davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1882-03-04
WHAT is GOING ON ABROAD.

Much interest is manifested abroad in the Mill
list trials which now progressing at ST. Peters
burg. The prosecution has been conducted with
great vigor and the prisoners have been treated
with the utmost severity, no communication being
permitted between them, and almost no opportunity
being afforded for consultation with their counsel
The majority of the twenty-One WILL doubtless, be
convicted and sentenced to death-The discovery
of an internal machine at the Berlin depot of the
Stettin railway has caused dlsquietude at the
German capital. 1t was wound up TO explode In
twelve hours, and the explosion set fire to the
depot-Mr. Bradlaugh, who expelled from
the House of Commons on the 22d ult for contempt,
will again contest the sent for Northampton where
a new election has been ordered by Parliament"
General SkObelefs speech continues to excite alarm
through Europe and the feeling of insecurity has
been increased by the declaration of the Moscow
Telegraph that the General only expressed the
opinion of millions of Observation-Disclosures Har-
Der and Master Scheutze, of the U. 5. Navy, have
left ST. Petersburg for Irkutsk, whence they will
prosecute the search for the Jeannettes third boat
Lieutenant DanenhOwer returns to ST. Petersburg
THE appointment of NJ. ROustan as Minister to
the United States from France has been gazetted
at Pars.-The British Commission to inquire
into the working of the land act according to Lord
Salisburys declaration in Parliament, Will LABOR In
the direction of redressing the wrongs OF anGordS
The present commercial treaty Det"ee, Z rance
and England has been prolonged until May Ioth'--
Austria has undertaken offensive movement
against the insurgents in herzegovina Inc
International Electrical Exhibition at Edinburgh
was ODened ON Saturday evening ny ING Duho anu
Duchess of Ednburgh-One hundred and fifty
lives have been lost by acOliery explosion at LeOben,
Stvria-Mr. Gladstone seems disposed to press
~ issue between the Commons and the Lords
touching the committee which the latter body has
constituted to inquire into the working of the land
act. A conference of Liberals was held at his house
on Monday and the same day the Commons by
vote of 800 to 167 took up his resolution pronounce
ing the inquiry injudiciOus.-It is rumored that
the Car of Russia will abdicate after his corona
ton if the Empire does not improve, but no faith
is placed in the report.
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1882-03-04
Why Delay

From July l, 1861, to January l, 1882, the Pen
73,OO1 making total of 527,364 adjudicated
There are now on the files of the office 266, 1888
unsettled claims, and it is becoming every day
more important, for reasons which will presently
appear, to secure speedy action upon them. The
rate at which they are being disposed of at pres
ent is painfully slow. The monthly average for
the last four months of 1881, as shown by Com
missioner Dudley's reports, was but 1929 cases.
equal to yearly reduction Of only IS, 548 cases,
although that is much higher ratio than was
achieved by Commissioner Bentley. From this
number of new claims filed, which now averages
$500 monthly, or 10000 per year, leaving the
actual annual reduction but 25,548 cases, at
which rate it would take at least ten years to
dispose of all the vast accumulated business of
the Pension Office, and five years to reach the
last of the claims that are now on file.
Why?
Simply because Congress refuses to authorize
the employment of sufficient force IN the Pen
sion Bureau to transact the business of the office.
When the present Commissioner went into Of
flee. the force aggregated 784 persons, but, owing
TO the lack of funds, he was almost Immediately
compelled to discharge more than hundred
clerks, reducing the number to about CTS, at
which it still remains. AS the President stated
in his message fully one-third of the clerical
force is now wholly occupied in giving attention
to correspondence with the thousands of claim
ants whose cases have been on the files for the
past eighteen years." which is in itself serious
source of weakness
All these facts were fully set forth to the Lower
House of Congress by Representative Browne, of
Indiana, in the course of the able speech which
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1882-03-04

