he
committee-room on the morning of the 5th I should be given what
time was possible. On that morning General Hawley, the chairman,
received me pleasantly, but stated, as he introduced me to the
members, that it was unusual to give such a hearing, and he
trusted that I would occupy only a little time; but I am glad to
add that the committee's courtesy quite exceeded what might be
expected of these busy workers. I had over half an hour of their
most earnest attention, and if the expressions upon their faces
were a criterion to judge by, Miss Carroll's story was not
without its effect upon their sympathy and sense of right. I was
particularly glad to see such evidences, because among their
members were ex-Confederates, Gen. Wade Hampton being one.

"When Mr. Lodge presented me to General Cutcheon, chairman of the
House committee, I heard again the plea of overmuch business; yet
the concession was made--I might come on the morning of the 7th
and occupy a "few minutes." Promptly at the hour I was at the
committee-room, and since the time was to be so short I had put
aside my notes and was telling of Miss Carroll's work, and
growing sure of the interest of my listeners, when the chairman
interrupted, saying that it now occurred to him that a bill
asking for an appropriation belonged with the Committee on War
Claims. A book was consulted, and it became the opinion of the
committee that this bill did belong with the War Claims
Committee. As, in order for me to appear before that committee,
the bill would have to go back to the House and be remanded
there, and there might be some delay about it, the Military
Committee passed a unanimous vote asking the Committee on War
Claims to hear my plea at their next meeting, in view of the
bill not appearing until later.

"This was discouraging, and the matter grew more so when, on
meeting General Thomas, of the War Claims Committee, I was
assured that the bill could not possibly belong there. By good
fortune I met General Cutcheon at one of the doors of the ladies'
gallery of the House, and I told him the dilemma. He generously
went to the Speaker and got his decision, which was that either
committee could decide as to the merits of the bill. Being given
my choice, I decided to appear again before the Mi