National Republican., 1878-06-15


We publish the following as a simple act
ofiustice to parties who feel aggrievcd at
the structures and imputations contained in
the letter of the Commissioner of Pensions
which appeared in THE REPUBLICAN yes
tcrday morning. While we referred to that
officer us we regard him from our acquaint-
ance and standpoint, we did not endorse,
neither are we in any degree responsible
for, the statements or sentiments contained
in that document:
To the Editor Of the National ReDnbiicdn:
In your issue of June II you publish letter
of J. A. Bentley. Commissioner of Pensions in
which thdt person goes out OF his way to cast
unwarrantcd reflections upon myself and other
pension attorneys in this city. If the letter
were honestly written for the benefit of the
correspondent, it is singular that it does not
COnfine itself to the suhject-matter Of the in
quiry and from all appearances 1t would
seem to have been seized rs an occasion for
making capital to aid an unjust bill in the last
hours of an expiring session.
Mr.. Bentley deliberately and willfully SLAM
ders men fully equal to himself in standing
and reputation, aud he backs his ISLANDERS by
misstatcmeuts Of the law.
lie knows that the mo cure, no pay fca-
turc-that Is, the loss of fees in case Oi failure
is not the act OF pension attorneys, but the
act of Congress.
He knows that great deal of money, labor
and time has been and is bestowed by these
pension attorneys upon cases iu their charge,
and that they reject nearly as many cases Us
they present
lie knows that the compensation now al
lowed by law is not at all too great for the ay-
eragc OF the work done.
lie knows that the opposition to him pro.
1 4 4
many just cases, from his forced and technical
requirements, aud from his expressed deter
minutinn to provide tribunals packed by him
| self dependent on his whim and caprice, ex-
pcnsivc aud unnecessary, to gntiiy his pride
of place and position and his love of official
show and parade.
In these plans he has been defeated, and his
| revenge is u COwaruly stab at the reputation
and business character OF Others.
| Therefore ii is that he has sought by every
| influence he could bring to bear by direct per-
sOnal solicitation aud by private representa-
| tious to secure the passage of the bill ii. H.
4gSl-a bill written by him and pressed through
/ the House without being printed or carefully
considered, and now pending with amend
mcnts in the Senate.
This bill will destroy, and is intended to dc.
stroy, all fair presentation OF pension claims
/ will give all claimants over into the hands Ol
rapaciOus and unprincipled attorneys, without
character or standing, to be robbed in advance
payments OF any pittance they may be able
to raise; but it will crafty Mr.. Bentley
spleen, and that is his great object
| am the editor and proprietor OF the National
Tribune, to which he refers in his letter.
! have done him justice in praise when he
deserved it aud in Censurc when he earned it.
No covert attack has been made on him, hut
his shortcomings rs public officer have been
shown and will be shown, and he need moi
seek refuge in the ninsy preteuscs he has put
, forth in this letter.
Let him learn To do justice and he shall re-
! cciycit GEORGE T.. LEMON.