,” was bis quick response.
That Is a matter which rests solely with tbo
executive, and tbe senate has nothing to do
with It.”
Dakota’s lobby in Washington profess to be
confident that both houses aro fu favor of Da
kota’s admission. They count on tbe solid re
publican vote and several democrats iu the
senate, and on enough democrats in the house
to help out the republican minority there
They are actively at work, aud tbeir friends
in congress give them constant encouragement.
done by pupil. °r the government's Indisn
reboot at Carlisle, Pennsylvania,
Several prominent democrat, in the house, in
cluding Holman snd Springer, L havo declared
in favor of admitting Dakota.
Several Alabama republicans an hero trying
to defeat tho confirmation of Cieneral Shelley
as fourth auditor of tho treasury. Thoir leader
seems to be tbo notorious negro Jen Haralson,
whom Shelley defeated for congress. There Is
little doubt of Shelley’s continuation, aa sev
eral prominent republicans are known to Im
favorable to it. Tbo report of tho comoiitteo
on hls case, however, may be adverse.
Wamiinoton, January 81.—[Special.]—Flta
John Porter la at laat in sight or relief from
tbe unjust stigma which for twenty-two years
hat rested on hie name. It will be a vindica
tion to restore him to tho army lisla In any
capacity, but the bill recently reported favora
bly by the houso military committee, which
authorises the president to appoint him to the
rank of colonel on the retired list is a small
measure of Justice to ono who
has suffered so Ion, as the
victim of personal jealousy and party hate.
The bill la certain to nua the home by a big
majority A solid democratic vote
for the Porter hill la expected
In the bouse. In tbe senate there are enough
republican! known to bo favorable to tbo bill
to secure lie peaeage with a unanimous demo-
'’portcr’S'now old and poor. Ills only aup-
R rt is hi. salary as a police commissioner cf
■w York city. When degraded by blind
malieo as a vicarious iacriAco for
Pope’s stupid blunders, he waa a
rising young general of the federal army,
The fruitful years of his life have been blight
ed and hla strong hopes paralysed by an almost
nnparallelied act of meanness and crnslty. It
will be a poor return for ail these years of suf
fering when the president shall write hls name
asa retired colonel in tbo army,
Tbe enemies of silver in congress have been
completely overmatched In the diacnetlon of the
colosge auction. Home of them are now lay
ing that It is a pare waste of timo to discuss
the Beck resolution in the senate, or for mem
bers of the house to make occasion for deliv
ering Ihelr opinions on ailver coinage. In tbe
light of the recent debate this ia regarded here
a* * cry of -‘enough.-’
EDCCAT1XO nut INDIANS.
While the Apachea are ecaiplng our Iron-
tienmen and perplexing tho war department,
it la rcfrtahlng to And evidences that than
an some good Indiana In the world. In the
room of the senate committee on Indian aflklra
the other day, I aaw soma specimens of work
iiiuruugniy nilea to practice t
}**'.* -'■J 1 ' 1 * quell all their savage instincts and
inspire the love of comfort ana wealth. The
readiness with which the young Indiana take
tl,e,r excellent pro-
duidloiis in this line aro the most encouraging
that tllI » school Is sowing the seeds
civilization among tnat unfortunate people,
in? r ? 1 ier “ aud mother* who send
their children far away to Carlisle evince great
pride in their achievements. Theytoll of a
poor PUeblo woman going to a night school to
learn to read tlio letter* written to licr by her
only daughter, who ia atCarllale receiving an
education.
The announced Intention of Mr. Randolph
Tucker to retire from congress at the expira
tion of hla present terra has given rise to some
speculation ns to hls plans for the future. He
has been a prominent figure in the house for
eleven years, and ia supposed to he passionate
ly fond of tho exhilaration uf
B oliUcs. Washington social life de
sk's him, and accepts him a.
a favorite because of bis genial maimers, his
Ane anecdotal capacity and hls ready wit.
Ono would suppose he would bo among tho
last meu to voluntarily resign a Arm hold on
a congressional chair. Some of hi* friends say
that us he is poor and is getting old lie wants
to try and make money by an uninterrupted
devotion to tho law. Othora say that
ho has his eye on tho senate, und that
a retirement from congress will glvo trim better
opportunities to work up bis chances to succeed
Kiudlcberger in
Washinoton, January SI.—[Special.]—'The
president Is giving successful rcsistcncu to tho
trials of oAIcc seekers, lie isgrowlng fat upon
them. Ho possesses a robust nature, not in
aptly typified In hla thick and brawny phys
ique. No man ever found tlio wlrito house an
easier berth, or preserved under its annoy-
onccs a screner toniper und n more udmir-tblo
digestion. The combined powers of private
Importunity aud public criticism, added to tbo
inultlludiiioiia details of exocutlvo duty, will
nover fret nor stir fills man. Ho lias linen
working liko a Trojsn nod enduring llko a
martyr almost sinco tho dying of tho oehoea
of his triumphal march from tho inauguration,
and 1 doubt if it ever occurred to Him that
aueh was the case. llo does not nood your
sympathy. It la a weak tonic compared to
tho strong wine of hls sclf-rcllanrc.
