Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1886-01-22
XLIX. CONGRESS.
WAsHINGTON, January, 81, 1856.


senate.
Mr.. Hale, from the Committee on
Naval Affairs. reported fayorably the
bill for the relief of the sufferers by the
wreck of the United States steamer Tall
lapoosa. Placed on the calendar.
Among the bills introduced was one
by Mr.. Butler to enable the people in
the Territory Of Dakota to form a Con-
Stitution and State government. lie
said it was intended as a substitute for
the bill already pending. The new bill
is an enabling act" and applies to
the whole Territory instead of merely
to the southern portion. Referred to
the Committee on Territories.
A bill was introduced by Mr.. Van
Wyck "to prevent the demonetizatiOn
Of American coin by certain persons in
the United States" In introducing
this bill, Mr.. Van Wyck said that the
Senator from Vermont (MorrilD yes
terday remarked that no parties in the
Senate or out OF it were seeking. to de-
mOnetize silver but even now, Mr..
Van Wyck continued, even now, aud
for some time, there had been de-
termination or conspiracy on the part
Of capital to demOnetize silver
and violate the laws and Con-
stitution. Some years ago the ma
tional banks in New York made
an attempt to demonetize by ostra-
cizing silver, but as they were the i'm
mediate creatures OF the law they had
shrewdly calculated the hazard OF the
venture. Now the wedge was to be
entered in u different shape. Capital
was array ing itself against the laws
and the almost universal sentiment and
prosperity of the people. 1t was a
bold and deliberate "strike," done
with malice aforethought against the
interests of the masses and Of labor.
Severe penalties had been provided
against those who debased our
coin. Why should not adequate
punishment be provided for those who
were seeking not merely its debase-
ment but its complete overthrow?
Capital, by It's extravagant and illegal
demands, was arousing a storm that 1t
professed to dread and when it sue
ceeded, as it surely would, in forcing
stern and active protest, it would then
appeal for protection TO the Govern
ment whose laws it had set at defiance.
The bill, at Mr.. Van Wyck's request,
wasilaid on the table for the present.
The Senate proceeded TO the consid-
Grafton of bills on the calendar. The
first bill in order was the one to divide
a part of the Sioux reservation in Da-
kota into separate reservations and to
secure the REIMBURSEMENT Of the Indian
title to the remainder. This brought
on a general debate on the Indian queS-
ton after which the bill went over,
and the bill to provide for the counting
of the electoral vote was taken up, and
discussed at length by Mr.. Sherman.
House OF Representatives.
No bill Of any Importance being re-
ported under the call of committees,
the House resumed in the morning hoar
the consideration Of the bill to increase
the pensions of soldiers widows.
Mr.. Walford, Of Kentucky, made an
impassioned speech in favor Of the bill,
and, as there was much confusion in the
House, the members crowded around
him as he stood in the centre aisle to
listen. lie advocated the repeal OF the
arrearages limitation, but thought that to
incorporate this provision in the pend
ing bill might endanger the passage Of
both. He was frequently interrupted
by Mr.. Browne, of Indiana, and word
fencing between the two gentlemen was
heartily enjoyed by the House.
Mr.. Reagan, Of Texas, took the
ground that only soldiers who had been
disabled in the war, or widows who had
been wives of soldiers at the time the
disability had occurred should receive
pensions. lie criticised the manner in
which special pension bills were passed
by Congress, and stated that he would
drive the petitioners to the pension
Office and make them give the proofs re-
Quired by law. lie would not allow
them to come here with er parte evil
dence and secure pensions. In these
bills relating to pensions the contest
was not so much one about doing JUS
tice to soldiers as it was q contest for
political supremacy--a bid for the votes
Of soldiers.
Mr.. Funston, of Kansas interrupt
ing what right have you to impugn
the motives Of members in that man
nersv
Dir. Reagan declined to yield. He
had occupied seat in the House when
The arrears act was passed, and he had
seen Democrats urging Democrats to
vote for II, because II would give them
the soldier vote, and Republicans urging
Republicans to vote for it in order to
get ahead Of the Democrats. No one