Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1858-12-21
who reported the bill. was entitled to speak
Iuon II for An hour

who reported The Dill. was entitled tn speak
upon it for an hour.
Mr. Savage did not fear opposition to his bill.
Gentlemen of great ability had opposed it ut
the last session. but this was no argument why
it should not pass. Even Christianity. in its
origin. met with opposition and prosecutions.
lie thought that the honor and reputation
Of the country demanded that the brave men
who fought in the war Of 1912. and the subse-
qucnt Indian wars should have their services
recognised. Ii would be shame and disgrace
if they were not rewarded No matter what
might be the expense the country should pro-
vide for those who had hattcd and blcd in its
service. This especially applied 10 those who
had enlisted during the war of 1872 and had
lost their means and property by their partici-
patton in that war.
Mr.. :. devoted great portion Of his speech
To answering the arguments made against the
bill by Mr.. Curry. Of Ala. at the last session
and held that these argument. were without
just foundation DENYING that so large a sum
as that already stated would be necessary for
fulfilling the provision Of the proposed bill.
The British soldier who came to fight at the
battle Of New Orleans, with the words Booty
and beauty" on his lips. was. when disabled
fed clothed and protected. while the American
soldier who fought in the same battle for his
country, his home and liberty was TO GO un.
noticed and unrcwar,lcd The House would
certainly not permit so unjust 4 discrimination.
There was no argument 10 prove that sol
d;crS Of the war Of 1912 should not he pension.
ed. when men of the Revolution were provided
for
Mr.. $. then referred to the large appropra.
tons which are annually made for purposes
which he considered by no means so important
rs that Of rcwarding the services OF those who
have fought in the service Of their country
Mr. Marshall Of Ky, moved to amend the Cd
section 50 as to make the term Of service neccS.
sary to receive pension ono month instead Of
three months.
Mr. Nichols Of Ohio. was opposed 10 all
amendments ard substitutes, and 10 the princi-
pie itself He did not think that il should be
the policy of Congress to increase the list Of
pensioners. Where pensions were not given,
bounty lands had been conferred ~ TO this
matter Of granting bounty lands. hc had known
nircty individuals. in his own county. who had
received bounty lands for service Of three
months and sometimes less. The individuals I
wcrc better of than himself and hal no''nced /.
ol >urh bountcS.
\ gentleman sitting near him had within the .
last fifteen minutes said that lie had recently /
presented petitions for bounty lands from scvc-
raj men worth from $1,000 to 100000. lie .
Mr.. H. was utterly opposed 10 all such grants. ,
Mr.. Burnett, Of Kentucky. moved TO amend .
tho amendment Of the gentleman from Ken. /
tucky Mr. MarShalD so aS TO make the time of .
service fourteen days instead Of one month.
Mr.. B. answered the arguments Of Mr. Nichols.
and said that if the bill was not passed the pco-
pie would send men to Congress who would
vote for it, Mr. B Withdrew his amendment.
having offered il only for the purpose of get
ting an opportunity 10 express his sentiments.
Mr.. Nichols said that giving pensions to men
engaged i'll the Revolutionary war and to those
who fought in the war Of 1912. were very diff
tcrrnt things. In the first case. those who eli.
listed had no guarantee that they would he paid
for their services: they knew that if they failed,
their ncckS would pay the forfeit: they had no
settled form Of government hut. in the second
case. the soldiers were certain that they would
he fairly compensated. relying on the National
Government, for the maintenance Of which they
fought.
Mr. Bliss. of Ohio, said that the principle in.
volvcd in the bill was very doubtful one; hut .
if pensions were given. they should be given TO
all who deserved them.
Mr.. Ritchc. of Pa. moved 10 amend Mr.. Mar
shallS amendment so as to make the necessary
time ui service - months. lie said that il this
custom of granting pensions and bounty lands
To all who engage in wars Of the United States }
the national treasury would ere long, not he
able To pay them. Men who had served with !
credit in civil life We're entitled to rewar fully
a mitch as soldiers.
Mr.. Mason said those who favor the bill did
not come here a> bcCgar> or paupcrs. but 10
ask Justice for those who are entitled to the
debt promised TO be paid.
Further debate took place on various amend
mcnts. hut without coming to n definite con
clus;on, the House adjourned