davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The National tribune., 1881-12-17
History Repeating Itself.

The introduction in the House on Tuesday OF
a bill to repeal the Arrears of Pension Act re-
minds us of a somewhat similar piece of legisa-
ton which was actually perfected in March,
1865, by the passage of an act withholding pen
siens from ex-soldiers whe, owing TO wsunds,
had been discharged the service and subsequently
given cleEkships under the Government. This
law was repealed the next year, but the poverty
of the country was so great that the pension
moneys withheld were not paid over nor was
any provision to that end made until 1879.
Since 1865 nearly if not quite one-half Of the
national debt has been raid, in addition to some
two thousand millions ufdola1s interest money to
the bondholders, and yet the peor-rich men of
the United States, though vastly better off than
ever before, are not satisfied They want their
taxes reduced. They rendered no service during
and blood of our brave soldiery and from the
tears of widows and orphans, and now inspired
by the patriotic spirit of gain and the desire for
bettering their conditions, they are determined
10 save themselves from 1urther outlay II they
have to sacrifice the soldiers who made their
fortunes for them in so doing The bank tax
and the tax on bank checks must be repealed,
they say, and in order to meet the falling off in
revenue consequent upon such proposed legisla-
tion they suggest that the Arrears of Pension
Act be repealed also.
In other words, they propose to rob the Gov
ernment of material portion of its revenue, and
next to make up for the theft by robbng the ex-
as it were.
The National tribune., 1881-12-17
Indian DeprNIatiouS,
as it were.

Complaints are received from Kansas and other
Western States and Territories to the effect that
men whose homes are devastated and stock raid
ed therefrom by bands of Sioux, Arrapahoes, and
other Indians, are unable to obtain redress.
In many instances the sufferers are not only
deprived Of their property, but of their wives
and children, and are compelled to live upon
the charity of others, while the noble red man
is fed and protected by the Government.
We hope Congress will look to it that these
early settlers-these men whose all has been
swept away-shall receive early and liberal
restitution. Its present apathetic attitude can
not be commended
The National tribune., 1881-12-17
ROUGH ON BLISS,
your relief,

saw last night photograph copy Of letter
procured by the indefatigable DR.. Baxter, of
Washington, from Dr. Boynton, the homeopathic
doctor around the late President 1t said in
effect:
con the 8th of August, while in the Presi-
dents bed-chamber, in the presence of his wife
he said to me that he never at any time made
a request that Dr. Bliss be his attending physi-
clan, that position having been occupied by DR..
Baxter for several years, and that he had no
recollection during his present illness of having
sent for DR.. Bliss, and did not know how he
happened to be in the case"
The letter is countersigned on back October
"A, or since the Presidents death, in the hand
writing of Mrs Garfield, saying:
II have read this letter, and it is true to my
distinct recollection. LUCRETIA GARFIELDn
AS DR.. Bliss swore the other day that the
President had called him into the case, he is
met by this flat denial.-Cancinnati Enquirer.
The National tribune., 1881-12-17
WORDS FIFTY SPOKEN.

Fully one-fourth of the pension claims allow
ed have been fraudulent" remarks newspaper
that is not in the habit of lying as regular di-
version. There is not parcticle of evidence ON
which to base such an assertion. If even one in
fifty Of the allowed claims has been fraudulent
the number of convictions for the perpetration of
these frauds is surprisingly small. There has
been too much cry for the quantity of wool
shown. The Pension Bureau has the best facil-
tiles for detection, arrest, trial. and conviction of
all who attempt frauds on it. But such proceed
ings are of very infrequent occurrence and we
are compelled to believe that most of the clamor
about pension frauds is mere idle talk. Catch
the rascals, and their existence will be demon
strated.-Netionat Republican.
The National tribune., 1881-12-17
NEW POST, G, a, r.

