The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-03-01
BLAIR HAS THE FLOOR.
The New Hampshire Man Complains OF
the Lack of Courtesy by the Press.

The New Hampshire Man Complains OF
the Lack of Courtesy by the Press.
WASHINGTON, Feb. Ex-senator Ingalls,
was elected vice-president pro TEN. and
will ofliciate during the absence of Vice
President Morton in Florida. Blair took
the floor and said he had received a letter,
one Of many such, complaining that the
Associated Press and newspapers Of the
country had failed to give such reports oi
important matters of debate in the senate
as would properly inform the people touch
ing affairs in progress. The letter in ques-
tion referred to his educational bill. This
said Blair. is but n specimen of the general
complaint throughout the country that the
press 10 which the senate furnishes privileges
and the Associated Press. whose reporter
has the privilege of the floor, fail in the dis,
charge of their important duty connected
with legislation. The press has con
stantly intimated that the reason of its al.
legged delinquency in not publishing sucl
important matter. rather than prize hgbtt
and dog fights, is that my speech wns not
entertaining. l have spent MAN. thousands
of dollars distributing my speeches. and
this would not have been necessary had NOT
the press been dazzled and intimdated, and
false 20 its trust in that regard. | have
been told by responsible news l.aper men
that the Associated Press has not trans
miited any, or scarcely any, of
the facts which day after day
have been placed before the senate,
and which should have gone before the peo.
pie. On the contrary. the papers have been
filled with falsehoods, lies and mispresenta-
tiuns OF n grave character. bearing ON the
merits Of the question, that cannot be an
accident The press should not cater TO the
worst side of humanity, even II il supplies
its owners with little more cash.
Hawley said he knew the Associated Press
performed its duty. II sent from Washing
ton every day quite full abstract of the
proceedings OF congress in both houses.
Hale and Hoar also spoke in defense Of
the press, the latter finding an excuse for
the press in the habit of senators and repre-
sentatives in preparing long written
speeches and delivering them 10 empty
benches
Blair said however, that there is de-
mand for information which the press does
not satisfy. There might be a provision
made for u general cheap circulation of the
Congressional Record. That provision had
not been made. With regard 10 ths Asso-
ciated Press, he WAS glad 10 hear what the
htflulOI lTplu toluttlitul AiAaNlNNl btlu
but he had been told by responsible news
paper men IL was not true. The matter WIS
then dropped.
The senate then proceeded 20 considera-
tion OF the bill reported from the committee
on pensions Jan. u, granting pensions "a
eX- soldiers and sailors lncapacitatod for the
performance of manual lnbnr, and provid
ing for PENSIONS 90 the dependent relatives
of deceased soldiers and sailors. Davis,
chairman of the committee on pensions,
addressed the senate IN explanation of the
bill. The annual expense under the bill
will be S55,90s.000 divided among invalid
pensions. increase of existing pensions
widows of unpensioned soldiers, widows of
pensioners, widows whose claims are pend
ing or rejected. children of widows and
children under pending bills. Plumb of.
fercd substitute for the second section,
under which no persioner would receive
less than So per month. Moody spoke on
the substitute and Vest opposed the bill.
One of it's Inconsistencies was that a parent
who could not support himself by manual
labor. but who might by mental Dr clerical
work earn 5000. $4,000, S2O,00 year,
would be entitled 10 a pension under II.
lie also spoke of the nnreliability OF the es-
Inmates and said no man could tell within
mill MS and billions how much this bill
would cost. II went over without action.
The house bill for the appointment of two
personF 10 represent the United States In
ihe Madrid conference in reference 20 in
dustrial property passed. Adjourned until
Monday.