The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-12-31

From this statement il appears that the whole
number on the rolls Is l96ll-s slight diminuton
compared with the year preceding.
The paper shows the number of pensioners add
cd 10 the rolls since the last annual report; and
the number OF deaths returned in the same period
will be found in statement G..
The paper marked ID exhibits the number of pen
sioners who have been paid in the first and second
quarters OF the yeDr ls5li and the paper marked f
a statement from the books of the Third Auditor
Of the balances in the hands of the several Pension
Agents at the date Of their last reports.
The whole amount expended for pensions during
the past year, ending the 30th September is, as far
AS can be ascertained, s ,43s.S4S. In order to
present the financial branch of the pension system
In a more ineligible form than the means or ma
teras IN the office itself can furnish, respectfully
suggest that suitable provision should be made Tor
auditing its accounts under the immediate super
vision OF the head OF the bureau.
Revolutionary Pensions.
The whole number Of persons pensioned under
the act of 18th March, 1878, is 20, 4S5; of whom
1883 yet remain on the rolls, and sac received
payments during the first and second quarters Of
the present year. There were only 1855 persons
pensioned under the act of March 10, 1928, which
confined in lite operation to officers of the old
continental army who served 10 the end of the war,
and to soldiers who engaged and served for the
same period. OF that number lbs only remain
the rolls, 80 Of whom were paid In the first and
second quarters of the year. Under the act of 18th
June, 1882, the most comprehensive and liberal in
its provisions of any which relate TO revolutionary
service % $50 have been admitted to the ROLES Of
whom i,Sl3 now remain, and OF that number 2,02s
were paid in the first and second quarters Of the
year, will appear more fully from document
marked ID.
Widolcs Of Revolutionary Men.
The number pensioned under the act Of July t.
1886, is zoos. and the number the rolls
under that act and the of July 81 S4S is ia
Under the act of July I, 1898, H. 9l widows who
married prior to January |, 1894 were entitled TO
FIVE years pensions but Of that number $50 re-
Ceived their allowances in full during the first two
quarters of the present year. The number pen
stoned under the act of February ., 1913, during
life or widowhood is $50, of whom 1924 now
the rolls; and the number pensioned under the
act of 29th July, 1913. which extended the period
of marriage TO $500, 600. who still the rolls
according TO the returns.
Iacald Pensions
The number of pensioners now on the rolls under
the several invalid acts ID $3.50, being increase
OF OIL since the last annual reports and tie number
who have drawn at the several agencies in the first
two quarters Of the year is 1927.
Mexican Var.
The act of 2ls; July, 1915 made certain provi-
sonz for the widows and orphans Of officers and
soldiers in the Mexican war. The number who
have received the benefit OF the act and now on
the rolls ia $50.
Even from my brief experience in the admins
tration of the pension laws, satisfied they need
thorough revision by the competent authority
In instances, at least, there has, in my iuds-
ment been gradual departure in practice from
their original spirit and design and radical changes
have been effected by series of precedents various
and conflicting in their character. Ii cannot have
escaped notice that the generous and humane pro-
visions made for the survivors of the revolutionary
war, and their immediate connexions and descend
ants, have from time to time been diverted from
their old channels and bestowed upon recipients
not originally contemplated. In like manner il
may be well questioned whether the early legisla
ton in behalf of the families of those who were
slain in battle in behalf of survivors disabled
by wounds or disease contracted in the public
service, has not been greatly enlarged by con-
structiou beyond its original policy and de-
sign. Whatever difference of opinion may exist,
however, upon this subject there be none as
10 the necessity of enacting more efficient reeula-
tons than now exist for the prevention and pun
ishment OF frauds against the Government. For
the present. | respectfully suggest the revival of
the act of I'd Of March, 1910, entitled 'An act re-
gulaung the payments to invalid pensioners
which believe was incautiousIy repealed by an
act OF the 18th July, 1882. The law first referred
TO required invalid pensioners to be examined bcn.
nlAly by two surgeons or physicians, to chow that
the disability continued well az ils degree II
is believed that the revival of this act before the
next semi annual period of payment would rid the
pension rolls Of many who were placed there for
disease contracted, especially in the war with Mex
leo, and who are now restored to the enjoyment of
eound health. In such il is more than doubt.
ful whether any authority exists in the office 10
strike from the rolls, unisss be clearly shown
that the pensions were originally obtained by
fraud, That frauds have been Of common occur.
renee IN regent applications has been proved by
the Investigations Of an agent in some of the west
ern States. Out OF one hundred and two cases
examined in of those States thirty-six only
were found entitled; and in another, out of one
hundred and twenty nine cases only thirty-one
applicants were deemed sufficiently disabled to re-
ceiye pensions.
Frauds, however, are not confined to any partic-
ular branch OF the system. The various acts
founded on revolutionary service have been fruit
full in furnishing facilities to offenders; and some
new enactments, for their more certain detection
and punishment, seem to be absolutely necessary
Vrginia HaJ:pay Claims.
The holfpay claims examined and allowed since
the ist November, 1850, under the act Of 5th July
1882, amount TO the sum of Sal AGO. including
S5'2o9 o. the aggregate amount of two claims
adjusted by the late Commissioner. About twenty
cases, after careful examination, have been disai-
lowed, either from defect of evidence or because
not embraced by the act of 1882; and half of that
number have been suspended for additional proof
principally OF the request Of the parties interested
A few only, supposed, partial examination to
have any validity, remain to be acted on. A mum
Der OF communication claims are on file, but in con
sequence of prohibitory order from the Depart
ment, have not even been considered.
cannot lorbear 70 urge the importance of such
a reorganization of the force of this bureau as
shall, IN some cases at least, secure higher com
pcnsauon Tor services rendered. and more iust re-
gard TO the qualifications required. The present
salary OF the chief clerk particularly recommend
TO your notice as altogether inadequate. In other
bureaus officers of the same grade, with duties !
am sure not more arduous or responsible and GER
tainly not more important with reference TO the
pnonc interests are more literally rewarded; and
do not doubt If the subject should be presented
TO the proper authority, il could not fail 10 receive
the most favorable considerations
! have the honor TO be, very respcctfullv your
obedicnt servant, j. E. HEATH
Commissioner of Pensions.
Hon. ALEX. ii II. STUART,
secretary oil the Interior
Later from Oregon.