The National tribune., 1881-08-27
Claimants and Attorneys.

string 10 apply for a pension. g Do L need an at
tOrnev? ?" Our answer has been, An agent is
not absolutely necessary, but yet advise that
every applicant employ Thoroughly competent and
ye1;obe attornev to represent his interests, and
then follow his advice and trust everything to
him"
Our reason for this is. that by availing himself
of the assistance of one having a competent
knowledge of the practice and requirements of
the Pension Office claimant may secure an
. early settlement of his case, and in this wise
Such an attorney is able to Judge as to what the
requirements of the Department will be-that
is. what evidence will be necessary to COM
plete the case-and upon filing the claim, or
within a reasonable time thereafter, will call for
the testimony in advance of the official requisi-
ton. Thus, while the Adiutant-General and
Surgeon-General are getting up copies OF the
military and hospital records of a soldier, the
attorney and claimant are procuring the testi-
nony, and when the call from the Department
arrives it is pretty much all ready for iling-that
Is if the applicant himself has not been neglect
fu1 of his own interests.
An attorney, however, to be of value must be
consulted in regard to questions of evidence
Sience should be sent to him in order that he
NAV keep track of the proofs, and if communi-
cations are received from the Department direct
they should also be sent to him. No separate
correspondence touching the case should be kept
up with the Pension Office. All communications
should be through the attorney: 1st that he may
know every step taken; ID to save the Depart
ment the unnecessary labor of a double CORE
spondence.
Each claimant should also remember that he
or she is not the only client the attorney has, and
therefore avoid troubling him with unnecessary
inquiries. Touching evidence they of course
should write whenever information is desired,
but when notified that the claim awaits official
action no applicant ought TO address the attorney
merely to inquire how the case is progressing
Due information will be given at the earliest
possible moment. 1t is as much to the attorney s
interest to have each case disposed of promptly
as to the claimants
In conclusion would say:
l. Employ 10 attorney who is not thoroughly
posted and reliable.
Q. Having engaged an attorney, comply strictly
and promptly with all his requirements for evi-
dence. Even if it appears to YOU that he is call
ing for the same proofs twice over, remember he
As the better judge, and may see defects in the
proofs sent which you overlooked
3. Be sure that all testimony is taken strictly
IN accordance with his suggestions.
l. See that such evidence is sent direct TO him
s. Hold no correspondence with the Depart
ment except through your attorney, for the rea-
sons already stated.
6. When you have been notified by your attor-
ney that the claim awaits official action be patient
and do not take up his time by writing You
will hear from him so soon as occasion requires
:. When notified that the claim awaits your
o'0" action proceed at once to comply with the
last retr> tr>tirements made upon you.
s. When you absolutely unable to furnish
any portion of the evidence called for notify your
attorney at once, giving the reasons why you
cannot comply.
BY following these rules you viii find that
things will move along smoothly, and that your
claim Will progress more rapidly to a settlement
than it can if you continually taking up the
tine of the Department and Of your attorney by
needless inquiries which only produce delay.