The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1894-04-28
The LIE DIRECT.
Representatives TaIbert and
Picker Call Names,
For Which They Are Called to
Order.
APOLOGIES ARE AS BAD
AS the Heated Language First
INDUCED In.
APOLOGIES ARE AS BAD

WASHINGTON, April es.-Twenty-one
private pension bills passed, tells the
story of yesterdays work in the house.
Mr.. Hepburn tof Iowa, who has been
harassing the Democratic side daily
for week, to force action on these
pension bills, finally succeeded,
through the aid of Mr. Picker of
South Dakota, who has been acting
with him, and the bills were passed.
The beneficiary of one of the bills, an
old lady of 90, totally blind, the widow
of a soldier of the war of 1912, had
died since her bill was reported from
last Friday nights session When it
was read and about to be placed upon
its passage, Mr.. Taylor of Indiana in
sterrupted by saying:
Never mind, Mr.. Speaker" said
he, that bill can be laid aside; the
old lady is dead"
The members who had been chat
ting and laughing stopped: There
was moment of silence The relief
for which the old lady had been striv-
ing so long was at hand, but, like
many other congressional claims, it
came too late
The usual monotony Of the Friday
night session was broken when the
members were in a rancOrOuS temper,
the lie passed and two nemb ers were
called to order for unparliamentary
language.
Mr. Talbert, Democrat, South Caro-
lima, who has been trying for several
weeks to get into the record a series
of articles on the subject of pensions,
repeated his attempt last night. All
his requests were refused
Mr.. Picker, of South Dakota was
particularly determined in his Opposi-
ton Both gentlemen showed signs
of temper.
THAT is the most s1anderous attack
on Union soldiers ever published"
said Mr.. Pickler.
1.-THE gentleman is talking about
something he knows nothing about, "
shouted Mr. Talbert-
1.-The gentleman from South Caro-
lima" continued Mr.. Picker, sis only
trying to SANDER union soldiers
Il deny it, said Mr. Talbert in loud
tones, shaking his fist aloft.
THE gentleman has uttered false
hood, pure and simple" said Mr.. Pick
Ter.
Instantly a dozen members on the
Republican side were on their feet,
and Mr.. Hepburn called Mr.. Talbert
to order and demanded that his words
be taken down They were read from
the clerks desk, and, after some
wrangling, Mr.. Talbert was given
permission to explain Mr. Talbert
began his explanation by stating that
he was sorry he was obliged to say
would withdraw what he had said,
however, if Mr.. Pickler would with
draw his remarks.
The tone of the South Carolinan's
explanation did not seem TO suit Mr.
Baker, Republican, New Hampshire,
who declared that the explanation
was fully as offensive as the original
language and he again called Mr.. Tai
bert to order. At this juncture there
was an effort to pour oil on the
troubled waters and, on motion, Mr..
Talbert was allowed to proceed He
had no further explanation to make,
however, and took his seat, when Mr..
Picker arose and made a statement,
which again kindled the flames of par
tisanship. The paper which printed
these articles, he said, was continually
s1andering and villifying the soldiers.
The gentleman from South Caro-
Gna,'' he added. turning to Mr. Tai
bert, has slandered and vilified them
every Friday night That is his OBJ
ject. and hold it in utter contempt"
Mr.. Livingstone of Georgia, Demo
crat, jumped to his feet and in turn
called Mr.. Picl<ler to order After his
words had been read from the clerks
desk, Mr.. Martin of Indiana, moved
that Mr. Pickler be permitted to ex-
plain
II don't want to explain" shouted
Mr. Picker II stand by what said,
and have nothing to take back
At this point the counsel of cooler
heads prevailed. The excitement
subsidized and, without further Incl
dent, the house proceeded and dis
posed of nine pension bills, five of
which were favorably acted upon
The point of no quorum was then
made and, after call Of the roll, the
house at 1890 adjourned.