The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1857-02-14
Mr.. EDWARD w. FosTER.
ARMY, NAVY, AND MARINE CORPS PENSIONS


The bill introduced into the House of Representatives
by the Hon Mr. Florence Of Pennsylvsna ito equaze the
army, navy and marine pensions has ATTRACTED good
deal Of attention from the public and the press and
far have observed there has been general express
sol of opinion in favor Of revisal of pension laws
to reduce the many acts now on the statutebo ks to
general and perfect system which shall all branches
of the public service with equal and exact sce There
certainly be good why greater beraIiy in
granting pensions shall lie extended to one branch Of the
service than another each mperl alike their lives and
health in of their country and each deserve equal
rewards. The effect of the proposed bill will be under
stood by peusa of the following summary It's provis
IONS which copy from the Pbadelphis Evening Argus
The effect of this amendment and equalization Of the pen
sion laws win be to give to all the subodnate of the navy
and marine corps no receive for total disability differ
emit monthly of pension from 81 SO down to S. the
lowest rate which exists in the army for that de-
gree of disability IS per and proporonate
lees n the disability be not total and to make such pen
sions- e. of s. per month-commence from the when
the disability incurred 1t will give TO the widows Of
generals of the the pensions allowed to the
widows Of captains of the naFynamey, $50 per month in
$780, the present pension to the widows of colonies
colonies Of the army and marine corps moth
ing than is allo wednamey, $50 per montbthat
being the pension Of the widow of commsnder,
OF lieutenant commanding in the navy; TO the widows
4
ing field oicer) $50 per month, instead of SIS, the
pension allowed; the widows therefore, OF colones
lieutenant coones and majors hed ocers) win NIL receive
the pensions precisely the widows of commanders
commanders of the navy do The widow
OF captain in the marine VIII get the pension
now granted the widow Of lieutenant of the navy c.
SIS per month instead OF $50 per MONTH now the
army pension law the widow of lieutenant of the army
marine corps instead Of SIS per month owed, $40
per month the latter being the pension granted
xriA NJ a in he
the widows Of boatsw ain and OF boawain mate, being
respectively $40 and 80 80 month viii indicate the
pensions of these mentioned grades Of OF the
com officers of the army and marine corps. All
Others specednamey IS per month being the lowest
total disability allowed by the pension laws for
the army and therefore assumed the lowest for
widows pensions Of all three branches Of the military
vice."
The Argus examines the subject at length, and
its article gives uteance the following manly and hon
orable sentiments which take pleasure in transferring
to our columns
The care Of who have lost their lives suffered dis
ability in defence OF the rights and honor Of the country
whether and the guardianship and protection
their families apaona trusta public debt and in the dis
charge this obligation which partakes largely of sacred
character degree sympathy generosity, and nation
al pride naturally looked for in those charged with the
soldier and the manned but gallant tar part and parcel
OF national inheritance and pride ourselves Fainy
unsued reputation, enlightened Hberaly, and
our recognition of NIL the rights all
people, while any portion Of these suffering from
neglect Just dues withheld The protection of those
who may fall suffer injury in maintaining the honor
countrys flag falls naturally the government and
ignore claim in whole in part only Unjust
ice work vital injury, for man, be he scer
private soldier sailor will willingly incur the hazard
eaying his wife and children and thus it is
government itself, by nggardly policy, only subjects
itself the charge Of gross Injustice but whhocs from the
army navy alike large incentive TO gallant action The
liberay Of Congress in this respectfor to certain
tent the charge hold good finds response sup
port much its origin among the people. With them
claim soldier and sailor freely recognised those
who have suffered the service OF the country regarded
with marked respect and veneration."
The matter has repeatedly been presented Congress
in strong and forcbe light and especially the marked
eouaty Of allowances for the class OF disability
the army the navy. The Secretary Of War; his
report treated this point at much length and very ably
The Secretary the Interior, Nsor General Scott
other public unctionares, have also earnestly
called attention it, while thousands OF memorials before
Congress testify to Of individual suffering and
plant The great fault in previous legislation has manfesty
been too many enacmen by which the principle of equal
and even Justice been lost sight of not however,
vet too apply remedy, and TO restore TO large
class the rights that have been denied them