The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1869-03-17

charity to those men; that the whole Southern
land was spread over with the charities of the
United States 10 those people, who had become
in certain seHse orphans; and that here VIC
Eave the amplcst precedent for charity OF this
kind. In this case the orphans were turned
ou, of house and home upon the world, and
their guardians deprived of the power OF pro-
tcctinG them by the accidents OF war, While
those guardians at that very time were mlpls-
ttrng to our wounded an1 ok. " hen the
honorable senator from Missouri denies that
they were tho means OF saving the lives of our
own soldiers point him to the testimonials
OF General Scott, General Sickles, Genera !
Sherman, and other distinguished officers OF
the American army. whose names are all ap-
pei. .pd, not to this Claim. tor these ladies'
make no claim; not to anv petition TO Con-
grpss That they may be reimbursed for the loss
OF their property; tut those officers do petition
Congress that the services OF these ladies may
be recognized, and that they NAV be put in
position again to do that charitable work which
the accidents or war nave taken from them tne
powe to do.
Mr. Morrill,, of Vermont I think q plain
statement of this case will show very clearly
that 1t ought not to be considered by the Sena 0
uf the U.,ited States. The papers came here
more than year ago. The Sisters OF Mercy
started upon mission to procure aid from the
North, and obtained letters fiom various indi-
no other purpose. But when they reached
Washington some kind friend, rather than put
his hand in his own pocket aud contribute,
advised them to como to Congress for relief.
That was the character of the papers which
were referred to the Committee on Claim; {;
and being considered by the G Cmmlttee on
Claims, the case was unanimously reported
against. 1t seems that these Sist re OF Mercy
had building in Charleston for the lnstruc-
ton of orphan girls and O residence tor them
selves, both OF which were more or less
damaged during the bombardment OF that
city. The government, through Its officers
then stationed there repair I'd their Dwelling
house and made it complete again. Such was
the evidence that was before the Committee on
Claims.
Now. Mr.. President. if this claim is to be al
lowed as O gratuity, or 10 any other form, why
cannot the owners of any school house or OF
anv church in the City of Charleston. or in any
other spot that has been destryed by the
armies Of the United States, come forward with
equal grace for o gratuity on the part OF
Cougress2 I do not understand that VIC are
almoners-the dispensers OF the charity OF the
United States. If there is auy charity to be
bestowed, let us put our bands IN our own
pockets.
MIR. Robertson. wish to add few words in
Committee on Appropria ions. 1t seems TO me
so obviously just an l proper that must e1-
press INV surprise at the opposition that has
been made to 1t in the Senate. 81 re ls all insti.
tuition devoted to the care and maiutenan OF
orphans IN the City Of Charleston, under the
charge Of the Sisters of Mercy. who. according
to the evidence presented, performed many acts
of kindue-s to the Union prisoners III that city.
During the bom ardment OF the city the
building was almost destroyed. General
Slckles, when he was in command OF Charles
tou would have he'd tho building repalie cd. but
uron an examination it Was ascertained that
it co lid not be repaired. 1t having been 80
much Injured BY the shells of our forces. TIE
Sisters OF Mercy now ask to hav. their building
restored in order that they may be enabled TO
take caro- OF the orphans in their charge This
is surely one OF the greatest charities in tho
world. These orphans need the protecting
arm Of the government. Their former lnsti-
tuition being unteuantabe from the destruc-
ton caused by our sh ais, they are ow confned
in small, narrow building i'll On unh althv
part oil the city, where great III my OF them
will suff1r and probably die from disease con-
tracted ~ thit unhealtny locality. These
Sisters siaiply ask enough aid. enough charity
from this government to enable them to restore
their buildings, and. sincerely hope that the
Senate will grant their request.
After como further discussion tho amend
ment was rejected; yeas twenty. nays twenty
two. Absent or not voting twenty-four.