The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1889-05-30
THE OLD SOLDIERS.
A Piles for the Inmates Of the Homes.

EDITOR NATIONAL TRIBUNE: As strong
effort will be made to control public sentiment
in behalf of pensions for old soldiers prepare
tory to the enactment of just pension laws in
the future, would like to call the attention
of all comrades TO the Soldiers Homes, and
think the statement | will make will voice the
sentiment OF a majority of the unfortunate
who, from their disabilities, are thrown upon
the charity of these institutions.
The National Homo at this point has build
ings that are fine in architecture, commodious,
and everything desirable. The grounds are
tastefillly laid out, and the surroundings beau
tiful as far as site and country is concerned.
The Governor and other officers of the Home
labor assiduousy, and are as kind and attent-
i've to the wants of the inmates as the most
reasonable could desire, and are always will
ing to make due allowance for the frailties of
the poor mortals under their charge, and they
strive to their utmost to procure everything
necessary for their comfort Many will un-
doubtedly say, Is this not enough2 What
more can they possibly desire2
This is where the shoe pinches. Nearly
two thirds of the old soldiers here have fami-
Iies-wives and children. They have been
accustomed since the war to having home
and have lived under system entirely foreign
to this. Here they are isolated and their
family ties are sundered. Hundreds of aged
men are thrown together, all having theiE
physical and ental,infrmities, and too much
engaged with their own ailments to have time
to bestow q favor upon comrade. AS a con-
sequence. there is but little in the shape of
comfort, and much less of happiness, to be en-
ioyed If a dozen chronic dyspeptics were put
into space IA X l6, you have something of an
idea of what the society would be. 1t is a liv-
ing hell for the best of them; besides, it is not
in the nature of things, from the fact that it is
in utter violation of all of natures laws which
makes it an almost intolerable punishment,
and ends by sending hundreds to the Hospital
for the Insane Mt Washington, there to end their
lives devoid of reason.
Upon the assembly Of the G. Ar. Encamp-
ment here in August, would very much like
to have the comrades In attendance give this
matter their attention, and see, for the sake of
humanity, if something cannot be done in the
shape of legislation TO remedy this evil.
/ cannot speak from authority, but l have
heard that it costs the Government somewhere
in the neighborhood of 500 per year for each
tiplied by two, it would come nearer the
mark; bit this does not matter materially,
only that it is an expense.
Large appropriations are made yearly for
these Homes New buildings are constantly
being erected, and hundreds OF the unfortunate
are coming in to occupy all of the available
space.
Now 4 WOuiO InO ouSStotiVh' HOuiA
it not be much better to give each man pen
sion sufficient to provide for his reasonable
wants, aud do away with these institutions as
far as possible? It seems to me that Northern
sentiment would not be adverse to making the
condition of the old soldier in his last days as
comfortable as possible, and, ask, where can
a man be so well cared for as at home by his
own Preside and surrounded by his relatives
and friends?
Just suppose a case. I presume you are a
man of family. How would you like it if you
were so circumstanced as to be obliged to accept
of the inequalities of Home, and leave your
dear ones behind to take care of themselves rs
best they might Your faithful wife, who has
been your companion all through, is left to
shift for herself and thrown upon the charity
of the world. Wouldn't you think it kind of a
tough country that would feed only half of
you and throw the other half one side to browse
in the woods as best they might? You wouldn't
feel like taking hold of the old flag and shak-
ing it in the face of an enemy. No, your
thoughts would lead you elsewhere; you would
undoubtedly feel like painting the Capital red,
with these words surrounding the dome,
Meme, Meme, Tekel Upharsn."
The sum and substance of the whole matter
is, that it would cost the country less TO give
each man a reasonable amount to provide for
his wants. and return to his home and there
spend his few remaining days with his family
and friends. Home, home, sweet hOme."-
COMMODORE" Milwaukee, Wis