New-York tribune., 1882-02-21
DEBATE on THE GRANT RETIREMENT BILL


WASHINGTON, Feb. 2O.-Something very much
resembling partisan debate which promises to be-
come one in fact before the matter is disposed Of,
sprang up in the Senate to-day the bill TO place
General Grant upon the Army retired list. Senator
Vest, who seems TO have taken the place as by
acknowledged right of leader in the debate upOn
the Democratic side made an ingenious and inter-
esting speech against the bill II, declared that IL
was without precedent to place man from civil
life upon the retired list of the Army He referred
10 the action of the Senate upon the bill passed by
Democratic House two years ago, to pension Gen
eral Shields, and neatly paraphrased speech made
by Senator Edmunds against that bill, applying 1t
TO the one under consideration. He quoted from the
argument made by Senator Hoar when acting as
manager of the Belknap impeachment trial, pictur-
ing the corruption which permcaed to such an
alarming extent many branches of the Government
State municipal and Nationalist the time. He
quoted from Senator Logan's remarks in the XLIst
Congress when measure was pending to diminish
the salary of General Sherman, where the Speaker
declared that, while willing to give Gem
eral Sherman credit as great general,
that was no reason why he should tax the
wOoden-legged and one-armed soldiers and
the widows and orphans of the country to pay him
more than was paid to the Chiel-Justice or the
Nice-President General Grant. continued Senator
Vest. above all want. was living in
luxury and afiuence. Why he not satisfied
with the honors heaped upon him and with com
potency, instead of asking to be supplied with
wealth?
Senator Logan replied. Before proceeding far he
warmed up, and in spite of physical weakness at
The beginning, delivered earnest speech of moro
than an hours duration. In respect to the prece-
dents for the action now sought, he mentioned
several cases. and declared that they ex-
listed almost without number. Regarding Gen
eral Shields. he showed that he had him.
self favored the Shields bill earnestly
Senator Logan gave expression in his most
vigorous style to the well-known and highly un-
complimentary opinions which he entertans in re-
gard TO Fitz John Porter, whom the Senator from
Missouri had voted TO put the retired list and he
arragned the Senator from Missouri for inconsist
ency in having voted to restore one who had
been Justly condemned for official miscon-
duct while he opposed the restoration
of the greatest of American heroes
HIS eulOgium Of General Grant was delivered in
his most iinpassiOned manner. Senator Logan, in
the brOadest terms said that the opposition to the
bill from the still lingering prejudice of those
who had been in rebellion against the man who had
defeated that rebellion. Senator Butler interrupted
10 protest. There was scarcely an honor that the
country could give General Grant that he would not
vote for. The retired list was intended for disabled
officers lie had not heard that General Grant de
sired 10 be restored 10 the Army and certainly he
dd not need the paw 1t was putting him before
the country in the attitude OF beggar
Senator Logan cOmbatted there views, showing
that question of a mans necessities ever en-
tered into this consideration. The present
was not designed 10 provide for General Grants
necessities, but as mark of The gratitude and re-
spect OF the people whose country he had saved.
Upon qUesti N of precedence viva voce vote
was taken, disclosing division nearly upon party
hnes. No yea and nay vote was taken. The meas
pre will doubtless pass the Senate, but may be de-
wi
amendment in the nature of a substitute providing
apension for all ex-Presidents.
TIE COUNT DE R0CHAMBEAUS PAPERS.
lBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUSE]
WASHINGTON Feb. 20.-Senator Hoar, from the
Joint Committee on the Library, presented in the
Senate to-day resolution authorizing the Commit