The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-01-22

that the widows Of men who had lost their lives
in defense Of their flag ought to be provided for
in a manner commensurate with the greatness of
the country, and it did not lie in the mouth of
any to say that because OF this little thing, or
that little thing, pensions should not be granted.
Mr.. Reagan thought that ne ought to express
his views and represent his constituents ON this
floor without being subject to personal tannts
The Constitution and the laws governing the
party of his constituents had sent him here, and
he did not come to inquire from the gentleman
from Indiana whether or not he was privileged
to debate or discuss any question.
The bill was then read by sections for amend
ment.
providing that this act shall apply only to
widows who were married before its passage.
Mr. Cannon, of Illinois, offered an amendment
providing that in considering the claims of de-
pendent parents, it shall be only necessary to
show that they are without means of support
Ruled out on point of order.
Mr. Townshend. of Illinois, offered an amend
ment as substitute for Mr.. Warmers amend
ment, providing that when an invalid pensioner
may die. his widow or minor children shall be
entitled to an original pension without being re-
quired to prove that the death of the pensloner
was due to his military naval service. Mr..
Townshend thought the amendment was mer-
ltorious and justifabie from every standpoint
lie believed in liberal pensions, not only to the
soldiers of the late war but to other soldiers Of
every war in which the United States had been
engaged, and no better use could be made of the
surplus in the Treasury than to pay it out in pen
sions to the soldiers.
Mr.. Cutcheon, of Michigan. in speaking in
support of the amendment, denied the right of
the gentleman from Texas Mr.. Reaganl to inn
pugn the motives and integrity of every gentle
man who voted for an increase of pensions to
the soldiers of the late war. For one, he did
not acknowledge the right He was not here to
be lectured by the gentleman, and he wouldvote
for any measure he wished without asking the
gentlemans permission.
II hope the gentleman feels better, Mr.. Chair
man." was Reagan's only reply
Mr.. Townshend's amendment was rejected by
vote Of l08 to lis, and Mr.. Warmers by vote
of los to 126
Mr.. Millken, of Maine, in speaking to a pro
forma amendment, advocated the repeal of the
limitation clause OF the arrears act and likened
the gentleman who, while favoring the repeal,
opposed the repeal at this time to old Judge
Stebbins of Maine, who, while in favor Of a
prohibitory law, was opposed to it's enforcement.
On motion of Mr.. Snowden. of Pennsylva MIA.
an amendment was adopted making it misde-
meanor for any person to receive money for the
prosecution of any claim arising under this act.
Mr. Browne. of Indiana. then offered his
amendment repe~'ing the limitation on the
arrears of pension act.
Mr. Rodgers raised the point that the amend
ment was not in order. as it contained the SUBJ
stance of bill pending before the House.
A long discussion OF the point followed, and,
in order to allow the matter to be looked into still
further, the House adjourned