The veterans of Wood county, Wisconsin, are
taking steps to organize another Post of the Grand
Army of the Republic at Grand Rapids.
Among the proposed charter members we find
the names of Messrs.R P. Bronson, l.. W. Burt,
". Ell. Cochron, III. ]. McRaith, J. E. Ingraham,
a. J. easy, W. H. Brown, F. N. Tenant, H. h
Lord, G. B. Mc1ullin, II. M. Atwood, G. J. Jack
son, ". H. Gets, John Pehl, H. E. Blackmers,
E. II. Ticknor c. o. Warren, Joseph l.. Cotey,
A. c. Doud D. D. Demaires, D. E. Carey, L.
Krowmor Geo. R. Gardner, J. ". Cochron, D. W.
Compton B. F. Runyon, Andrew Turnbolt, and
Charles Lindsey.
We are especially pleased to see such revival
of interest in the Grand Army-the grandest
army in the world save one, that of our dead COM
rades-and trust the new Post will grow and
flourish until its membership shall have been
called to join their brothers gone before, where
good fellowship prevails and every enlistment is
for eternity.
The National tribune., 1881-12-17
THE SOUTH AMERICAN REPUBLICS.

The dispatches sent by Secretary Blaine to our
ministers at Peru and Chilli, in respect to the
adjustment of an honorable treaty of peace be-
tween the two republics, have been made public
The dispatch sent to Minister Christiancy and
the letter of instructions given to Gen. Hurlbut,
recognize fully the rights Of Chilli acquired by
conquest, and concede, while deprecatiGg such
step, that failing of obtaining satisfactory in
demnity from Peru for the expenses of the war,
she is entitled to claim cesson of some part of
her territory. To such a cession the Peruvians
strongly object, and Gen. Hurlbut is advised to
discuss with the provisional government of Cal
deron, which had been recognized by Minister
Christiancy, to ascertain whether it might not be
possible for Peru to meet the indemnity demanded
by Chill " at home or abroad singly or with the
assistance of friendly powers, which will furnish
the necessary indemnity or supply the required
guarantee"
The National tribune., 1881-12-17
Homes for Disabled Soldiers.

Re are in receipt of numerous communications
complaining of the food, and, in some instances
the treatment dealt out to the inmates of the
various homes for disabled soldiers in the coun-
try.
upon which such complaints are based, but are
of the opinion that there may be, and probably
is, too much of the military martinetism ON the
part of the officials Upon the food question
there can be no excuse for serving an inferior
quality; and it would be wise for Congress to
take some steps to inquire into the matter fully
The Nation does not wish to be disgraced by i'll
treatment, of any character, administered to those
who became disabled in their countrys service
The National tribune., 1881-12-17
A Faithful Officer.

Commissioner Dudley, of the Pension Bureau, is
doing his very best to dispose of the vast amount
Of business awaiting his personal attention
During the usual Office hours he finds, however,
little time in which to consider important cases,
and therefore each night takes home with him
q basketful of claims and examines them
while other officials are visiting places of amuse-
ment or enjoying their slumbers. 1t is not
an infrequent occurrence for him to devote six
teen or eighteen hours out of the twenty -four
to the public service and we sincerely hope that
Congress will take proper steps to aid him in
the discharge Of his duties, so that he may be
relieved from the extraordinary pressure to
which he is at present subjected.
The National tribune., 1881-12-17
Pension Claims.

We take occasion to say, for the benefit of all
having claims pending before the Pension Office,
that the Commissioner is making every effort to
dispose of cases so soon the last proofs called
for have been filed. Owing to want of suffi-
cient clerical force action is considerably delayed
the usual time between receipt Of testimony and
examination being from four to six months, some
times more. Allowances are, however, being
granted daily, and we hope that Congress will at
the present session take steps to increase the
working force to meet the requirements of the
business of the Department.
The National tribune., 1881-12-17

ALL that the ex-soldiers of the country need
to secure the passage of the bill to equalize
bounties and other equally meritorious and just
measures is unity of purpose and action Let
them remember that by their votes they can in
many instances control the election of members
candidate who will not pledge himself to be true
to their interests, and, having given the pledge,
keep it to the letter
The National tribune., 1881-12-17

In 1865, poverty being the principal excuse,
Congress cut off the pensions of honorably dis
charged wounded soldiers holding clerkships un-
der the Government, and almost simultaneously
passed an act appropriating $25,0OO for the pur-
chase of a so-called historical painting by a
fourth-class artist. The amount of pension
money saved about paid for the picture
In 1881 it is proposed to make the pensioners
of the country offset, by the amounts due them,
the revenues received from taxes on national
banks and bank checks. The Arrears Act is to
be repealed simultaneously with the laws under
which the banks and rich men of the country
have been compelled to contribute to the national
support.
The National tribune., 1881-12-17

