Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1879-03-04
FoRTY-FIFTH CONGRESS.
Second Session.
WASHINGTON, March 0.
Senate.


payment of arrearages of pensions, and an
effort was made to recede from the amend
ment placing soldiers of the Mexican and In
dian wars on the bill
\ still further amendment was offered, ex-
Guiding JEFF Davis from the list, and a spirit
cd debate ensued on this amendment.
Mr.. Hoar said 1t is said in regard to
those who had been engaged in the Southern
cause and had been appointed to Office, that
they had acquiesced in the results of the war,
and the people Of the State he represented
would always welcome those whose present
controlling feelings were love of country.
Mr. Lamar-He must confess his surprise
and regret that the senator from Massachu-
sets should have wantonly without provoca-
ton flung this insult.
The chair, Mr. Edmunds, called the sena-
tor to order for this language.
Mr.. Lamar suppose it is in order to
fling insults, but out of order for those in
suited to hurl back blow. | appeal from
the decision of the chair.
The question being taken, the decision of
the chair was overruled-yeas /, nays ~.
Mr.. Iamar--If my language is offensive it
is Withdrawn. 1t Is not my purpose to offend
or wound the sensibilities of any senator
lie further said what he meant by the re-
mark was that Jefferson Davis stood in the
position he (Lamar) did with others who be-
lieved in the right of the State to secede.
Mr.. lIoar (interrupting) said he wished to
assure the senator that in Offering the amend
ment he did not place him in the same posi-
ton as jefferson Davis.
Mr.. Lamar replied the only difference be-
tween himself and jefferson Davis was the
latter's exalted character, prominent talents
and well-established reputation as a states
man and patriot and soldier. This character
caused him to be chosen leader of the Sonth-
ern people, who enthusiastically followed
him. Not one word has he uttered since the
war inconsistent with the greatest glory of
the Republic.
The name of Davis would always be hon
ored by the Southern people in company with
those of Haudcn and Washington. To offer
such an amendment required only bitter,
malignant feeling and sense of personal
impun.y.
In conclusion Mr.. Lama read the letter of
Davis saying he wished his name to be no
bar to voting pensions to others than himself
who fought in the Mexican war.
Mr.. Blaine alluding to the remarks of Mr..
Thurman, asked him who brought Jefferson
Davis here tonight, and who brought him
into congress at different times. No republi-
cans had made reference to him. The other
side brought him here, and he asked the re-
publcans to vote or remain silent.
The Senator from Mississippi said Jeffer-
son Davis never counselled instruction since
the war. Why not pension man who had
shown such duty, and that man was brought
here as the cotupeer of Hampden and Wash
ington, fighting in the same cause and going
down together 10 posterity.
Mr.. Lamar said he had stated that his own
nnsition Iaf of oil vh n rol in ho
results of the war.
Mr.. Blaine inquired whether he understood
the Senator to hold that government and the
republican party were intolerant to those in
South who had taken part in the war.
Mr.. Lamar replied he certainly thoght the
government which emancpated the servile
class of the South and excluded the South
ern people from share in their own govern
ment was intolerant and ungenerous in put
ting them under the domination of their
former slaves.
Mr.. Blaine said government never discrim-
mated against more than fourteen thousand
persons in the South, and there was now
scarcely person there who was not relieved
of political disabilities. Jefferson Davis was
a candidate for the office of Senator, and next
session the Senator from Ohio thurman
would be exercising his cloquence to have
Davis disabilities removed
Mr.. Burnside spoke against giving Davis a
pension.
Mr.. Patterson said Il do not propose to
punish Davis while all his followers are par
doned and forgiven, and would vote for all
Mexican soldiers
Mr.. Harris said that if Jefferson Davis is
guilty, then all his followers are also guilty
of the offences charged. As TO purity, honor
and personal character, Davis stands the peer
of any Senator on this floor.
Mr.. Chandler said that eighteen years ago
he and JEFF Davis came into the Senate to-
gether, and there swore to support the con-
stitution, when Davis took the oath there was
treason in his heart and perjury on his lips.
He was surprised to hear eulogies on Davis,
and every man, woman and child in the North
believed jeff Davis to be a double dyed trait
or.
Mr.. Coke said that Davis is not worse than
he or many others of Southern people who
selected him as leader, and he was not now
ashamed to vote for him.
Eurther discussion ensused, in which Cor
don, Window, Ransom and Beck took an &C
tive part.
Finally the amendment of Mr.. Hoar TO ex-
clude JEFF Davis from the pension as Mexi-
can veteran, was agreed to-yeas 90 and
nays 90.
After discussion of the question vote was
taken on the amendment of Mr.. Shields to
the pension to Mexican veterans as amended
on motion Of Mr.. lIoar.
This was disagreed to-yeas % and nays
20.
The bill was then passed-yeas A and nays
3, namely, Mcssrs. Eaton, Garland and Here
ford
Mr. Allison, from the committee OF confer
cnce on legislative bill, stated that they were
unable to agree. The Committee disagreed
only on political questions If political leg.
islation is insisted an extra session will be
the result.
On motion of Mr.. Allison, another confer
ence was ordered. and Messrs. Window, AL
lison and Beck were appointed.
Bill establishing post Offices routes in vari-
Gus States was passed.
The select committee unanimously report
ed that Senator Matthews had no connection
with the real or supposed election frauds in
Louisiana but regarded his action in endeav-
orng to obtain Office for Anderson as injuri-
Gus to the public interest.
The report was ordered to be printed.
Resolutions of regret on the death of Con
gresham Hartridge of Georgia were passed
At 7.20 o'clock the Senate adjourned till
p. NJ.
On Resembling resolutions were submit
tod nv Mr. Teller continuing tho Teller rom