Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1812-01-16
DISABLED SOLDIERS.

DISABLED SOLDIERS
Mr.. Dawson then called up the bill for the
relief of infirm, snperannusted and disabled
officers and soldiers; which motion being a.
greed 10, the House resolved itselfinto a COM
ruittee CT the whole upon il, Mr.. Tdiimadge
IN the chair; when MIR. Dawson spoke as fol-
laws:-
NJ. Chairman, the pressure ofbusiness re-
latipc To our foreign affairs, and my infrm
state ct health, have delayed an Indulgence
cfm wishes in bringing forward this subject
ut an earlier period, and indeed l now lind it
impossible to do it that justice which 1t me-
fits.
In presenting toyou this bill, have obey
ell the unanimous vote of die committee to
whom the subject WAS referred and the die
tatcs of my own Judgment, while have graz
rted tho best wishes of my own heart. 1t
Is subject about which, in con mon, trust
with = majority OF this House, feel warmly
'ntercstcd--it is subject which has often
been brought to the view of this House, and
I've principle has always appeared to ME
TO merit the sanction Of this House. A
much valued friend Of 5iinc, an honorable
gentleman who now SITS on the bench in a
nc;glboring state, ard who himself was car
ried from the field covered with wounds ard
honor, often callsd the attention of Congress
to .hc sufferines of lis fellow soldiers nov a.
firm, disabled and superannuatcd by wourls
received IA ourrcvolutionary war. His we're
vas never raised in vain, though his cglyts
were never attended With success, owing to
q diversity of opinion as to tie details Of the
bill. The COMMITTEES have cndeayCrca TO a.
void that evil, b. extending the provisions CT
the bill 10 the case q ever: person who sas-
tanned liz ri his person, while in the &C
tuai Service of biScountry. This, sir. meets
with my appreDQtiGn, though j shall with
pleasure accede othe views IF other gentle
Tea as TO the amendments not fatal to the
bill, my aiSt object beng TO get this nsttu-
ton established, leaving it to time and expc-
ricnce to point out and cure its defects
Ever since have had the honor of a seat
in this House, have voted in favor of every
claim which appeared to be founded in ins-
ticc. and have extended that principle with
liberal hand towards those who rendered
us services, especially personal services, dur
ing the revolutionary war. Their number is
now small indeed, and M my judgment, it i'll
becomcs a great, and i trust a grateful natl
ON, to suffer these who have fought her bat
Ties, to so down in poverty and sorrow to the
grave. No, SIR, we ought to afford food and
raimcnt to the infirm and superannuated, and
to pour balm into the disabled defenders Of
their Country. Every principle OF justice,
gratitude and humanity call aloud for this.
And there is one consideration arising from
policy, which in my Judgement, ztrongly urg.
esits adoption. We shall probably soon be
involved in a war Onyestertlay we passed
a bill for rai'ing q large'army. Pass this bill.
and it viii have a happy effect in filing your
rauks--yes, when it is ycen that our country
il not ungratcful--that she win make com
Portable the declining years Of those who
have spent thsir better days in her service,
ii will be. a strong inducemcnt with many to
step forward and enter into that service
lam far, very far, from thinking this bill
perfect. IaTI sensible that il has many de-
-fects, and insitc the friendly aid of all GER
tlemcu, Sn Every side II Ihy rUhfrniu ce. I'M n
particularly Ct the select cOmmittee, to point
Cit and erdeavOr TO cure these defects, and
to establish system which wili do honor to
this Horse and to this country.
Mr.Rkes moved to amend the bill, by
new section, providing pension for every
non-commissioncd elIieer and soldier, who, by
reason vi having family, or for other good
caylse, may not be able to join the corps OF In
Yalids, not exceeding halfthr pay Of such non
commissioned officer or soldier"
This amendment, after some debate, was
negatived, and tue bill was reported Without
amendment, and ordered to lie upon the ta-
BILE.
Mr.. Dawson gave notice he would call 1t
up on Thursday.
A message was received from the Prcs-
dent Of the United States, inclosing a report
from the Director of the Mint for the last
year, IN which II is stated that the supply ci
silver buliioh had never before been mote a.
. bundant, than il had been fer the greater part
Ofthe year. Ordered TO DC printed!
The House next weift into committee, Mfr
Desha in the chair, ON the bill to empower
the Secretary Of the Treasury to decide up
Ca the case Cf tho Elza-ADn Of New-York
Which being gone through, was reported III
the House, and ordered 20 third reading.
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS.
On mot,on Of Nh Gholson, the House re-
solved itself into committee, Mr.. Nclsaa in