Los Angeles herald., 1890-07-16
HOUSE PROCEEDINGS.
An Additional Clerical Force Voted the
Pension Bureau.

An A0d1t1On8l clerical Force voted tho
Pension Bureau.
WASHINGTON, July 15.-In the house,
today, Cannon moved that the house go
into committee of the whole on the bill
appropriating 1886, ,1S9 for an additional
clerical force to carry into effect the pro-
visions of the dependent pension act.
; Pending this motion, he moved that the
general debate be limited to two hours.
Agreed to-yeas, ia; nays, 60. The
previous question was then agreed to-
yeas, 1876: nays, 57-and the house went
into committee of the whole.
Dockery of Missouri, criticized the
majority OF the committee on appropri-
ations for not reporting bill making an
appropriation to pay the pensions which
would be granted under the dependent
pension bill, and intimated that its fail
ure to do so was attributable to political
reasons. The appropriation would not
be made before the November elections.
Cannon said the money would be ap-
propriated and paid just as rapidly as
pension certificates were issued.
Dockery charged that the majority
was affrightened by the startling ap-
preparation made at the present session
for pensions, and that it was the inten-
tion of the majority to spring an enor-
nous deficiency bill after the election.
Sayers, OF Texas, predicted that the
next session of congress would be called
upon to appropriate no less than $40,-
100000 to supply the deficiency in the
appropriations for pensions. n
Enloe, of Tennessee, thought that be-
fore any increase of force was granted
the pension bureau, it should be ascer-
tanned whether the charges brought
against the present commissioner in the
resolution offered by Cooper, of Indiana,
were true.
Cooper, of Indiana, said he was ready
to prove before competent committee
that the commissioner of pensions out
rageously sold out a ruling on behalf Of
firm of pension attorneys in Washing
ton. If the commissioner of pensions
would devote his time to the discharge
of the duties of the bureau, instead of
becoming president and chief manager
of refrigerating institution, based pos
sibly on no substantial foundation, there
would be no necessity for considerable
number of clerks.
Cannon said he did not know until
last Friday that Cooper had introduced
an investigation resolution. If he (Can-
nOn) had introduced such resolution,
and hearing was in progress, he would
wait until the hearing was completed.
Cooper replied that the committee on
rules, after hearing his statement,
adjourned to meet last Monday. But it
did not meet to pursue the inquiry be-
cause the gentleman from Illinois (Can-
. non) and other members were them
selves absent.
Cannon said he had been absent Mon
day for the first time in eighteen years.
The gentleman's eagerness would seem
to show an anxiety to figure in the news
papers. 1t might be that the admins
tration of the pension bureau was cor
rupt. If it be corrupt, let it be shown.
From an acquaintance of twenty years
with Green B. Raum, from his honor
able career, the responsible position held
by him for years in the treasury, and his
uniform good character; from all these
things he would say if it should be true
that in these last days he had fallen
under temptation it was rare case, and
for one he would not condemn him until
proof was shown.
Mckinley said, owing to serious i'll.
ness in his family, he had not been
present at the meeting of the committee
on rules to which Cooper alluded. So
far as the investigation was concerned
if any gentleman would rise and charge
Irregularities or corruption or dishonesty
or unfair dealing on the part OF the com
missioner, that would be sufficient rea
son for him to give his vote for an in
vestigation.
Cannon said he did not go SO far al