The National tribune., 1885-12-03

ayowedly political machine, filed from bor-
der to border with the uncompromising adj
herents of q single organization, who had for
the claimant other tests than those of the law,
and who required, in addition to service in the
field, submission to and support of party be-
fore pensions were granted. Not always, but
often was this true; not openly, but surely
were the tests applied; and the vast ma
chinery of professed Governmental office be-
| came party power. The enormous array
of the Medical Boards established in every
quarter was almost solidly partisan made so
not openly but surely. People of one faith filed
every one of the great agencies. Examiners,
trained in unscrupulous schools, traversed the
land as Recruiting Sergeants for party.
Chiefs of Divisions, assistants, clerks, messen-
gers messenger boys, watchmen, and labOrers
were all but entirely from the one school. Vet
eran service could not secure continuance in
office and at the behest and demand of partisans
beyond the office old employees were cut adrift
and jealous ruffiers placed in their stead; leaves
of absence were granted that the active men of
the party might dominate over the elections.
Wholesale discharges were made for partisan
ends and careful study of the Tables 81 and
21A Of this report will show how a tide of men
and money was poured by this office into the
sections where political struggle was progress
ing.
It was widely proclaimed that the pension
system of the United States, this vast and un-
matched benefcence, depended for its cOntinu-
ance on partisan success. The glory of noble
gratitude was taken from the people and made
to masquerade as party accomplishment, and
men were taught that the immense sums levied
On all our borders, grateful reward for the
veteran soldiery and their dependents, were
party contributions and would cease if a change
in governmental administration orcurred.
1t has been the aim Of the Commissioner of
Pensions, with the counsel and approval of the
Secretary of the Interior, to change these prac-
tices and destroy these delusions He has re-
tanned Special Examiners and Medical Ex-
aminers of opposite political beliefs. He
has sought to have all parties represented
among the employees, to put the bureau
on business basis, to let the veteran know
that the whole people were willing contrib
utors to the pension fund, and that there
were none who opposed his right therein; that
the cotton-grower and the cOrn-raiser were
alike agreed in the support of the pensioners of
the Union armies; and with this end in view
he has called into the service of this bureau
men from every State and that without regard
to former (political) condition.
The result is gratifying Accelerated busi-
ness, increased results, and diminished ex-
penditures mark the partial emancipation so
far accomplished, and it begins to appear that
any citizen who pays his share of the pension
fund without regret may be allowed without
danger to aid in its application and disburse-
ment.
1 desire to express to you, Mr.. Secretary, and
through you to the President, my sincere ap-
probation of his and your Hnfailing and eour-
teous counsel and support in all measures
adopted tending to facilitate the great work
with which this Office is charged, both in puri-
flying the public service and In expediting pay
ments to worthy claimants, veterans and their
dependents, of their pensions.
/ have the honor to be, very truly, your
JOHN c. BLACK, Commissioner.
WASHINGTON, d. c., Nov. 49, 1885.