The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1890-07-16
THE HOUSE.
Prolonged Debate on the Il for Additional
Pension Clerks.

4CusIOn OIcihs
WASHINGTON. July l5.-In the House to-
day Vandever of California introduced
bill granting a pension of $1,000 year to
the widow Of the late General John G.
Fremont.
Cannon moved that the House go into
committee Of the whole on the bill appro-
priating $685. 1S9 for an additional clerical
force to carry into effect the provisions of
the Dependent Pension Act.
Pending this matter he moved that the
general debate be limited to two hours.
Agreed to-ayes ia, noes 60.
The previous question was then agreed
to-ayes 135, noes 37-and the House went
into committee of the whole.
Dockery OF Missouri criticised the major
ity of the Committee on Appropriations for
not reporting a bill making appropriations
to pay pensions which would be granted
under the Dependent Pension Bill and in
timated that this failure was due to polit-
cal reasons. The appropriation would not
be made before the November elections.
Cannon said the money would be appro-
prlated Just as rapidly las pension certfi-
Gates were issued.
Dockery charged that the majority was
frightened by the startling appropriation
made at the present session for pensions
and that 1t was the intention of the major
Il} W DIluH al UpuClcucY Dill
after the election.
Savres OF Texas predicted that the next
session of Congress would be called upon
TO appropriate no less than $40, 600 to
supply the deficiencies in the appropriations
for pensions.
Enloe of Tennessee thought that before
any increase in the force was granted to
the Pension Bureau it should be ascer-
tanned whether the charges brought against
the present Commissioner, In the resolution
offered by Cooper of Indiana. wera true.
Cooper said he was ready to prove before
a competent committee that the Commits
sioner of Pensions outrageously sold out
ruling on behalf of firm of pension attor-
neys in Washingtons II the Commissioner
of Pensions would devote his attention to
the discharge of the duties of the bureau
there would be no necessity for this consid-
cradle increase of clerks.
Cannon said he did not know until last
Friday that Cooper had introduced an in
vestigatlon resolution. If lie had known
that Cooper had introduced such resolu-
ton, and the hearing was in progress, he
would wait until the hearing was com-
pleted.
Cooper replied that the Committee on
Rules, alter hearing his statement, ad-
journed to meet last night. but it did not
meet to pursue the inquiry, because the
gentleman from Illinois Cannon and other
members were themselves absent.
Cannon said he had been absent Monday
for the first time in eighteen years. The
gentleman's eagernesS would seem to show
an anxiety to figure in the newspapers. 1t
might be admired. If the administration of
the Pension Bureau was corrupt let it be
shown. From an Acquaintance of twenty
years with Mr.. Green b. Raum, from his hon
orable 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 failed under
temptation, 1t was rare case, and for one
he would not condemn until proof was
shown.
Mckinley said that owing to serious ILL
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 in
vestlgaton was concerned, if any gentle
man would rise and charge irregularities
or corruption or dishonesty or unfair deal
ing on the part of the Commissioners, that
would be sufficient reason for him to give
his vote for an investigation.
Cannon said he did not 90 so far as the
gentleman from Ohio. A charge on the
part OF a member of Congress. who fire.
ouently did not weigh his words. of NAL
administration against an executive officer
was not sufficient to authorize an investi-
CATION. There must be a specific charge for
which the Representative made himself re-
sponsible. He must state such facts and
circumstances as would satisfy the House
that an investigation ought to made.
Houk of Tennessee offered an amend
ment providing that persons employed
under this bill be appointed among tho
Congressional districts of the several States
and Territories not now having their quota
of employees under the existing law.
Ruled out on a point of order.
During the col0Quy between Cannon
and Houk concerning the civil service law
there was considerable warmth. Finally
the committee rose, the bill was passed and
the House adjourned.