The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-01-23
And Hot Political Discussion Follows,
Messrs. Boutelle and Wise Speaking in
Behalf of the Great Parties.
If Ex-Uni0n Soldiers Are 10 Be PEN
stoned Ex-Rebels Must Have Office,
The Virginia Champion of Treason Warmly
and Enthusiastically Congratulated by
Numbers of Northern Democrats.
POLITICS IN THE HOUSE.



Norfolk Inquiry.
Special to the Indianapolis journal
WASHINGTON, Jan. 22.-There was an ex-
tremely exciting contest in the House, to-day,
over the passage of a resolution introduced q
few days ago in relation to the discharge of ex-
Union soldiers from the Norfolk hayward and
the appointment of ex-confederates in their
places, and the obiteration of inscriptions COM
memorative of certain events of the Rebellion.
The resolution was one of inquiry directed to
the Secretary of the Navy, and caused an angry
discussion in the committee on naval affairs, to
whom it was referred. Finally the committee
decided to report the resolution, with an amend
ment looking to the enlargement of the inquiry
so as to include acts of the last administration in
connection with the Norfolk lighthouse dis
trict In calling up theV resolution to-
day, Mr.. Herbert chairman of the
committee, demanded the previous question.
This was resisted by the Republicans, who
wanted time for discussion, and Mr. Herbert in
sisting upon his motion, the Republicans do
clned to vote. thus leaving the House without
quorum. A call of the House showed only
twelve members absent without permission.
After two hours fiilibustering and wrangline,
consideration of the resolution was resumed,
and the previous question was ordered This
gave but fifteen minutes for debate to each side.
Mr.. Bontelle. of Maine, made speech, in
which he reiterated the charges contained in his
resolutions. Referring to the erection of me-
MORALS to commemorate the prowess of
federate soldiers. he said that when the time
came to remove and obliterate the memorials Of
the rebellion the work of obliteration should not
begin with those erected to honor the
men who had fought to preserve the
Union. He also dwelt with force
and effect upon the discharge of Union soldiers
to make room for confederate soldiers, and mem
toned the master machinist and others who had
been thus removed at Norfolk Mr.. Boutelles
remarks were frequently applauded by the Re-
publican side.
Mr.. Wise, Of Virginia, q fractions ex-c0nfeders
ate officer, responded to Mr.. Boutelle in speech
of great vigor and earnestness, which was re-
ceived with even greater demonstrations of ap-
prevail by his political associates than were Civ
en- Mr.. Boutelle Mr.. Wise denied the allega-
tions of the resolution; inscription had been
removed. and no man had been discharged be-
cause he had been a Union soldier. Mr.. Wise's
reference to Charles Summers action in moving
army the names of the battles of the Rebellion,
and General Grants invocation for peace when
dying at Mt McGregor, were specially pleasing
to the Democrats.
Upon the conclusion of Mr. Wises remarks the
resolution was passed. Notwithstanding Mr..
Wise's vigorous denial it is susceptible of proof
that the charges made in the resolution are true.
Every one of the large number of mon removed
rendered the government signal service during
the Rebellion, and their appointment to places in
| the Norfolk navy-yard was on account Of these
| services Mr. Wise alleged that no inscriptions
| upon guns captured during the war had been re-
| moved. There is no charge that Inscriptions
| were removed from guns but an inscription was
on the engine used to work the dry-dock, and
that inscription was in these words: Destroyed
by the rebels in 1862; rebuilt by the
United States government in 1861"
and that inscription was removed.
No matter where the inscription was placed, its
removal was an act of dissertation which will not
be overlooked by those whose efforts maintained
the honor and integrity of the government Mr.
Wise did not call the roll Of those dismissed, al
though it was within his reach, but contented
himself with making general denial at time
when he knew no answer could be made The
answer which will como from the Navy Depart
ment will establish the truth of the charges
that an honorable war inscription. which had
stood for twenty three years. was removed, and
| that large number of ex-Union soldiers were
also removed and their places filed by men who
fought to overthrow the government