The anti-monopolist. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1874-1878, 1876-03-16
The Question Of Soldiers Bounties and PEN
sions Discussed-A Reply to Mr. Bee.

The Question Of Soldiers Bounties and Pen
sions Discussed-A Reply to Mr. Bee
cham.
VALLEY CREEK, WASHINGTON Co, !
MINI, March Z, 1876.
Editor A,ati-Monopolist:
see in the last issue in your paper
March I'd. a letter from r. X. Beecham
Forest Prairie, Mimi, concerning the
bounty bill Now I became soldier in
1862, and served until the close of the
war, and have had my share OF it; and
| am suffering to this very day from the
effects OF the wounds received in battle,
but | hold different opinions altogether
from those of Mr.. Beecham. admit
that We did not receive any bounty at
the time Of our enlistment; nor did we
expect any; we entered the army as pa
triots, and am proud to state now that
money never could have hired me to I'M
dergo the same suffering again. But
should my country call on me once
more. then freely will l give my life in
her defence.
have received the 800 bounty which
Congress granted, the same as any other
oO1uiOA, onU lA1uA VIC OuSut " VIC oat-
isfied
Suppose Congress did pass a law
granting 1888 per month to soldiers as
bounty tor each month of service, how
much, ask, would it take to pay tt EN-.
How many more millions of greenbacks
would the government have to issue?
The claims would be about 1000, 900,
and allowing about 5000 tor each claim,
it would make $2OO,0OO,O0O. Ii we did
issue all this money, then / ask how
much would our greenbacks be worth on
the dollar; now they are worth about
50 cents; then they would be worth
about - cents can not see any states
manship in giving the bounty. Every sol
der has received his first dues, according
to the contract made with the govern
ment, and has settled down in lite, and
this heavy debt may as well be avoided,
as to be burden on our shoulders.
The bill certainly would give me about
5000, but say do not pass it."
l fully agree with comrade r. K.
Beecham, however, that 800 cash will
go further in clothing family of small
children, than all the holder dash that
newspapers and smooth-tongued orators
pirate about; for the most OF them were
too big towards to face the bullets, but
when we won a battle, they like the
rooster, mounted a manure hill and
crowed "what great victory we have
wont" But in case we got whipped they
would say why don't you fight, you
dogs, don't we pay you for
it?" have nothing against the bounty
bill providing they pass it when the
country is able to meet it; but as BIT is
now, gold II l-2 per cent. premium, and
God knows when greenbacks are going
to be at par, can not see the point
But would call your attention TO a
certain bill nov pending in Congress,
which | claim is no more than just and
right; that is allowing pension from
the date of discharge tor claim that if
a man has bied and suffered for his
country, and is receiving pension. he
should have it from the date OF his dis
charge, and the pension should be in
from fl8 to ga per month for
the loss OF an arm or leg, no matter
above or below the knee or ell
bow. A great many will say, THAT is
too much But such one will ask.
would you lose your arm or leg for Ais
per month";" The answer will be mo-"
Well then, how can you expect others
to do it? | am in favor of doing justice
to solder every time. but not to ruin
the country.
Yours truly,
JOHN w. BIRCH.