The herald., 1896-04-25

Mr.. Connolly. Republican of Illinois,
supported the bill in the main, but criti-
cfzed the provision which would grant
pensions to deserters from the confed-
crate ranks.
Il declare" said he, that a man who
cast his fortunes with the confederacy
and remained there until he found the
cause falling and then deserted to Join
the Union army was at least o coward y
(Applause.)
Proceeding, he said he had no criti-
cism to offer against the thousands of
men, especially in Tennessee and Ken
lucky, who were in sympathy with the
Union, but who were conscripted and
forced into the confederate service
They took the first opportunity to es-
cape to the Union lines. The section to
which he took exception would give a
pension to every confederate who de-
serted from the confederate army
ninety days before Lees surrender.
Most of them who deserted at the last
moment, he said, were either towards or
in search of rations.
The other speakers today were Messrs.
Andrews, Republican of Nebraska;
Burton. Republican of Missouri, and
Overstreet, Republican of Indiana, all
in favor of the bill.
The house non -concurred in the SEN
ate amendments to the Indian bill and
agreed to a conference.
AT 5:l5 the house took a recess until
the evening, the session to be devoted
to private pension bills
At the night session eleven private
pensions We're favorably passed upon,
including bills giving the widow of Ma
jor General Spring Carroll pension Of
$50 per month and Gen. w. A. Morris
SIS. The Morris bill was reported by
the committee at 500 per month, but
Mr.. Pickler, chairman of the commit
tee, moved to amend by making the rate
$75 He explained that there had been
considerable comment on the tendency
TO give large pensions to officers and
officers widows. He thought the COM
plant without just foundation and ad-
Vocated moderation in fixing the
amount In such cases.
IN COMMITTEE
Reports that the Pacific railroad bill
would not be brought up this session in
the house, but would be deferred until
the next do not seem to be we'll founded.
Members who talked with Speaker Reed
today learned that the speaker believes
the house should be given an opportu-
rity to pass upon the bill at this session
and he says that time undoubtedly will
be given for consideration of the bill
Senator Warren from the committee
on claims has reported the amendment
to the sundry civil appropriation bill for
the payment of the French spoliation
claims, which have been allowed by the
court of claims. 1t carries an appropri-
alton of 81, 100000.
Senator Dubois today introduced a
bill to establish new regulations for for
est reservations. 1t provides that no
forest reservation shall be established
except to improve and protect the for
ests, for the purpose of securing favor
able conditions of water flow and to in
sure continuous supply of timber
Prospectors and miners are granted the
privilege of prospecting and mining on
all forest reservations. The secretary
of the interior is given authority to per-
NIT the cutting and removal of dead
timber from reservations The secre-
tary Is also authorized to sell the timber
on public lands which arc not fl for cul-
uvation.
The house committee OH commerce to-
day. after discussion. concluded to post
pone vote on the Nicaragua canal un-
until hearing could be given Col. Lud-
low. head of the canal commission. re-
Gently summoned from London by the
secretary of war, presumably to appear
before the committee. Some members
are opposed to delay on account of the
expected early adjournment of con-
grpSS-