The Pulaski citizen. [volume] (Pulaski, Tenn.) 1866-current, 1883-03-22
Pension for tI1e BIInd.

Pension for the Blind.
( Representative Blackburn ex-
presses our views precisely upon
the proposition to pension the blind
confederate soldiers of Tennessee.
The house having under considera-
ton the bill, Mr.. Blackburn said:
Mr.. SPEAkER This bill proposes
some relief Tor small class of persons
who have been necessarily pensioners
upon the cold charities of the world for
many weary, dreary years. More than
twenty years ago this country from
center to circumference was convulsed
with sectional animosities, with parti-
san and political strifes, and bitter con-
tentions, eliminating in a fearful and
fratricidal war. Tennessee, grand and
noble in all her pact history, conserva-
i've and thoughtful in her views, en-
! deavored to remain neutral while tie
waves of grim-visaged and devastating
war were sweeping on, threatening
invasion OF her borders End destruction
20 her rights and property and spolia-
ton TO her homes and firesides. The
crisis came at last, the issue was clearly
aud irrevOcably made, neutrality was
| Impracticable. Tennessee, q majority of
| ner people concurriDg, decided to join
| ner sister southern states in defending
her rights ana prOperty--Racred always
10 ITee people. At her call to arms,
| more than one hundred thousand OF her
sons responding, threw themselves In
he breech and on many holly con-
tested field upheld the honor and glory
! vi Tennessee and sealed with their
blood, their limbs and lives their devo-
ION 10 the cause they had espOused.
Whether her course in this particular
was wise or judiciOus or best or right
under the circumstances, L am not here
20 inquire or determine, and IL is not
my purpose now to discuss. But what
Is the duty of Tennessee and her legis.
lature at this time toward these I'M
fortunate, helpless, sightless patriots
who have sacrificed this richest boon
and highest natural endowment upon
the altar OF duty! Shall enot bestoW
this paltry sum OF ten dollars per month
to supply them with the actual necesi-
ties for the remainder of their natural
livesf To do less would be disgrace
to the volunteer state, which il enough
TO bring the blush of shame TO the
checks OF all her people. | believe il
would be just and proper to double the
donation for this purpose TO enable
these unfortunates to have some of the
comforts, as well as the necessaries of
lite. l know our state is overwhelmed
with debt and suffering from the de-
falcation and nismanagement of her
officials, resulting in depletion of her
treasury; but she is not too poor, and
God forbid she should ever be, to pro-
vide for her afflicted children and show
her appreciation of the services and
sacrifices OF these patriots, whose sight
lees orbs mutely plead for help. Too
long, much too long, have they been left
10 grOpe their way in darkness and de-
pend upon strangers for the most
meagre substance. The United States
government has not been unmindful of
her soldiers who were similarly I'M
fortunate in the late sanguinary strug-
gle between the states, and has provided
them q munIficent pension of $72 per
month to make them Independent and
This is proper recogni-
CiOn of the services and sacrifices OF the |
faithful soldiers of the republic, and the |
people, regardless OF party or political |
bias, honor the government which thus !
honors her patriots. The state OF Geor-
gia has made ample provisions for her |
sons who have given their eyes for her
defense, and now shall not Tennessee !
follow their example in bestowing this |
pittance for purposes so praiseworthy
and needful? Upon careful inquiry |
find there are only four of these poor
fellows still lingering in the land OF the
living. These are Irskin of Williamson,
Woldridgs of Giles, Beasley of Hum
phreys and Sawrie of Crockett, They
are helpless and destitute and l trust
there is not O member of this house OF
any political bias or persuasion that
,an find in his heart to oppose this bill
30 humane and just in its provision-for
n