Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1891-07-06

full pay they should not be allowed to
draw pension payments.
1.-THE soldier who Is capable of and Is
earning respectable living has no right
to pension, because he has suffered no
impairment Of earning capacity.
THOSE WHO DESERVE PENSIONS.
1.-THE soldier who has suffered such an
impairment, and is therefore incapable
Of earning In any situation that may be
found for him respectable living,
should be paid enough 20 support him
In comfort, not pauperized by stipend
too small TO satisfy his necessities. Ii
impairment of earning capacity is the
only thing paid for, and if payment is
made only when the beneficiary cannot
be provided for with public or private
employment that will enable him TO earn
an honest and respectable living, the
amount required for such pensions will
not burden the resources OF the coun-
try. The payment Of such pensions
will be made with infinite satisfaction
by the people, and the amount received
will maintain In comfort and indepen-
dent self-reSpect every unfortunate
soldier"
what is wrong with the present sys-
tenn OF pensiOns?"
1.-THE initial error was made when the
principle OF payment was based on duty
performed instead of loss sustained.
Baslng the claim on duty performed
opened the way for claiming compensa-
tion from dase of discharge and for the
payment of pensions to those who have
suffered no impairment of earning ca
| pacity. Payments on such basis have
gradually dulled the sense of honor OF
| thousands to whom il would otherwise
never have occurred that their locality
was a quality Of character 10 be valued
and paid for in cash.
"Such basis for payment has stlmu-
lated the cupldity and greed Of the dis
honorable, and the payments have been
received as a gratuity by the unthink-
/ ing, who look upon what they receive
! from the government as a free gift that
costs no one anything, like refreshing
shower In a season OF drought.
BAD EFFECTS OF THE SYSTEM.
THE influence of payments made on
the duty performed or as reward for
LOYALTY has sapped the foundations OF
honor in the minds Of thousands until
/ they think it right that the industrial
and wage workers Of the country should
! be taxed for their support. 1T has
made them dishonest enough TO be will
| ing to receive that which they have not
earned-to take by process OF law a por-
tiOn of the earnings of others ana con-
vert 1t 20 their own use.
"AS a result Of such payments old
! soldiers who need a full support only
receive a small plttance, totally made.
! Quate TO support them, while untold
millions are paid to those who are per-
fectly able to support themselves.
"TO meet payments that satisfy no
claim of Justice or honor, but represent
brides sought and brides paid for votes,
the Industries Of the country have been
| burdened with war taxes during a quar-
ter Of century of peace.
Beyond all this, the manner in
which pensions are procured and the
implied degradation of the spirit OF 10y
atty involved in the enactment laws,
have rendered a pension mark of dis
grace instead of q badge OF honor for the
loyal volunteer.
Thirty years ago, responding to the
duty Of loyalty, volunteers rescued the
nation from destruction by force. To-
day, responding to the duty of loyalty,
volunteers must rescue il from deStruc-
ton by dishonesty. Old soldiers who
respect themselves and honor their com
radeS must muster as patriots of peace
and demand that the pension laws be
revised on the basis of payment for inn
pairment Of earning capacity, and that
such payment be made only when the
beneficiary is Incapable Of earning a re-
spectacle living or can find no oppOrtu-
nifty Of so doing"