ADMITTED TO THE ORPHANS' HOME.
The joint resolution [H. R. 3--see pages 136 and 137 of these Reports] to admit George Menser to the Soldiers' and Sailors' Orphans' Home at Knightstown being read the second time, with a Committee report recommending its passage, the report was concurred in.
Mr. WILSON, in answer to an inquiry, stated that Mr. Menser served four years in the Army of the Rebellion, and was honorably discharged; is a quiet, peaceable, good man; in politics, a Democrat--in sentiment, a Union man. From the fact that he had experience as a cannoneer he was always called upon and devoted his services to fire cannon upon public occasions and gala days. The accident by which he lost his arms occurred without his own fault--the man who swabbed the cannon used an old swab that slipped up and the gun wen off prematurely. The occasion was when Governor Porter visited the city. The law establishing the Home at Knightstown admits a class of persons who are meritorious, and at the time of application are disabled. This man will not be a burden to the State, for he is a man of industry, and he can discharge little offices about them, and fill the place of an employe.
Mr. FOSTER, as a rule, would not be in favor of sending any man to this Home, but believing this an extraordnary case, would vote for the resolution most heartily.
Mr. WOOLLEN would oppose such a resolution as a general thing, especially when it sends a man to an Institution established for the care of children, but believing this man can be made useful there, he should vote for it.
Mr. HEFRON found himself opposed to this resolution, believing it not the true policy to allow our sentiments of generosity and humanity to run off with our judgement. He only addressed himself to the general principle in the resolution, without reference to the person named. It creates an invidious distinction, there being hundreds in the State whose claims are as strong as this one. If this special act is passed, similar acts will be claimed in behalf of others just as deserving.
The joint resolution passed--yeas, 34; nays, 6.
Pending the roll-call--
Mr. BELL disclaimed being influenced by any political or other consideration than that of right. Not thinking the Legislature has the right to pass such a resolution, he voted "no."
Mr. COMSTOCK ignored politics and the occasion on which this accident occurred. Believing the resolution itself gives authority for the admission of this man, he voted "aye."
Mr. URMSTON was not certain a resolution of this kind will give this right to direct that such a citizen may be admitted to that Institution. Yet it would be establishing a very bad precedent, and one any other citizen would have as much right to ask admission as this one. He thought there was no right to admit this man under such a resolution, and however much he would like to, he was compelled to vote "no."
Mr. VOYLES thought a just and fair interpretation of the present law would have admitted this case without the interposition of such a resolution. He voted "aye.'
Mr. WOOD did not care a cent whether this Legislature had the right to send this man there or not, he should vote "aye."
So the joint resolution passed.