THE ex-soldiers of the country will do wisely
if they watch closely the course of legislation so
far as it relates to their own interests There
will be another election of these days, and it
is desirable for them to know for whom to cast
their ballots. They will none of them feel like
assisting in returning to Congress man who,
by his VOTE had previously aided in defeating
any measure for their relief; hence we say, watch
the course of legislation, and mark well how
each Senator and member votes.
The National tribune., 1881-12-17
OUR CARRYING TRADE,

From recent comparative statement Of the
carrying trade of the world it appears that, omit
ting vessels of less than so tons measurement,
Europe possesses AZ tons to every 900 inhabit-
ants America 40, and Australia 79, while Asia
and Africa have only 2 tons per thousand. Liver
pool ranks as the most important port in the
world, with tonnage of 2,647,37 London
stands second, with 2,33O,688 tons; Glasse"
third, with l. 49,, 1854, and New York fourth, with
1153,676 tons. The nine leading ports OF Greas
Britain have tonnage of 6, ,724 123, and the hrst
four ports of the United States tonnage OF
1,976,940. Great Britain and Ireland possess
tonnage of nearly 100000, and including the
colonial vessels the British flag covers 14Ooe,0Oo
of the total existing tonnage of the world, which
is estimated to be 27,OOOOO0. The United States
twenty years ago carried 66 per cent Of their
foreign trade in their own vessels but now only
something like Is per cent.
The National tribune., 1881-12-17
AN OLD SOLDIERS, REUNION.

The Reunion of the Fifty third and One hun
dred and thirty first Regiments of Pennsylvania
Volunteers took place at Milton ON the 18th.
Public and private buildings were decorated
with flags and the notices of the regiments In
the morning there was parade, and in the after
noon addresses were delivered by number of
prominent gentlemen. At night business meet
ing was held at Henry Wilson Post
The National tribune., 1881-12-17
sUNDAY-SCHooL CIVIL SERVICE.

The Post Office Department is issuing the fol-
lowing to Government officials: The Golden
Text-Civil Service "There are very many char
acteristlcs which go to make q model civil ser
want. Prominent among them are probty, in
dustry, good sense good habits, good temper,
patience, ORDER courtesy, TACT selfreliance, man
ly Difference to superior officers and manly cOnsid-
Grafton for interiors y" President Arthars Message
The National tribune., 1881-12-17

ACTING upon the suggestions contained in
President Arthur's message, bills have been in
troduced into Congress providing for the repeal
of the tax upon national banks and the stamp
tax upon bank checks.
The National tribune., 1881-12-17

A READING of the titles to some of the bills
soldier of the Importance of keeping fully posted
concerning matters of legislation which may
affect his interests one way or the other.
The National tribune., 1881-12-17

A BILL has been introduced in the House of
Representatives to repeal the Arrears of Pension
Act. Had the honorable member who conceived
the brilliant idea of such a measure been living
when the Ten Commandments were promulgated,
his political sagacity would doubtless have been
crystalized in bill for their immediate revoca-
ton
The National tribune., 1881-12-17

POLITICIANS make fair promises, but when
snugly in Office not apt at remembering.
The ex-soldiers should not forget this fact. 1t
will do no harm to keep an eye upon the Sena-
Congress
The National tribune., 1881-12-17

DURING the session of Congress THE NATIONAL
TRIBUNE will watch out for all measures relative
to pensions, bounties, &c, and keep its readers
fully posted upon all matters of legislation cal
culated to affect their interests and rights.
The National tribune., 1881-12-17

WERE it not so pitiful it would be amusing to
observe the efforts being made by the money
kings of the country to deprive the pensioners of
the scanty sums grudgingly paid out to them by
the Government
The National tribune., 1881-12-17
To Ex-Soldiers.