ruin of mankind. Cheap whisky will only
multiply drunkards and augment suffering,
poverty, and crime throughout the land We
do not believe that the people want cheap
whisky, or that it can be justified on any theory
of craftsmanship. And, as a matter of fact, does
anybody believe that the consumer would profit
by the reduction?
The tobacco manufacturers are also shouting
for a reduction. Let them shout! 1t is dis
puted question, whether whisky or tobacco has
the most victims, but however that may be, it is
clear that tobacco is mere luxury of life and is
fit article for heavy taxation. Tobacco is
already so cheap that Young America is now
seen strutting about with cigarette in his
mouth before he is out of frocks. Is anybody
willing to recommend it as food for babies?
Tobacco is doing enough injury to health already
without increasing its opportunities for evil
No; cheap tobacco is not one of the country's
needs.
There is the stamp tax, too. Who has been
ruined by that impost? If any bank president
HOS occn odLhiupIcu, VIC udSc uot ucdIu vi H.
although the physical exertion involved in
sticking stamp on such checks as Vanderbilt is
in the habit of drawing is doubtless great strain
upon the nervous systems of capitalists.
1t is also great hardship, perhaps, to compel
the manufacturers of patent medicines to stamp
each package or bottle but we suspect that even
were this burden removed the thousands of
persons whose lives are saved yearly by these
miraculous remedies would have to pay as much
as ever for them.
Upon the whole, it seems to us, that the best
thing Congress can do is to let the revenues
alone. The. people are not overtaxed and do
not complain, and besides, the Government has
immediate need Of all the surplus revenue it can
command. It is time that we had new navy
of some sort or other, and the recent devastating
floods in the Western rivers admenish US that
we must spend some money on the improvement
of the Mississippi, while it goes without saying
that our ex-soldiers and sailors should be paid
every penny that is owing them in the shape OF
pensions or bounties It will be time enough to
cut down the revenues when, through hard times
or other causes, the taxes become too heavy a
burden for the people to bear, or the Government
has no longer any need of large income. Let
the revenues and well-enough alone!
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1882-03-04

IT is proposed TO spend ten millions of dollars
in laying the keel of a new navy. A new navy
is certainly sadly needed, since our sailors are
at present forced to 90 to in tubs, but rather
to protect the lives of those who navigate the
existing hulks of the line than to repel foreign
foe. If Congress can afford to spend any money
for this purpose, it can certainly afford to pay
for the increased clerical force in the Pension
Bureau, which is needed to adjust the aeeumu-
lated claims within reasonable period.
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1882-03-04
Let the Revenues Alone.

A concerted movement is being made in the
present Congress to effect reduction in the in
ternal revenue taxes. Some of our Representa-
tives appear to be actuated by the belief that
there is great popular demand for the reduc-
ton, and they hope to make political capital by
it. Others favor the reduction because they
want to wipe out the annual surplus in the Treas
ury, and so prevent, as they hope, any increase
in the pension appropriations. There is also
some reason for believing that the High Tariff
men are willing to vote for it in order to head off
the attempt to reduce the duties on foreign i'm
ports Selfish consideration of one kind or an
other are the handspring of the movement 1t is
not supported, so far as we have yet seen, by
either fact or reason.
What necessity exists at the present moment
for a reduction of internal revenue taxation I?
The country was never so well able to pay the
taxes, and there has never been a time when the
surplus revenues of the Government could be
spent to better advantage. No one, we presume,
will deny that our prosperity is due in great
measure to the superb condition of the national
credit. Shall we then, in the flood-tide of that
prosperity, stop paying the public debt? Is it
wise when the Nation is content to pay the
taxes, even temporarily to remove it; and should
that step be taken, will it not strengthen the in
1uence of those who are opposed to ever paying
the debt?
No one, we presume, will deny that our pros
perity is due, in still larger measure, to the
brave men who risked their lives to preserve
the Union. Shall we, then, at time VIXEN the
wealth Of the country is increasing at prodigi-
Gus rate cease to recompense them for their
sacrifices? Is it sound policy to set such a pre-
cedent, when at any time in the future, we may
again have need of their services?
Who, furthermore, will profit by reduction
First and foremost, the liquor interest 1t is the
distillers who pay the bulk of the internal reve-
nue. taxes, and it was with them that the clamor
for reduction originated. Upon what ground,
pray, should it be granted? If there is any
traffic that ought to be dearly taxed it is GER
tainly this which profits by the degradation and
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1882-03-04
The Grand Army Encampment.

