The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1888-10-18

wv SoAAi4aoOo ~ P1SauLDS lAleS oAO NAAses'o-
sion Of the Mills Tariff Bill engrossed the
attention of the House to such an extent as
to deprive him of all opportunity of pushing
the consideration and passage of pension leg
islation. The House met on the 9Th of De-
cember, and the Committee on Invalid Pen
sions was announced on the 9TH Of January.
Col. Matson knew that he was to be the
Chairman of the Committee long before this,
however. The Tariff Bill was not reported
until the ID of April, and the discussion of
it did not begin until the 18th. Here was
four and half months time since the open
ing of the session, and three and half
months since his appointment as Chairman,
in which there was little business of real
Importance before the House, and presuma-
bly, he could have had all the time he want
ed for the discussion of pension measures.
The greater portion of the Members desired
the opportunity for such discussion, and it
could have been had at almost any time by
Col. Matson taking the necessary steps
The discussion of the Mills bill ended July
21-almost exactly three months ago-and
since then the House has been mainly en-
gagged in killing time.
Here, then, has been between seven and
eight months of time bristling with opportu
mites which any earnest man would have
employed. These opportunities were given
by the power with which he is clothed by
Paragraph of Rule XIV of the Rules of
the House of Representatives, and which
power cannot be taken away from him Eek
cept by vote of two-thirds of those present
and voting thereon
After the morning hour shall have been devoted
to the reports from committees (or the call COM
pletedl the Speaker shall aguin call the commit
tees in regular order for one hour, upon which call
each committee. on being named, shall have the
right TO cal ao for consideration any b reported 6y
Il on precious day on either The House the Union
Calendar.
All the Chairmen of committees have en-
joyed this power during the entire session,
except while the Mills bill was being dis
cussed-from April II to July 21-and
nearly every one OF them made use of it
to secure such legislation as they desired.
Col. Matson was the only Chairman of an
important committee who declined TO
avail himself of it, Only in single in
stance did he make use of it. On Monday,
Sept. II, he called up and had passed the
bill increasing the pensions for deafness.
This benefited in all less than 500 soldiers.
At that time quite number Of Representa-
tives called out to him to have the Disabil-
ity Bill and the Arrears Bill also put on
their passage, but he declined TO accept their
suggestions
At no time did he make an effort to Sc
cure day for the consideration Of pension
legislation March &c Maj. Morrill,, mem
Der of the minority of the Invalid Pension
Committee, attempted to have the I'd and Sd
of May set apart for the consideration of pen
sion legislation, but as this did not have the
support and sanction of the Chairman il
failed
April 3 the Committee on Rules set apart
days for the consideration of business com.
ing from the Committees on Commerce, on
Military Afairs, on the Pacific Railroads
Territories, Public Lands, Foreign Affairs
Agriculture, Public Grounds, and the Judi
ciary; but no time was assigned to the Com.
mittee on Invalid Pensions, and it did not
appear that the Chairman of the same had
asked for or desired such time.
April % Maj. Morrill, renewed his efTor
to secure two days for the Invalid Pensions
Committee. Again he was not seconded o.
aided in any way by his Chairman, ant
again the effort failed.
Later petition, signed by 156 Repre-
sentatiyes, praying that this time be given
was presented. Col Matsons name was no
on the peutlOu.
Aug. IS Maj. Lyman endeayored to fore
a consideration Of pension legislation By oh
jecting TO any other business until time wa
assigned for this purpose, and maintaine,
his attitude for six days Col. Matson'
voice was not raised in support Of him.
Even during tie discussion Of the Mil
bin the Chairmen Of the Labor Committe
and The Committee on Military Affairs wer
able to secure days for the consideration c
business from their committees.
In brief:
Every committee has had all the time
needed except the Committee on Invali
Pensions;
Every Chairman has been active and sue
cessful in forwarding the business of hi
committee, excepting Col Matson.
Everybody has been able TO be fully hear
+ in Congress except the veteran, his wido,
and orphan
lie and tfey hare not been heard, sinpi
because Col Aatson decided in qduaace tn