The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1886-09-16
THE DUTY OF THE HOUR.

guggled with next session as we were the
last2
We need not, we know, emphasize the
value Of time TO all old soldiers. None of us
now have so many years before us that we
feel that we can afford TO waste one; and TO
have another session pass as fruitlessly as
the last viii be severe blow indeed TO those
who, in poverty and distress, waited anx-
iously for the relief that never came.
Now is the time for veterans TO arrive at
an understanding on this matter with those
who represent them in Congress. These
honorable gentlemen are now at home giving
an account Of their stewardship, and most OF
them seeking denomination and reelection.
This is the golden opportunity to interview
them with regard TO their votes on the bills
which embodied the Recommendations Of the
National Pension Committee Of the GAR,
their attitude toward those recommendations
during the past session and the course they
propose TO pursue in the future.
If all the Congressman who are now before
the people protesting great love for the SOL
der had talked and voted last Winter
as they talk now, Senate bill No. 1856,
which embodied the Committees recommen-
dations, would now be a law, and our broken
down comrades everywhere would be re-
ceiving the benefit Of its benefcent pro-
visions.
The course to be pursued now is for the
soldiers in every community to unite and
ask Of every Congressman and every candi-
date for Congress definite and categorical
answers TO the following questions:
j. Are you in favor of the passage of a
bill embodying the recommendations of the
National Pension Committee Of the GAR?
Yes, or no.
2. If now a Member, will you speak and
vote, and use your influence in favor of such
bill at the coming session Of Congress
Yes, or no.
3. you are elected viii you speak and
vote In favor of such bill, supposing that
it has not been passed already? Yes, or
no.
In order that all may know precisely what
this means we give the full text of the recon-
mendations of the Pension Committee:
TO e Honorable the Senator's and Representatives In
Congress
GENTI.EMzN The undersigned respectfully rep
resent
That they are "The Committee on Pensions" OF
| the National body OF the Grand Army of the Re-
public and that this committee was instituted for
the purpose Of having a recognized medium through
which the Grand Army Of the Republic can officially
| address the Congress Of the United States.
This committee represents a constituency OF up
ward OF 100000 veteran soldiers and sailors. We
desire to give whatever weight we may have, ms a
| body or individuals in favor OF such measures as
| we deem just, which may now or hereafter he lie.
fore you.
We favor Legislation by which the record Of the
acceptance and musleT-in OF the soldier or sailor
shall be yrima Jaeie evidence that he was sound al
that time--the Government not 10 be debarred from
| proving that lac unsound at date Of enlistment
but the onus Of the proof 20 be on the Government
sl2 per month.
We favor the continuance Of pension 10 tho
widow or dependent relatives. whether the pen
sioner dies from the effects Of wounds or diseas,
resulting from service OF not
We favor increasing the pension paid account
of minor children from s. to S. per month, and O
extending the limit for minors from the age OF II
to Is years and in said minor child is insane
idiotio or otherwise helpless that the pension shal
continue during the life OF said child.
We favor the extension Of the arrears limit Il
Jan. I. 1885,
We favor legislation providing that IL the pen
soner left neither widow minor child, TIA
name Of the dependent parent be placed on TIA
| pensions from the date Of actual dependence c
such parent.
We favor granting pensions TO survivors Of rcbe
prisons who are suffering from disability. wthou
requiring them 20 prove that such disability aros
from said imprisonment.
We favor the following pensions:
To the men who lost both eyes. or arms. or leg
or al arm and leg, disability equivalent there
20. one hundred dollars per month.
For amputation at the hip or shoulder Joint. or =
; near thereto 20 prevent wearing artiicii
limb. $50 per month
For amputaiion Of leg or arm, above the knee
! elbow. Rmputation near the knee or elbo
joint as TO render the joint useless $40 per mont
fof hnlpulhllOh DcioW lne knee OF elbow, o0O p'
: month.
We favor pensions 10 all honorably discharge
soldiers and sailors now disabled or dependel
upon their own labor for support, who are
years Of age, without compelling them 10 prove
this date that such disability from the servic
v We favor just and equitable equalization of u
7 bountics paid by the General Government
Z GEo. s. MERRILL.
LOUIS WAGNER.
8 JAMES TANNER.
D JoHS G. LINEHAN.
JOHN s. KoUETz,
Conlmiite
This is platform upon which we belie'
that every soldier should stand, regardle
@ of party. There is no issue before the Peep
= that compares in importance with that
i the Nations honorable fulillment of /
3 obligations TO those who saved its life. \
n man, no matter what his qualifications mi
be, should receive the vote Of a veteran WI
is not willing 10 subscribe heartily TO III
y = measure Of justice 10 the soldier.
DO There can be no good, honest ground (
opposing il. IL will not increase taxatio
but rather lessen il, by taking the charge
supporting broken-down veterans from q
f. oyer-taxed local treasures, and placing
'n where il belongs-upon the full Treasury
/, 4ba Goverpmpnt which had tho henefit