The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1893-02-17
Boutelle'sT TRADE.

Il would baye been rather remarkable
if this congress had elded without al exhi-
bition of the hostility to the south aud the
southern people that is still entertained by
some OF the republican,. The speech Of
Representative Bouteie, of Maine, on
Wednesday is proof that few "bloody
shirt statesmen remain in congress. He
improves every opportunity to show thai
the feeling he entertains for the southern
people is akin TO hatred. The infusnce
which the south exerts In national affairs
has an irritating effect upon his vindictive
nature; and when that influence is exerted
against measures which be favors he gives
expression TO sentiments that more conserv-
alive republicans would be ashamed TO
utter.
The cause Of his bitter TRADE against the
southern people on Wednesday was the bill
providing for certain pension reforms. The
bill was reported 20 the House by a COM
mittee Of which quite number of southern
men are members Mr.. Boutelle virtually
asserted that the south is against giving
pensions TO ex-unfon soldiers, and that
southern congressman are trying to break
down the pension system.
Mr.. Boutelle knew when be made that
statement that be was stating what was
not true, and that he was deliberately doing
southern oongressmen an iniustice. he
could not let the opportunity pass, however,
which the bill offered Of showing his hatred
OF the south.
As matter Of fact, there never has been
any hostility In the south to the payment OF
pensions TO ex-unioa soldiers who deserve
them. Southern congressman have not pro-
tested against pension legislation when they
should have done so simply because they
did not want to have it said that their OPP
position was due to enmity to those VINO
were opposed to them in the evil war
The time has come, however, when some-
thing must be done to rid the pension sys-
tenn of its abuses. Southern congressman
have a duty TO perform In this mstter, and
they have the courage to do It In the
north as well as in the south there Is a be-
lief that millions of dollars are being paid
out Of the treasury annually for pensions
that never should have been granted. The
pension burden, under republican admin
istration, has become so heavy that there Is
complaint against IL In all parts Of the
country.
The pension reforms now pending in con-
gress we're not suggested by a southern con-
gresham, but by congressman from the
north, but they have the approval Of south
ern men. Leading men in both political
parties admit that the pension burden 10 far
too great. There is a question as to how this
burden is to be lessened. Mr.. Boutelle would
like the country to believe that the Repub-
lican party is doing its utmost 90 prevent
any legislation looking to the dropping Of
names Of any pensioners from the pension
roll, even though there are many wrong
fully. on the roll.
His outrageous attack on the southern
people was fully answered by Representa-
tive Oates, who made It clear that the south
does not mean to question the pension OF
any deserving pensioner. The purpose Ia to
get rid Of the undeserving pensioners, and
Mr.. Boutelle would assist in that work il he
were as thoroughly conscientious as he pre-
tends to be.