The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1889-04-11
PRISON.
Give the Ex.Prisoncrs their just Rewar

EDITOR NATIONAL TRIBUNE: Since my arti-
Gle in your paper of Feb. IA, giving an account
of my recent trip to Andersonville Prison and
Cemetery, have been receiving letters from
comrades in such numbers that it is impossible
to reply to all. Many of these letters are full
of interesting "reminiscences of prison life and
miraculous escapes from the explosion and
burning of the Inflated steamer Sultana on
April 81, 1865 The same communication
enabled one or two to learn the fate of
brother and friend, the date of their death,
and the number Of grave III the cemetery at
Andersonville, Ga. Many of these ex-prison-
erS are drawing pensions at the rate of from 81
to 81 per month; some who are broken in
health have not been able to furnish the re-
CURED evidence to receive pensions.
Now, in view of these facts how does it
sound to hear such assertions as are made by
the New York Tribune, first discussing what
should be done with the surplus, then refer
ring to the enormous pension appropriations
that are likely to bankrupt the Government
Ii the many persons cherishlng such sentl-
ments will be patient a little longer the " old
frauds " will soon pass away, then such squan-
dering of the public funds will cease. We have
all reached the meridian fife, and very many
with tottering steps and silvered locks are far
down on the shady side of the mountain, and
must soon bid adieu to the land our valor saved ;
and where is the miscreant swine that would
withhold from the soldier the paltry sum not
half his due? VIII not the patriotic friends of
the soldier secure the passage of bill granting
s. q day pension for each day the eX-prisonerS
were confined in rebel prisons; also, the
equalization bounty bill and The National
Tribune " Pension Bill? Now that the day OF
vetoing pension bills is something of the past
why not give relief to those brave defenders
who placed upon the Nations altar the one
most valuable and Indispensable Offering that
ever was made by mortal man for home and
country? Fer
Whether in the prison drear
Or in the battles van,
The noblest death that man can die
Is when he dies for man.
" The hopes the fears The blood, the tears
That marked the battles strife,
Are now all crowned with victory,
That saved the Nations life"
| Twenty seven years ago this Nation was in
| the midst of the most gigantic rebellion ever
| known in the annals of history. The struggle
was most desperate, and the cost indeed appall
! ing. Four hundred thousand lives went out
| and to-day many thousands who were injured
crippled and diseased are scattered through
| out the land of this glorious Union, preserved
and made such not by the purchasing power Of
| National bonds, but by virtue of life sacri
| fee without which bonds, Union, flag and
| country must have been eugulfed in the vortex
of treason. Comrades, cheer up! there is
| brighter day daWnIng 1t is an honor to have
answered to your country's call. What if Wa
are branded as frauds for reminding the Gov
eminent that now in our declining years W,
have claims that should be respected Do moi
be intimidated, but remember that all such no
| shot comes from the same sOurce-the mouths
of those who denounced the soldier when il
active service. Such shooting did not kill no
cannot to-day deprive the old veteran of hi
well-earned laurels and Wel-deserved right
and remuneration.-A. G. BROWN, Co. /, 2,
| Ohio Albert Lea Mimi