The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1904-02-09

Miller ..ss''.- 20
Calderhead .......... 5000. IA
Reeder ............ ........... Sc
Murdoch .--.--..... -..-...... d
Scott II
It is only fair to say that a few of
these bills are introduced for the pur-
pose of correcting military records, re-
moving charges of desertion, and for
other purposes aside from pensions.
But the bulk of them provide for the
granting of pensions by special acts of
congress, and the bulk of them will not
pass, and the congressman know it.
Representative Campbell in the course
of his famous speech in the Third tiis-
triet during the last campaign stated
that the largest number of measures of
this character that any member of con-
gress could expect to get through was
four or five. 1t is probable, however.
that each Kansas member will be able
to secure the passage of eight or ten
of these bills at this session, as the
committee On pensions OF the house
seems disposed to adopt more liberal
policy during this cons1 ess. The tact
remains, however, that the great ma
jority of them have been safely deposit
ed in the pigeon holes of the committee
and will never be heard from again.
Some of the members offer as an excuse
for the extravagant introduction of
explain to the old soldiers who apply
to them for relief that they cannot
guarantee their passage.
Representative Scott, who is opposed
to the government distribution of gar
den and flower seeds as it is now con-
Quoted, has written the following to his
paper, the lola Daily Register:
Il believe it entirely proper for the
government to experiment with new
seeds and new varieties of old seeds,
and when something desirable has been
found to distribute it throughout the
country for the benefit of the people.
This was the intention of the original
law passed many years ago. OF late
years. however. vast sums have been
expended in the purchase of common
garden seeds in no way different from
or better than the seeds which could be
bought for few cents at the corner
grocery. [ do not believe in this per-
version of the intent of the law, and
do not think the people believe in it.
It is species of petty paternalism I'M
worthy the dignity of a great country.
To my mind the government might as
well distribute needles and pins, or but
tons and spool of thread. The pres
ent system hurts the business of the re-
tail merchant without doing any one
individual enough good to make up for
it,
The appropriation for the annual seed
distribution carried by the agricultural
appropriation bill this year is in the
neighborhood of 100000.
All of the members of the Kansas
delegation in congress voted against
the proposition to give members of the
house double mileage. 1t was proposed
to give them mileage for both the ex-
ira and regular sessions of congress,
although there was no distinction be-
tween them, and none of the members
were entitled to it.
Representative Calderhead is of the
opinion that a service pension bill will
be reported at this session of congress.
1t has been the general impression
among members that no service pen
sion bill would be reported this time,
but Mr.. CaIderhead ought to know, Al
he is a member of the committee on
invalid pensions, the committee whose
privilege it is to report the measure.
If Mr.. Calderhead thinks such a bill
will be reported, it is a pretty accurate
forecast of the committees action, AS
he is in a position to know the feeling
of the members. A large number of
bills are pending, most of which pro-
vide for a general service pension Of
$12 per month to all honorably dis
charged soldiers who served so days.
Representative Campbell. although a
new member of congress, is very anxi-
Gus to try his wings in debate on the
| floor of the house. With this end in
view he is seriously considering max
ing a speech before the close of the
session He will not say what is to
be the subject of his maiden effort.
Senator Morgan of Alabama, as the
country knows, is an enthusiast over
the Nicaragua canal route. He has
filled many good pages in the Congress
sional Record with speeches on the sub
ject Just now he is using all the power
and influence at his command to defeat
the pending Panama treaty. Senator
Morgan thinks he has struck a new
lead, which may result in a victory for
him and his followers in the senate.
IF the Republicans keep on indicting
senator's" he remarked gleefully to a
colleague the other day I'VE shall be
able to defeat the treaty" He referred
to the indictment of Senator Burton of
Kansas and the possible contingency
! that the Sunf1ower statesman may have
| to resign his seat and create vacancy
most any day. There is more truth in
the veteran Alabama senator's state
ment than may appear at first blush.
| The time has been since the considera-
/ ton of the Panama treaty was taken up
by the senate when an additional recruit
or two to the Democratic ranks, or the
| loss of one or two votes on the Repub-