davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1894-12-20
Pension Frauds

The Pension Bureau has received report
from Special Examiner Stockslager, at Fort
Smith, Ark, announcing the recent conviction
of Tom Bear TO six years in the penitentiary,
and the sentence of I. J. Thornton to six months
in Jail and 5000 fine. This dispOses of the
ringleaders in scheme to defraud the Govern
ment. They were connected with fully 500
claims. There are two other regular commits
sions OF Special Examiners now at work on
supposed fraudulent pension cases. Five Ex-
smners, under the supervision of Examiner
Waite, have been investigating the Van Leuven
cases, and are collecting evidence for the use
of the United States District Attorney in his
prosecutions. Several of those involved in the
scheme have been indicted. and more indict-
ments arc expected soon.
w. S. Ayres and five other Examiners are
working on the w. Bowen Moore cases, frauds
discovered by the Bureau. The indicted pen
sion attorney had an agency in Rochester, and
three Examiners are there continuing their
investigation.
full commission investigated the transac-
tons of Attorney Hsnsee, of Hoboken. n. j.,
who ran a branch Office in Eddenyille. n Y.
and who was implicated in several hundred
fraudulent cases. but it has now been dissolved.
Examiners Fuller and Clements are, however
now at work verifying the evidence in some of
the cases. Many of this force are making in.
vestigations in the South. In all these it is
not shown that old soldiers committed any
fraud
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1894-12-20
AinsWorth's Kcnort

Col. F. c. Ainsworth, Chief of the Record and
Pension Office. has made report to the Score
tary Of War of the operations of that office dur
ing the past fiscal year. showing that the cur
rent work has been kept mp TO date and that
the clerical force not required for that purpose
has been constantly employed upon the work
Of reproducing by the index-record card sys.
tenn the military records relating to the per-
sonnet of the volunteer armies.
The current work increased considerable dur-
ing the past year, especially in the number of
pension cases received and disposed of, the
number being $4,000 in excess Of those of the
same class received during the previous year.
Col. Ainsw0rth says that it is evident that
the volume Of work connected with the service
Of the volunteer forces is not likely to be di.
minished for some years TO come. The labor of
the Office has been considerably augmented by
the act Of July q. 1892. giving a pensionable
status TO the survivors of the Indian wars and
their dependents, and has been still further in.
creased by tho recent transfer to il from other
bureaus of the Department of the Confederate
Archives the general returns of the ARMY. re-
lating wholly or in part to the volunteer forces.
the records relating to the appointment, com.
mission and personnel of the general and staff
officers of the volunteer forces. and of all the
records and correspondence relating to the vol.
untcer forces OF any war.
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1894-12-20
"WEDNESDAY, DEC. IL.

in the Senate Mr.. Plat Conn, r. then ad-
dressed the Senate briefly on the bill introduced
by Mr.. Berry 10 establish the Territory of In
dianOlO from the lands now occupied by the e i've
civilized tribes. At the conclusion Of his speech
the bin was referred 10 the Committee on Iu-
dian Affairs.
Mr.. Pugh ala, d. presented the credentials
OF Senator John r. Morgan, elected by the Ala
bsma Legislature for a term of six years from
March a. 1895.
The resolution Of Mr.. Higgins calling for the
correspondence relating TO offers of mediation
by this Government between China and Japan,
was then passed
On motion Of Mr.. Call, the Senate took up the
resolution heretofore offered by him authoriz.
ing the appointment OF committee to inquire
aud report whether the Louisiana or Honduras
Lottery Co. has been established aud is now
operating IN Florida. After a statement by Mr.
Gall the resolution was referred to the Commit
tee Oh Contingent Expenses.
The Senate proceeded to the consideration of
pension bills on the calendar. Among those
passed were bills granting pensions of 500 per
mouth 10 Mary Palmer Banks widow Of Mai-
Gen. Nathaniel p. Banks; Mrs. Katherine Todd
Crittenfen, and TO Maj. Gen. John A. McCler-
Dand.
The Senate resumed the consideration Of the
Nicaragua Canal bill, and Mr. Morgan ALA, ID. }
addressed the Senate.
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1894-12-20
Placed in the Civil Service.

