The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-03-16
CONGRESSIONAL WORK.
SENATOR PLUMB EXPOSES A PEN
SION AGENTS SHARP TRICK.
Mr.. Teller Attempts to Eniighten the
Senate on tho Meaning Of tho Presi-
Z. dents Message Private John Allen
In the House.

WASHINGTON, March iS.-ISenate. +
Mr.. Plumb sent to the clerks desk and had
read letter written by a Washington firm
Of pension claim agents TO a Kansas OK.
soldier, saying that some time ago they had
written TO him asking 10 be allowed TO
take his pension claim to Congress, and
had not heard from him in reply; that
they were convcrsant with his claim and
believed that, il properly presented, Con-
gress would not refuse a special pension;
that their fee was $25. OF which $40 was
payable in advance; that 1858 special pen
sion bills were passed by last Congress and
"A still larger number would probably be
passed by the present Congress; that this
was the best time for the presentation OF
cases TO Congress, as the country was on
the eve Of congressional and Presi-
dental election and parties and individuals
were on their metal 10 make a record. Mr.
Plumb expressed the belief that large
amounts were being obtained through such
representations, although the writers could
render no service whatever. Not only
would an attorney not be permitted TO ap-
pear before the pension committee, but he
could perform no useful service whatever
in connection with special pension cases.
II was nm outrage lputtng II mildly for
men 10 be imposed upon IN that way. He
asked that the pension committee take the
letter and consider II, and make report
10 the Senate. ~ that such swindling Of ex-
soliiers should not be continued.
Mr.. Hale asked Mr.. Plumb whether lac
would not allow the name OF that pensions
claim firm % b. stated, no that il would he
made known 10 the country through the
press.
Mr. Plumb preferred 10 wait for the no
port OF the pensions committee.
After further discussion, In which Mr..
Dolph referred 10 claim agents agree-
ment which he had seen 10 receive IS per
cent. OF the amount Of direct tax to he re
funded 10 n certain State, the letter was
referred TO the committee on pensions.
Mr.. Frye Offered a resolution. which
was laid over. requesting the President 90
transmit copies Of the minutes aud daily
protocols Of the meetings Of the fishery
commission.
Mr.. Dolph Offered resolution, whflh
was laid over, calling on the Secretary Of
the Treasury for information NJ 10 the pro-
hibition Of fur seal iishcsics in the waters
~ Alaska or Behring's Sea beyond n ma.
rine league from the shore.
Mr.. Teller proceeded 10 address the Sen.
ate on the subject OF the Presidents mes
sagc. lie said he had noticed that the
senators who had spoken ON the Prcsi.
dents side OF the question had shown
disposition 10 avid the real issue present.
ell by the President, and had attempted 90 |
make II appear that the message was not |
81 the character which everybody outside |
of official cirrles al home and abroad had
dcclar,,i Il TO he II uOuld not do Tor the
friends Of the administration 10 assert that
this Was an attempt on the part OF the
President and his friends io modify. revise
Dr corrcci the thrill. No such intent ON the
art OF the President could he gathered
rom his message. II had been received
Everywhere, at home and abroad, NJ an M.
ack not on defective ,ari1, not Ia RENE.
iy Inconsistencies, hut 10 destroy the pro.
cctivc system. The President had spoken
n that system ~ very equitable and illog-
Ical. iiis former Secretary 81 the Treasury |
had spoken uf u as brutal method. De. |
tenders Of the message IN tho senate and
elsewhere had spoken IN terms of oppro-
hrium. contempt. dcicsialion, not oi the
Tariff or Of lis Inconsistency, or incongrui.
lies. but Of the protective system.
The motion io refer the message went
over without action.
The differentiation bill was taken M,
l,ui went over without action.
The resolutions OF the House ON the sub.
jcct Of the death oi Representative Mohait,
OF Michigan, were presented 10 the Senate. |
Mr. Palmer Offered resolutions expires.
sivc ol the deep sensibiliiy felt by the |
senate in the announcement OF the death |
of Mr.. Monati, and rendering 10 the lam. |
lily and relatives Of the ,lcccascd assurances |
81 i,r sympathy. fulogics ON the life and |
character Of Mr.. Mohait were delivered by
Senators Palmer, Paddock and Stock. |
bridge, and then the resolutions were
unanimously adopted and the scnHte al
iourncL