The daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1873-1877, 1876-09-29

specimen leaf from the Record of the
session of Congress just closed; and as
further evidence of the insincerity of the
Radical party in Congress, in its profess
ions of regard for the interests ofthesvol-
unteers and defenders of the nation, and,
notwithstanding the affirmative voice of
the Democrats in the House, the Repub
licans persistently objected to, and used
the available power OF a minority against
the consideration and passage of the just
and long deserved Back Pension BIZ,
for the relief Of the wounded and dis
abled soldiers aud sailors This bill was
reported in due time, and was urged up-
on the House, and failed only for want
of two-thirds in the majority, the Repub-
licans voting against suspension of the
rules to consider it,
The Democratic House of representa-
has gone further in improving the pension
laws for the relief of the disabled.
Hitherto soldiers who had lost limbs we're
pensioned at $24 monthly. At the last
session it was provided that the pensioper
should receive either artificial limbs or
further communication therefor IN money
which had been long denied by Congress-
| Nor have the soldiers of the Mexican
war, Of the Florida, Seminole and Black
Hawk Indian wars Of 1886 been forgotten
or neglected. These patriots suffered
great hardships under tropical sun, in a
malarious climate, and by their endur
ance and valor finally vanquished their
country's enemy, ana crowned her arms
with victory so valuable in the acquisition
OF a vast territory as to entite them
to their country's gratitude. And now in
their old age. the Democratic party,
on its return to legislative power. has pro-
posed to pension them aud their aged
widows, to alleviate, in a small degree,
the penury Of their declining years. Nor
has the action of the Democratic House
been less patriotic, humane and consist
ent in the civil and political interest Of the
Union soldier For it will be found
that in the Forty third Congress
la Republican congress out Of 2l9
persons occupying posts of profit and
emolumeut under various officers elected
by the House, but twenty three had rem
rendered military service in the Union
army. Twenty three soldiers, and no more
we're appointed to employments by the
last Republican House ofRepresentatiyes
These were principlay disabled pensioners.
employees at the lowest salaries.
But in the present Democratic House, out
of lS9 employees, for the same service. forty
three were honoraby DISCHARGED Union
soldiers, making a difference of ninety
per cent. in favor of the friendship of the
Democratic party for the soldier.
The radical cry of Confederate House, y
by the Republican party, to influence
the vote of soldiers, in view of these facts
is, therefore, both unmeaning and Sian
derous.
Of private bills for the relief of U nior
soldiers, widows and children, Their,
we're passed by the present House large
number than in any former Congress sine,
the close of the war.
This much is truthfully stated as evi
! dence Of the spirit Of justice to the sol
der exhibited in legislative acts by thu
Two great parties presenting candidates fol-
e the Presidency. The Democratic party
has been just, and even generous. The
I Radical party has been 2rofuse in promises
and pretences. 1t has denied privi
I, leges, bounties and the rights of the
= soldiers who fought in the battles of the
0 country. There is, therefore, every motive
fpubl,c and private economy to trust thu
one, and to abandon the other. Thu
5 truest interests of the people demand it
j the condition Of the currency, the publ,
Concluded on next page).