The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-04-13
Bill Passed by the House Yesterday,
and IL Now Goes TO the Presi-
dent for His Signature.
AN ANIMATED DISCUSSION
PROVOKED BY MIR. BELL, WHO OP-
POSED SETTING PRECEDENT.
PensIOnIng of the Late Presidents
widow Defended by General
GrOsvenOr and Others.

WASHINGTON. April 12.-The House to-
day passed the bill granting a pension to
the widow OF President Mckinley at $500
a year. Ii had previously passed the
Senate and now goes to the President for
his signature. Although favorable action
on the measure was unanimous, an inquiry
by Mr.. Bell. Of Colorado. as to the prece-
dents for such action led TO an animated
discussion Mr.. Bell contended that many
widows of poor soldiers were without pen
sions and that Mrs. Mckinley had indie
pendent means. making a pension unneces-
sary Mr.. Grosvernor, Of Ohio, severely
criticised Mr. Bells position. Mr.. Richard
son, Of Tennessee. and several other Dem
ocratic members spoke for the bill as in
line Of precedent. Mr.. Kleberg, Of Texas,
an ex-Confederate soldier, supporting it on
the ground that President Mckinley had
wiped out the last vestige of sectionalism.
The day was devoted to private pension
bills, III being passed.
When the Senate bill pensioning Ida s.
Mckinley was taken UP Mr.. Bell asked
what Justification there was for such a
large amount.
Mr.. Grosvenor answered that this fol-
lowed a well-establlshed precedent from
the time of Washington.
Mr.. Bell said he would not object. but
he considered the precedent absolutely
wrong an indefensible. The widow In
this case, he said, had an independent in
come, the husbands estate inventOrytng
at $4,000, and understood TO include min
Ing stocks. Mr.. Bell said many widows
of old soldiers were without pensions. and
he referred to the number of widows who
could be assisted by the amount OF this
pension.
Mr.. Grosvenor answered with consider
able feeling. He paid a tribute to the
beauty OF character OF Mrs Mckinley, and
expressed establishment that any member
OF Congress should view this pension in
any Venal spirit and should propose going
20 the Probate Court to learn whether the
widow could sustain herself. Mr.. Gros-
Venor characterized such methods as those
OF "cOrOnerS jury 1t was the first
time In the history OF such legislation, he
said, that there ever was found a man
with the sentiment OF a shyIock, standing
on the bridge and estimating the amount
OF property that the widow might have.
Mr. Cannon, OF Illinois. also stated that
pensions TO the wives Of Presidents were
IN the line of precedent.
Mr.. Gaines. of Tennessee, asked why the
precedent was not observed in the case OF
Mrs. Harrison.
Mr. Grosvenor said Mrs Harrison had
been consulted and action doubtless would
be taken. He pointed out. however. that
the cases were quite different
Mr. klUttS. of New York. expressed re-
greet that any voice had been raised against
this pension He considered It an absolute
should be placed beyond the peradventure
OF want.
Mr.. Bell explained that he had made no
objection TO the pension. lie merely called
attention to the lack Of pensions for many
widows Of humble soldiers. this amount be-
ing sufficient 10 give $ pensions to fifty
two widows.
Mr.. Calderhead OF Kansas, referred 20
the number of widows of Union soldiers re-
ceivfng pensions, not because OF charity. ne
said, but in the spirit Of patriotism and
Justice.
Mr.. Richardson. of Tennessee said he
had seen granted several pensions TO the
widows Of Presidents. The custom had
stood from time immemOTiaL If this was
the Arst case il might be desirable to stop
and inquire TO the need. But as this
was time-honored precedent Mr. Richard
son declared that he would be the last 10
break the precedent I'm the case of William
Mckinley. Mr.. Richardson announced him
self emphatically I'm favor of the bill
Mr.. Kleberg. of Texas, declared that II
for no other reason this pension should be
passed because President Mckinley wiped
out the last vestige of sectiOnalism. As one
who had worn the gray" Mr.. Klebers
said. he joined in this act of Justice to tbs
widow OF one who had worn the blue
A vote was then taken on ordering the
bill TO a favorable report, and without q
dissenting voice favorable action was taker
which was equivalent 10 passing the bill
At $50 the House adjourned.