The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1894-03-08

TO know why Illinois. having more popula-
ton than Ohio. had but $1,000 pensioners,
receiving S31sol9OOO. while Ohio had lO2 S31
pensioners, receiving ST. 900. In Indiana
10000 was distributed to the congressional
district. in Ohio Ss55,OOO, while in Illinois
but 10000 was distributed to the district.
He attributed this state Of affairs TO the
fac that the Pension Office had been made
political machine by the Republican
party. Illinois was certain for the Repub-
lean party. while Indiana and Ohio were
doubtful The pension cases were settled
In the doubtful States. while those from the
solid States were pigeon-holed.
Mr.. Marsh explained this discrimination
by pointing out that in Kansas, which sent
but fifteen regiments into the field. there
Illinois had moved West to Kansas and
other States
Mr.. o'Neil, who was in charge Of the
bill, closed the debate. No amendments
looking to an increase of the appropriation
had been suggested, he said. The debate
had been largely for political effect The
Republicans, as they saw the limit Of pen
sions was soon 10 be reached, realized that
their stock in trade would cease when they
could no longer stand before the country
crying out that they mad increased the
number Of pensions. In concluding, Mr..
O'Niel warned the Republicans that they
were IN Il poor business when they saw
TT to discredit General Black and Com
missioner Lochren In the eyes Of the old
soldiers. Neither could they diScredit the
President with the American people. They
had absolute faith in his honesty, his pluck
and his courage: Applause) At So'clock
general debate closed under the agreement
reached yesterday, and the bill was read
for amendment and debate under the five
minute rule.
Mr.. Bingham and Mr. Hopkins offered
amendments, which were declared out of
order as not being germane, and Mr. Enloe
then offered his amendment TO amend the
act approved Dec. 81. 1893 so that il should
not be construed TO prevent the temporary
withholding OF payments to pensioners upon
clear and prirna facie evidence that their
pensions were obtained by forgery, perjury
or other actual fraud upon the United
states with pr9vlso tnat no pension oil
notice prescribed in said act have been
given, and that the cases OF suspended pen
sioners should be given priority upon re-
Mr. Martin, of Indiana, made the point of
order against the amendment that 1t was
not germare, and the point was sustained.
HENDERSON CRIES SHANE"
Mr.. Grosvenor offered an amendment to
increase the appropriation for pensions car
ried by the bill from $15OO00.OOO to $165, 10000,
which was defeated without division.
General Henderson, of Iowa, who has
been i'll for some time, next got the floor.
Several weeks ago he submitted to another
ampUtation OF his limb. He had been panied
beyond measure. he said. to find that upon
a theme which ought to inspire every pa
triotic heart this House was as divided as
IL IL was q war measure General Black,
who deserved every generous word that had
been spoken of him, stood here with
bouquet of rhetoric for the soldier in one
hand and dagger to strike him TO the soul
In the other. ION. my countrymen, said
General Henderson, addressing the Demo-
cratic side. he who wore stars upon his
shoulders In the cause of the Union can do
more harm to his CID comrades than all
those who fought under the confederate
flag. Mark the contrast presented by that
other distinguished soldier, General SlcSles
Republican applauss), who, fearing the
thunder OF the executive or the cruel heel
of the patronage, stands for the soldiers
with whom he fought. Scars are honorable,
but they must not be used as a cloak from
behind which to strike equally honorable
men. This debate shall not close without
my crying Shame! shamev at the soldier
who sought to discredit his comrades in
arms"
especially as TO his structures on General
Black. who was absent, and then after
some further debate by Mr.. Springer Mr.
amendment declaring a pension to be a
vested right. Mr.. ONeil made the point
that the amendment was not gerrnane,
changed existing law and did not reduce ex-
penditures. The point of order was sus-
Mr.. Grout offered an amendment to pre-
vent any fee from being paid TO member
or an examining board unless the board
for the degree of disability of tho applicant
and description Of the examination The
Chair ruled it out of order and Mr.. Grout
appealed from the decision. The Chair was
sustained.
Mr.. Picker offered an amendment to make
the reports of the examining surgeons open
10 the Inspection Of the attorneys and ap-
plicant 1t was agreed to-
Mr. Grow offered the last amendment
providing that no pension on account OF dis
ability in the service should be less than
S12 per month. He made brief speech his
first since his return to the House. which
he left thirty years ago as Speaker. Mr..
Crows remarks dubbed over with patriot
Ism and glowed with the fire of eloquence.
The members listened TO his words with
close attention, and a burst Of applause
from both sides of the House greeted its
conclusion. The bill was then reported to
the House and passed without division. The
House then. at Sis p. m. adjourned.