The Leavenworth weekly times. [volume] (Leavenworth, Kan.) 1870-1880, 1878-04-18

nors, So S30,0 900; for survivors of the wal
of 1912, 81 ,352, 900; for widows of the sol
; diers of the war Of 1872, Si,247.974; fol-
fees of examining surgeons, SS50,0O0; fol
navy invalids, $4,000; for widows and
minors. So $40, 600; for fees of examining
surgeons, 81 600; for carrying out the pro-
visions Of the act, 5000.
Mr.. SMITH, OF Pa. explained the bill
and said that by abolishing the pension
agencies the Government would save 5000
600, annually.
Mr.. HANNA stated that the pension
agent had to pay his clerks out Of his fees
and he thought the bill ought To he entitled
"a bill to rob the pension agent out Of his
pay"
Mr. SMITH proceeded to argue in favor
of the bill.
Mr.. POWERS objected to that provision
of the bill which abolishes the pension
agencies, and argued that it would cost
much more to carry out that plan than i,
costs now, and that it would entail an ex-
pense on the pensioners. who ought to be
promptly paid.
Mr.. BRAGG also opposed the bill on two
grounds: First, That it would cause delay
in the payment of pensions, and, second,
because the bill came, not from the
Committee on Pensions, which committee is
antagonistic to the bill, but from the Com
mittee on Appropriations, which had moth
ing to do with devising means for the pay
ment of pensions, but which was monoPo-
lizing 10 itself the duties q the Naval Com
mittee, the Military Committee, and, in
fact, all the standing committees OF the
House.
Mr.. HEWITT, of New York, denied the
soundness OF the objection to the bill that
it would cause delay of pensions, and de-
rolls intot welve equal parts and to pay on
those rolls every month, instead of paying
them all every quarter. This, he said,
would much facilitate the work, and every
pensioner would receive a quarter-pension,
once, but the work OF the payments would
60 on continuously.
After some remarks by Mr.. FINLEY, the
rose without taking action on
the bill, and the House adjourned.
Thereupon caucus of the Republican
and members was announced to be
held at six o'clock this evening in the hall
OF the House.
WASHINGTON, April 1l.-Mr Phelps Of
ferred resolution instructing the Judicial
ry Committee To inquire into the alleged
violation OF the personal liberty OF Benja-
min Moves, of city OF Connecticut.
Mr.. HARTRlDGE asked leave 10 take
from the Speakers table for reference the
Senate bill in reference to the Pacific rail-
roads, and known as the Thurman bill.
Mr.. COX, of New York, objected, and
stated that at the expiration Of the morn
ing hour he would move to take the bill
from the Speakers table for present consid-
Grafton.
The House then went into Committee of
the Whole on the pension appropriation
bill.
Messrs. SCALES, CHITTENDEN. Foot
and Hewitt, of New York, advocated the
bill, and Messrs. Hanna, Foster, Thomp-
'on and ONeil opposed it.
Mr. SMITH, of Pennsylvania, moved to
Increase the amount appropriated for car
wing the bill into effect from $4,000 to
$4,000. Adopted.
Mr.. POWERS moved to strike out the
ection which changes the mode of paying
tensions and inserting, in lieu thereof, a
provision fixing the salary OF pension |
agents at $1,000 and allowing them beer |
or vouchers and actual expenses for rent, |
Jerk hire, etc
Mr., FOOT Offered substitute, transfer |
ing the pension bureau from the Interior
to the War Department. Re
ected.
A vote was then taken on Mr.. POWERS
and it was agreed to-ll2 |
o 8.
Mr.. MARSH offered an amendment, pro- |
-iding that pension agencies shall be filled
" officers of the army and navy on the re-
ired list, who are to receive their full pay |
While so employed.
Mr.. BUTLER-That is good oportuni- |
v to make General Shields pension
gent.
Mr.. POWERS made a point of order
hat the amendment would change the ex-
sting law and was not in the interest OF
The CHAIRMAN overruled the point OF
rider, holding that the amendment was in
he interest of economy.
Mr.. FOSTER inquired as to how these
'flicers could give bonds.
Mr.. RANDALI-The Speaker replied
hat the officers were liable To be court
nartialled in case of deialcation and that
heir education and life-tenure, and their
were the best bonds that could
,e given.
The amendment was rejected-SS to 90.
Mr.. RICE offered resolution tina: from
md after July, 1873, the offices Of pension
gents shall be filled by wounded or dis
Ibled Union soldiers.
The amendment was adopted amid enthu-
iastic applause and shouts of laughter.
The committee rose and reported the
ill and the amendments were concurred in
md the bill passed.
The House then went into Committee of
he Whole on the post-ofiice appropriation
ill, and as soon as the bill was read by its
tile, the committee again rose and the
I,u.a ,J;ournoJ