The state rights democrat. [volume] (Albany, Linn County, Oregon) 1865-1900, 1882-05-12
Tne Garfield Funerat Expenses.

Tho country would gladly sustain the
largest measure OF liberality at oil con.
sisient with justice, in providing for the
expenses attending the case OF the late
President Garfield during his protracted
and painful Illness, bnt there will be a
very general disposition TO complain oi
the blu reported by the majority OF the
house committee.
The appropriation Of 800, 900 10 Mrs.
Garfield, less tho amount drawn on ae-
count OF Presidential salary, IL in accord
with the uniform action OF congress un.
der like circumstances, and none will
dispute the propriety of the appropria-
ton. The award OF S25, 900 to Dir. Bliss
will bo assented 10 with some misgiv-
ings as TO its entire justice. The
appropriation OF $4,000 10 each oi
the consulting physicians, Doctors
Agnew and Hamilton, will be regarded
az reasonable compensation. DIR. Ag-
new was the only surgeon who performed
important operations when necessary,
and DIR. Hamilton is pre-eminent in his
particular line as physician. Their two
months OF attention 10 the President
Whenever needed, and the value Of their
professional services 10 themselves,
make the amount closer 10 justice than
10 generosity.
With these awards for medical attend.
ance on the President, the lines of JUS.
tice fade out in the long list Of extraya.
giant appropriations. Doctors Reyburu
Boypton and Edson are each rendered
SlD, 600, not one Of whom ever earned ~
mach. and probably not half 40 much
in any year of their lives, and IL is alike
unjust TO the country and 10 the profes-
sion 20 pay such enormous fees. DIR
Reyburn had little caro- and less responni
bility in the case, and Dr.. Boynton and
DR.. Susan Edison were simply friends
and nursea. They did not pretend 20 ex
ereise any medical skill in the treatment
Of the case. although they were valuable
in the tender and intelligent care OF thG
patient.
But the most Objectionable feature o
the bill reported by tho committee is the
proposed promotion Of Drs. Barnes anG
Woodward in the navy, 70 enable then
70 be retired on the largest pay. The re
tired list Of both the army and the nav1
10 one Of the most unsatisfactory proyis
ions Of our military and naval laws
and IL IN most unwise 70 relieyl
two discarded physicians in the Presi
dents case. by unmerited promotion te
make them enlarged pensioners upon Tia,
nation for life. II they rendered AM
service. professional or otherwise, ,desery
ing Of pay. let them be honestly anG
Literally paid. but the grave Of Garfield
should not be employed 10 give promo
tionE which could not be attained on th,
score of merit. Unless the additions Il
the army and navy retired list shall be
increased with scrupulons care, the day
is not distant when forebearance vii
cease 10 be q virtue and congress will b.
compelled 10 abolish the whole system.
On one point all will agree. The Gar
field funeral expenses should be prompt
~ andited and paid. aud even extraya
gance viii be preferred TO the naked ex
posnre OF all tbs tricks Of cunning and
greed To plumber the treasury under the
veil OF nations sorrow. Whatever is tc
be done, let il be promptly done and end
tho matter.-Phil. Times.