New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1902-04-13
MRS. MKINLEY TO GET A PENSION.
THE HOUSE PASSES THE SENATE BILL
AFTER CONSIDERABLE DISCUSSION.

Washington, April 12-The House to-day passed
the bill granting pension TO the widow Of Presi-
| dent Mckinley at $500 a year It had previously
passed the Senate. and goes to the President
for signature.
The bill caused considerable discussion. Mr.. Bell.
of Colorado asked what justification there was for
such a large
Mr.. Grosvenor answered that this followed well
established precedent from the time Of Washing
ton.
Mr. Bell said ne would not object. but he consId-
cred the precedent absolutely wrong and indie
rensible. The widow in this case. he said had an
independent income the husbands estate being In
ventoried at $4,000 and understood include
valuable mining stocks. Mr. Bell said many widows
Of old soldiers without pensions and ne re-
ferred 10 the number of widows who could be as
sisted by the amount OF this pension.
Mr.. Grosvenor answered with considerable feel
ing He paid tribute to the beauty Of character
Of Mrs Mckinley. and expressed astonishm mt that
any member of Congress should view this pension
in any venal spirit and should propose going to
the Probate Court 10 learn whether the widow
could sustain herself. He criticised such methods
as those of a coroner's jury. 1t the first time
in the history OF such legislation, ne said. that
man was ever found with the sentiment of a Shy
lock standing on the bridge and estimating the
amount of property widow might have.
Mr.. Cannon also said that pensions to the widows
OF Presidents in the line Of precedent
MI Gaines of Tennessee asked why the prece-
rison.
Mr.. Grosvenor said Mrs. Harrison had been con-
suited. and action doubtless would be taken He
pointed out however. that the different
Mr. Klutt of North Carolina, expressed regret
that any voice had been raised against this pen
sion. He considered 1t absolute duty that the
widows Of Presidents should be placed beyond the
chance Of want
Mr. Bell explained that he had made no objec-
ton 10 this pension He merely called attention TO
the lack Of pensions for many widows OF humble
soldiers this amount being sufficient TO give pen
sion Of IS dfty-two widows.
Mr. Calderhead of Kansas referred to the num-
Der widows Of Union soldiers receiving pensions
because Of charity. he said, but IN the spirit OF
patriotism and justice. -, 80
several pensions granted TO the widows OF Presi-
dents The custom had stood from time imme-
mortal II this was the first case II might be de-
srable tc stop and inquire as 10 the heg1 EuI as
declared he would the last to break that prece-
dent in the case of William Mckinley. HE an
nounCed himself emphatcally in favor OF the bill
Mr Kleberg. of Texas. declared that, II Tor no
other reason this pension should De passed De
cause President Mckinley wiped out the last yes
tIge of sectionasm. AS one who had worn the
gray Mr.. Kleberg said he joined in this act or
Justice TO the widow Of who had worn the blue
A then taken ordering the OH TO a
favorable report and without dissenting voice
Favorable action was taken. which was equivalent
TO passing the bill. .--.- -
The calendar was entirely cleared OF private pen
sion bills all OF those reported being passed by the
House 1T in all and including that 10 Mrs. NC
Kinley.
Bills were passed for additional circuit judge
in the I'D Judicial Circuit of New-York, and for
the creation the petried forest national park IN
Arizona.