The National tribune., 1888-03-08

December, 1855, he was appointed ChleI CleTks
which position he has filed with marked ablI-
ity and integrity up to the present time
Mr.. Murphy is highly esteemed by his asso-
ciates in the Office, and much regret has been
expressed at his resignation. Among the old
soldiers he was especially admired.
In accepting Mr.. Murphys resignation, the
Commissioner wrote him as follows:
DEPT OF THE INTERIOR, PENSION BUREAU
WASHINGTON, ID. c., Feb. %, 1855.
ID. L MURPHY, ESQ, City.
DEAR SIR: l have your resignation OF the posi-
ton Of Chief Clerk of ths Bureau. / will forward
the same for acceptance, solely because l believe
that by so doing shall enable you to better your
health.
You have discharged the duties of your Office
with fidelity and marked ability; with satisfaction
to your Chief, and to the applicants for attention
lhe more willingly take this course, sthe Gov
eminent does not lose your services, but simply
effects change to another position:
Very sincerely, yours, JOHN g. BLACK,
Commissioner.
HELENE ELIZABETH BLACK.
Cen. John c. Black, Commissioner of Pen
sions, is the proud father of one of the brightest
little girls at the Capital.
A lady who called on Mrs. Black one day
said:
Mrs Black was not at home, but was ably
represented by her little daughter, possibly
three years old, blonde fairy, with blue eyes
and the veritable hair of Berenice. She gave
through which she had gone that day at the
photographers, illustrating with poses and
gracefally-arranged drapery.
Finally as l took my leave turned on the
stoop toward the young lady, who had politely
accompanied me to the door, saying:
90 Good-by, little girl!'
Instantly the small figure drew itself up,
and with the chubby arms folded across her
waist, the picture of offended dignity, she said:
My name is Helene Elizabeth Black
Taking the hint, l responded:
80 Well, good by, Helene Elizabeth Black
When, her social standing having been duly
recognized, she unbent and giving a sweet
smile and a bow, said, as nurse closed the door:
Z" Call again, please.
" Her father says he did not know that her
dignity had reached such an exaltation as to
require the whole of her rather Understanding
appellation, but that she always takes it in
high dudgeon if one of the family calls her
Nellie instead of Helene"
A few days ago she was looking at some
Christmas cards, and one representing star,
either of immense proportions or very bad per
spective, in perpendicular position over man
ger attracted her attention.
I'VE saw his star In the East and have come
TO worship him." read the General.
The little one took the card, and initiating
her fathers solemn. impressive manner, re-
peated:
70 Washington"
At another time, recently. she accompanied
her mamma TO the Pension Office where she is
general faVOrite, and while her mother went
H. she remained outside, skipping up and down
the long corridor Watchman aecosted her,
inviting her to social chat. The invitation
not seeming to strike her favorably, he said as
an indncement:
Come, talk to me little bit, for your papa
is my master"
At that she stopped instantly, and, standing
before him. looked at him rehectively a mo-
ment. aud then replied:
" Is papa is your master, you say. Well,
Secretary Villas is his MASTER and God is Secre-
taFy Niias's master; and / would rather be
God than any of en-"
On New Years Day delegation of about 100
Grand Army men calling unexpectedly on Mrs.
/ Black, who was not formally receiving, they
were obliged TO wait till she could prepare her
self to receive them suitably.
When she at last presented herself she found
Miss Helene standing at the door in the regu-
lation attitude, with fan in her hand and
Was told that she had shaken hands with every
man. wishing him happy New Year.
THE COMMITTEE on INVALID PENSIONS
/ Of the House of Representatives has authorized
a favorable report on Gen. John B. Weber's
| bin relating TO the claims for pensions by de-
pendent parents. 1t provides that in consider
! ing such claims, it having been shown after the
soldiers death that he was entitled to pension
and that he left no widow or minor children,
/ it shall be necessary only to show by competent
| and sufficient evidence that such parent or par
| ents are without other present means of sup
| port than their own manual labor or the con-
tributions Of others not legally bound for their
support.
The committee also authorized favorable
report on Col. c. C. Matson's bin to provide
| that the pension-money Of any pensioneT who is
in the habit Of becoming intoxicated, and who
/ neglccts TO support those lawfully dependent
on him, shall be paid TO the wife of such pen
sioner or other dependent relatives
The committee also authorized favorable
report on the bill 10 pay TO all volunteer and
| registered female nurses of the late war sos for
each month of service after deducting from
such aggregate amount all sums heretofore re-
ceiyed by them.
OUR LAWMAKERS.
Gen. w. III. Lee-better known as Rooney "
and the only son Of Robert E. Lee, made his
frstspeech IN the House last Friday. While the
House was considering private bills relating ID
war claims, he arose and offered an amendment
appr0priating $4,000 as compensation for the
Governments use OF the buildings Of the Fair
fax Protestant Episcopal Theological Seminary
at AlexGndria a hospital during the war
Steele, of Indiana, raised the point of order
1
bill. Lees friends rushed to his defense, and
for half an hour there was lively squibbing, bu
Steele's point was finally decided to be vel
taken. and Lee had to ask unanimous consent Il
introduce his amendment which was given, anC
be made fair sort of a speech in support OF hi
proposition. Gen. GrosVenor and others re-
sisted the proposition, because, they claimed
. il would establish a precedent for claim
against the Government for every building
taken for hospital or other purposes-for tn
rent Of the grounds even upon which troop
encamped or dug rife pits After q spirite
, debate the amendment was adopted, however
: PENSION OFFICE NoTEs
The Commissioner of Pensions has been ad
. yised that Thomas Durrell, of New Cantor
0 Ill, who was convicted in the United State
T Court at Pittsburg, Pa, Jan. "a, on charge
d forging aifdayits for use in his pension claim
8 has been sentenced TO imprisonment for on
j year in the penitentiary and to pay fine
$780,
THE PRESIDENT AT HOME AGAIN.
The President and his party returned froI
I his Southern trip last Sunday morning an
{ went at once to the White House. He was
excellent health, but greatly fatigued by b
! long journey.
d Addresses Wanted.
g There are letters in this Office for n. v. Mt
g DoWell, Secretary, 18th Ill. Cav. Association
. and Capt. ]. ii. Burnham, 33th I'll. Association