The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1888-07-26
THE NATIONAL TRIBUNE: WASHINGTON D. c. THURSDAY JULY g. 1883


of 100000 people in New York. opposed it
in the name of the other 81, 0000 600 people of
the country at large.
Mr.. Spinola said that he had used an ex-
preston, when he last addressed the House,
which perhaps was unparliamentary. He de-
sired to withdraw that portion of his remarks
in which he had said that he hurled the asser-
ton down the dirty throat from which it
emanated That was supplementary, in his
Judgment; and therefore he withdrew it.
Mr., Townshend. The gentleman from Texas
is laboring under delusion in reference to the
nature of this bill. / think if he thoroughly
understood it he would support instead of an
tagonizing it. 1t is bill in the interest of
economy. Under the present law the average
cost of the care of disabled soldiers in the Ma
tional Soldiers Homes is something over 5000
per man. The object of the bill is to encourage
Mr.. Steele. Where does the gentleman get
the authority for making that statement?
Mr.. Townshend. | understand the managers
so state.
Mr.. Laird. 1t has ranged from $3.50 down to
$40.
Mr.. Townshend Now, this bill is for the pur-
pose of encouraging the States to build Soldiers
Homes and take care of the soldiers of the
various States who have served in the army
during any war for the Government. This bill
offers State Homes 500 for each soldier for
whom they provide homes. To the extent of
500 on each soldier therefore, the drain upon
the Treasury ofthe United States savoided, and
the Federal Treasury is relieved Of the burden
of about 500 on each soldier. The bill, there
fore, Is IN the interest of the taxpayer and in
the interest of the National Treasury. / do
not think that the gentleman from Texas Mr.
kilgoreI intended such construction to be
placed on his language as has been imputed to
it. but the language used by him is calculated
m TniSlaad 10 tbat Ta Il moi ra.
gard it as sound Democratic doctrine to make
such legislation as will properly provide for the
disabled soldiers of the Republic and which
looks to the promotion of the welfare of the
laboring classes of this country which en-
braces farmers mechanics and laborers of all
kinds. The history of the Democratic party
from its foundation to this day will show that
it has been the friend OF the soldiery of the Re-
public and labor. 1t has ever been faithful to
the interests of the loyal soldiers and honest
laborers. You will find that in all its platforms
1t has advocated liberal provisions for the dis
abled soldiers of the Republic, and that no
party ever in power, from the Revolutionary
war down to the last war, has provided such
liberal pensions and bounty laws for all the
soldiers of the Republic. / say thatit has been
the policy of the Democratic party and it is in
accordance with its principles to provide lib
orally for every disabled soldier of this Republic
no matter in what war he may have followed
the flag.
This bill before the House in its language
clearly indicates that the soldiers homes here
recognized are not only intended for relief to
the loyal soldiers who fought for the Union in
the late war, but those who fought for the Re-
public in all its previous wars
Mr.. Steele. Will my colleague in his exuber-
ance now yield to me to ask unanimous con-
sent to take up the pension bill?
Mr. Townshend. Now, then, Mr.. Speaker, /
wish it distinctly understood that il the gen.
tleman here wishes to convey the impression
that the Democratic party is unfriendly to any
class of laborers in this country or any loyal
class of soldiers, l deny any such intimaton
Oh his part; and on the contrary, assert that
in its administration it has been the tru est,
warmest friend OF every laborng class in this
country and of every loyal soldier of the Re-
public. 1t. is not only right but it is our sol
emn duty to promote and guard the interest OF
these classes wherever and whenever we can
properly do so.
Mr.. Kilgore's amendment was then rejected,
and the bill was passed.
SATURDAY, July q.
In the Senate to-day Mr.. Sherman called up
the bill to reimburse the depositors of the
Freedmen's Savings and Trust Co. for losses
incurred by the failure of that company. 1t
directs that the Commissioner of the Freed
mems Savings and Trust Co. tthe Controller of
the Currency and his successors in office to
pay or cause to be paid, under such regulations
as the Commissioner with the approval of the
Secretary of the Treasury shall prescribe to all
| depositors of the Freedmen's Savings Bank
whose accounts have been properly verified
and balanced, or TO their legal representatives,
/ sum of money equal to the verified balances
/ due such depOsitors at the time of the failure
/ Of the bank, less the amount of dividends
which have been or may be declared from the
assets of the company. For this purpose the
sum of 81 100000 is appropriated, but no part
| of it shall be paid TO any assignee of any de-
positors, and the benefit aud relief provided
| shall extend only to those depositors in whose
/ favor such balances have been properly veri-
| fed, and to their heirs and legal representa-.
| tiVes Ali claims not presented within two
years shall be forever barred. No payment
4 shall be made under the provisions of this aci
| to any person without the Commissioner being
| first satisfied that the person receiving the
! same is the lawful original deposition, or the
widow, children. or grandchildren if there be
any; if not, then to the father or mother, il
any; and if not, then to the brothers and sis.
1 tiers, if any; and none other shall inherit
THE money" the bill concludes, herein APP
propriated shall be applied only to the pay.
ment Of the claims of such persons in whole OIL
in part of African descent, whose accounts have
been properly verified and balanced under ex
isting laws"
Mr. Vance opposed the bill He said it was
based upon the theory that the cOored people
are wards Of the Nation; that they were too
ignorant to protect themselves in making de
posts. But while they were held to be 81
ignorant and dependent on that score, they
were considered able and enlightened enough
| to be entrusted with the most important politi
cal powers; to be vested with the political con
troll of whole States, involving the propert,
rights and civilization Of people. 1t was 80 il
his State Of North Carolina. He was not viii
ling to subscribe to the doctrine that the col
ored man was ignorant and helpless III none,
matters, but competent for all political right
and powers. Besides, Mr.. Vance declared, th
bill is violation Of the Constitution that
makes distinction because of race; it pro
poses to pay colored depositors and to excud
white depositors. lie was opposed to the bill
and demanded the yeas and nays on its pas
sage.
Mr Sherman hoped the demand would b
withdrawn, otherwise he would have to let th
bill go over, as the yeas and nays would dis
close the lack of quorum, because of pairs
He said there was quorum present in tn
chamber, but owing to the numerous pairs tn
vote, if recorded, would fall short of the re
quisite number.
The demand was Withdrawn and the bill wa
passed.
The fisheries treaty was then taken up, an
Senator Teller made quite lengthy speec
against it, and upon the conclusion Of his re
| marks the Senate adjourned.