The Portland daily press., 1888-05-14
STATE AID TO MAINE VETERANS.
What Col. Sprague Is Doing in the
Pension Department.
Hard Writers Made Lighter in Many
Maine Homes.
some Letters Which Speak for Them
selves In EIoque Mt Words.
Especial to the Press.l

AUGUSTA, May 13.-No money appro-
priated by the State is better expended than
that devoted to tie State Pension Depart
ment, of which Col. Fl. NJ. Sprague of Au-
burn, is agent, and could the tax payers
know the amount of coed which is done, the
homes gladdened, and the suffering relieved
by the small sums distributed to soldiers. or
their families, they would be more than will
ing to contribute their share. Col Sprague,
who became agent in January, 1885, has
proved very efficient officer, and the large
Increase in applications has kept him very
busy. To each claim he has given careful
and prompt attention and letters pertaining
TO the business Of the department have been
promptly and courteously answered.
The last Legislature passed law that de-
pendant widows, fathers and mothers and
minors should receive aid without proof that
the death of the soldier was the result of a
disability contracted in tie service and this
necessarily has increased the applications.
At the same time the appropriation was in
creased to $35,000 annually. Already this
year there have been some 900 applications,
63 of which came from Portland.
When Col. Sprague first took the agency
there We're but 700 or 800 applicants annual
ly. Last year the total was 1144, but these
figures will be largely overrun In 1888, and
as the appropriation is no larger applications
should not be made for aid unless absolutely
needed. There is no doubt but what in
some cases aid is asked by towns where it is
not required and the department is called
on to lend helping hand where the demand
is not JUSTIFIED by the circumstances. This
being the case it often becomes necessary
for the agent to make thorough investiga
ton In deciding which are the worthy cases.
The aid extended by the State has in many
instances relieved Grand Army Posts, which
were hardly able to furnish the support
which they were giving to needy veterans
and their widows and children. Col.
Sprague has received numerous letters from
the posts expressing their thanks to the de-
partment for what the State has done. Here
is an extract from a letter written by Pc
nobscot county Grand Army boy, in behalf
OF his post, concerning aid given deserving
comrade:
If you should have seen the joy it made in that
household you would have rejoiced with him.. He
promised the doctor for his services if he did not
receive any pension. Now he does not dread the
long, cold winter. 1t sometimes almost seems
strange how few dollars will lift man up when
he seems almost at the point OF beggary.
A widow residing in Lewiston who had
been granted an increase from So to 81
month expressed her gratitude in the follow
ing words:
Your kind letter allowing me one dollar a
month was duly received by me. L sincerely
thank you for the additional amount. 1t seems
like a Godsend to me just at this present time
when everything looks dark TO me.
A man and his wife residing in Kennebec
county wrote the 29th OF December last;
In this we send our heartfelt thanks for the
Christmas present we received from you, the sum
of $24. We called it present, 1t was such a
surprise and it came on Christmas eve. can
truly say you could not have sent it where 1t was
more needed; you cannot tell the happiness this
was in our humble home on Christmas day. There
were both smiles and tears but no cloudy places.
l shall try the best l can to make the best use
possible of the money. A portion Of it has been
they may go to school, which makes them very
happy. They think Col Sprague must be very
good man or he would never think OF little boys
who couldn't go to school because they didn't
have any boots or books. Col. Sprague, could
You have taken one look into our home last Mon
day morning you would have been well paid for
your kindness"
Such letters as these can be but gratifying
to every property holder in the State, who
contributed his mite to help make this home
happy.
Here is another letter from lady in case
where mother was given $4 month:
81 need not tell you that l am very much
pleased, and more than that, Truly thankful that
my native State has done this act of justice to a
poor but deserving brother OF one of the soldiers
who bore arms in the time OF danger and need.
To you personally would also express my appre-
citation for the prompt attention which you have
given this case and the allowance which you have
granted her. 1t will do the family more good
than you possibly understand, not knowing by ac-
quaintance their peculiar and pressing circum-