The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-10-04
WHITNEY AND THE VETERANS.
The Secretary Writes Letter Which Causes
the Reinstatement of Discharged WOrkmen.

NEW YORK. Oct. ga number of discharges
were made in the Brooklyn navy-yard last
spring, owing to the smallness of the appropria-
ton available. Among these first discharged
were seven veterans. The matter was at once
taken up by the Veterans Rights Union, and
efforts were made to have the men renstated in
their positions Commodore Chandler was ap-
pealed to by the committee, and they were re-
ferred to the foreman, but satisfaction could
be obtained. The committee, consisting of
George P. Little, Joseph w. Kay and George F.
Hopper, the 10th of last July wrote a letter
to Secretary Whitney, in which they asked
That due attention be given the laws concerning
veterans, either in original appointments
to positions, or to the preference to which they
are entitled when reduction in force is neces-
sary. In this connection, we would state that,
too frequently, in reductions Of force the soldier
sailor has been the first, not the last, to go.
We have been told. when we have sought to OBJ
tain for these men-generally occupying posi-
tons as mechanics or laborefs-their right I'M
der the law. that the soldier ana sailor business
was played out; or have been advised to bring
some ward politicians to plead for the men. The
main trouble in the Brooklyn navy yard, we
to retain their influence in politics than they
are to do justice to veterans. Can we
not ask that you will issue an order
to each and every branch of the Navy Depart
inent securing the preference which has been
promised by law since 1865, and never, even
partially, conferred until this organization be-
came a necessity
To the above appeal the following letter was
received short time ago.
"WAsHTNGToN, Sept %, 1885.
"Gentlemen-Your letter of recent date, re-
guessing that due attention be given to the
claims of honorably discharged soldiers and sail
0rs Tor employment and retention in the Navy
Department and at the yards under its control,
has been received. In reply, have to say that it
will give me pleasure. at all times to give prefer
ence to those honorably discharged from the
military and naval service OF the
United States, either for appointments
may be- if equally competent and deserving.
The efforts of the Grand Army of the Republic
to maintain, in this way, TIE premium on the
patriotism displayed by these honorably dis
charged soldiers and Sailors are commendable,
and snail have my cooperation You may rest
assured the fact that man is an honorably-dis-
charged soldier will not initiate against his OBJ
tanning employment in any of the Establishments
under the control of the Navy Department, but,
on the contrary, the fact will be-as it has been
eretofore-considered by me as recommends
ticn in favor of the applicant for the employ
ment he seeks. should be glad to have my at
tention called to any violation of the law with
reference to this subject
''Yours respectfully,
wv. c. WHITNEY.
Secretary of the Navy"
Secretary Whitneys letter was at once shown
to Commodore Chandler, and the seven veterans
were Immediately reinstated in their positions.