The National tribune., 1885-12-10

tiOn with other Nations have failed, and i
we persist in our forced coinage terrible con-
sequences to the laboring people and the
business of the country are inevitable.
The so-called debtor class for whose benefit the
continued compulsory coinage of silver is insisted
upon, are not dishonest because they are in debt
and they should not be suspected of desire to
jeopardize the financial safety of the country, in
order that they may cancel their present debts by
paying the same in deprecated dollars. Nor should
it be forgotten that it is not the rich the money
| lender alone that must submit to such readjust
ment, enforced by the Government and their debt
| ors. The pittance of the widow and the orphan
and the incomes of helpless beneciaries of all kinds
would be dsastrousy reduced The depositors in
savings banks and in other institutions which hold
in trust the savings of the poor, when their little
| accumulations are scaled down to meet the new
order of things would. in their distress, painfully
realize the delusion of the promise made to them
| that plentiful money would improve their condi-
| ton.
Speaking of the army he would diminish
desertions by shortening the term of first
enlistment and would make reformation in
the manner Of procedure of courts-martial
of the army and navy.
He says that the conviction is forced upon
Us, and that with the certainty of mathe-
matical demonstration, that before we pro-
ceed further in the restoration of the navy
| we need thoroughly reorganized Navy De-
partment "The fact that within II years
more than s75, 100000 have been spent in the
construction, repair, equipment and arma-
ment of vessels, and the further fact that, in
stead of an effective and creditable fleet, we
have only the discomfort and apprehension of
Nation undefended by war vessels, added to
the disclosures now made, do not permit us
to doubt that every attempt to revive our
navy has thus far for the most part been
| misdirected, and all our efforts in that di-
rection have been little better than blind
cropping and expensive and aimless follies."
Speaking of the Indians he recommends
the appointment of six commissioners, three
from the army, and three from civil life, who
shall make thorough investigation of the
whole problem, and recommend what shall
be done.
The land laws should be so reformed as to
prevent the accum ulation of large quantities
of lands intended for the common benefit of
all in single ownership.
His utte-ances upon the immortality of po-
lygamy and the dangers it involves to the
Nation are strong and striking. He says
the laws for the suppression of polygamy
have been energetically and faithfully exc
cuted, and recommends that an additional
law be passed to prevent the importation of
Mormons into the country.
The Civil Service Commission is strongly
indorsed and the increase of the salaries of
the commissioners "to sum more nearly
commensurate to their important duties is
recommended; and the message concludes
with number of business recommendations
regarding the District of Columbia.
IMPORTANT TO PENSION CLAIMANTS.
Under the ruling Of Gen. John C. Black.
Commissioner of Pensions to the effect that
charge of desertion yet remaining against
the record Of soldier operates as bar to
the allowance Of o pension in his case, it was
found that in great majority of cases the
charge was merely technical, and could be
quickly removed by the Secretary of War
under the provisions of existing law.
That unnecessary delay and correspond
enoe might be avoided Gen. Black commune
Gated with Adjutant- General Drum on the
subject, the result of which communication
was the following letter from that officer:
WAR DEPARTMENT,
ADJUTANT-GENERAL's OEFICE,
WASHINGTON, Dee. s, 1888.
MY DEAR GENERAL: / would suggest that, in
claims for pension in which the charge of deser-
tion appears on the reports furnished by this Office
the claimants be not notified that the has been
suspended on account Of said charge, but that the
papers be first referred to this Office with the view
to the removal of the charge of desertion if the
records of this Office justify such action 1t is be-
leved If this course is pursued. much correspond
ence can be saved, it is found from experience |
that in many the charge of desertion is mere
the provisions of the act Of Congress approved July
s. 1854 and the claimant need not make any further
explanation submit further testimony.
Very truly, yours,
r. C. DRUM, Adjutant- General.
GEN. JOHN c. BLACK,
Commissioners Of Pensions,
Gen. Blacks ruling was not intended to |
apply to technical deserters, but only to the |
members of large army of willful and in
territorial shirks and bounty.jumpers He
has no desire nor disposition to delay the
settlement of the claim for pension of any |
faithful. worthy soldier. Upon the receipt |
of Gen. Drums letter he Immediately issued |
the following order to the clerks of his |
office:
In any case where the charge Of desertion stands |
against the record of soldier. which charge un-
der the rulings of the Commissioner OH the subject,
would operate bar to pension all the facts in
the case necessary to its intelligent consideration
under the provisions of existing law should once
be communicated to the Secretary of War; and all |
former reports from his Office should be returned
The name of the soldier the letter of his company,
the number of his regiment, the time when. the
place where and the circumstances (f shown) un-
der which the alleged desertion took place should
be clearly stated.