The National tribune., 1888-05-17

ton of the increase of pensions to minor chill
dren from s. to s. q month.
Chairman MatsOn stated that while they
could not claim that it was clerical oversight,
still he must say that it was more an omission
than an intention, but then proceeded to justify
the omission on the ground that the pension
now did not go to the children that the 3
per month was paid TO the widowed mother,
and simply went into her pocket.
Corpl Tanner responded that it was fair
assumption that that in the mothers pocket
went for bread and meat for the children.
Chairman Matsou claimed that the increase
of widows pensions from $ to SD a month
had, if she only had one child, put her in pos
session of twice as much as she had been get
ting on account of the child.
CorpI Tanner called his attention to the in
consistency of that, contrasting the condition
of one widow without any children 10 another
with three or four.
Chairman Matson gave no encouragement Of
any legislation in behalf of the minors
Messrs. Sawyer, Thompson and SpOoner, at
various times during the running debate which
followed, strenuously supported the attitude Of
the Committee in answering Mr. MatsOn's OBJ
jectiOus to their proposition
Chairman MatsOn stated that he had q report,
which he was DESTROYS OF making, favorable 70
the passage Of repeating
THE LIMITATION OF ARREARS ACT.
CorpI Tanner responded that this Committee
had constantly stood there advocating the pas
sage of such a measure.
Chairman Matson read his report on that
matter, which specifies and desires to have the
repeal of the Limitation Of arrears act passed, so
as to apply to all claims now filed.
Corporal Tanner also stated that there was
another measure which would most Justly help
reduce the surplus, and specified the bin to
PENSION THE Ex-P PRISONERS OF WAR.
1t was stated that that bill had already been
reported favOTably aud was upon the calendar
of the House. Reference was made to the bill
reported by the Committee in favor Of increas-
ing the pension of those who had lost both
arms, and Corporal Tanner on behalf Of the
Grand Army Committee asked how under
heaven this Committee could for a moment
contemplate separating from that class the men
who, by the loss of both eyes have been con-
demncd to a never-ending earthly darkness.
Chairman Matsou's explanation Of that was
embodied in the statement that he thought
no one could deny that a man who had lost
both arms was disabled the worst of all.
Corporal Tanner frankly conceded that claim,
but still insisted that 500 month was none
too low for the men who had lost both eyes,
and expressed himself as heartily in favor of
putting the armless up to 800 a month if
possible. He stated that he was somewhat
embarrassed personally by the fact that he
was one OF Jne ~ Survivors VINO had lost DOLn
legs, and could simply ask the Committee to
consider the justice Of an increase of their
pension from So to 500 a month.
The hearing closed with a general inter
change of views between Members Of the House
Committee pro and con, in which Gems. Burst
and Kountz, on behalf Of the Pension Com
mttee, participated, and the Committee with
drew with the impression that a majority Of the
House Committee was really trying how 70
get favorable reports upon the calendar with
ont securing the passage Of anything, rather
than an earnest endeavor to procure the enact
ment of the laws desired by the Grand Army.
1t was fOrcibly brought out in this connection
/ by Mr.. Spooner Of the House Committee,
who told the Chairman that there was a great
difference between putting things on the cal
endar and putting them through the House,
and that the point we were most interested in
was what was going to be passed by proper
measures to insure action by the House, rather
than what was to be reported by the Com
mittee.
After nearly a week Of arduous labor, per-
haps as diligent as any ever put in by the Com
mittee of the Grand Army, that body leaves
the Capital without the assurance, which they
| hoped to receive Of the successful issue, owing
chiefly to the attitude Of the Chairman of the
! House Committee.