Below is the OCR text representation for this newspapers page.

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."