The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1884-07-17
THE DEsRRTIoN BILL.
Full Text of the Measure Is it Became

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LsH.
Be enacted bai sle Scnafe and Hotse Of Rcpresen-
tatices Of the United States Of 4ueyica IN Congress
assembled That the charge OF deseFtion stand
ing the rolls and records ia the Office of the
Acknowledgement OF the United States against any
soldier who served in the late war In the volunteer
service shall be removed in all cases where j. shall
be made 10 appear 70 the satisfaction of the Seere-
tary OF War, from such rolls and records, or from
other satisfactory testimony that any such soiasr
served faithfully until the expiration Of bis term of
enlistment, until the first day of May Ammo
Domini eighteen hundred and sixty-five havins,
previously served six months more, was pre-
vented from completing his term of service by
reason of wounds received or disease contracted in
the line OF duty but who. by of absence from
his command at the time the same mustered
Out, failed TO be mustered ont and 10 receive an
honorable discharge. Procised, That no soldier
shall be relieved under This section who not being
SICK or wounded, left his command without proper
authority whist the in the presence of
the enemy.
SEC 2. That the Secretary of War Is hereby su
thorized TO remove the charge OF desertion from
the records OF any soldier in the late war uton
proper application therefor and satisfactory proof
In The following cases.
First That such soldier, after such charge OF de-
sertion WAS made and within reasonable time
thereafter, voluntarily returned to his command
ana served faithfully 10 the end OF his term of
service.
Second That such soldier a5sented himself with
out proper authority from hospital or from fur
Tough given from hospital, white suffering from
wounds, injuries, disease received or contracted
IN the service IN the line OF duty and on recovery
faithfully until discharged or died frou such
wounds, INJURY, or disease while so absent and be-
fore the date OF The muster out ef his command
Ihira nat such soldier absented himself with
out proper authority from Through given by
proper authority, and while so absent died from
wounds, Injury, disease received or Contracted
III the service IN the line of duty before muster out
of his command
SEC g. That in all cases where the charge Of de-
serton shall be removed under the provisions of
this act from the record of any soldier who has not
received n certificate of discharge it shall be the
duty OF the Adiufant- General of the United States
70 Issue TO such soldier in OF his death u,
ms heirs or legal representatives, certificate Of
discharge.
SEC. T. That when the charge Of desertion shall
be removed under the provisions of this act from
the record of any soldier such soldier or in case Of
his DEATH the heirs legal representatives of such
soldier, shall receive the pay and bounty due To
such soldier: Prorided hotcsoer That this act shall
not be so construed to give TO any such soldier
in CT his DEATH to the heirs or legal re;re-
sentatives OF any such soldier, and pay bounty or
allowance for any period OF time during which such
COLDER was absent from his command without
proper authority, shall II be so construed a. TO
give any pay bounty, allowance to any soldier
ms heirs, or legal representatives, who served IN
the Army q period of less than six months.
SEC. D. That all applications for relief under this
get shall be made to and filed with the Secretary of
War within the period of five years from and after
It's passage. and all applications not made and
tied within said term of five years shall be forever
barred and shall not be received or considered
SEC o. That all acts and parts of acts inconsistent
with the provisions of this act hereby repealed
Julv W.