Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1862-08-19
The KeH Pension Law.

We call the attention Of our readers to
the admirable act of the last session Of
Congress. II makes a wise and generous
provision for disabled soldiers and for sol
diers families, that viii relieve the heart
Of many brave man gone forth to en-
counter disease and death in behalf Of his
country. The pensions provided by this
act are, like the pay Of our soldiers, larger
than established by law in any other ma
ton of the world. The legislation is as
wise as it is just. The families of those
who have given their Ii es for their coun-
try. must be their country's charge.
Those who for many reasons do not share
the dangers Of the campaign, must pro-
vide among themselves the cares and re-
sponsibilites which the soldier leaves be-
hind him. We must shrink from no pc
cuniary BURDENS imposed for this purpose,
but rather rejoice that if we cannot all be
warriors, VIC can at least honor, comfort
and cheer the desolated families of those
who are fighting our battles, and protect
ing our families.
SEC. provides a pension to disabled
soldiers and sailors of all kinds and grades.
For the slightest disability the 1t. Colonel
and all higher officers shah receive $50 a
month; Majors $25; Captains $40; Lieu
tenants 81 and $l5; non commissioned
officers and priyates SIS a month. SINH
lar disabilities are fixed for the navy, and
lesser disabilities receive a propostionate
pension.
SEc. provides that if such officer or
other person die Cor have died since March
4th 1861 BY reason of any wound leceiy-
ed or disease contracted while in the Uni
ted States service, his widow shall receive
during widowhood, the same amount Of
pension, and if there be no widow, then
the children under sixteen years Of age
are entitled to it.
. SEC. 8 gives The pension TO a mother
Deepen liant on the deceased, if he leaves no
widow or child.
SEC. 4 gives the pension to dependant
sisters under sixteen years OF age, if there
be no widow, child or mother. tt pro
yides that no disloynl person shall receive
pensions.
SEC. 5 declares that the pension for dis
ability shall commence from the date Of
discharge, il the application be made with-
in a year from that date; otherwise, from
the date Of application.
SEC. limits the fees Of agents and at
tornies for procuring pensions to five dol
lars, in ordinary cases; and where addi-
tional testimony is required by The Com
missioner OF Pensions, to one dollar and a
half extra Tor each affidavit, Except those
Of surgeons, for which no extra charge
shall be made)
SIC. provides with fine and impuson-
ment agents or attornies, who demand or
receive any greater fees.
SEC. s provides for biennial examina-
tons Of invalid pensions.
SEc. 8 The Commissioner Of Pensions
shall furnish claimants with printed forms
and instructions, free Of expense.
sEc. 10 gives the pension to disabled
pilots, engineers, sailors, and crews on
gunboats and war vessels, who have net
been regularly mustered into service.
SEc. IL extends it to widows and heirs
OF The same.
Sac. ~ provides for special agent to
detect frauds.
SEC. u repeats inconsistent acts.
The act relates back to March 4th 1861,
and it VIII be q messenger Of consolation
and hope to thousands Of the afflicted and
destitute.