Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1885-10-05
RIGHTS OF VETERANS.
An appeal to Secretary Whitney
Fnm Old Soldiers and Sailors

NV YoRK, October ga rumbe- Of
discharges were made in the Brooklyn
Navy Yard last spring owing 10 the small
ness Of the appropriation available, Among
those first discharged were several veterans.
TIE matter was at once taken up By the
Veterans Rights UDion. and efforts were
made to hsve the men Ieirstated in their
rositicns. Commodore Chandler was sp
pesled 10 BY the commit ee, and they were
referred to the foreman, but no satisfaction
could be obtained.
The committee, consisting Of George P.
Little, Jos. W. by ard George F. Hopper,
on the 18th Of last JUL wrote a letter to
SecIetsry Whitney, in which they asked
that due attention b. given the law con.
Germ veterans, either in original appoint
ments 10 positions or to the preference to
which they are entitled when q reduction in
force is necessary. In this connection, We
would state, that too frequently,i in reduction
Ol ICINt, y cOAilCI w caAiOt q OOCh AAon
not the last to 60. We have
been told, when we have sought to
obtain for these men GENERALLY occupying
position as mechanics or lsborers) their
rights under the law, that the soldier and
sailor business was played out, or have been
sdvised to bliry some ward politicians to
plead for the n n. The main trouble in
the Brooklyn navy Yard We find is among
the foremen, Tho are more anxious to re.
tain their inf encei in politics than they are
10 co Justice 20 veterans. Can We not ask
that YOU will issue an order to reach every
branch of the Navy Department covering
the preference which has been promised by
law since 1865, and never, even partially,
enforced until this organization became q
necessity.
whitney's Reply.
To the above anreal the following letter
was received a short time ago:
WAR DEPARTMENT,
WARRINGTON, D. c September p, 1885.
GEYTLEMEY:-Your letter of recent date
requesting that due attention be given TO
the claims Of honorably discharged soldiers
and soilors for employment n retention
in The Navy Department and the yards under
he control has been received. In reply, |
have to say that it will give me pleasure at
all finest to give preference to those honora-
bly, discharged from the military and naval
service Of the United States, either tor ap-
poiLtments to, or retention in Office, as the
case may be, if equally competent aud de.
serving. The effort Of the Grand Army OF
ihe Republic to maintain in this way the
premium or patriotism displayed by
these honorablY discharged soldiers
and sailors, are commendaole,
I'D shall have my co operation. You
mty rtt assured the fact that a mar is an
hoLcrably discharged solder will not mill
ate 81 ainst his obtaining employment in
adv Of he establishments under the con roI
of the Navy Department; but on the con
trsry, lie fact will be Gas it has been hA,c
tofore) considered by me as q rec om me1fA
non in favor of the applicant for the EN-
ploy ment he seeks. l should be glad to
have my attention called to any violation
| Of the law with reference to the subject.
Yours respectfully,
W.. c. WHITNEY,
Secretary OF the Navy.
To Tics. B. Odell, Esq, Chairman. George
S. Little, Joseph W. Kay and George
F. Hopper, Sub Committee G. A. X.
Veterans Rights Union, Brooklyn, N. Y.
Secretary Whitney's letter was at once
.bown to Commodore Chandler, and the
seven veterans we're imme lately reinsta'ed
IN their positions.