Mr. W lLSON. I am decidedly opposed to concurringin this report. I believe that there are 6 or 700,000 men who enlisted from the 19th of April, 1861, to the 17th of October, 1863, who received a bounty of $100, and no more, who think the Government ought to equalize their bounties with those of others, or at eastgive them some additional compensation. They believed so‘in the field when they saw new recruits come into service by their side with 7 or 800 dollars bounty. These veterans who enlisted from the loftiest motives, and who were to receive the small pittiance ofSlOO, believed the country would do them justice. It was so understood in the Army, so talked of among officers. And now I believe that by this Congress, or over this Congress, the equalization or the increase of bounties will be carried. I am opposed to concurring in this report without making an effort to secure to the men who enlisted or a bounty of $100someconsideration. I believe it to be right. I believe it to be highly expe dient. Now, sir, a word in regard to the increase of our own compensation. I voted for it. I voted for it because I thought in itself it was right. I think so now. I have been here 12 years, and if I should die to night I would not leave enough to buy me apine cofifin. I believe this increase is right in itself, and ought to be made. But I cannot vote to increase the compensation of members of Congress and at the same time vote to strike oh“the bounties which the House has put upon the bill for our veteran soldiers. I do not believe it to be wise or expedient to do so. I am somewhat surprised at the statement made here to night that a portion of the conference committee representingthe Senate were ready to strike 00' the increase of compensation of members of Congress, and that'portion of the committee representing a House which had unanimously, With only t ree exceptions, voted against this increase, insisted upon keeping it in the bill. That is a strange mode of proceeding; it is a discreditable mode of procceding, and the country will so pronounce it.