236 NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES 
the cemeteries that they were entirely opposed to the adoption of any such plan or 
style of monument, and I agree with them most heartily. I think if the Military 
Committee will look into the subject they will come to the same conclusion that I 
have arrived at. ‘There are other gentlemen here who inspected some of these 
cemeteries at the same time that I did, and who as I understand came to the same 
conclusion. 
“Mr. Witson. By existing law the War Department was authorized to 
prepare these monuments, and I am told they have agreed upon this plan. I have 
no particular reason for pressing this bill now if the Senate does not wish to act 
upon it at present. I am willing to take time to make further inquiries. The 
main feature of the bill, however, and the great object is to get possession of the 
land necessary for the sites of these cemeteries. 
“Mr. Ramsay. I think if the chairman of the Committee on Military 
Affairs would inquire of the Quartermaster’s Department in this city he would 
find a large number of protests there from all those who have charge of these 
national cemeteries in the South against the adoption of this plan, which seems to 
have met the approbation of the Department, of iron tombstones, so called. They 
almost universally object, and there are many representations on file upon the 
subject. I think the committee should take some steps immediately to check the 
further execution of the contract if it has already been entered into. It is 
unquestionably wrong. 
“Vir. Witson. I have no objection to the bill lying over, and I shall call 
it up after I have made the necessary inquiries. 
“The PRESIDENT pro tempore. Does the Senator make that motion? 
“Mr. Witson. I do. 
“The PRESIDENT pro tempore. It is moved that the further consideration 
of this bill be postponed. 
“The motion was agreed to.” *° 
On February 9, 1867, the bill was recommitted to the same 
committee and was reported back on February 13, 1867. 
On February 14, 1867, it was taken up for discussion and the 
Ist and 2d sections amended and consolidated so as to direct 
the Secretary of War merely “ to cause each grave to be marked 
with a small headstone, or block, with the number of the grave 
inscribed thereon,” etc., without specifying the material. The 
bill was then passed.** 
” Congressional Globe, January 18, 1867, pp. 539, 540. 
“ Op. cit., pp. 1118, 1308. 
