The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1886-07-08
FROM WASHINGTON
a discussion over the Vetoed Pen
sion Bills.
The vetoes to Sc Sustained by the
Democrats in Most Cases.
Especial to the Press.]

WASHINGTON, July 7.-The House wasted
another day to-day. The last lot of pension
bills vetoed by the President was laid before
the House Immediately after the morning
business and contest arose over their dis
position. The Republicans desired to vote
upon them at once, and being defeated in
this endeavored to have the invalid pension
committee instructed to report them on Mon
day. The Democrats opposed this and wish
ed them referred without instructions. There
were repeated roll calls, calls of the House,
and other filibustering tactics ensued oc-
cupying the whole day. The Democrats
finally accomplished their purpose in every
case considered. 1t is generally believed
that few of the bills so referred will see
the light again, but will be smothered in
comm ittee, hence the desire of the Republi-
can to vote upon them without reference. 1t
is now expected that the Democrats will sus-
tain the vetoes in most cases. Senator Frye
presented to-day the petitions of Chas F.
Tibbetts and 100 others, John H. French and
As others of the first Congressional district;
S. ]. Boiss and 125 others and G. A. Thomp-
son and 100 others of the Second Congress
sional district, praying for the passage Of
various land grant forfeiture bills.
The House Committee on Invalid
Pensions Expresses Opinions.
The House committee on invalid pensions
considered the Presidential veto message at
its meeting Tuesday. Representative Con-
ger called up the bill for the relief of John
Luce, whose claim is based on injuries re-
ceived by being thrown forward on the pum-
mel of his saddle, but after discussion it was
dooidad hot tho hill did mt pmh06V
strong enough to pass ouer the veto, and it
was dropped. Probably all the vetoed pen
sion bills which originated in the Senate,
with one exception, will be reported from
tion that they do pass over the Presidents
veto. The one exception will be covered by
a new bill, the vetoed one being defective in
consequence of a clerical error. The case of
Harriet Welch is the one in respect to which
the President said: Though this widow
admits that prior to her marriage with the
deceased soldier she had married another
man whom she coul donly,say she believed to
be dead" The Senate committee says in its
report:
the legality of the marriage, and the birth of
seven children. The claimant was married
to the soldier June 7, 1868. There is nothing
in the evidence to justify the slur which the
President casts upon the chastity of this
widow and the legitimacy of her seven
fatherless children. Pensions have hereto
fore frequently been granted in cases similar
to this. Human nature cries out aloud for
the allowance of pension in such case, and
if this woman with her seven small children
is to be deprived of it your committee are at
least glad that the responsibility rests else
where.
In reporting upon the case of David w.
Hamilton, the committee reprints its original
report in which it says:
This farce of rejecting claims for pensions
OF men, who have rendered years OF active
service because they were unable to dis
charge the duties of a soldier so long indulg-
ed in, is also crime and it is time that the
dictates of common sense should be adopted
instead of some of the rules SO long in force
in the pension office. There is imperative
need Of reform in this respect and has been
for many years.
Alfred Denny is the man who claimed to
have been injured by contact with the horn
of his saddle and in respect to whose case
the President incidentally remarked that
"Those saddles were dangerous c0ntri-
vances." The pensions committee says:
The sneer in the veto at the wounds re-
ceiyed by so many of the gallant cavalry
during their long rides and furious charges
in the Was indicates a state of mind that in
capacitates at least temporarily an official
from considering impartially apension claim.
1t would be well if the horns of public in
dignation could be so applied that our
soldiers could get simple justice In these
times Of peace.
Maine Petitions.
Senator Hale has presented petitions sign
ed by citizens of Frankfort, Camden, Read
field, Lewiston and Oxford, Me-, urging the
passage of the bill for the forfeiture Of rail
road land grants.
New Postmaster at North Anson.
Marcellus Stewart has been appointed
postmaster at North Anson, vice t. FL. Pease
removed.