The National tribune., 1885-02-05
"UNION VETERAN CLUB"
The following are extracts from the pre-
amble and resolutions of the constitution of
the Union Veteran Club of Omaha, Neb.,
which was organized the 23d Of last October

WHEREAS The great war for the suppression OF
the rebellion left at its close vast army and navy
defenders of the Union, who have since returned
to the peaceful pursuits of private life bearing with
them sacred memories and strong friendships, as
also claims upon the loyal people of the land
which memories and friendships best be pre-
served and claims best secure recognition by united
effort; and
WHEREAS The course and condHct of the dorni-
nant political parties since the war has demon
strated that aunfair discrimination against old
soldiers in the bestowal of public offices has been
and Is now practiced that Sections I754 and 1755 of
the Revised Statutes of the United States which
read as follows are diSregarded:
SECTION 1901. Persons honorably discharged from
the military naval service by Of disability
resulting from wounds or sickness incurred in the
line of duty shall be preferred for appointment to
civil offices.
SEC 1853 In grateful recognition of the services,
sacrifices and suerings of persons honorably dis
charged from the military and naval service of the
of terms OF enlistment, 1t Is respectfully recon-
mended to bankers, merchants mechanics, farmers
and persons engaged in industrial pursuits to give
them the preference for appointments to remuuera-
tive situations and employments.
These laws, which aim to prevent unfair dis
elimination, are dsregarded and grossly violated.
That the methods practieed by the Civil Service
Commission in competitive examinations of per-
sons for civil offices is etfectual bar to the ad-
mission of old soldiers most of whom, having now
passed the meridian of life not apt in
ing questions propounded by the Civil Service
Commission, and cannot successfully compete with
the young student familiar with his books, al
sense and business capacity not found wanting.
Soldiers who manifested their devotion to the
Union by standing targets for the bullets of those
who sought to destroy the Union certainly ought
to have the preference in appointment to civil
offices which they are competent to fill without
competitive examination; and
WHEREAS The soldiers of the Union represent
every political organization, it IS our purpose to
help organize the patriotic sentiment of the Coun-
try In the interest of the veteran soldiers and sail
ors, without reference to party affiliations; and
WHEREAS We have learned with deep regret that
veteran soldiers and sailors who held positions
underline Government have been dismissed without
cause, and in new appointments men worthy and
capable have been put aside who % years ago
pledged their lives that this Republic should suffer
WHEREAS In our Judgment the public sentiment
which demanded the patriotic Congress which en-
acted and the President who approved Sections
1874 and 1853 of the Revised Statutes of the United
States sought to prevent such discrimination
against veterans and in their behalf We should see
that the exigeneies of partisan politics do not rob
them of the fruits of this just legislation; and
WHEREAS In our judgment no veteran soldier or
sailor should be denied place in the civil service
OF this Government as long as there are places he
Is fitted to FILL and no political party has the right
to prescribe these men; and
WHEREAS We point with pride to the veteran
soldiers of that Army which rose ut the call of the
martyred Lincoln to preserve the Government of
this hand, whose discharges are certificates of sery
ice for the Country when service was a sacrifice,
who are not beGgarS for place, who want no sine
cures, and who have earned the right to serve in
peace the Government for which they volunteered
to fight in war; equal capacity being assumed such
men should have preference in appointments under
Government whose statutes and patriotic senti-
ments alike prohibit discrimination against them
We do therefore pledge ourselves to ignore all
partisan politics (if necessary and by all legitimate
methods to maintain the rights and assert the priv
iieges of the veteran soldiers and sailors of this
land, whenever, wherever, and by whomsoeyer
those rights shall be menaccd
Resofred, That we, honorably discharged soldiers
and sailors of the Army Navy and Marine Corps of
the United States, having served faithfully for the
maintenance of the National Government during
the late Rebellion, do unite to form permanent
union and make and declare the following rules
and regulations for its government.
ARTICLE I.
NAME AND OBJECTS.
SECTION 1. The name of this organization shall
he the Omaha Union Veteran Club, and shall have
for its object,
First. To uphold and maintain the principles for
which its members fought.
Second. To secure and maintain the rights of
honorably discharged soldiers and sailors; the
procuring of employment for deserving unem-
ployed Union soldiers.
Third. The cultivation and strengthening of the