The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1890-02-07
sERvICE-PENsION AGITATION.
Governor Hovey Pleased with the Outlook
His Estimate of the Probable Cost.

Governor Hovey Pleased with the Outlook
His Estimate of the Probable Cost.
Special to the Indianapolis Journal.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 6-Advocates of
moro liberal pension legislation were
rejoicing around the Capitol to-day
over the action of the Republican
caucus last night. In adding the COM
mittee on invalid pensions to the small
list Of committees which are privileged un-
der the rules to report at any time. The
action of the caucus means more liberal
pension legislation in every direction. 1t
means the adoption of either a service or
dependent pension bill and the adoption of
many private pension bills. The work Of
this Congress will be IN sharp contrast. so
far as pension legislation is concerned, with
that of the Congresses under President
Cleveland. Governor Hovey. of Indiana.
who has been here for several days
working in his individual capacity
pension Association in behalf of the G..
A. T.. service-pension bill, is being
congratulated for the influence he gave
toward the success of the caucus action
last night. Governor Hovey believes the
service-pension bill (which gives IS a
month and cent a day for service in excess
of 500 days. will be reported within a short
time from the committee on invalid pen
sions. and adopted. He does not believe
that a single member from the North, or
any member from a strong soldier district
will vote against the proposition. even
though he may, for any reason, be inclined
to oppose 1t. The Governor. through Major
Mckinley, laid before the House to-day the
Endorsements he has received to the serv-
ice-pension bill from nearly two thousand
@. A. X. posts. These Endorsements. giving
the name of each post which has passed a
resolution in favor of the bill. will cover
several pages in the Congressional Record,
aud will be preceded by a copy of the
measure and Governor Hovey's appeal TO
the people in behalf of the soldiers. Tho
Governor, before he returns to Indiana,
will appear before the Hous and Sem
ate committees on pensions and submit
an argument in behalf Of the measure. He
says hat the objection to the propositionis
based upon q misrepresentation as to its cost.
lie does not think that the general pension
aggregate will have TO be Increased more
than one-half of its present appropriation *
the measure should become a law. In other
words. there will only be about $50. 10000
to $40. 600. 600 disbursec annually for PEN
sions if the bill becomes a law. whereas
about sos 100000 are discussed under the
existing laws. He says the internal rev.
enue will more than pay the entire pension
list after the adoption of the service-pen-
sion bill. and include all expenses growing
ont of the pension laws. Governor Hovey
is greatly in earnest about this matter. and
saws that the adoption of the service-pen-
sion bill Is the easiest and most satisfactory
wav for the dominant party TO carry out
it's pledges to the soldiers. He objects to
the dependent pension bill. because the APP
plicant must prove poverty IN order TO re-
ceive benefits. whereas all will be entitled
to a pension under the service bill. and will
receive il in the general standpoint of
the right.