The National tribune., 1884-03-20
Let Is Have United Action,


The more our readers ponder the recon-
mendatons recently made to Congress by
the Pension Committee of the Grand Army,
the more reasonable and expedient, we are
sure, these recommendations VIII appear to
them, and the more worthy Of earnest and
emphatic approval. It was within the
power of the committee to have confined its
action TO a mere general Endorsement of all
legislation proposed in the soldiers interest
without attempting TO pass upon the com
paratiye merits of independent measures,
but had it contented itself with this express
sion Of opinion, it would not, in our judg-
ment, have fulfilled its duty. The object of
the National Encampment of the Grand
Army, in creating this committee, was to
exert its influence upon Congress in such
way as to make it of positive value in de-
termining the action of that body on meas
ures affecting the welfare of our veterans,
and the very fact that such large discre-
tionary powers were conferred upon it is
evidence that its course was expected to be
shaped by the necessities of the moment. 1t
was for this reason, too, that the members of
the committee were selected from among the
most able and distinguished comrades of
the 0rder-no less than three of the FIVE
having held the high Office of Commander
in-Chief-and we submit that it would be
difficult to name five comrades who merit
and enjoy to a greater degree the confidence
of the Grand Army than those actually
chosen.
Upon them devolyed the responsibility of
so employing the influence of the Order as to
best promote the interests of our ex- soldiers
in Congress, and it appears from the con-
clusions at which they arrived that they
were guided in their deliberations by two
considerations - justice and expediency.
With regard to the first, it was clear that
nothing short of the fulfllment by Congress
of the Governments promises to care for him
who had borne the battle and for his widow
and orphans could be demanded, and with
regard TO the second, it was equally mani
fest that to urge the adoption of measures
not of immediate necessity, and whose
passage was evidently an impossibility,
would be a waste of opportunity and infu-
ence. Such being the considerations
governing their action, they very properly
addressed themselves to the work of secur-
/ ing the largest possible measure OF justice
/ for every ex-soldier. A mere glance at their
recommendations viii satisfy any one of
the earuestness of 4h-ir efforts in this
direction. Sensible Of the hardships and
suffering resulting from the delay attending
the allowance Of pension claims by the
methods now in vogue, they boldly demand
that the Government shall waive its right
TO compel the applicant TO prove the origin
Of his disability, ard shall accept as suffi-
cient reason for granting him pension the
fact that he is now disabled and dependent
upon his own labor for support, or is sixty
five years Of age!
Think, for a moment, what blessing
this would be! Why, it would strip the
overburdened files Of the Pension Office in
the twinkIing Of an eye and rescue from
want and NEGLECT thousands unon thousands
Of deserving veterans
In the same spirit is their recommendation
to do away with the requirement of the
Pension Office that an applicant for pension
must furnish proof of his soundness prior to
enlistment 1t estops the Government from
going back on its own record and puts the
burden Of proof where il belongs
If the members of the committee had
stopped here they would still have de-
served the thanks of their comrades, but
they did not content themselves with this
The necessities of the soldiers widow and
orphans claimed their attention, and they
did not hesitate to characterize the provision
made by the Government as utterly made
] quate, and demand for them just increas.
of pension All their recommendation
indeed, in regard to increase of pensions
: are marked by cordial and intelligeu
4 appreciation of the need therefor, and are a
once specific and comprehensive.
i Finally, they have shown the sincerit
: and consistency Of their policy, in demand
ing the extension of the arrears act an
the equalization of bounties. These meas
! ures are both deeply rooted in justice Th
sentiment of our ex-soldiers is unit fo
their passage. More than any othe
propositions that have ever been brough
before Congress have they commanded til
support Of honest and patriotic men, an
d there is reason to believe that in th
b present Congress they would command
1; majority vote. TWAS both just and exp'
,; dent that their enactment should be recon
S, mended to Congress, and the day win ney,
3, come when the members Of the Pensio