The President has issued an order putting
the Internal Revenue service under the regu-
lations Of the Civil Service. There were some
exceptions which significant. There has
been a complete change in the Internal Revenue
service under the present Administration, aud
with few exceptions no Republicans are now
employed in that branch of the Treasury
Having made clean sweep tho President
puts that branch of the service in which the
sweep has been made under the Civil Service
regulations. At the present estimate there
will be 252 persons, at least, that will have to
be appointed to enforce he income tax. These
men OF all others. il would seem, should be free
from all partisan consideration in securing
their places. and therefore ought to be under
the Civil Service rules But President Cleve-
land excerpts them. When the places are all
filled lie will probably include these men under
the regulations of the Civil Service
The Deputy Collectors, 963 in number, are
also excepted,
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1894-12-20
Gen. Porter Dies Suddenly.

Adj't-Gen. Josiah Porter died at his home
in New York on Dec. H. He was stricken
with apopexy at the banquet given by the
9TH Regiment on Wednesday night, and was
removed to his home, where he remained I'M
conscious until his death, which most unex-
pected and sudden.
Gen. Porter was born In Cambridge, Mass,
about 81 years ago, and graduated from Har-
ward in 1852. He studied for the bar, and
became well known rs a lawyer.
He Joined the Boston Light Infantry in
1852. When the broke ont he WAS a
First Lieutenant. lie went to Maryland and
served under Gen. Butler. In three months
time be was made Captain. Gen. Porter took
part in many battles of the war After peace
had been proclaimed he resumed his law
practice. He became Colonel of the 22d in
1879. In 1886 Gov. Gill appointed him Adiu.
tant General
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1894-12-20
FOR FALLEN HEROES.
West Points Monument Nearing Compile
tion.

west fOinEB mOnument Nearing Compile
taon.
The battle monument at West Point will
soon be completed. les object is to commemo.
rate those of the Regular Army who fell in the
civil war. When Maj. tthen Leutenant) II.
G. Hasbrouck towards the close of the war
was stationed at West Point as an instructor
he originated the idea Of such q monument. on
which should be inscribed the names of all Off.
GERS of the Regular Army who were killed or
died of wounds received in the field, and that
tablet should be dedicated to the memory of
all enlisted men who fell under like circum-
stances. The plan was adopted of requesting
by circular letter subscriptions equal in amount
to six per cent. of their pay for one month from
all officers OF the Regular Army then in serv-
ice. The response was general and prompt, and
the fund thus gathered was placed in the hands
of monument committee. The funds were
invested in Government bonds and in 1889 had
accumulated to $4,000.
The building of the monument has progressed
slowly since the Autumn of 1890. being de-
laycd by the difficulties of obtaining and pol
ishing so large monolithic shaft as was de-
cided upon. The site was selected by the
Building Committee, in conjunction with the
architect, and was changed from that dedi-
Gated by Gen. Mcclellan on Trophy Point in
1864 to position midway between Trophy
Point and the hotel, prominently commanding
the river. The monument is of granite and
bronze. The shaft proper. between pedestal
and capital, is of red Branford granite from
Stony Creek, Conn. The rest of the stone
work is of light-gray granite from Milford
Mass The shaft is Al feet six inches high,
with diameters of six feet six inches and five
feet two-and-a-half inches. A bronze figure of
Victory. by McMonnies, will surmount the
column The dedication is set for Memorial
Day, 1895 Perhaps its most unique feature is
the fact that the names of the enlisted men
placed thereon in full, together with their
rank and regiment
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1894-12-20
BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG.
The Famous Picture Removed to Harris
burg.

The Famous Picture Removed to Harris
burg.
Rothermers famous picture of the battle Of
Gettysburg has been removed from Memorial
Hall, Philadelphia. to the library at Harris
burg, Pa, for which it was originally intended.
The State of Peunsyl vana has erected build
ing in Harrisburg in which q room so feet
square. well lighted, has been reserved for old
battleflaes and war relics, and it is here also
that the Battle of Gettysburg" will be per-
manently hung, together with the four pend
ants, "The Death of Gen. Reynolds" 1.-THE
Charge of the Pennsylvania Reserves" "The
Repulse of the Louisiana Tigers" and 1.-THE
Rcpulse Of Gen. Johnston's Division"
The picture of Gettysburg is one of the
largest ever painted, and year and half was
consumed in its completion, the painter receiv-
ing $4,000 for his work. From the first the
picture aroused an absorbing public interest in
Philadelphia and throughout the country.
Many of the portraits in the picture are actual
likenesses. Gen. Meade sat personally to the
artists, and there was no difficulty in getting
soldiers for models. They were more than
eager to pose. When completed the picture
was exhibited at the Academy Of Music, under
the auspices of the Academy Of Fine Arts
Gen. Sherman was there, and ono of the most
valued criticisms which the artist still repeats.
the words of the stern old hero of tho
"March to the Sea F" "a wish that my battles
could be painted So"
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1894-12-20

