The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1888-08-23

that this committee had been called under
tie moTning-hour rule. and it viii be the
last this session, in ali probability. 1t is
not strictly true that it was the first time,
because it had been reached before, but was
passed over informally because ofth absence
Of Col Blatson, the Chairman.
Under the rules, during the first morning
hour Of the session after the reading of the
journal, the committees are called in rota-
ton, when it is in order for Member to
make such a motion as the committee may
have instructed him to propose.
Some months ago, while Col. Matson was
absent in Indiana on business not remotely
connected with the nomination for Gov
ernoT of that State, Maj. Morrill, proposed a
resolution setting apart two days for the
consideration Of business of the committee.
It was referred back TO the same committee,
was ordered to be reported favorably by the
committee, and was put upon the calendar.
The original resolution called for two days in
June, but Nh. Mills and his bill were able
to fight the matter of till the time had
passed.
When the committee was reached last
Thursday, therefore, Mr. Morrill, moved to
take this resolution from the calendar,
amending it TO set apart the two days in
August.
The southerners Immediately began to
fllibuster, and it was evident that nothing
could be done, because it was doubtful If
there was bare quorum in the city, and
with such a condition of things nothing
can ever be carried in the face of an oppo-
sition ready toresort to parliamentary tactics
TO defeat it.
Upon the roll call the majority was about
10 to one IN favor Of the measure, but the
total vote was less than a quorum, and void,
and the point was quickly made. The stu
alton was peculiarly pleasing to a score or
so Of gentlemen who ike to pose as the
friends Of the soldier when nothing can
be accomplished for his benefit. They
were afforded an opportunity to vote aye
before the Fail elections. At the same time
they had the satisfaction of knowing that
owing to the lack Of a quorum there was no
danger that their vote would amount to
anything except to make a record. There
are lots Of just such friends of the soldiers
in Congress.
They are those Members from the North
as a rule. who voted for the Mills bill, and
who cover when the southerners crack
their whip.
The contest ended without fruit and with
much bad temper Thursday, no business OF
any kind being done that day.
Under the rules, when a committees bust.
ness called one day is Enacted upon at the
/ expiration Of its hour, or adjournment, as
the case may he, the same committee is en-
titled TO what Is termed a second morning
hour" In other words, it has the right o
way the next morning to finish the matter
under consideration on the previous morn.
ing. in this way the Morrill, resolution was
called mp again Friday.
The same farce was enacted The call fol
q quorum eaectually blocked the wheels 0
legislation. and the day was again spent il
/ flibustering motions to adjourn, TO have Z
call Of the House for absentees, etc, till, a
| $50 o'clock, the House adjourned in disgust
Thus day by day it becomes more appar
ent that the Mills party has complete con
! troll Of the situation, and the chance for inst
ice to the veterans exec away till hop
sickens.
The fact is, that the Chairman of the Com
mittee on Invalid Pensions while claiming
/ that he was going TO do something, occupies
his time in favorable reports simply for S
many long months that now the Hous
has no force present to do bushes,
1t is like a regiment decimated a
The end Of long campaign. Thei
voices are silent at roll-caIl Upon on
pretext OF another the Members hav
struggled Of till nothing practically can b
done except by unanimous consent. TIL
can never he gained, because the ex-rebeI
who have nothing to lose by such cours
but rather The contrary, can be depende
upon 80 object.
The fact is, that If Col. Eatson meant I
do anything beyond loading up the calel
d5r lie shonld have pushed things weel
and months ego.
We pointed this out repeatedly at Il
time. and urged action week after week
etlenuously as words could express Of
meaning. Col Matson, no novice in Il
ways Of Congress, knew as well as we Il
: priceless value Of the golden hours sli
p ping BY
Now there Is one more chance to make