The Russellville Democrat., 1891-03-26

uNe CEHt1 Ou tac AHbhHAUH QDtihkn l1 too small to be considered as reas onabIe objection. And certainly no man can object to either the princi- pie or tho motive that prompts the movement. One-fourth of one mill should be the maximum limit. No future legislature should ever go be- yond this. and If they do not the law will be success; otherwise it will be failure. This point should be carefully guarded. If so it will prove satisfactory to the people of the whole state.
 It is 10 be regretted that the gen. tleman from Searcy let his mind run back in bitterness to the cause that makes this bin 8 necessity. The past is gone; let it go. No reference should be made to that terrible con test, unless 1t be in manner to cul- tivate a spirit of friendship. That was most peculiar and unfortunate war. It was like brothers of the same family falling out and stabbing each other to the heart. And as a family affair, it should have been settled amicably and peaceably. It is neither 8 manifestation of states manship nor patriotism to stir up old prejudices that should have been long since forgotten. Is there man in this house who is so deep in the
 
 mire of sectionism as to be unwilling to throw off the black gar5 of politi- cal prejudice and don himself in the white robes of peace, conciliation and friendship? I trust not. Let the boys who wore the gray, and the boys who wore the blue. shake hands over the differences, each giving the other credit for honesty of conviction and purity of purpose, and if possible pluck consolidating | friendship from the wings of passing angels. Let this bill become law 1 in this spirit and we need not fear the consequences. The Democratic party has ever been true 10 her principles and citizens, ani do not think she will prove recreant in this matter. The Republican party of the state and the nation in the future will give the Democracy of Arkansas praise for her nobility and generosity in measuring out justice, right and fairness to the oli ex-Confederate soldier-citizens who are financially ruined, physically wrecked and rapidly going down to the grave. Let the state make a small contribu- | ton for their comfort and happiness in the last days of their lives, and 1 believe as sure as there is 8 God who rewards men for good deeds, the benediction of Heaven will fall upon us as state.
 | l feel it my duty to vote for this bill, and whether my action is either approved or appreciated, I shall have that peacefulness of conscience, that 1 tranquility of spirit, that serenity of soul that always attend man who is in the discharge of his duty. Mr. Dunaway objected to certain features in the bill, He thought sentiment should have nothing to do with legislation. He wanted to help the disabled ex-Confederste soldiers, but objected to the S10, ,000 appro- priated annually to the ex Confeder ! ate home.
 Mir. Schnsbles said he was the 1 oldest ex-Confederate soldier in the house. He thought the home the | best place for the disabled veterans, and he was for the bill.
 Mir. Greer was for the x.Coufed- crate Home, and were it not for that feature in the bill he would not SUD- port it. He thought that the grand. est thing in the bl.
 MT. Jackson indorsed Mir. Greer's remarks heartily.
 Mir. Little desired to express his feelings on this bill. Only few years and all these old ex-Confeder. ate soldiers would be gone. The state should support the disabled ones, and he was for the bill.
 Mir. Poe thought the field had been fully occupied. He left this city in 1861 with the Eleventh Ar kansas regiment and was in the war until Lee surrendered. He was ready to do anything for any old ex- Confederate soldier and was will ing 10 be taxed for the maintenance of those who were disabled, but he objected to that provision appropriat ing S10, ,000 for the home.
 Mir. Holt said:
 Mir. Speaker, Sir, l desire to make few remarks or this bill; not that l expect to change single vote, but that it may be known which side l am on, and that some of the reasons may be known that actuates me to vote aye on this bill. Sir, am one who spent near four years in the de. fense of the lost cause. 1 very well know the hardships and privstions that Confederate soldier had to un- dergo. l bear the marks of the lead | en missiles of Arkansas Post and of | Chickamsuga. As has been said on this floor, love an ex-Confederate | soldier wherever I chsnce to meet | him. There is chord in my heart that no other man can touch so sen sible as an old soldier friend. Sir, I | don't vote this pittance as a gift of charity, but, sir, 1 believe the state