The National tribune., 1896-01-02
TuFeDAY. DEC. "a.

in the Senate. Mr.. Hawiey, in presenting a
bin authorizing the Secretary OF War TO issue
Springfield rifles To State military organizations
i'm exchange for old guns, said: =" In order that
this shall not he construed so as TO add TO war
scare / will say that il is merely question OF
business Many of the guns in use by State
troops are of ANTICIPATED pattern. By the adop-
tion of the Kragg-JorEenson gun-whlch, L
think was q mstake-the War Department
has on hand large supply OF good Springfield
rifles and the National Guard should have
them in exchange for the worthless arms"
The project of Pan. American political
union, embracing North, South and Central
American Republics WAS presented by Mr..
Allen (Neb., P.) in the following resolution
THAT II is the sense Of the Senate that the
United States of America should, AS speedily as
possible invite all American Republics to enter
into closer union. to be known as the Pan
American Union. for the purpose OF promoting
the general industrial and commercial welfare
OF the members thereof and secure said RepuO-
lies from European or other foreign eDcroach-
ments."
There was considerable discussion over the
bill TO repeal the old proscriptive laws against
the commissioning Of ex-Confederates IN the
u. s Army or Navy. 1t would be most
fitting and generous Christmas present TO the
men of the South" said Mr. Hill. Mr.. Sher-
man Ohio r. suggested that there should be a
BILL" said Mr.. sherman "The time is past
for such discrimination. But the usual course
Of committee action should be taken"
Mr. Chandler IN. r.. R. urged immediate
action Thirty wears had elapsed since the
war There was no reason for keeping tins
prescription aud there was abundant reason Tor
repeating il.
Mr.. Hawley Conn, r. responding TO some
criticisms by Mr.. Gray as TO the course of
former legislation in this line. said it was not
70 be wondered at that there was some feeling
over Appomattox and Gettysburg. This law
followed the close of the war. 1t was not pro-
scriptive. Ii was regarded At the time as per-
fectly Just. The Senator said he had the greatest
respect personally for some Of these Conied-
crate soldiers but a country that had any re-
spect for itself was compelled at the close of
great war 10 protect itself against abuses of
that day.
Mr.. Daniel Wa. d. spoke OF the wish of the
South to have one country and one people.
When the war closed the South laid down its
arms IL was anxious now 10 obliterate the
fierce memories of the war. Mr.. Daniel pre-
scented the memorial of the Virginia Legisla-
ture urging this repeal and also commenting
the Presidents message On Venezuela.
Mr.. Voorhees, (Iud., d. expressed the hope
that this last process of healing" should be
put into effect Already the Senate had con-
frmed the civil appointments Of Gen. Long
street, anu lndb OLneT great cONtfcIn
second only TO Lee" Joe Johnston. Mr..
VOORHEES, said the repeal would actually accom-
plish little but il would be an expression Of
goodwill.
Mr.. Piait Conn. r. spoke of the attacks
make on him by Southern newspapers because
he suggested the other day that this bill 90 to
committee From end to the other of
the Sonth the press condemns me, applies TO
me all kinds Of epitheis: declares that / am
lacking in patriotism, and finally sends me
marked copies Of their condemnation. But"
continued Mr.. Piatt this country has for
given much it is ready to forgive more. Aud
am so full Of forgiveness on this day before
Christmas that I am ready to forgive these ex-
Conlederstes 10 join to-day with the Senator
from New York Mr.. Hill in supporting this
repeal"
Mr.. Hin closed by pointing out the delays
and absurdities OF committee action
Ii is evident" intcrpOsed Mr.. Sherman,
"that majority OF the Senate wish 10 give
this bin ~ Christmas present TO the South.
aud ] therefor Withdraw ray motion for a ref
ereuce"
ThereupOn, without division, the bill was
passed.