Debate on Adj. Gen’s Report

In the House on the 25^th inst., there arose a debate on the question of printing a larger addition of Adj. Gen. Baker’s able report.  The following were J. T. Lane’s remarks on the question, which shows that his heart is in the right place:–

Mr. Lane said he was satisfied the work was in greater demand than any other printed work.  Other reports only contained the names of officers.  The officers are reaping all the glory and they alone are mentioned in print.  He was in favor of doing justice to the private soldier who fights for his country, who goes into the war for the support of the flag, expecting neither emolument or honor.  He said the rebellion would be crushed and its old shabby flag would be only a matter of history, when the Legislature again meets.  The soldiers will be home in their shops and at their ordinary employment.

Mr. Curtiss: I would like to know where the gentleman obtained his information!

Mr. Lane:  I received it from Fort Donelson!  {Applause.}

He then went on to state the necessity of printing the Report, and urged as a matter of justice to the soldier and the friends of our brave boys in the field, it should be printed and widely distributed.  He believed the name of an Iowa soldier would become a passport of honor throughout this broad land and he wished each man would put down in the proper company and regiment that it might ever be traced out and pointed to with honor by the soldier and his friends.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, March 3, 1862, p. 2