The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1885-12-03
PENSIONS.
Report OF the Commissioner of Pensions
Interesting statistics.

Report OF the Commissioner of Pensions
Interesting Statistics
WASHINGTON, November 26.-The first
annual report of Commissioner of Pensions
Black shows that at the end of the fiscal
year there were 345. 125 pensioners on the
roll, OF whom 1916 were survivors OF the
war Of 1912 and 1922 widows of those
who served in that war. The amount paid
for pensions was S64, 97S, 435, and the
average value Of each pension was
S11O.36. During the year the
net increase to the pension roll
was 2,239 names, an increase in value
of S8,O69, S3S. There were paid out 1893
OH account of arrears OF pension. Since
1861 COS, $40 claims for pension have been
presented, of which number $50, S97 have
/ been allowed, aggregating in value S144,-
04O.5i1. The report shows that of the
whole number OF invalid claims filed So per
cent. have been allowed; Of the widows 65
/ per cent; of dependent mothers sc per
cent; of dependent fathers % per cent and
of the aggregate of classes 81 per cent
OLD WAR PENSIONERS.
The acts of 1871 and 1850 provided for a
/ pension On account OF service during the
war of 1912. Since 1872 6S,506 claims of
/ this class have been filed, 81, 673 by the sur
viving soldiers and sailors, and 43, S32 by
| the widows OF those who served in that
1 war. Of this number 59, SOS have been al
/ lowed, 25,676 to the survivors and 81. 1872
to the widows. Out of all army invalid
/ claims fled prior to July l, 1880, little
more than Go per cent. have been allowed,
I 49, al 81 ha cant x-aa fInnr
remained pending of this class 73,4l5
claims.
the Commissioner suggested that an in
creased pension should be given III case of
total deafness and in those cases which in
| lesser degree approximate total deafness.
and recommends rating of thirty dollars
for total deafness, and prOportiOnate ratings
/ for lesser degrees of this trouble. He also
suggests that the benefits of the act of
March 3, 1855, be extended to soldiers and
sailors who while in the line of duty, lost
an arm above the elbow joint or leg above
the knee joint, and who in consequence
thereof have been substantially disabled
/ to the same degree as though amputatiOn
/ had been performed at the shoulder joint or
/ hip joint.
General Black calls attention to the wide
spread feeling that the limitation imposed
| oy section of the act of March 3, 1879, is
unjust in its operations and says that if
soldier was entitled to pension at any
time prior to July l, $780, no good reason is
known to exist why he should not now be
allowed to make proof therefor.
THE COMMISSIONERS VIEWS.
Commissioner Black in conclusion says:
"At one time the Pension Bureau was also
but unavowedly political machine, filled
. 70 wit, no
missing adherentS of single organization,
who had for the claimant other tests than
those of the law, and who required in addi-
ton to service in the field submission to
and support of a party before pensions
were granted. Not always, but often,
was this true; not openly but surely was
the test applied and the vast ma
chnery of prOfeSsed governmental
Office became party power. The enor-
nous array of the medical boards eStab-
lished in every quarter was almost SO.idly
partisan; made so not openly but surely.
People of one faith filed every one of the
great agencies; examiners, trained in I'M
ScrupulOuS schools, trayerSed the land as
recruiting se:geants for a party, and chiefs
of divisions, assistants, clerks, messengers.
messenger boys, watchmen, labOrerS were
all entirely from one school. The vet
eran service could not secure con-
iinuance in Office, and at the behest and
demand of partisans hey Ond the Office old
employees were cut adrift and Jealous
rufflerS placed in their stead. Leaves OF
absence were granted that the active men
of the party might dominate over the cleo
TONS Wholesale discharges were made
for partisan ends, and tide of men and
money was poured 10y this office into the
GnRtfnnC Uhprn a nnlltIRal GtrnUDln
progressing. 1t was widely proclaimed that
the pension system of the United States,
this vast and unmatched beneficence, de-
pended for its continuance on partisan
success. The glory of a noble gratitude
was taken from the people and made to
masquerade as party accomplishment and
men were taught that the immense sums
levied on ali our borders, a grateful! reward
Tor the veteran sOldiery and their depend
ents, were party contributions and would
cease if change in the Governmental adj
miniStratiOn occurred It has been the aim
of the Commissioner of Pensions with the
counsel and approval of the Secretary of
the Interior TO change these practices, de-
stroy these delusiOns. He retained special
examiners and medical examiners of op-
DOsite political beliefs. He sought to have
all parties represented among tie employees,
to put the bureau on business basis, to let
the veteran know that the whole people are
willing contributors to the pension fund. and
that there were none who opposed
his right therein, that the cotton grower,
and corn raiser alike agreed in the support
of the pensioners of the Union army;
and with this end in view he has called into
the service of his bureau men from every
State, and that without regard to former
political p0nditjon The rasuIt is graft fVinV
accelerated business, increased results, and
diminished expenditures. mark the partial
emancipation so far accomplished, and it
begins to appear that any citizen who pays
his share of the pension fund without re-
gret, may be allowed without danger to aid
in its application and disbursement"
Burning Out Vice.
NEyy ORIEANS Ia NnVemher GA