The Annual Encampment Of the Grand Army
aware, will be held in Baltimore this year. It is
the first time that Southern city has been Sc
lected for Reunion, but Baltimore is now really
Southern city in name only. Northern and
Western men have settled there in large num-
bers since the war, and the old Union element
which stood so galantly by the flag in the peril
Gus days of 81 is now strong and vigorous. The
local Posts too, are in hourishing condition,
and the citizens are proud of the fine display
which they make when they parade through the
streets on Decoration Day and other holiday
occasions If we may judge from the tone of
the local press an effort will be made by some of
the trade bodies of the city to give the veterans
public welcome and provide for their entertain
ment in the most generous manner. The old
notion that the Grand Army is political ma
chine seems to be disappearing even in Maryland,
and doubtless the reception of the Boys in Blue
in Baltimore will be as enthusiastic as elsewhere.
What Grand Army it is in fact as well as
name! Think by what precious memories of
heroic and chivalric deeds its members are bound
together, with what glorious achievements their
names have been connected, and in what dangers,
sufferings and privations their brotherhood has
been cemented! How it stirs the pulses and
loosens the reins of the imagination to see the
Blue Line advancing down the streets, bands
f4vpr ba oh inst &C
they did full twenty years ago! There is the
same martial bearing and the same steady, swing
ing step, albeit here and there one can see that
age has stifened the joints of the veterans
Away with your militia and their fine new uni
forms! Your holiday soldiers are pretty to look
at but here comes the Old Guard that fought at
Bull Run and Fredericksburg, at Vieksburg and
Pittsburg Landing, at Charlottesville and An
tietam, that led that splendid charge at Gettys
burg and fred the last gun at Appomattox One
fancies he scents the fumes of gunpowder and
hears the roar of distant cannonading as the
veterans file by.
But their campaigns are over. The brave
soldier has become the good citizen Science,
art, commerce, every trade and industry now
claim that devotion which, when the Republic
had need of it, was the Republics alone. Peace
hath her victories as well as war; and in the
great struggle for existence in the camp of
labor the field of discovery, and the march of
mind-the Grand Army is still fighting the
battles of mankind.
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1882-03-04
Justice to the Pensioner.

The following extract from a speech delivered
by Congressman Browne, of Indiana, in the
House on the 18th ultimo contains the very
essence of the principle involved in the Arrears
of Pensions Act, and as an argument in justifca-
ton of that measure is absolutely unanswerable:
"Mr. Chairman, when / began it was not my
intention to discuss the Arrearage Act, but as
that act has been vigorously assaled and it's
repeal demanded, May say word upon this
subject, 1 hope, without trespassing too much
upon the indulgence of the House. By our law.
and by the laws of every civilized nation in the
world soldier who is disabled in the line of
duty is entitled to a pension. That pension is
due the moment the Government declares by the
soldiers discharge that the disability units him
from further service provided the injury con-
tinues and impairs his ability to labor The
pension is the sum the Government pays to make
the man each month equal in his ability to labor
to what he would have been had the dis
ability not been incurred On the very day the
injury drives him from the Governments employ
his right to demand a pension exists, and if it
were possible to perfect his proofs then his pay
would begin at once. Should his failure to make
application at once, his inability to collect his
evidence, or the procrastination of the Pension
Office in examining his claim defeat his just
demand? Does not the damage begin TO run
from the very day the injury deprived him of
his ability to earn full pay?
Suppose two soldiers receive similar wounds
in the same engagement; one files his claim i'm
mediately, his pension is allowed and is paid
him regularly ten years before the other makes
his application. Now, what element exists In
the one case that is wanting in the otherF Why
should these two pensions not begin at the same
time? Is it just that one of these gallant men
should have ten years more pay for exactly the
same disability than the ether? 1t was to give
equal merit equal pay that the srrearage Bill
was passed. 1t was enacted to do justice to all,
to make all pensions cover, as they should, the
whole period of disability"
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1882-03-04