I happened to be in tho president's olileo tho
other day when Senator* Camdon and Keuna
came In. A dozen gentlemen wore already
present, but aenatorial dignity received duo
and instant recognition. When tho two sena
tors of a state approach the president together
they generally moon business. And so
did tlio West Virginia statesmen. After
a few rausal remarks they Invited tho presi
dent to to shape his aOMra that in tho spring
bo might spend a week with them, Ashing in
tho matchless bass shoals of their mountain
streams. The Invitation was followed with
glowing discrlptions of tho scenery through
which those clear waters dash, and with In
spiring talcs of tbe sport thoy aflbrdod. Both
senators told good Ash stories which cvldontly
interested the president. Ho thankod them
heartily and said he would bo dellghtod to re
move a few West Virginia baa from thoir
present offices. Bold he: “Your Ash stories re
mind mo of ono I once hoard. A follow related
to a chance acquaintance, a wonderful Ash
story and as ho concluded asked: ‘Now don’t
that aurprlae you?’ »
"No,” was tho cool response, “I am n liar
mysolf.”
THE INTER-STATE BILL.
Wasuinoton, January lK.-Tlio following
la a brief synopsis of the bill to regulate com
merce, reported from the senate select com
mittee upon the Intor-ststo rarllroad transpor
tation, today by Senator Cnllom. After speci
fying tho classes of carrlen,or rather tho kinds
of traffic to which tho regulations prescribed
are to apply, and declaring that all tho charges
mado by such carrion shall
ho reasonable, the preliminary
sections aim to prohibit orery variety of nnjust
discrimination, to prescribe adequate penalties
therefor, and to provide for tbo enforcement
thereof In tho courts of tho United States.
These sections Includo tbo requirement that
all tbo carriers shall affiard reasonable Aicllltlea
for tho Interchange of traffic with connorting
lines, aud tho prohibition of a grcutorchargo
for tho shorter than for the longer
distance, cxceptwhon It can bo affirmatively
established by tho carriers that such charges
does nut constitute nn unjust discrimination.
Another section requires all the carriers sub
ject to tho provisions of the proposo! act to
Ale thoir tarlln and claialAentlons with tbo In
terstate commerce commission and provides
that they shall bo posted or otherwiso published
t ut leaves to bo determined by tbo commission
the manner of publication, and tho places at
i-ud between which tbe rates shall be pub
lished. 1-rovlslon it made for cnforclng.tho
requirements of tbo commission In theso re
spects through the courts, and for tbo main
tenance of rateo that may be thna publitbod.
Provision la alio made for the appointment,
by the president, uf Ave commissioners to bo
cofiArmed by tho sennto,
THE RIVERS AND HARBORS.
Washinoton, January 82.—Today Colo
nel John Screven appeared before tho
committee on riven and harbors, as tho repre
sentatives of Savannah, llo asked that a suffi
cient appropriation bo mado to carry out tbe
plans of tbo engineers for tho completion of the
work under way, and for carrying out tho hag-
bor to tbo bar. It la thought two hundred
thousand dollar* will bo needed for this pur
pose. Colonel Bcroven made a strong showing,
snd received marked attention. At same time
Mr. Topper, of Charleston, and C, II. Jones, of
Jacksonville, appeared before the committee to
represent the needs of the riven and harbor*
of Bontb Carolina and Florida. Tbo deorgkt
congressmen have slgniAed thoir readiness to
coopcrato with tho members from Florida in
tho effort to have tho proposed grand national
parade at Pensacola. This afternoon thoy
called upon President Cleveland, and wero cor
dially received. The president oxpreowd much
Interest in tho oMect of tho convention, and
■aid bis views hsd changed much since,** gov
ernor ‘of New York, ha expressed bis idea
regarding the transportation question. He 1*
now, he said, profoundly Impressed with tbo
importance or developing tho natural water
waysoflho country, and bellaves that tho
public money Judiciously expanded upon such
improvements la wisely expended. The rea-
job why he bad not treated tbe snMect In hla
message was not because he undereetlmated Its
Importance, but because ho did not havo timo
to give it that close and careful study without
which ho was reluctant to commit himself to
reeommendstlona upon any point of pnbllo
policy.
THE CONSCIENCE FUND.
Washinoton, January SO.—Tho secretary
..’the treasury ban received In hi* regular
null today a letter postmarked New York,
containing tsjlSOO In United States notes of
large denominations, all of which were cat lit
two with small pieces removed from tho lnsido
edge*. Tlio word "cancelled” was written In
Ink acmes the face of the note*. The envelopo
alio contained a note which read aa follows:
"Here are A2,H0 United Slats* bills, mutilated so
•■to Insure the government’s getting the money.
Whatsoever men sows that ■ban be reap. I bare
■owed wind und am reaping the whirlwind. This
la neat to tho final payment due. Hod grant mo
* P *“fgned7 e ’ "OoMCtgNC*."
It Is believed that this money was cent Ay
tho person who recently forwarded a *500 bill
in two instalimenta to do placed to tho credit
of “Contclence.”
Like a Good Jinny Ofd*rPeople.
rom the Philadelphia Call.
Mamma—Do yon know the ten command*
menta, my dear?
Ultle Bern—Yea, mamma.
-Well, repeat them." ..
"I can't, mamma. I don’t know them by heart.
only know them when lace thorn."
•They Cannot do Without It.”
D. C. Bxxxarr. eimpeonrillo, 8. C.-"We cannot
do without the ComUtnlkm."