Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1883-10-19
THE COUNTRY'S PENSIONERS.
Annual Report Of COMMISSIONS
Dudley.

THE NUMEER OF PENSIONERS now ON THE ROLLS,
AND THE AMOUNT PAID OCT.
Col. ". ". Dudley, the commissioner OF pensions.
In his annual report to the Secretary of the Interior
to-day, states that at the close Of the year ending
Jne30 there were SOB 65s pensioners classified as
follows: 1858 army invaids, ,373 army widows,
minor children and dependent relatives, s,46s navy
1nvalids, 97 navy widows, &c. 1881 survivors of
the war 1872 and 81 36 widows OF those who served
In In that war During the year there was added to
WEI We're restored to ths ro so ama
were W re dropped, making net increase
gate annual value Of all pensions Is s32 25, g. A.
an increase over last year Of 50 94 09O OF the
s60G6 OO9 s3 paid for pensions during the year, the
larger proportion was used in paying the arrears,
thus swelling the payments much beyond the an
nual value. OF the 244,5O5 claims for arrears re-
naming incomplete in the office. the report states
that In 2O4 9 eases, the delay is OccaSOned by the
claimants in failing to furnish the proper evt-
dence.
DEFECTS IN THE PRESENT LAWS
The commissioner renews his recommendation OF
last year In relation to legislation for remedying
defects in the present laws. He recommends that
section 1888 OF the Revised Statutes be amended SO
as TO include scouts and suggests that the grading
OF pensions be remodeled on the basis OF disability
rather than rank. These changes in the laws, the
commissioner thinks could be best effected by a
commission. The report urges an amendment to
the laws which will not make it necessary for a
mother TO show that a son contributed to her sup
port IN order TO receive pension on his account.
1t Is also suggested that the clause which places
old war claims within the three-year limitation be
amended so that these shall have their date of
commencement at the time of filing the applica-
ton rather than at that of the filing OF the last
piece or evidence. The commissioner recommends
the removal OF the disabilities OF naval eX-confed-
crates.
THE CLERICAL FORCE OF THE BUREAU.
In regard to the accommodations Of the clerical
force OF the bureau the report states that the office
has 1907 employees, and these, except 24O special
n as
follows: In the building corner 18th street and the
avenue, S3s in the houses annexed on 18th street,
corner OF 18th street and the avenue and its annex
58. The floor space allowed to each person is %
square feet. He recommends an appropriation OF
5000 for improving the ventilation Of these build
ingS
PENSIONERS OF THE FUTURE.
In regard to the pension business in the future,
the commissioner finds that these 9626O1 living
soldiers and sailors who have not applied for pen
the former may not apply for pension, he thinks
that all of the latter probably will.
INCREASE OF SALARIES RECOMMENDED.
The report suggests that the salary of the chief
the review board, the chief Of the special examna
ton division, the chief OF the eastern, middle
be each advanced to $500 and that OF their assis
tants to $4,000, and that OF chiefs OF other divisions
to s, $50.
PROGRESS OF THE WORK.
The commissioner states that On July IS, 1885, the
Office was practically up with current work. That
Is to say, every case involving arrears filed prior to
July 1st, $780, and with few exceptions all filed sub
sequent to July 1st, $780, and not involving arrears
had been examined: Those ready for settlement
had peen settled IAose awaiting proper calls fol
evidence We're attended to, and it was found that
nothing further could be done In 2S5 600 claims out
force may be considerably reduced July 1st, 1874
The amount required for the payment OF pensioners
during the next two years will depend upon their
claims the report estimates that sixty per cent Will
eventually be allowed.