In the House, the pension appropriation bill
the subject which consumed most of the
DAY, sharp debate being participated in Mr..
Grosven0r (OhiO. r. criticised the pension
policy Of the Administration. One point he
made WAS that there are nearly 300 600 origira al
claims for pensions still nnadiudicated. He
could not understand how this was possible
aud certainly ought not TO be. lie complained
OF the many pensioners dropped from the rolls.
aud said that AS far as 0hio's quota was con-
ceTned, they were restored to the rolls mainly
upon request of Democratic politicians for
the purpose Of making Democratic votes at the
polls.
The whole principle ought TO be changed.
Mr.. GrOsvenor said, by the introduction of two
radical reforms. One was 10 MAKE a soldiers
certificate the only evidence necessary 10 place
him on the roll: the other was to make prada-
tions ia pay depend upon service, and not upon
rank
Mr. Sickles N. Y, d. expressed his disgust
with the frequent recurrence in the Presidents
message and the report of the Secretary of the
Interior and Commissioner of Pensions of
charges of fraud in the pension roll For the
last time, probably. before his retirement from
Congress- he said he desired to defend his old
comrades from this SANDER
q want 10 say right here to-day, for it may
be the last opportunity shall have TO say il
here, IA rindication of my comrades that that
roll OF million names, with so few instances
Of fraud, is a monument of honor 10 American
soldiers only less worthy, only less admirable
than the heroic services they performed in the
preservation Of this Union, for which services
their pensions awarded"
Mr. Morse aud Mr.. Lacey followed in the
same strain.
want 10 reply once for all 10 the charges
from the other side" said Mr.. Picker IN. d.,
r. that The pensiOn-roll is roll OF dishonor."
WHO on this side has ever made such
statemont2" asked Mr. Dunn, IN. j., d.
i don't care to drag names in here" re-
sponded Mr. Picker. But what does the
President of the United States sayf He is al
ways talking about purging the rolls of fraud.
DO you want anything stronger than VAR"
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1894-12-20

in the House. consideration OF the urgency
deficiency appropriation bin. The bill con-
tanned two disputed items the appropriation for
Special Pension Examiners and the appropria-
ton l0r tie collection of the income tax. The
former appropriation opened the doors for a
debate on the conduct OF the pension officers.
especially the practice If suminarily suspeuGin g
the payment Of alleged frau ulent pensions.
MI Henderson Iowa u. } led the opposition
70 The appropriation for the Special Examiners.
lie took the Eoor and vigorously criticized the
conduct Of the Pension Office. The number
OF Examiners. lie said, had been greatly in
creased under the present Administration in
order TO spy out and cut off deserving PEN
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1894-12-20

Mr.. Picker went on to detail the result Of the
Pension Office purging which no declared had
resulted in but 80 convictions.
Mr. Dunn IN. j., D. asked Mr.. Picker IL he
thought the Government ought to be preclnded
from examining into even SO cases of fraud.
Mr.. Pickler-Certsinly not.
Mr.. Dunn-Wbat are you talking about,
| tbenP Laughter
Mr.. Pickler-To show that the pension-roll is
a roll of honor
Mr.. Dunn-Oh, yes; the talk of a demagog.
Mr.. Picker (excitedly)-Th Commissioner
of Pensions is demagog, and his report shows
that the President of the United States is the
chief demagog. Applause in the galleries.]
Mr.. Enloe (Tenn., d. spoke and said at the
end of his remarks to the House that. like
Catiline at the gates of Rome, II go, but l shall
return"
Mr.. Mahon PA, r. made correction of his
statement that some pensioners who had been
suspended from the roll and then restored had
not been paid for the time they were suspended.
This he said, was not accurate. These PEN
sioners had been paid all the money due them,
but pensioners who had been dropped from the
rolls and who bad been again placed on the rolls
npon new applications had not been paid for
the time that elapsed between their dropping
from the roll and the date Of the new applca-
ton. Ii was this class of pensioners, said Mr..
Mahon, who are complaining.
Inns statement was denied by Mr. Dunn, Mr..
Taylor lind, d., and other Democrats. and
Mr.. Mahon promised to produce proof of the
fact
Mr.. Hulick, of Ohio, said that the Pension
Bureau had issued two certificates to the same
applicant upon his two claims under the gem
eral law and the law of June 81, 1890. He
mentioned this, he said, to illustrate ono phase
of the Bureau management. TO Mr.. Dunn's
increduous inquiry, Mr.. Hulick repeated the
assertion, and said that he himself had pro-
tested to the Commissioner of Pensions.
Messrs. Bynum, OF Indiana; Cannon, Of ILL.,
nois, and Millkeu, of Maine. participated. and
debate concluded by brief speech from Mr..
0Neil, of Massachusetts. in charge of the bill.
He explained that $l39, 100000 had been ex-
pended for pensions during the last fiscal year,
and the Commissioner had estimated that the
same sum would be expended during the pres
ent year. The Commissioner believed the
limit of pension expenditures had been reached,
and that after waycring about tho present fig
ure for three years il would begin to decrease.
The Appropriation Committee had allowed
every dollar the Commissioner deemed neces-
sary.
No amendments were made TO the bill it
was then reported to the House with favor
able recommendation, and passed.
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1894-12-20
THURSDAY, DEC. 10.

