The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1888-03-08


sonthat Is, if that condition of affara Is shown TO
exist without fault upon the part of the parents
which, if the son had been living, would have
thrown the burden of support upon hin--that con-
dtlon, II seems to me- should be recognized in the
law. The greater the age the greater the natural
right aud claim uthe son for support.
This law simply
GIVES LEGISLATIVE SANCTION
to these wise suggestions
Section provides that when an invalid PEN
siOner shall die leaving either widow, minor
child, or dependent father or mother, such de-
pendent relative shall be placed upon the PEN
sion-roll without being compelled to show that
the death was caused by the wounds received
or disease contracted in the service and in the
line of duty-a most salutary change of the
present hide-bOund law and calculated TO re-
lieve Congress of much private pension legis-
lation.
The same section contains provision that
the rate of pension to minor children shall be
raised from 81 to So per month, and in case of
insanity, idiocy, or helplessness shall continue
during such disability. This is also in strict
accord with the recommendation of Commits
sioner Black, who in his last report says;
MINOR CHILDREN.
The number of minor children entitled to pen
sion is diminishing and must continue rapidly 80 to
do. respectfully suggest that the additional
amount aliowedthem OF 81 per month is inadequate
for their ordinary support. This is far less in
amount than the cost Of the support of charity
clnufen IN any OF our great Institutions, no ODDS
how ably conducted, and there should be enough
allowed which, coupled with reasonable exertion
upon their part, would prevent them from suffer
ing. The amount of SIS per month does not seem
to me excessive, and where incurable and disabling
disease exists the pension should continue during
life.
The next section of the act limits the fee of
the attorney to $40 in each case, and provides
the usual penalties for exacting a larger fee
Mr.. President have endeavored, as briefly
as the Importance of this bill would allow, to
show
ITS BENEFICENT PROVISIONS .
and the necessities for its passage. 1t does not
contain all the remedies that it should In
some directions it should go much further.
We ought to stop the farcieal action of the PEN
sion Office under existing law, by which near
~ 10000 invalid pensioners are receiving sums
Of 81, $1.25, S1.87, 81, $2124, $2.33, 1856, and
$2.668 per month.
The medical man or layman who can dissect
and divide so as TO be able to determine
whether the unfortunate recipient shall receive
81. 66 or $2663 per month could with perfect ease
split hair or analyze moleenle Where pen
sions are granted at all they should be rated
according to the degree of disability at 81, SO
and $l2 per month"; and / hope to see such
change during the present Congress.
| would be glad to see il placed upon the bill
under consideration, but having been charged
| by the Grand Army of the Republic with the
duty of helping to pass this bill as it came from
the hands of its Pension Committee, l would
regret to see it materially changed. believe
it will pass both Houses without change, and
that in the "present exigency," in this year OF
! grace 1888, it will not receive the veto of the
| Chief Executive.
| If the President should feel an inclination tc
falter in the performance of his plain duty in
| this behalf, ], with all due respect, commend tC
! him the parting words of the great martyr o!
! liberty, the man who knew of the soldiers
sacrifices and appreciated ths results of THEN
/ labors believing that in reading them he viii
! find strength given him to do the right.
With malice toward none, with charity for all
with frmuess in the right, as God gives TO see
the right, let strive TO finish the work aTs
in to bind up the Nations wounds, to for hin
who shall have borne the battle aud for his widow
and his orphan TO do all which may achieve anC
cherish just and lasting peace among ourselves
| and with all nations