The National tribune., 1886-05-20


matter of pensions has been brought forward
during the recent debates in Congress, but |
not insisted upon with the earnestness that |
its importance deserves This is the abso- |
lutte right Of the broken-down soldier TO such |
pension from the Government as will relieve |
his necessities and give him comfort
able subsistence. 1t is beyond all ques-
tiOn that this was an essential part
of the contract made when the soldier en-
listed to serve the country. 1t is so recog-
nized by the Governments Of every civilized
nation. They all admit that il is their duty
TO provide for soldier after he has become
disabled by service, and they all in one way
or another make some manner of provision
for him.
The soldiers of the late war sustained
in some respects a different relation
to the Government from those of any
other Government Our soldiers were
young men engaged in pursuits which
promised not only good remuneration
while so engaged, but the certainty of
competency for themselves and families dur
ing their old age. Nearly every man who
entered the United States army between
1861 and 1865 could, if he had remained
engaged in his pursuit, have looked forward
TO continual employment in it with posi-
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS, ifnotwealth.
he gave up these prospects when he aban-
doned his business at the call of the Gov
eminent and devoted all his energies TO
the work of saving the country from
destruction. In so terrible war as that
which followed, with Its unprecedented
demands upon the strength and health of
those engaged in il, it was almost impossi-
bic that any soldier who served any length
of time should return to his home as well
able TO continue his trade or profession as
he was before he entered the army.
His natural pride and energy might strive
TO make up for his physical incapaci-
ties, and 80 long as the force Of
youth lasted the strife was apparently
successful and he was able 10 hold his own
with men who had not suffered the strains
and hardships that he had. Advancing
years, however, aided greatly in placing him
at a disadvantage with them, and with
large portion the struggle became hopeless
The Government expressly stipulated
when il enlisted the men that it would
make good, as Gar as money could, the i'm
pairments Of the service, and this promise
the soldier was continually told was not 10
be confined To the mere letter Of the law,
but should be construed most generously.
At the same time the Government was
making promises TO the capitalists who also
aided it in carrying on the struggle. 1t
afterward fulfilled these promises, not only
in letter but in the most liberal spirit
There is not in the history Of the world an
instance Of Government exercising more
punctilious care to satisfy every just claim
Of the men who lent it money than this
Government did. IT did not haggle or quib-
BILE or split hairs upon the terms OF the con-
tract, but it paid every man the full meas
ure of his obligation. II even refused 10
take advantage Of any disparity there might
be between the silver dollar, which was the
standard at the time the debt was created,
and the gold dollar, which subsequent legis-
iaiion had made the standard. Where man
lent il paper dollars worth 35 cents ii paid
him back gold dollars worth 100 cents. 1t
was held that this scrupulous exactness was
demanded by the national honor, and that
anything less than this would be dishonest.
The soldier is entitled 10 equal justice in
the settlement Of his claim. National honor
demands that be be dealt with in the same
spirit that governed when the money-lend-
er's claims were settlcd-that the FIRST con-
sideraiion be, not How can this man be
prevented from getting anything out Of the
Treasury2 p but What does the Govern.
ment owe this man? What did ii promise
him when he enlisted2 What is due him
by reason of bis honorable service and the
injuries be received in consequence"
IL does not matter how much it takes Ia
, settle this claim. The only question is, Doe
the Government owe il? We did not ash
how much it took to pay the bondhOlders
We only said that the property Of the en-
tire country was pledged TO the payment 0
! what is due them, and they must have it.
IL should make no difference whether j
takes S10O,OOO,OOO or quadruple that sum +
9 pay the debts due the soldier. The debt /
z more sacred than that Of the bOndholderi
o and should be paid with the same homes
exactncss.
THE -CHIEFsHIP.
y The interest in the Department of Ner