Mr. SHELLABARGER. I rise simpl for the purpose of asking the attention of the chairman of the ComIndAffrs to what seems to be a singular feature of the case now presented to the House. It seems, by the communication read at the desk, that there are some, perhaps 11,000, disloyal Indians of 2 tribes that are named, who have been about 3 years in the rebel army, and have been reduced to circumstances of destitution by reason of their absence from their homes while in the rebel service. They now come back to their homes, and apeal to the Congress of the U.S. to may e provision for them on account of the suffering condition in which they are found by reason of their service in the rebel army. Now, Mr. Speaker, it does seem to be a nov elty, whatever the claim on the part of humanit may be, that Congress should, without consi oration, provide speedily for the wants of returned rebel soldiers and their families. To ascertain the reasons why that should be done has led me to invite the attention of the House to this subject and crmit me to say, in this connection, that if ese claims of humanity are to be indulged, to induce Congress to make these appropriations, there are claims which could e urged with more starth ng force from 100s who are suffering greater hardships, and who are more deserving of ourattention. A communication was sent to me a few days a o by a gentleman who is traveling through the outh, wherein it is stated that freedmen bf the South, and their families, that the families of soldiers of the Army of the U.S. are now lying at railroad stations and elsewhere under circumstances not only of deslitution, but dying of bunder and exposure. These remarks apply, as endemen know, to the families of our own soldiers in the North. lt fsnot necessary for me to say what is so familiar to all, that there are 1,000s and tens of 1,000s of those who have been rendered fatherless and desolate by the late war for whom no provision has been made by the Government., I only allude to this for the purpose of saying that if of humanity are to be advanced to appmpriation speedily, ” 1865 T rigs oonemssiomn caper. 10g there are other claims which come with more force from other classes of men., I trust that this measure will be permitted to go to the committee, and that we may have more tim; to consider it.