The National tribune., 1878-01-01
Correspondence.

from friends of the cause and friends of the
NATIONAL UNION, we select for this issue,
the following, which seem to be particularly
timely. They are written by men whose names,
if we were authorized to give them, would be
guarantee of the soundness of the matter.
AS it is, we let the articles speak for them
selves.
At nearly every session of Congress for the past four
years. bill for equazng bounties and giving back pay
to pensioners has up. The law giving back pay to
those applying therefor during specified term of years.
but denying it to those who struggled without till by
of inrmity other they helpless
they did not apply in time to ordinary minds
supremcly unjust and ridiculous will take my
own case as type of hundreds of others.
was surgeon in the army and while in the discharge
of my duty stricken down by paralysis. strug-
gled for than years, hoping that had
little property should never be driven to asking for
pension But, as the years went on became more and
helpless and the little property had went for the
support of my family Then asked for pension.
There was no dispute to the Justice of my claim and
allowed it, but the specified time in which might
claim back pensions had expired of under the law
would not be allowed to me. The son on whom might
have leaned in old has given his precious life the
battlefield in defence of the government and the flag
loved The justice of the claims of like me is not
denied but the miserable plea is set up that it will take
too much money to do us Justice, and the government
afford it, 1t afford to compensate man for
the years in which he was justly condemned to spend in
prison by court-maral and the President could order
his being paid eighteen thousand dollars for his lost me
and this without any plea that he unjusty
demned Is matter of wonder that soldiers and their
friends indignant when they such things, and
the time simple justice is denied to themselves
They form an part the voters and they know
and mark the votes of every man in Congress.
They know the who voted for, and took the sal
airy grab,' and by their the aspirations of many
candidates have been defeated and many will be
unless they pledge themseves-aye and live up to it,
to Justice The equalization of bounties part and
villa will ask in earnest why not We have lived to see
strange times. Traitors are rewarded and made much
Of but we c W wAo 9sb did 0g duty msn war told
what did or suffered What sacrifices made
Bonds be paid in gold not silver good enough
for them.
trust that the TRIBUNE will continue to press these
matters but they should be brought home to every
Der of Congress- it is to theme look and from them ex-
pect redress We know and honor those who have
up for rights and we shall mover forget them and
their work. 3D."
The second is from an old experienced sur
geon who served with high credit during the
war, and is not now, and never has been, one of
! the &C Examining Surgeons of the Pension Of
4 fee" His views on this matter of the change
proposed by the Commissioner, are the views
of practical man of long experience, and en-
tire familiarity with the subject, and who sees
at once the hardships and disadvantages which
would be imposed on the pensioners by the
change of system proposed.
We subjoin his letter.
learn by the NATIONAL TRIBUNE tha m effort win
be made carry through bill changing the mode of
amning pensioners by doing away with the present Ex
amning Surgeons, and appointing Board of Examiners
who shall sit at specified times and at specified points OF
the country 1t is matter OF wonder that of
the talent and of the present Commissioner of
Pensions should fail to how impossible il would be TO
carry such project and do justice pensioners. AS
the law is pensioners reach examiners by few
hours travel and not be kept waiting on expense How
are disabled and poor long distances with
out money pay travelling and hotel expenses while they
wait their TO be examined Does not every one
know that pensioners matter of the
est class in the country? Very many literate and
would know where 60, Is it claimed that the
present Examining Surgeons dishonest or ncompe-
TENT If so. change them But it is not Can the
Pension department be that they select better
men? If the that selected to test the matter
type of the men who are to compose the board-wen,
no matter knew him well for many years, and ne was
fnir nnctnr only this. and