The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-09-01

One Of the most unworthy characteristics
of President Harrison is the extreme timidty
which he always shows when the G.. A. X.
comes in question. That be feels warm In
terest in this organization from purely senti-
mental motives as a Federal veteran himself
is entirely natural. but that he feels still
deeper interest in il on account OF the sup
posed influence which it can exercise upon
his own political fortunes is still less open to
dispute.
The whole conduct of the President towards
the Commissioner of Pensions has been dis
creditable TO him as a chief magistrate who
has sworn to perform the duties of his high
position regardless of consequences The
course Of the Commissioner has been such ms
would have assured his dismissal If the head
of the Government had looked only to the
best interests Of the people.
The dereIiction Of Raum.has not been con-
fined 10 one single instance. In number OF
cases all Of tho same character, he has
proven himself 10 be unworthy of confidence.
and in consequence. his retention has increased
the odium into which the pension system
has fallen.
The New York Herald sums upthe whole
case against the Commissi oner very succinctly
in the following paragraphs:
when it was proved that Green b. Raum.
Pension Commissioner had borrowed
$4,000 on himsy security from Washing
ton pension agent and had Immediately
afterwards issued an order that enabled this
pension agent TO double his ill-gotten gains,
the country demanded Raum's removal.
when it was shown that he had testified
before a committee Of Congress that bis
alleged gypsum mine was in state OF deyel-
opment and value which it had never
reached, the country demanded his removal
When it was proved that he permitted his
sons 10 run the Pension Bureau as they
pleased-sel clerkships. give positions TO
favorites and get information to which they
we're in no way entitled-the country de-
manded his removal.
When it was found that he was the presi-
dent and controlling spirit of a company that
by lying representations induced poor Depart
menr clerks, chiefly his own subordinates, to
invest their savings in real estate venture
from which they could realize nothing, the
country demanded his removal.
when it was found that he had used his
position to induce the employees of his bureau
to subscribe for his other peculiar financial
ventures. when it was found that his Office
was scandalously mismanaged; when Re-
publican Congress declined even to attempt
to whitewash him; when it was told how lit
tie time he gave 10 his public duties and how
much to private affairs, the country demand
ed his removal"
IL seems incredible that Harrison should al
low his political. interests to influence him TO
overlook these charges against Raum. How
long would Mr.. Cleveland have retained such
q man in Officer The first charge would have
led him 10 make careful investigation. and
if it was shown that the charge was true by
the evidence brought forward, Raum would
have been dismissed even if it had offended
the whole organization OF the Grand Army Of
the Republic. The duty of Mr.. Harrison is
equally obvious, but he has not the firmness
70 disregard the clamor which the same act
on bis part would raise.