The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1900-12-18


tcc-Penrion nils Passed
Washington. Dec. l7-Undcr suspension
Of the rules tho House to-day passed
bills 20 divide Kentucky and West vir-
sinia into two judicial districts 10 create
another district judge in the northern
district OF Ohio. ana to refer to the sel-
rotary Of the Interior Tor investigation the
claim Of the state OF Texas for moneys
expended on public improvements in
Greer county. before the decision OF tho
supreme Court placed it within the juris-
diciion Of Oklahoma.
An attempt was made to pass = bill TO
give soldiers aud sailors OF tho civil War.
che spanish war and the war in the Phil
ippines preference in the matter OF up
pointmcnt TO and retention in positions In
the executive departments Of the govern
ment. but 90 aroused opposition on the
ground that 81 would practically shut out
of the government employ for years 10
come ali civilians aud was overwhelming
U.s. defeated
The remainder OF the day was devoted
10 the consideration ~ private pension
bills and large number Of them we're
passed.
Just before the House adjourned fine
tribute was paid 10 Representative
Charles A. Boutelie OF Maine. who serv-
81 eighteen years ia Congress. and who
has been reelected 60 the Fifty-seyenth
Congress.
Mr. Lltilehelf OF Maine asked unani-
nous consent for the consideration Of a
bill 10 place him on the retired hat as
captain in the navy. Mr. Boutene having
been captain in the navy during che
Civil War.
Mr. Bouteile he said. would unioubtod-
Is resign from tho House. No objection
was made and the bin was passed.
Veteran Preference BIII.
The Speaker first recognized Mr.
BronWcn Of Ohio. who moved 20 sua-
pend the rules and pass the veteran pref
erence bill
Mr. Richardson of Tennessee demand
81 a second. Mr Cromwell asked that "a
second be considered a. ordered. but Mr..
Fowler Of New Jersey objected. A second
WAS ordered on a vote. So 70 g.
Mr.. BromweI explained that the bill as
originally introduced was the bili prepar-
"a hy the Grand Army OF the Republic
II simply extended the provisions OF the
existing law giving preference 20 honor
ably discharged soldiers and sailors of
the civil War MANNED or suffering physi-
cal impairment. 20 all soldiers honoranlv
discharged The committee had further
extended 30 90 veterans OF the war with
Spain and Of the war IN the Philippines
Mr. Richardsou asked why the soldiers
Of the Mexican War were not included
In this era % good feeling why not in
olude the soldiers and sailors Of all the
wars?
Mr. Glllett OF Massachusetts the chair
man OF the civil Service Committee
which reported the measure protested
vigorously against the bill He declared
that the bill was improperly before the
House lie stamped the BIN as vicious
II would give preference 10 10000 men
ana for many years would keep civilians
OF the rolls The soldiers o. the civil
War enlisted as sacred duty. The reg
ulars did not enlist for the same reason
They were rewarded with pensions.
Republicans Opposed IL.
Mr.. Grosvenor OF Ohio and Mr. Hep
burn OF Iowa protested that the bill made
an appointment a vested right.
Mr. Mccall OF Massachusetts opposed
the bin because. he said. q would create
a military caste. The government ser
vice should be- open 70 all II was slur
upon the intelligence Of the soldiers 70
give them this preference.
AIR. Fowler OF New Jersey also opposed
the bill.
Mr.. Suizer attempted 10 force yea and
ray vote upon the bill. but failed and on
a rising vote the bill was defeated 81 to
los
Mr. Cannon. chairman % the Appropria-
tons Committee reported an urgent de-
hciency bill carrying sls2500 for contin-
sent expenses OF the House Of Represen-
Btivcs. Indian Affairs. District OF Co
lumhia and the National Home for Dis
abled Volunteer Soldiers. The bill was
passed.
The House then passed l0e private pen
sion bills. and at 5.i5 p. m. adjourned.