The New York herald., 1851-12-04

Of GIT since the last annual report, and the number
who have drawn st the several sgsnoies in the two
first quarters Of the year, is 1897.
MEXICAN WAR.
The act Of 2lst July, lSsS, made certain provi-
sions for the widows and orphans of officers and
soldiers in the Mexican war. The number who
have received the benefit of the ss and Are now on
Even from my brief experience in the administra-
tion of the pension laws, l am satisfied they need .
thorough revision by the competent authority. In
some instances at least, there has, In my Judgment
been . gradual departure in pr aotice from their
original sprit and design, and radical changes have
been effected by series Of precedents various and
conflicting in their character 1t cannot have
escaped notice that the generous and humane pro-
visions de for the survivors Of the Revolutionary
war, and their immediate connections and descen-
dants have, from time to time, been diverted from
their old channels and bestowed upon recipients not
originally contemplated. In like manner it may be
well questioned whether the carly Legislation in be-
hafof the families of those who were slain in bat
tie, in behalf of survivors disabled by wounds
disease contracted in the public service has not bsen
greatly enlarged by construction beyo.d its original
policy and design. Whatever difference Of opinion
may exist however, upon this subject there can be
none rs to the necessity OF enacting more efficient
regulations than now exist for the prevention and
punishment sftrsuds against the government For
the present, respectfully suggest the revival of
the act of Sd of March, 1919, entitled An act re.
gpiatipg the payments to ~ invalid p pensioners,
OF the 18th July, 1882. The las first referred to
required invalid pensioners to be examined bienisl
ly by two surgeons physicians, to show that the
believed that the revival of this before the next
semi annual period of payment would rid the pen
sion rolls of many who were placed there for disease
contracted, especially in the war with Mexico, and
who are now restored to the enjoyment of sound
health. In such cases it is more than doubtful
whether any authority exists in the Office to strike
from the rolls, unless 1t be clearly shown that
he pensions were originally obtained by fraud
hakfr md hay hApn n m
recent applications has been proved by the nvesti-
cations Of an agent in some of the Western States
Out of l02 cases examined in one Of these States,
SO only were found entitled; and in another out Of
l2e cases, only 81 applicants we're deemed sufficient
disabled to receive pensions.
Frauds, however, are not confined to any particu-
lar branch of the system. The various acts found
ed on rev olutionary service have been fruitful in
furnishing facilities to offenders and some new
actments for their more certain detection and pun
ishment, seem to be absolutely necessary.
VIRGINIA HALp-PAY CLAIMS.
The half pay claims examined and allowed since
the lst Novem ber 1850, under the act Of 5th July
1882, amount to the sum of Sal ,4sO, including
$o,2sS O4, the aggregate amount OF two claims ad-
justed by the late Commissioner. About twenty
cases, after careful examination, have been dssl-
lowed, either from defect of evidence, or because
not embraced by the act of 1892; and half of that
number have been Suspended for additional proof,
principally at the request of the parties interested
have any validity, remain to be acted on. A nam
Der of commutation claims are on file, but, in con-
quence of prohibitory order from the Department
have not even been considered.
cannot fprbear TO urge the importance Of such
aniZaon of the force Of this bureau as shall,
in seme cases at least secure higher compensation
for services rendered and more just reg ard to the
sualif ations required. The present salary of the
chief clerk particularly recommend to your no
tice, rs altogether inadequate. In other buresux,
officers of the same grade with duties, am sure,
not more arduous or responsible, and certainly not
more important with reference to the public in
terests, are more literally rewarded; and do not
doubt, if the subject should be presented to the
proper authority, it could not fail to receive the
most favorable consideration.
have the honor to be, very respectfully, your
obedient servant, J. + HEATg,
Commissioner Of Pensions.
Hon. Alex II. II. Stuart,
Secretary Of the Interior.