GIVE THE NATIONAL TRIBUNE your united
towards securing the passage of the act to
equalize bouIaies and all other just measures for
your relief.
The National tribune., 1881-12-17

Colonel Z. B. Montague an x-confederate, who
commanded brigade at the close of the late war
in General Pickett's command, is in this city.
In conversation last night he said that Rev. F.
d. Power, lately elected Chaplain of the House,
was private in his eOmmand-Post.
But the Rev. F. D. p says, in his letter plead
ing the baby act, that he was not old enough to
enter the army. There's mistake somewhere,
certain.
The National tribune., 1881-12-17

In ORDER to give everybody chance to take
THE NATIONAL TRIBUNE the subscription price
has been fixed until the Let day of January at
the rate of One Dollar per annum, single copy.
The National tribune., 1881-12-17

Congress to investigate the alleged frauds upon
the Pension Office
The National tribune., 1881-12-17
Trial of the Assassin.

THE Guiteau trial is still dragging its slow
length along but, owing to the opening of Con-
gress, interest in the proceedings has somewhat
abated
AS the case stands at present, it appears that
but one result can be arrived at - the conviction
of the accused.
The very latitude allowed him by Judge Cox
has drawn the rope closer and closer about the
neck of the great criminal. If Guiteau is con-
yicted, he viii have himself to blame more than
any other person. and if he escapes, it will not
be through anything he has done, nor on account
Of his supposed insanity, but rather because the
Government is not ittingly represented by its
company have shown themselves unable to cope
with the opposing counsel, Mr. Scoville, when
dealing with either the law or facts of the case;
and he makes no pretentions to being criminal
lawyer Besides, the legal trinity have belittled
the Government they represent by attempted
stage effects, and smart sayings, allowable per-
haps, in a concert hail. but by no means proper
in a court Of justice. Worst Of all, their efforts
at being witty and sharp have been almost inva-
riably the means Of heaping ridicule upon them
selves Guiteau is murderer, and ought to
hang. He is no fool, however, but it seems his
prosecutors have not yet fully realized the fact,
else they would conduct the case differently.
The National tribune., 1881-12-17

ONE DOLLAR sent us before January 1st Sc
cures The NATIONAL TRIBUNE for one year.
The National tribune., 1881-12-17
@e @enafnnaf Gribu,tf.

TsE UNITED STATES,
AUTHORIZED Law,
PENSIONS
TON REBELLION, QUESTIONED SEC g. AIT.
XIV, CONSTITUTION THE UNITED STATES.
The National tribune., 1881-12-17

A CONSIDERABLE hullabaloo has been raised
present indications we ought, in a short time, to
have war vessels enough to sweep the seas, cap
turing or destroying the combined fleets of the
assertion that no decided steps will be taken by
the present Congress to carry into effect the rec
concentrations Of the Naval Advisory Board. A
few patriotic speeches will doubtless be made,
and appropriations be granted sufficient to patch
up q few worn-out or obsolete cruisers-nothing
more. Meantime the River and Harbor Bill will
fare sumptuously, as usual, and streams unknown
equal to the building Of first-class gun-boat.
The National tribune., 1881-12-17

SUBSCRIBE to THE NATIONAL TRIBUNE, the
soldiers advocate and friend.
The National tribune., 1881-12-17
THE NATIONAL TRIBUNE
PUBLISHED EVERY SATURDAY

To BORNE BATTLE, AND FoH HIS
AND ORPHANS. ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
The National tribune., 1881-12-17

IT Is the duty of the General Government to
and to protect the citizens thereof against inva-
sions and aggressions from the savage tribes
inhabiting our borders
Having failed in this regard to afford such
defense and protection, numerous depredations
have been committed by hostile Indians On the
frontier, resulting in the loss Of life and prop
erty; and while it is impossible to restore the
dead to life, it is possible for Congress to cause
some restitution to be made for the loss of
property so captured, stolen, or destroyed.
The National tribune., 1881-12-17

BY sending US One Dollar before January 1st,
you can have THE NATIONAL TRIBUNE for one
year (52 numbers) sent to any address, postage
prepaid.
The National tribune., 1881-12-17

THE United States cannot well afford to b.
unjust to those who put down the rebellion
against the Government.
Lancaster daily intelligencer. [volume] (Lancaster, Pa.) 1864-1928, 1881-02-01

