The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-08-05

already shown in the extract referred TOY one Of the
wing papers In my own State seems 10 rebuke my
colleague MIR. CHAPMAsl and my self, because we
did not enter into this corrupt scheme, with view
to get our river in the bill He tells US il is folly 10
expect 10 get anything for river unless go for
the other items Then, sir, | say to my constitn-
ents, II that 10 the only way IN which approprla-
ton can be had for the Tennesses river il viii never
be Obtained by me-never These are some of my
thoughts upon this important question freely
and gladly submit them TO the House and to the
country. rH.. -...I ..r ...
Mr.. ChairmanJ probably should apologize to
the committee for this trespass upon It's time, but
more especially for speaking matters not in issue
under the amendment proposed. The House will
bear me witness, however, that | never indulge in
irrelevant debate, unless in case like this, where
an assault has been made especially requiring from
me reply and yindicotion. My course, then, ON
this occasion, needs no apology. On the contrary,
my friends would have condemned me had | not
made the remarks have just submitted to the CON-
mittee ue .... - ........ ..
A few words as TO the true point before us.
intend 10 make motion 10 strike from this bill
everything relating 10 marine hospitals. have
no hostility 70 the seamsn who are 70 be benefited
by it-none at all--bat the contrary; and so long
the appropriations were made out Of the hospi.
tai fund, had not the least objection 10 IT,. The
government Is the mere agent or trustee for the
collection and distribution OF the fund; and because
me amount does not prove 70 be equal 10 the de-
mands, the government Is now called on TO make up
the deficiency out Of its funds: that consider
wrong If the hospital fund is not sufficient for the
purpose, raise the tax, or abolish the system. II
you consent TO fasten such a system upon the gen
eral treasury, you will soon have an immense
poor-house system 10 manage. Sir you had quite
as well provide poor-houses, hospitals, or what
ever else you may please cali them, for the sick
and disabled Of any other class or calling OF our
feow-eltizens. Suppose a bill should be presented
for consideration to build hospitals for the sick and
disabled Of any other class: what would this House
say to IL l may be told that there is a tar Of
twenty cents per month collected from all seamen
to make the hospital fund, Very well; II you will
oonhne your appropriations TO that fund, | will go
with YOU but you had just as well appropriate the
money OF the treasury TO a new class who have
neys paid cent as to appropriate out Of il an
amount beyond the hospital fund paid by the sea
men, &c The purpose Of the system in its incep-
uon was for the government 10 act the friend OF
the seaman, and, free Of expense, TO collect from
each one twenty cents a month, which was to form
general fund for the care protection md comfort
OF that class Of population in any part Of the
country, the government to have power to disburse
Il according TO the demand upon IT, arising out ofthe
wants Of seamen. | am un willing that il shall 90
further and therefore will vote TO strike il from this
bill.