The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1896-03-12
THE F|FTY-FOURTH CONGRESS
BILL INTRODUCED IN THE HOUSE
TO CEASE PAYING PENSIONS
IN CASH.
70 prevent SN|NDuNG OF Vets.
All Pensioners to Be Paid in Checks and
Sent to the Homes of the Pensioners.
The Post Office Appropriation
Bill-Other Notes

Washington. March 6.-The house to-
day passed the executive appropriation
bill, which has been under consideration
for week.
Most of the time, however, was con-
sumed in the consideration of the
amendment to abolish the fee system
in the cases of United States attorneys
and marshals. This amendment was per-
fected and adopted.
The house then entered upon the con-
sideration of the post office appropriation
bill the largest of the regular supply bills,
which carries sol ,943,75I
During the general debate Mr.. Loud
explained that the bill did not purpose to
abandon the inspection system inaugural
ed by this administration, but the terms
of the bill cut off the force employed by
the first assistant postmaster general and
increased that of the regular inspection
force under the fourth assistant post
master general.
bill was passed to abolish the cash
payment of pensions, the purpose of
which was to protect old veterans who
squandered or were swindled out of their
pensions on quarterly pay days.
HOUSE PROCEEDINGS.
Washington, March Cat the open
ing of the session of the house a bill
was passed ON motion of Mr.. Overstreet
(Rep.) of Indiana to abolish the cash
payment of pensions.
The purpose of the bill is to prevent
the swindling of old veterans who draw
their pension money at the agencies on
the quarterly pay days.
Correspondence with agencies show
that many pensioners draw their pen
sions in cash and their families complain
that they get no benefit from the money.
This bill requires all pensions to DE
paid in checks, sent to the homes of the
pensioners.
Mr.. Hull Rep.) of Iowa asked unani-
nous consent for the consideration of n
bill to relieve General Carlin of liability
for $3.50 expended by Captain j. M.
Hyde in the rescue of party of students
who were snow bound in the Bitter Root
mountains in 1893.
Mr.. Wilson Rep) of Idaho objected,
saying that the party had deserted a
citizen of Idaho and left him to die.
The house then resumed consideration
| of the remaining features of the amend
ment to the executive bill to abolish the
fee system in the cases Of United States
| attorneys and marshals. After some I'M
important amendments had been adopted
| the executive bill was passed.
The house then took up the considera-
ton of the postoffice appropriation bill
Mr.. Loud (Rep.) of California, chair
man of the committee who was in charge
of tie bill, explained it's provisions. The
bill is the largest of the annual supply
bills. 1t carries SOL, 943,757, $2,S12, 142
less than the estimates, but $2,377, 76O
more than the current law carried.
Mr.. Quigg Rep.) of New York asked
whether it would be possible under the
provisions of the present bill for the
post office department to continue what
he dominated ''the spy SYSTEM" for sur
veillance over carriers, etc.
Mr.. Loud. in reply, explained that the
committee did not desire an official of
the government to embark in any new
enterprises and therefore the appropria-
ton used by the first assistant postmaster
general to employ inspectors had been
segregated so that money could not be
used by him for the purpose.
Mr.. Loud said he agreed with the first
assistant postmaster general fully as to
the adequate supervision of the postal
service. He thought it would benefit the
whole service, but the committee had
decided that it was not desirable to di-
vide the inspecting force and had, there
fore, cut off the force under the first
assistant postmaster general by making
provision for thirty additional inspectors.
In further explaining the bill Mr.. Loud
said
The amount for railroad transportation
of mails has been reduced from $4,000
600 to 1927, 100000 and the reduction had
been made in the hope and expectation
that his bill to amend the postal laws
relating to second-class mail matter,
which had been extensively discussed,
shall become law. In answer to n
question he stated he would press that
BILL if possible, to a vote.
Without completing the general debate
the committee rose and at 5 O'Clock a
recess was taken until o'clock, the even
ing session to be devoted to the considera
ton of private pension bills About a
dozen of these bills were favorably acted
upon at the evening session, which was
without noteworthy incident.