Omaha daily bee., 1889-05-26
The NAVAL RESERVE BILL
Tracy Anxious to Have Governor
Hill Sign Tt.
HE WAS A PREJuPlcE0 JUROR
An Unusual Scene Witnessed in Pen
sion Commissioner Tanners Of
flce-The Sioux Commission
20 Meet in Chicago.
WASHINGTON BUREAU, THE OMAHA BEE,
513 FOURTEENTH STREET,

WASHINGTON. ID. O., May 20.
Secretary Tracy is very anxious to have
Governor Hill Of New York, sign the naval
reserve bill He wrote to the governor to-
day, saying: Much study and attention was
given 10 this question, and the bill, as re-
ported to the house, received the approval OF
the navy department, as well as that of the
committee reporting it, but, owing to the
continued illness Of Whitthorne, OF Tennes
see, 1t was not brought to vote before the
house. The establishment Of a naval reserve
in this country is very much to beuesired,
and will greatly increase our resources for
the defeuse Of our coasts and cities upon the
seaboard and great lakes. In view of the
Importance Of this question and of its init
mate relation to the navy department and the
national defense, invite for it your favor
able consideration
A PREJUDICED JUROR.
Ats o'clock this afternoon an unusual
scene was WITNESSED in tho Office Of the COM
missioner of pensiohs. 1t was an argument
In favor of granting pension of $72 month
for total disability to the twenty-one men
who are receiving pensions ranging from S24
to $50 for tho loss of an arm or leg or both
arms or both legs. The argument made By
]. G. Bigelow was illustrated by photographs
showing the exact disability of the 6ene-
fciaries. II was argued that the principle of
the law contemplated equal pensions for
equal disabilities In every instance, and that
all laws not containing equivalent pensions
were not in harmony with the original prin-
ciple. Before the argument was begun the
commissioner stated that he was willing to
state that he was prejudiced juror.
al am in favor of the prisoners said he,
''ard want to be convinced that am right.
] want TO see law which Will remove the
barrieE against these men who are
practically suffering total disabilities. but
who are not under the strict letter OF the
totally disabled. AS the law has heretofore
been Interpreted, tho highest pension they
can be allowed is $72 month. IL can sec
that am right am willing TO stake my po-
sition, If necessary, in favor OF the increase.
This is an important matter as II involves
arrearages, and ii threatens to make an in
road upon the surplus, which we all adore 80
greatly"
and was frequently appealed TO by the advo-
cate when questions OF general principle and
technical points were raised. There were
quite number OF newspaper correspondents
and congressman present AS soon as the
argument closed the commissioner announced
that the prayer was granted. ana that the
increase or rerating was allowed.
THE SIOUX COMMISSION.
The Sioux commission Will hold its first
session in Chicago on Monday. The mem-
bers are Ex-Governor Foster, of Ohio; ey-
representative Wm. Warner, of Missouri,
and General Crook, United States army.
Detailed instructions have been furnished
the commission in regard to their duties and
powers under the law. II Ia expected that
the members of the commission will leave in
the early part OF next week for Dakota and
begin negotiations with the Sioux Indians
for the purchase of their reservation.
Is ALLISON ENGAGEDf
The announcement OF tho marriage of Sen
ator Allison, Of Iowa, TO Miss Theresa
6topghton only lacks the authoritative yeri-