WITH all the talk in Congress about pension
frauds, it doesn't seem to have occurred to the
alarmists that the soldier who swears falsely
perjury, while the miserable wretch who testihes
falsely against him is liable to no punishment at
all under existing law. Would it not be well to
prevent frauds on the soldier as well as the
Government?
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1882-03-04

THK newspapers which lately were SO blatant
in their attacks upon the soldier and were ready
to denounce every applicant for pension as
swindler, seem to have lost the power of speech;
or is their silence owing simply to the circum-
stance that they haven't been able to manufacture
any new ISLANDERS? Even Senator Beck has not
Conceived in iniquity" lately.
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1882-03-04

HAVE the two hundred and sixty odd thou
sand claimants whose applications for a pension
are on file in the Pension Bureau no rights
which the American Congress is bound to re-
spect? There seems to be an impression at the
Capitol that it would be magnificent stroke of
economy to postpone payment until the crack of
doom, but little daylight will be let into that
crack before long.
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1882-03-04

We surrender considerable portion of our
space this week to the publication of the most
interesting portions Of Mr. Blaine's memorial
Grafton on the death of President Garfield. 1t is
a profoundly eloquent tribute to the memory of
the dead soldier and statesman from one who
loved him well.
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1882-03-04

WHEN Gabriel blows his horn it is to be
feared the atmospheric conclusion will disturb
some of the mouldy claims in the Pension Office,
unless Congress should suddenly awake to the
Importance of settling them in this world!
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1882-03-04

SOME of our extremely conservative Congress
men seem disposed to make joint celebration
of the completion of Washingtons Monument
and the adjustment of the accumulated claims
left TO posterity to fix.
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1882-03-04

PATIENCE on a monument would be an
appropriate establishment for the proposed new
wouldn't it be just as well to devote the money
which the ground and building would cost to
the sorely needed increase in the clerical force
of the Bureau
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1882-03-04

WHERE are the unfortunate wretches who, &C
cording to the revenue reformers, are being
"ground down with oppressive Federal taxes?"
We should like to print specimen portrait of
one Of these alleged living skeletons. Wander
bilt, Gould, Aston, Field, Roekafeller-any of
these tax-ridden citizens will do!
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1882-03-04

THAT surplus in the Treasury is source of
awful anxiety to some of our Congressman. 1t
would be so much easier to justify themselves in
the eyes of their constituents for opposing the
pension appropriations if Uncle Sam were short
In his bank account.
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1882-03-04

BEGINNING with the next number THE Ma
TIoNAL TRIBUNE will contain forty eight instead
of forty columns of interesting reading, but there
will be no increase in price. Send one dollar and
secure live vigorous soldiers paper for whole
wear.
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1882-03-04

THE picture which the distillers draw of their
sufferings under the present tax is indescribably
touching. They actually have been compelled to
give their liquor an extra watering in order to
get even!
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1882-03-04

WE HAVE received several communications
Niles, and in reply to all say that the matter
was duly investigated by the G. A. R. of Phila-
delphia and the General proved fraud.
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1882-03-04

WERE but the applicants for pensions and the
Members of Congress to exchange places for a
couple of years what remarkable revival of
patriotism would manifest itself among the
latter!
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1882-03-04

The officers and soldiers of the Army of the Cum
berland who composed the guard of honor to the
remains of President Garfield during the funeral
obsequies, by invitation of the committee othcated
as ushers ON the occasion of the memorial services
at the capitol on the 9th.
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1882-03-04
WASHINGTON, D. c., MARCH 4, 1882.

How to prevent pension frauds: First find the
frauds!
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1882-03-04

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The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1882-03-04
THE NATIONAL TRIBUNE
PUBLISHED EVERY SATURDAY.

To BORNE THE BATTLE AND foS HIS
ORPHANS. ABRAHAM LINCOLN
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1882-03-04

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The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1882-03-04

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The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1882-09-27
Political.

