Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1888-03-06
The Theological Seminary.

s'iie Theological Seminary.
As stated in the GAZETTE last Saturday
the U. S. Houss of Representatives, in Com
nittee of the Whole agreed to amend a
bin now before that body so as to provide
for the payment of the claim of the Episco.
psi Theological Seminary, near this city.
The following debate took place on the
amendment:
Mr. Lee. offer the following amend
ment.
The Secretary OF the Treasury be, and ia here
by, authorized and directed to pay, out of any
money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated,
The sum OF 500, ,OCo to the trustees Of the Protest
ant Episcopal Theological Seminary and High
School of Virgins, said amount having been found
due them by tho Court of Claims for rent, for use
OF their building for hospital purposes from Ma,
1861 to August, 1860
Mr. Steele. ] make the point of order
against the amendment that it proposes to
ado the substance of one bill as an
amendment to another. 1t is not in order,
therefore, rs an amendment to the pending
measure. We are not permitted to do by in
direction under tho rules what we can not
do directly.
Mr. Lee. Il would be presumption for
me 10 argue the stiect Of the rules with gen.
tlemen of experience on this floor But
had hopes that this bill, being ofthe peculiar
nature it is. would have commended itseIfto
every gentleman on this floor, whatever his
political faith and whatever constituency he
represented. This is somewhat different
from the ordinary claims of this class. 1t
comes from an institution which stands
above all politics. It is not carried on for
the sake of making money. This institution
sends these young men into every cline and
into every section Of The habitable globe on
their missions Of mercy and l trusted, sir,
in Introducing this amendment, that it wnuld
have me6 With the unanimous approval of
my friends on the other aide of the House.
In 1861 that section of the territory across
the river was taken possession OF by the
United States Government, and their lines
were lines of steel, and they embraced the
lands and buildings of this institution. They
occupied them for four years. They return
ed them then 10 the trustees Their great
Secretary of War himself RECOMMENDED that
rents should be paid to this institution for
the use of these buildings as hospitals: and,
sir, am somewhat surprised 10 find now in
this eye, when we had hoped that all feelings
of hatred and animosity, which war ever en-
cenders, had had time 20 COOL am some
wha. surprised to end my friends on the
ether side Of the House when bill Of this
sort 90 fair is presented to them, and when
we have. with liberal hand and with some
possible strain of conscience, sat here and
voted for the bills which they have brought
forward-I am surprised to find that they
should now attempt to defeat this measure.
IF nv friends on the other side will con-
slider the proposition and it is ruled cut of
order, [ will ask unanimous consent that it
be presented to the House with the hope
that they will give it candid consideration.
The Chairman. The Chair sustaiDs the
point OF order.
Mr.. Lee. I ask unanimous consent for
the consideration Of this bill as an amend
ment.
Mr. Cox. / hope that request will be
granted.
the Court Of Claims?
Mr. Lee Yes. sir.
MIR. Brewer. would much rather give
this money out and out as charity than es-
tab!ish the precedent which we should es.
tablish by the passage of this claim.
Mr.. Lee. Mr.. Chairman, think I can
remove the doubts from the mind OF my
friend from Michigan Mr.. Brewer whom
know to be most fair and just man.
The State of Virginia, if recolect sright,
passed her ordinance of secession on the
23d of May, 1861, and these lines were es
tablished by the federal troops on the 24th.
This domain was just as much part of the
United States as territory lying on the north
side of the Potomac. Fedora! courts were
held there during the whole war. 1t was
the seat of the restored government OF pir.
aipia. and the Government OF the United
States has paid for the use of property in
the city Of Alexandria as in the city of
Washington.
reorssnized State Of Virginia lived at Alex
dria
Mr. Lee. Yes, sir; the governor lived
there: and it was just as much part OF the
federal domain as the State which my frlend
from Michigan represents on this hoor.
Mr. Bowden. And that portion of the
State had q Senator in Congress.
Mr. Lee. Yes, sir; Senator and KEEP
resentatiqe.
Mr.. Brewer. Though courts of the United
States were held there, were they not held
under the protection of the United States
troops?
Mr.. Wise. And in Washington.
MIR. Lee. will ask the gentleman from
Michigan whether the courts IN Washington
cltv and in Pennsylvania were not protect
I'd hy United States troops? Suppose the
United States army had been overcome,
conld United States courts have been held
even in Illinois? Now, | am dealing 10
facts. This territory was held by the United
States Government.
MIR Brewer. l remember the fate of Ellis.
worth. Talk about loyalty" in Alexandria
Mr. Lee. did not raise that question. l
an stating he facts as | believe them to
have existed.
Mr.. Allen. Of Michigan. wish to ask the
gentleman from Virginia whether thIa semi