Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1866-08-08
Gbc Greem a n.
MONTPELIER, VT.
The New Bounty Law.


We give below the new law for the equali-
zation of bounties, just as 1t was finally passed
by both Houses of Congress. We do this that
every reader of the FREEMAN may see exactly
what its provisions are. and all interested be
enabled to govern themselves accordingly.
We see it stated that the second section of the
law is imperative because of its peculiar
wording. that no money was appropriated for
the purposes contemplated by the bill and
that therefore nothing will be paid under its
provisions until after another session of Con-
gress, &c. Very likely most such statements
are made by interested parties, and we advise
our soldier friends to be In no hurry about
parting with the titles of their claim. to this
bounty. The proper departments are busily
at work preparing the necessary forms and
Instructions by which each soldier entitled
may gu bstan tlate hIs claim with but little or
no Intervention OF claim agents or any third
party. In due time these departments will
announce not only what construction they
give to the law. but Indicate clearly the way
and manner by which the bounty provided
for under that law can be obtained The fol-
lowing is the act as finally passed
SIC l. Be II enacted, 3c., That to each and
every soldier who enlisted into the army of
the United S S;aies after the 18th day of April,
1861, ior period not less than three years,
and having served his time of enlistment has
been honorably discharged, and who has re-
ceiyed OF is enntled to receive, from the United
States, under existing laws, bounty of Slu0
and no more and any such soldier enlisted
for not less than three years who has been
honorably discharged on account of wounds
received In the line of duty, and the widow,
minor children or parents In the order named
OF any such soldier who died IN the service of
the United States, or of disease or wounds
contracted while IN the service and In the line
OF duty, shall be paid the additional bounty
OF 500 hereby authorized.
,. That to each and every soldier who en-
listed into The army Of the United States after
the 18th day of April, 1861, during the re-
beliion for period of not less than two years
and who Is not included In the foregoing sec
ton, and has been honorably discharged there
from after serving TWO years, and who has re-
celved, or entitled to receive, from the United
States under existing laws bounty of $50
and no more, and any soldier enlisted for less
than TWO years, who has been honorably dis
CndrHeC OF bCCuQ1t VI WOuHus ICCSiFSu IN the
line OF duty, anu the widow, minor children,
or parents, In the order named, or any such
soldier who died IN the service OF the United
States, or OF disease or wounds contracted
while IN the service of the United States, and
In the line OF duty, shall be paid the addition
al ounty of $50, hereby authorized pro-
vlded that any soldier who had forfeited, sold,
assigned, transferred. loaned, exchanged or
given away, his final discharge papers, or any
control IN the bounty provided by this any
other act OF Congress, snail not be entitled to
receive any additional bounty whatever and
when application Is made by any soldier for
said bounty he shall be required under the
pains and penalties OF perjury to make oath
or Affirmation of his identity, and that he has
not bartered sold, assigned, transferred. ex-
changed, loaned OF given away either his dis
charge papers OF any interest in any bounty
as aforesaid. and no claim for such bounty
shall be entertained by the Paymaster Gene
raj or other accounting or dIsoursing officer,
except upon receipt of the claimant 8 discharge
papers accompanied by the statement under
oath by this section provided.
3. And be AZ further enacted, That in pay
ment of the additional bounty herein provid-
ed for it shall be the duty of the Paymaster-
General, under such rules and regulations as
may be prescribed by the Secretary OF War,
To cause t. be examined the accounts of each
and every soldier who makes application there
for, and if found entitled thereto, pay said
bounty.
t. And be At further enacted, That in the
reception, examination, settlement and pay
ment of claims for said additional bounty due
the widows or heirs of deceased soldiers, the
accounting officer of the Treasury shall be
governed by restrictions prescribed for the
Paymaster- General by the Secretary of War;
and the pay nenis shall be made In like man
ner under the direction of the Secretary of
the Treasury.