Watertown. n. Y. 2e-Congress
mated. 0A ienOin'-
New York, 2s.-The following
resolutions will be considered AZ
the next meeting OF 1.-THE republican
state committee: : ~ : ''''
ReSotCed That in future maeti,cs
or this committee no person. eTcaS5t
members duly elected at state co5e
yentions, will be authorized To vote or
dho thaV no persons shall be per-
mltted TO appear by proxy.
Sharpe offered the following
which was adopted: -
ReSOIged, That the state commit
tee expresses its deteStation of the
attempt maze at Saratoga TO inAn-
ence the committee by the use of
forged kilograms, and its detestation
Of all methods and purposes which
such wretched fraud and trickery
implies; and this committee tenders
It's cordial cooperation to any an
thOTltleS or persons in investigating
the crime to the end that its authors
may be speedily ascertained and
held up to the sc ORR of the people.
Harrisburg, 26.-The democratic
conference of the Fourteenth Dis
trict nominated Harry Mccormick
for Congress.
Chicago, 26.-Republicans Of the
Fourth Congressional District, COM
posed of North Chicago and out
lying towns, nominated as state
senator, G. E. Adam.
Altoona, Pa, &c. j. NJ. Campbell
was nominated for Congress by the
republicans of the Seventeenth Dis
trict.
Utica, N. Y, 26.-The Oneida
County democrats nominated
lhos. Spriggs for Congress.
Oswego, n. Y, 26.-The republi-
cans of the Twenty-eighth District
nominated R. G. Willard for Con
gress.
The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1882-09-27
Yellow Fever.

Brownsville, Tex, 26.-Water is
disappearing from the streets. Five
new cases of yellow fever and one
death. Nine new cases at Point
Isabel, to-day. DR.. Murray, of the
Marine hospital, at Arroyo, Color
ado, is perfecting the Gordon. Com
municatioD with Matamoras is
opened under the supervision Of the
health officers. The fever in Mata-
moras is considered nearly over.
One death since yesterday.
There is no fever on the Texas
side from a point twenty miles
above this place. Fever is increas-
ing at Reynosa, CanargO and Mier,
with great mortality.
Pensacola, Fla, 26.-'rhe fever is
not subsiding, rather on the in
crease. There is much restitution
among the poor classes.
Sixty new cases, two deaths, The
increase of fever, and the means Of
affording relief are so inadequate,
that the board of health called a
meeting of physicians with a view
to systematiziDg methods for the
distributing of means for affording
relief to all in need.
The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1882-09-27
LATEST TELEGRAMs
EGYPT.

Constantinople, 26.-Baker Pasha
entrusted with the task Of reorgan.
lzlng the Egyptian army, intends
proposing to the .KhediVe that he
employ all English officers servino
IN the Turkish gen-d'armerie
Cairo, 26.-The Khedive. yester-
day evening, drove for an bour
through the illuminated streets.
ana was well received. The Khe.
dive bestows upon Gen. WolseIev
the grand Gordon of the order Of
OsmanIi.
1t IS expected that guards and
marines viii leave here on Fridav.
BedOuins have cut the fresh water
canal above Nenish.
a grand reception was held of
Gheziereh palace, to-day, by the
khedive. Nearly 1000 representa-
tlVes Oh different villages were
present The Khedive refused to
receive many implicated pashas and
beys, who came to profess loyalty.
and warned the UIemas and other
nlgh pers0nages vhat they would be
severely punished if they relapsed
to disloyalty. The principal British
officers with their STATS were
present. General WOlseIey however.
was indisposed and unable to attend
The ceremony of the presentation to
the general of the decoration by the
Khedive did not take place.
Review Of British troops on Sa-
turday.
The Khedive's ministers to-mor-
row, discuss the appointment Of a
court-martial for the trial of the
rebels.
Alexandria, 26.-The British iron
clad Minotour, goes to Ahoukir to-
morrow to re-embark marines there.
She thence proceeds to Malta and
JOINS the channel feet.
The arrest Of men implicated in
the June massacres continues.
MarseilleS. 20. - Government
ordered Egyptian refugees returned
to England.
ConStantinople, 26.-The Porte
has addressed a note TO the British
ambassador demanding to know
what steps are contemplated bv his
government in regard to the with
drawal Of the British troops from
Egypt, as they are no longer needed
IN that country.