The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1878-05-07

mittee, called Iups the invalid pension bill
for the year ending June, 1879. In ex-
planation he said that under the legislation
of March, any soldier of the war of 1919.
even though 10 single engagement, was
entitled to pension, and the widow of
such soldier to a pension. This added
nearly $l.500,000 to the pension roll,
%. 225 new names having been placed on
the roll since the beginning of the
present fiscal year. The bill as it came
from the house appropriates $29, ,37l 900
or 1888, 900 more than last year. The
senate committee had added $35, 200 for
fees to examining surgeons, in order to
enable the commissioners to secure the
services of good physicians.
Regarding the second section, which
provides that after July wounded or dis
abled Union soldiers shall occupy the
offices OF pension agent, MIR. Sargent said
ii adopted it would require change in
the Office of pension agents all over the
country next July. The senate committee
had therefore stricken it out and inserted
in lien thereof, preference shall hereafter
be given to wounded or disabled Union
soldiers in the appointment of pension
agents.
The clause fixing the examining sur
gems fee at 81 was stricken ont by the
committee and an amendment added
making an appropriation for fees OF $685.
600 instead of $4,000. This amendment
was agreed to by tie senate.
Mr.. Beck opposed the amendment re-
garding the appointment of disabled
soldiers and said this section infringed on
the presidents rights. Besides. some
time the president might not find the
wounded soldiers who could give the re-
quired bonds. He would not deny the
soldiers any rights or generosity but would
not vote for anything unconstitutional.
Mr.. Christiancy made remarks of a
similar drift.
| MIR. Dorsey submitted an amendment
that after October, 1878. the Office OF all
pension agents shall expire and thereafter
honorably discharged Union soldiers shall
| fill pension Offices.
Mr.. Hoar moved to amend by adding
''or widows or daughters of soldiers.
Agreed to.
Mr.. Salisbury opposed both amend
ments ds unconstitutional.
MIR. ingalls, expressed belief that the
democrats feared more for the abridgment
of power of the next than Cf the present
pass such a bill he did not see why a
senate. ostensibly republican, should OBJ
ject to it.
Mr.. Hereford-What do you mean by
ostensibly republican?
| Mr., 1Dgalls-Well, nominally republican.
MIR. Blaine-History will vindicate you.
Mr.. lngaIls-Yes, history will vIndicate
| me.
After discussion Mr.. Dorsey modified
his amendment to read as follows: That oD
the lst day of January. 1879, the terms OF
Office of all pension agents shall expire. and
thereafter honorably discharged, wounded
or disabled Union soldiers or widows or
daughters of such soldiers shall be ap-
pointed to such officers. Agreed to-yeas
27; nays %.
Mr.. Sargent then submitted an amend
ment to that of the committee providing
that from and after the passage of the act,
in case of vacancy in the Office of pen
sion agent it shall be filed by the appoint
ment of a wounded or disabled soldier.
Agreed to.
| Pending discussion Mr.. Christiancy in
| troduced bill to amend section 54l4 of
the revised statutes and to punish forgery
and other like crimes injuriously affecting
| IOTeIRu RONeEDmtGtS. neIerreQ.
Adjourned.
HOUSE
| WASHINGTON May 6.-The house has
considered the District of Columbia bill.
1t removes property qualifications for
commissioners. abolishes the poll tax, pro-
vides for the payment of interest on the
3:65 bonds. but declares the government
not liable for the payment of the principle,
and provides for three commissioners.
Mr.. Townsend's amendment, requiring
that the election Of commissioners be by
Joint ballot of congress was rejected. Also
an amendment of Mr.. Cox, making the
appointment of commissioners devolve on
president, with the advice of the senate.
The committees amendment striking
out the property qualification clause and
the clause requiring voters to have paid
IpOll tax was agreed to.
The question was raised as to the
limiting rate of taxation to 81 IS per 500,
and incidentally Messrs. Cox. of Ohio, and
Cox, of New York, denied that the govern
ment was responsible, either for the prin.
cipal or interest.
Without disposing of the question, the
house adjourned.