Omaha daily bee., 1889-05-27
THE soUrH AND PENSIONS.

not we'll pleased with the liberal
pension policy of Commissioner Tan
ner. They have never regarded
with favor, and there can be no
doubt that the system would have suff-
cred had the last presidential election
resulted differently. Having always
felt that the share OF the pension money
paid by the south is an oppressive and
unjust exaction, the southern dem
ocrats who applauded Mr.. Cleve-
lands numerous pension vetoes
are in mood to protest
against the disposition OF the present
administration to deal justly and gener-
ously with the union soldiers. 1t is
policy that sorely grieves them, and
they would very much like to impress
the country with the idea that there is
cause for alarm in it.
"The case is rather u hard one" re-
marks the Atlanta Constitution, which
figures that the south's proportion OF
the pension payments this year is some
what in excess of thirty million dollars.
1.-The policy of Commissioner Tanner
furnishes cause for alarm, but the
policy Of the government goes deeper.
No statesman seems brave enough and
no party strong enough to withstand
the demands of the pension sharks and
such elements OF the G. A. r. as they
can use." The Consultation observes
further that there is a steady stream
of taxes paid by Georgians flowing into
f,,,l ;on l. Loft with
Georgia), and which carries three
millions into that state every year"
We have no doubt the figures
| OF our contemporary are some what
| exaggerated, but that is not
matter OF great Importance. The
feeling betrayed is the significant mat
| ter. The donunciation OF the Grand
| Army, the arraignment Of the commits
sioner of pensions as working into the
hands OF the pension sharks, and the
general tone of opposition and protest,
are what give interest to the enuncia-
tions of the Constitution. These show
what the prevailing feeling is at the
south regarding ths pension policy OF
the government, and indicate what
may be expected if the democratic
| party should return to power with
the southern element in control of
it. 1t is not questionable that nothing
which Mr.. Cleveland did while presi-
| dent so strongly commended him to the
good opinion of his party in the south
as his pension vetoes, and had he been
reelected and the lower branch of con-
gress continued in democratic control
there would have been little show for
union soldiers not already pensioned,
however strongly they might demon
strate their claim to the governments
benefaction, and very likely many
OF those who are receiving pen
sions would have had their al
mand to be relieved as much as possible
of what is regarded as an oppression and
an injustice to the people OF that sec
tion would not have gone unheeded.
But the complaint Of the south in this
matter is not likely to receive any seri-
Gus consideration during the next four
years. 1t is not entitled to it. If
Georgia is sending three million dollars
annually into Iowa in payment of PEN
sions she could not devote that amount
to worthier cause, and the total of
thirty million dollars a year paid by
the south is very moderate charge
upon that section for the benefits of
preserved union. The work accom-
plished by the brave and loyal men who
are the recipients Of the nation s
bounty was not less valuable to the
south than it was to the north, and the
people Of that section should gladly and
gratefully meet every demand upon
them for rewarding the heroes who sus-
tanned the government and defeated
the effort to divide the nation.
Let the people Of the south be as
generous as they please in making pro-
vision for the men who fought to
destroy the union. Let them erect
homes for them and otherwise provide
for them whatever way they properly
may. There will be no fault found with
their doing so. But at the same time
they should pay cheerfully and un-
grudgingly every dollar asked for the
union soldier, counting the cost OF his
reward not as an exaction, but as a just
obligation to be honored faithfully and
uncomplainingly, as one of the most
sacred free people can charge them
selves with.