Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1886-08-05
Mr., Bodvell on Pension.
HIS VIEWS IN A LETTER TO CONGRESSMAN
MILLIkEN coNGREssMAN's REPLY.

HIS VIEWS IN LETTER TO CONGRESSMAN
MILLIkEN coNGREssMAN's REPLY.
How ]. r. Bodwell has written the fol-
lowing letter to Congressman Milhken:
DEAR SIR W. Sims of this place has
presented petition for arrears Of pension
which he thinks are due him. He has set forth
the facts in his letter to you.
| do not pretend TO be personally cognizant
Of the facts set forth, but have no doubt he
has submitted all proper proofs. But l wish
10 say this: while there may be some cases I'm
which pensions have been given on insufficient
evidence and In return for inadequate service
yet would myself much prefer that few of
that character should be paid rather than that
one honest and suffering soldier should be de-
prived OF pension by the Government in
whose service he risked his life aud lost his
health. Yours truly,
Hallowell, Me-, July %. 1855.
The following is Mr.. Millikens reply:
DEAR SIR have read the statements ac-
companying your letter relative 10 the claim Of
Mr.. q. W. Sims, and II he shall be able TO sus-
tain them by sufficient evidence. think he
has good case. | have taken steps TO place
his papers before the committee on pensions,
and will forward information as soon as |
shall receive it, desire 10 say further that l
cordially endorse your proposition that YOU
would prefer to pay few who are not enti-
tied TO pensions than allow one honest soldier
10 be deprived of a just pension from a gov
eminent which he had risked his life TO de-
fend. The truth i that we are fast drifting
away from the period of our late civil war
As one goes out upon the ocean sees his home
grow dim "a II seems to recede from him, so
the heroic sacrifices. the heroic deeds and
tremendous events of our civil war and their
consequences seem 10 be fading from the hearts
OF too many OF our people. In the quiet and
peaceful days of lSS6 it appears TO be impossi-
bic for these people 10 remember the struggle
Of ls6l-lssi5. A man who should then have
soldier who fought TO save his eountry's life
would be literally rewarded and held in sim
ccre respect. would have been looked upon as
the enemy OF his country. But they who Were
then the enemies of our country, to-day are a
majority in our national councils. Whatever
be their profession. il is too clear to admit Of
dispute that they are not friendly TO the furih-
or pcnsionng of soldiers. II they occasionally
drop pitiabe crumb TO them. to bolster up
their pretenses of friendship for the soldier. il
j. but pitiablc crumb. aud is made an excuse
for denying such just legislation the Coun-
sci OF the Grand Army of the Republic has
asked at the hands OF Congress. and such a.
should be unhe>itaiingy accorded those who
themselves. or whose fathers, husbands or
sons, accepted the gage OF battle for their
country's life.
We have the money 10 pay the honest obli-
cations of the country 10 it, brave defenders.
To refuse TO meet promptly and fully that OBJ
LEGATION /. 10 stain the nation. honor, to mock
the promises We have made and cause patriot
ism TO bc by-wori among the people.
Very respectfully.
:. l.. MILLrKEN.