In the Senate, Mr. Hunton VA d. spoke on
the bill for the establishment of National
University at Washington. He said the idea
Of National University had originated with
George Washington. one of the wisest and best
OF men. He argued that Washington was the
place for the proposed institution, for which
there was a demand by colleges. etc. to com.
plcte their circle of education and to carry to a
higher point the work begun by them.
Mr.. Villas wis. d. then addressed the Senate
in advocacy of the University bill.
Senator Morgan took the floor at the con-
clusion Of Mr.. Nilas's remarks, beginning with
the reading OF an opinion by Chief Justice DAILY,
of New York, on the constitutional power of
the United States to aid in constructing the
Nicaragua Canal. This opinion was favorable
TO the view that the United States would be
acting entirely within its Constitutional rights
in engaging in this enterprise on the ground
that the canal would facilitate commerce be-
tween the Eastern and Western States
The Senate adjourned TO meet on Monday.
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1894-12-20

In the House, three appropriation bills-the
urgent deficiency, Notifications aud Military
Academy were disposed Of aud fair progress
made on the pension BILL
Mr.. Cochran secured record-makinp vote
on the appropriation for the collection of
the income tax by moving to recommit the
bill, with instructions to strike il out but h is
motion was defeated by 100 majority. the vote
standing 40 to 169. The foriIfications bill
passed carried $l.S79 057-S5, AIS. GAG less than
the estimates. aud the Military Academy bill
$i57 678-Sl27372 less than the estimates.
Mr.. ONeil Mass, d. called up the pension
appropriation bill. He explained that il carried
S14l, ISL, 570-S200. 600 less than the estimates
This year $l50,0OO0O0 was appropriated for
pensions. The appropriation in the bill for
1895 WAS Sl40000,0 600. The only other change
from the estimates and the bill for the current
fiscal year was decrease in the appropriation
for Examining Surgeons from 81 100000 10
100000 Mr.. Grout VT. r.. criticized the
amount for pensions carried by the bill as OF
doubtful adequacy
An agreement was reached TO close general
debate on the pension bill at the eud of four
hours tomorrow, when it was laid aside.
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1894-12-20
CONGRESS.
Abstract Of The More Important Pro-
ceedingS Of Both Houses
MONDAY, DEC. 10.

MONuh1s bfsNs I've
Tn the Senate the only interesting feature
was Mr.. Morgan's speech favOring the Near
Bgua Canal bill lie declared that the Govern
mept of the United States, in controlling the
operation of the canal, would not interfere IN
the least with any treaties between Nicaragua
and Costa Rica and foreign Governments; that
no foreign Government had indicated any OBJ
lection TO the control Of it by the United
States: that il would not be a departure from
the Monroe Doctrine, or an abrogation of the
Clayton Buwer treaty; and yet, that it was
the nearest possible approach TO Government
ownership OF the canal.
Mr.. Mitchell ore. R.) also supported the
bill. but had doubts as 10 the extent to which
the United States should become involved.
Mr.. Call Fla. d. offered a resolution recit-
ing that the Independence of Cuba was an OBJ
iect of great importance TO the United States,
and requesting the President to open nego-
tiations with Spain for the recognition oil the
idependence Of the island. and for the guaran-
Zee by the United States of the payment Of such
a sum OF money as shall be agreed on. On OBJ
lection il went over.
Mr. Call also offered resolution declaring
"that the further prosecution Of the war be-
tween China and Japan, to the disintegration
of the ancient Government and nationality Of
China, will not be advantageous TO the peace
and civilization Of the Nations of the world and
their progress in the arts and that the interests
Of the world require that all Governments
shall unite in negotiating with Japan and
China FOR the termination of the war, and the
settlement of their differences by arbitration"
In the House, the time was devoted to the
consideration OF business pertaining to the
District Of Columbia but nothing was accom-
plished. The bill TO establish public library
in the CITY of Washington was discussed four
hours and then referred TO the Committee on
Public Buildings and Grounds. Another bill,
authorizing corporations in the District TO re-
new their existence terms OF two years,
by vote of the stock holders was Withdrawn
without action.
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1894-12-20

