Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1910-05-22
Congressman Cox Denounces
Management of Soldiers Homes

, mental Onlcef seeking 10 uepiNc N't'
zens OF this privilege. IL Is but anoth'
or proof OF the iniolerable tyranny.
either OF the board OF managers or OF
some self-constimted dictator, who Is
arrogating TO himself kingly powers
without the knowledge or consent Oh
his snperiors. BY that order. pfficialiy
published aud circulated in the home
notice was insidiously served on the
soldiers that any relations with con
eress meant their Punishment from
the institution. | submit that there
might be reasons for keeping congress
ignorant of conditions in the homes,
and that communication with con
eress might break down dynasty
too imperious to live under the light
of public gaze in republic.
The Chairman The time OF the
gentleman has expired.
Mr. Clark OF Missouri. Mr.. Chair
man. | ask that he may have nfteen
minutes moreY
The Chairman. Is there objection!
There was no objection.
Liquor for Board.
Mr.. Cox, OF Ohio. II il not an un-
common think for the men TO get
irto some difficulty with the manage
ment, aud that brings mp the very
I.hase of things which my colleague
from Michigan (Mr. Gardner doubt
less had in mind. ! want to assure
him that | have no disposition TO
question the authority In these homes.
Ii is necessary to their orderly adj
ministration. In every address ] have
made to these soldiers in the Dayton
home have so stated It, nave
never by word OF mouth encouraged
complaint against the governors.
Some of Inc men in the homes have
the weakness of years. They so down
into the city and stay over their time
occasionally. II is true that some
times there is an objectionable breach
of the regulations. But | insist thar
when the administration itself promul-
gate these doctrines of purity, 1t also
should recognize those ethics.
The board of managers in their
regular meetings al the. Dayton
tOhio) Soldiers Home have commit
ted what it holds as an objectionable
wrong" The board within the past
few years has incurred bills aggregat'
ing several hundred dollars for whis-
key. cocktails. champagne. gin, claret,
brandy and sherry. At one meet
ing. lasting two days the bills
for liquors amounted TO more than
$3.50, and the shame OF this
whole procedure rests in the
money having been taken, so am
reliably informed, from what is known
as the post fund. a fund created and
maintained by the soldiers themselves.
MIR. Tawney. VIII the gentleman
permit an interruption?
Mr.. Cox. of Ohio. Yes, sir.
Mr.. Tawney Who did ! understand
him to say was responsible for the
expenditure from the post fund or an
amount equal TO $3.50 for champagne
and liquors?
Mr.. Cox, of Ohio. Who was re-
sponsible?
Mr.. Tawney. Yes.
Mr.. Cox, OF Ohio. Congress is not
responsible.
Mr.. Tawney. No. did not say 1t
was. But the gentleman mentioned
the home.
Mr.. Cox. of Ohio. said the board
of managers consumed II.
Mr.. Tawrey. The board of mana
gers of all the homes?
Mr.. Cox, of Ohio. The board o.!
managers while holding meeting in
Dayton Home. Whether they them
selves brought the liquor in | do not
know; the liquor was there, and was
there in abundant quantities.
Mr.. Tawney. When was this?
Mr.. Cox. of Ohio. Last year and
other years.
Mr.. Tswney 1902,
Mr.. Cox, of Ohio. Yes. l will give