Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1834-12-11
lCo,cluded. from iLh page.

ltlcS " iS lIllpOS
sible to estimate the amount which may hav,
been thus fraudulently Obtained from the Ma
tiona Treasury. | am satisfied, however i
has been such as to justify REORGANIZATION
of the system, and the adoption of the neces
sary checks i'll lis administration. All will
agree that the services and suffering of the
remnant of the Revolutionary band, should b,
fully compen ensated. But while this is done
every proper prccautlon should be taken L
prevent the admission of fabricated and frau
dulent claims. In the present mode Of pro
ceedlng, the attestatiois aud certificates o
judicial officers Of the various states, form
considerable portion Of the checks, which ar,
interToscd against the commission Of frauds
These however, have been, and may be, fab
ricated, and in such way as to elude detec
ton at the examining Offices. And indie
pcndently of this practical difficulty, it is as.
certaned that these documents are offer
loosely granted; sometimes, even blank cert.
Rcates have been issued; sometimes, prepared
papers have been signed without enquiry; ant
in one instance at least, the seal Of the Cour
has been within the reach of a person mos
interested in its improper application.
Ii is obvious that, under such circumstan-
ces, no severity of administration can check
the abuse Of the law; and information has
from time to time, been communicated to the
Pension Office, questioning or denying the
right of persons placed upon the pension list,
to the bounty of the country. Such cautions
are always attended to and examined. But a
far more general investigation is called for,
and | therefore recommend, in conformity
with the suggestion OF the Secretary Of War,
that an actual Inspection should be made in
each State, into the circumstances and claims
of every person now drawing pension. The
honest veteran has nothing to fear from such
scrutiny, while the fraudulent claimant
will be detected, and the public treasury re-
lieved to an amount, have reason to believe,
far greater than has heretofore been suspect
cd. The details Of such plan could be so
regulated, as to int sc the necessary
checks, without any burthensome operation
on the pensioners. The object should be two
fold.
1st. To look into the original justice of the
claims, so far as this can be done under a
proper system of regulations, by an examina-
ton of the claimants themselves, and by in
quiring, in the vicinity of their residence, into
their history, and into the opinion entertained
of their revolutionary services.
Cd. To ascertain, in all cases, whether the
original claimant is living, and this by actual
personal inspection.
This measure will, if adopted, be produc-
tive, think, Of the desired results, and there
fore recommend it to your consideration, with
The further suggestion that all payments
should be suspended till the necessary reports
ire received.
II will be seen by tabular statement an
lexed to the documents transmitted to Con-
yress, that the appropriations for objects con-
lected with the War Departments, made at
he last session, for the service of the year
1884, excluding the permanent appropriations
or the payment of military gratultes under
he act of June 9Th, 1892, the appropriation
# two hundred thousand dollars for arming
nd equipping the militia, and the appropra-
ing of ten thousand, dollars for civilization Of
he Indians, which are not annually renewed,
mounted to the sum of nine millions three
housand two hundred and sixty-one dollars,
nd that the estimates Of appropriations ne
essary for the same branches OF service for
he year 1885, amount to the sum of five mill
ons seven hundred and seventy eight thou
and nine hundred and sixty-four dollars,
laking difference in the appropriations Of
he current year over the estimates OF appro-
riations for the next, of three millions two
undred and twenty-four thousand two hun
red and ninety-sevcn dollars.
The principal causes which have operated
this time, to produce this great difference,
re shown in the reports and documents, and
/ the detailed estimates. Some Of these 5
luscs are accidental and temporary, while /
thers arc permanent, and aided by just t
purse Of administration, may continue to l.
perate bencfclalIy upon the public expendi- S
lres. 7
A just economy, cxpcndng where the pub t
C service requires, and Withholding where it c
oes not, is among the Indispensable duties
the Government.
| refer you to the accompanying report Of G
lie Secretary Of the Navy, and TO the docu- B
ents with 1t, for full view ofthe operations D
that important branch of our service, dur a
% the present year. 1t will be seen that ]
&C wisdom and liberality with which Con- Il
ress have provided for the gradual increase t
our navy materials, have been seconded by a
zeal and fidelity on the part o
those to whom has been confded the exc C
ltion Of the laws on the subject, and that ?
It a short period would be now required to C
It in commission force large enough for
~ exigency into which the country may be L
rowD. !!
When we reflect upon our position, in re- S
ton to other nations, it must be apparent, o
at in the event of conflicts with them, we ii
ust look chiefly to our navy FOE the protec- )
,n Of our national rights. The wide seas
hich separate us from other Governments, Il
ust of necessity be the theatre on which an p
emy will aim TO assail US, and unless we d
9 prepared to meet them on this element, a
, cannot be said to possess the power re- q
site to repel or prevent aggresslons. We p
nnot tbnrofnra motcb with too much at hi
ntion, this arm of our national defence, or CO
crish with too much care the means by
ich it can possess the necessary efficiency {
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