The People's vindicator. [volume] (Natchitoches, La.) 1874-1883, 1878-04-27
OUR WASHINGTON LETTER.
WASHINGTON D. c., April 90, 1878

WASHINGTON D. c., April 90, 1873.
Hon. Montgomery Blair has his first
rebuff from bis own State of Mar! laud.
Senator Dennis, in presenting resolu-
ton of the Maryland Legislature look
ing to a trial of the title of Mr. Hayes
to the Presidency said he was OPP
posed to any action by the Senate on
the subject. He made very patlio-
tic, if not very conclusive speech
against any agitation of tho subject.
The bones of Nortern and Southern
men, he said, lay side by side, we
had railroads and telegraph lines all
over the country, and the interests OF
one section were the interests OF all.
And let US have peace. This is all
excellent, but it has no reference to
this particular case. The question Is
whether or not We shall have a judi
cial inquiry into the title ola man to
Office. 1t is not sectional question,
and should not be disturbing one.
Mr.. Blair, as was evident from the
first, has not selected the manner most
likely to be accepted of opening the
question in Congress, aud neither ne
nor those he has drawn around him
are mon likely to awaken much po-
pnlar enthusiasm; but the idea he
represents is one that is worthy the
most earnest study of all, and should
not be dismissed simply on sentimeL-
tal grounds.
The House yesterday passed the
annual Pension Appropriation bill.
AS originally reported from Commit
tee the bill abolished the existing
eighteen agencies for payment of pen
sions, and provided for payment d.
rectly from the U. 5. Treasury. This
would have imposed tax of a quar-
ter of million year on the peson.
ers, and, most certainly. would have
save nothing to the government. But
it was not the merit or lack Of merit in
the proposition that killed it. Secre-
tary Schurz, it was found, favored it,
and the conviction became general at
one in the House that there must be
something impracticabe 10 the scheme
and so it was killed. Those even
Who hold Mr.. Schurz to be the most
honest of men, and who admire the
theories of reform and perfection
which ill his brain as ordinary every
day ideas I'll the brains of other men,
still hesitate to follow him when his
theories are to be put in practice. The
Pension bill appropriates twenty
nine and one-Quarter millions. An
amendment to the bill provides that
after July next wounded or disabled
Federal soldiers shall be appointed to
The Agencies. This was suggestion
of Mr.. Rice, Democratic Chairman of
the Pension Committee. The Repub-
ican Senate will doubtless strike out
this provision.
Gen. James Shields who acquired a
fame as wide as the country in the
Mexican war, and served CALAMITY in
the late civil war, had an ovation at
the Capitol yesterty. Something of
this was due, perhaps, to the late
trick of the Republicans 10 attempt
ing to use tue Generals reputation to
advance their partizan interests, but
there has never been a time when the
&eneral was not favorite in the
Senate in which he has represented
two States, and among the people of
this District. While it is doubtful if
the bill placing him on the retired
list of the Army can pass in its pres
ent shape, there is no doubt that this
Congress will provide for handsome
recognition Of great services of which
all are proud.
Speaking Of the General, l am re-
minded that on the Both proximo
there will be . vote of the Senate on
directing the proper Committee to
report a bill giving SO per month to
all survivors of the Mexican war, and
to the widows of such as have died.
1t is believed the bin will pass.
ALBION.