THE Republicans made their president
in 1876 by one vote, securing for him by
resort to fraud ls5 electoral votes, OF
which 3 were obtained for him from
Nevada. Last year the election might
have turned on the same state when its
electoral votes would have been secured
to the advantage of the Democrats. The
census shows that the population
of that state is 62,2s5, with its
resources declining and its poru-
lation retrOgrading. This state
has less than half the population of Lam
caster county, and our county is below
the average of congressional represen-
tation. Yet Nevada has two United
States senators and one congressman
three votes in the electoral college. 4
"rotten borough" like this is of course the
spoil of few rich men struggling tor
Office, and whether they spend their
money in fight for it or pool their issues
and part the raiment the result is equally
disyraceful and unfair to states of re-
spectable proportions.
Lancaster daily intelligencer. [volume] (Lancaster, Pa.) 1864-1928, 1881-02-01
THE LEAF.
The Local Tobacco Market


Durin. the past week the demand con-
tinued active for 1879 leaf. \ large num-
Der Of prominent buyers were on hand and
each one of them seemed desirous Of obtain
ing all he could find OF this once deri,ied
but DOW popular crop. 1t is not. however.
so easily obtained as it might have been
past week will not, perhaps, foot up more
than 800 cases but what was sold
brought advanced prices.
The new crop continues to han., fire.
especially that part of it &, very large
part) which Suffered fcom the flea. the
srasshopper and the worm. Dealers may
want it-tliey probably do. for they
pay !uli prices for good leaf
wherever they find it - but they
have thus far carefully avoided
dabbling in damaged goods unless they
could get them ut their own figures, and
consequently comparatively small part
OF the crop has yet been lifted. In some
sections OF the county scarcely single
crop has been bought. while in others III.
buyers have gathered in LARGE quantities
Many farmers have not vet taken
stock troc, the poles. while others
have stripped, sold and delivered their
| entire crops On the whole the state of
the market is very unsatisfactory, very
dull. This time last year activity reigned
everywhere; thousands Of men were en-
gagged stripping. selling. buying, assorIin.
or packing tobacco. Now both town and
country are tame; but little Of the
crop comparatively has been s,'ld still
less delivered. and but few assortcrs
and packers are seen about the warehouses.
And yet when VIC come to foot up the sales
reported from day to day and from week
to week, We find that great many hun
dred acres have been bought. for which.
generally, very fair prices have been paid
good wrappers commanding, 90. q or even
30 cents par pound the seconds ran.in.
frsm ! to H. and the filters from 3 to ).
This is we'll As far rs it goes. but what arc
hundreds Of acres sold when compared
with the thousands OF acres unsoId. All
in all, the prospects are not brilliant for
either buyers or sellers. The buyer de-
ciarcs the cr"pa poor one the grower fears
there is !, combination among buyers
to beat him. There is not much
occasion for this ,!istrust. The ex-
pert tobacco grower can tell
very nearly what his tobacco is worth,
and the expert buyer can tell even ElOre
certainly, whether there is ''anything in
it y as soon as he looks at u few samples.
Neither party can hope to deceive the
other, and neither party, ON the whole,
desires t" do SD. As to the ignorant
grower, who don't know what lis
crop is worth, he may Hc cheated IL he
sells. or may cheat himself il he refuses to
sell. IT. due time (thouGh it may le lit
tic late) the bulk of the crop of 1880 will
sell for just about w',"t it is worth.
Lancaster daily intelligencer. [volume] (Lancaster, Pa.) 1864-1928, 1881-02-01

Gov. Hoy's's Thanksgiving Proclamation.
At the last assenblage of the Methodist
preachers meeting in Philadelphia the
subject was again revived and much com-
plant was made of the course Of the gov
ernor. Rev. William L. Gray, formerly
Of this city. was the principal speaker.
He said that he he did not believe 4 ruler
in any other Christian country would have
modified state paper at the instance of
the Jewish people. The reverend gentle
man also contended that this was Christ
ian country because it was settled by
Christians, and denounced the governor
in good round terms. The Rev. Mr..
Fernley cordially conceded with Rev. Mr.:
Gray's sentiments and heartily approved
| Of all he had said. Rev. ]. S. Lame took
issue with these two gentlemen and pointed
! out that in neither the Declaration of indie
pendence nor in any constitution was to be
found the word ''Christian'' Or church,
| and he was Of opinion that neither Christ
| ianity nor the Christian church needed
! any legislation to fix or guarantee tho
| right of worship.