The National tribune., 1886-05-27
LIGHT BREAKING AT LAST.

j. That every man who served not less
than three months during the war of the
rebellion, who was honorably discharged,
who is dependent upon his own labor for
support, and who is now OF shall hereafter
become disabled from performing labor, shall
receive pension.
q That this pension shall be S24 a month
for those who are wholly incapable of per-
forming manual labor, and proportionate
amount for those whose disability is less,
but that no pension under this or any other
law shall be less than S4 month.
B. That anyone who has already fled
claim for pension under existing laws may
elect TO take his pension under this law. 1t
win be noticed that the Objectionable words
and such election shall be final" which
appeared in bills of previous sessions, is
omitted from this.
4. That in the case OF dependent parents
it shall only be necessary TO show the fact
and cause of death, that the soldier has no
wife OF minor children, and that the parent
has no other means Of comfortable support
than his or her own manual labor.
s. That in all pension proceedings the
fact that the applicant was regularly en-
listed and mustered in "shall be cOnclu-
sive evidence Of soundness at the time of
his enlistment, except in case of fraud"
Here is something done that we can all
rejoice over.
While this bill does not embrace all, by
any means, that the soldiers have the right
TO expect, and while il does not even come
up TO the wishes expressed by their author
lied representatiyes-the National Pension
Committee Of the CART is long step
toward doing substantial Justice TO the men
who saved the Nations Life Consequently
it should be warmly welcomed by every
soldier and friend Of the soldier in the
country.
1t is beginning, and most excellent
beginning, for its passage viii bring about
the relief of those who are the most numer-
Gus, the worst-suffering, and the least able
TO help themselves. The voice Of the entire
people viii approve of the Nation assuming
the care of those Of its defenders who are no
longer able 10 take care of themselves, and
sUhO must be cared for By somebody. 1t viii
approve of its making provision that
no broken-down man who gave his youth
and strength to its service shall now lack
for bread, for clothing, or for medicines.
IL this bin becomes law ii viii begin at
once doing work of incalculable good, and
therefore every effort should be put forth to
secure the passage of il by the House at the
earliest possible date.
We firmly believe that the most urgent
duty Of every individual soldier in the coun-
try, of every GAR. Post. of every Womans
Relief Corps, Of every Camp of Sons Of Vet
Grams, and Of every other body or organiza-
tion fayoring soldiers rights to do whatever
is possible TO secure the early enactment of
this most righteous measure.
Its passage can be secured-tbe relief that
it viii bring TO the suffering and destitute
can be brought about-if they viii all go at
work at once with zeal All that the House
of Representatives needs TO bring about its
speedy concurrence in the action Of the Sem
ate is an unRistakable demonstration that
the people favor such legislation, and that
the soldiers and their friends will be griey-
ously disappointed unless it is enacted. No
effort should be spared that will aid in max
ing such a demonstration. Every one who
desires justice TO soldiers should at once
write personal letter 10 his Representative
urging in the strongest terms that this bill
he put upon its passage Immediately. This
is something that we cannot impress toe
strongly upon every one who reads these
lines. Nothing that he can DO win be more
potent than strong appeal to his Repre-.
sentative in favor Of prompt and favorable
action on this bill.
Then this should be supplemented by
. Posts strongly indorsing the bill, and asking
the House Of Representatives 10 pass il al
once. Woman's Relief Corps and Camps OF
Sons Of Veterans should unite with the
Posts in this, and petitions ought to be cir.
culated, 80 that people outside Of these or.
ganizatiOns may express themselves in Z
way that VIII help convince Congress that
the measure is the wish Of the country.
Above al things, let lis be done at once
Now is the time TO act Delays are danger
Gus, especially in these matters What
should be done and what can be done, IL I
Is gone about in the right way, is for th,
1 whole mass Of the ex-soldiers and those II
, sympathy with them TO address their Repre-
\ sentatives within the next two weeks. i
, viii be done IL every one who reads thes,
lines win al once act on this adyice-if b,
viii az once ask himself what he can do Il
n the matter, and proceed to do it, Let him
before he lays this paper down, decide 1,
J. write 10 his Representative, urging him 1,
,,ots To- sf,a s,flf ,sra - L., ..t.s-- -. -