While digging a canal near the city of New
Orleans, La, to Lake Ponchartrain, some work
men struck cypress stump at depth of nine
feet, in which was i'm bedded canno on ball about
the size of a mans fist. Save for rust it was rs
well preserved AS the day it was fired from PAX
enham's cannon at the battle Of New Orleans in
1914. There is no doubt Of it's authenticity. the
stamp of the maker being conclusive proof
About 200 yards further was found a second
stump containing a ball similar to the first.
These relics will be presented to the Louisiana
State Historical Society.
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1894-12-20
Effective.
fPcnrSOn'S IEecLIm-l

" Are you still troubled by your neighbours
chickens?" asked one man of another.
q Not a bit, !" was the answer. They are
kept shut up now"
:" How did you manage ?"
why, every night put lot of eggs in
the grass under the grapevine, and every
morning, when my neighbor was looking |
went out and brought them in.'
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1894-12-20
SPECIAL M ENTION.
What Our Advertisers Are Onerir

What Our Advertisers Are Offering.
Chas s. Horner. 1885 Penn avenue, Pitts
burg, Pa, soicits agents TO handle complex ion,
toilet, and medicinal soap.
The DR.. Taft Bros. Medical Co., Rochester,
n. Y, advertise "Asthmalene," certain cure
for Asthma. Trial bottle free.
Eastlake Manufacturing Co., corner Adams
and State streets, Chicago ILL.,, offer special
IS karat gold-plate watch at $3.50. Free to
examine if you want.
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1894-12-20

In the House. tho struggle over the bill to
authorize railroad pooling was terminated to-
day by the passage of the bill by the decisive
vote Of l66 10 ITO. The Cooper substitute,
which placed the entire costrol of the con-
ditiOns Of pooling in the hands of the Inter-
state Commerce Commission. and gave TO it
absolute power in the matter Of revoking pool
ing orders, was defeated as all subsequent
efforts 10 amend and recommit il.
In the morning hour Mr. Mallory again called
up the bill 10 promote the tficiency of the
Revenue Cutter Service, which provoked Mr.
Champ Clark remarks on Saturday. and to-day
the missOurian again took the floor, n pursuance
OF his avOwed intention of talking the bill TO
death. Mr.. Clark then took off his cuffs and
for As minutes kept the House in roar with
humorous and stirring anecdotes of obscure
heroes" paying rough-and ready but eloquent
tribute 10 the gallant deeds Of Sias Adams, Of
Kentucky; Gen. Sickles, of New York; w. c.
y. Breckenridge, Of Kentucky; Gen. Black, Of
Illinois, and Jerry Simpson, OF Kansas, who are
members Of the House. and Orrville B. Young
who FIRST planted the Union flag on the breast-
works al Gainesburp; Tom Caldwell. who took
the first transport past Vicksburg; Gen. Rous-
seau and old Pap" Price aud Frank p. Blair
OF Missouri.
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1894-12-20
Mrs. Bobbin's Cruelty.

lUashinOton Star.l
az know" said Mrs. Bobbin, " that there
is a burglar in the house"
How do you know"
g heard a rasping noise in the kitchen
jest now"
Well; We'll let him alone. Maybe he's
working out his own destruction. 1t sounds
to me rs if he were cutting himself slice of
that pie"
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1894-12-20
The Final Result.


Tommy-Paw, the teacher told US to-day,
that if man kept on telling lies he would
soon find himself stealing. Is that so?
Mr.. Figg-Mebbe SO. Many man has
got himself into the City Council by telling
lies