The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1889-10-15
MANDERSON'S PENSION.
One of Tanners Re-rated Men Ex-
plains II All to Secretary
Noble.
He Never Applied for 1t and
Intended to Give the Money
Away
The Corpor l Praised and His Action -
Commissioner Sustained by the
Nebraska Gentleman.

WASHINGTON, Oct. Ex-senator Mander-
son, in returning the money paid HIM
under the reratmg of his pension, wrote
long letter to Secretary Noble. After stat
ing the rcratiug was unsolicited 10y him, the
senator says that Oh Aug. q he wrote the
commissioner declining TO decide the ques-
tion of the acceptance or rejection Of the
proposed rerating until a medical eXaminH-
tion by board to be appointed
by the pension office had determined
the extent of his present disability.
On Sept. II he wrote Secretary Noble
that no examining board having been APP
pointed. he desired full and searching ex-
animation 10 determine whether the action
taken by the pension office was warranted
by the rules: that he wished the strlctest
construction and could not consent 10 any
straining of points. Your last letter.
continues the senator, gives me your
opinion that the re-rating having been with
out application or medical examination,
was not in pursuance of the usual practice
nor in compliance with the rule and there
fore unwarranted. hoped before final
action ON my part. that as the matter had
been precipiated upon me, the opportunity
might be afforded 10 show II fully
upon its merits, rather than upon any tech
nicalities of procedure. In returning the
only evidence have received upon the ac-
tion unadvisedly taken in my behalf, am
not compelled 10 pass my individual ludg-
ment upon the adviSabillty or pfopriety OF
| the action og the commissioner, whose per
| feet integrity and good intentions no one
can question. have kept silent under the
grossest abused and most undessrved nt-
tacks. that did not suppose could come 10
a man who had tried 10 do his duty 10 his
country in her need, and had been griey-
ously injured in that endeayor, because |
could moi by precipitation of action, reflect
upon gallant comrade who certainly
| supposed that within the requirements of
| the law. he was doing kindly and proper
| act II IL due myself 10 say. however, that
at no time since / was advised of the issue
of this certificate, have | entertained the
purpose to retain what might be due me
under 1t to my own use; but did certainly
desire TO show my right TO il. II the steps
| leading 10 IL had been regular. and had the
warrant Of strict law, as well ns of substan-
| tial right
| In an interview Senator Mnlderson said
The government practically told the men
| who enlisted, You risk your lives for the
| stability of the government. IL you come
| out well and safe. there il np liability on
our part: but if you receive injuries, as far
as possible, we will make you reparation.
II II were said the INDECENT should receive
this reparation, then a slur would be cast
upon every pensioner of our government,
and, rs a matter of justice, the reward
should be sufficient for his support. But
that is not the case. Pensioners Of the gov
ernment are not paupers. and poverty should
| not be necessary qualification of pen
sloner, and the idea that seems To be cur
rent To that effect is far from correct