The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1892-03-03
A PRIVATE'S OATH.
Resolutions In Congress Endorsed by the Depart
ment Of The Potomac, GAR.

Resolutions In Congress Endorsed by the Depart
ment Of The Potomac, GAR.
Some days ago Mr.. Seerley introduced in tho
House Of Representatives and had referred 10
the Committee on Invalid Pensions. where it
is now pending, the following resolution:
Whereas by the regulations Of the Pension De-
paumeHt ~ Is provided
1t. When the records Of the War or Navy De-
psItmeuts do not furnish satisfactory evidence
that the disability account II which the claim Is
made originated 30 the service Of tbs United States
aud he the line Of duty, the claimant viii be re-
qulTed TO furnish such evidence in accordance with
the instructions hereinafter given, compliance with
which must be full aud definite: aud the disability
results from wound or other injury the nature
aud location Of the wound or injury, The time
when, the place where, and the manner ia which
u was received, whether Ia battle or Otherwise,
should be shown 10y The affidavit 81 some one who
was a commit, stoned officer aud had personal
knowledge II the facts.
"a. IL there H. no record Of the disability claimed
the applicant will he called on to furnish the iesii-
uOuy 81 the Surgeon 10y whom he was treated show
ing the location aud nature 81 the wound or injury,
aud the circumstances under which IL WAS received
~ The disability arises from disease, the testimony
OF the person who was Surgeon or Assistant sur
gcon 81 tie regiment TO which the applicant be-
lougcd, OF the vessel on which lie served should
u possible be furnished, showing the name or
nature oi the disease, the time when, tie place
where Il was contracted, aud the circumstances Of
exposure 10 the causes which, in his opinion, pro-
duced tie same; and
Whereas by said rules those who served a. pr-
Yates la the war 81 the rebellion are generally put
Go great Inconvenience. expense and delay la try
ing 10 secure proof Of disability; aud
Whereas the Department accepts the affidavit 81
pryaiez when other evidence cannot be secured :
aud
Whereas Il + impossible that officers or physi-
clans, after = years, remember the disabilities
81 tho-c who served under them or was treated by
Whereas the testimony Of private Is as worthy
81 belief a. that Of an officer; and
Whereas those who were associated together IN
a a..
other are best qualified 10 give evidence 49, to the
origin II disability aud circumstance: Therefore,
Eesoluci That the Committee on Invalid PEN
s,Ous be- aud are hereby instructed 10 report a bill
TO govern evidence IA pension cases, aud that la
said bin ilc affidavit Of private be given the same
consideration "a that Of an officer.
The Encampment Of tho Department Of the
Potomac now in session in Washington, unani'
mously passed the following resolutions:
/ Whereas the Hon. John J. Seefley Member oi
Congress from the First District u Iowa has In.
PRODUCED resolution Ia the House 81 Represeut,.
i tycs proposing an amendment 10 the regulation.
! governing evidence ia the Pension Bureau, 80 a,
10 give tie evidence Of the private soldier la case,
/ pending in said bureau tie same effect as that d
1 a commissioned officer
/ Essolrcf That we fully Endorse said measure
! looking 10 the removal ~ the unjust reelection
/ upon The brave enlisted men who fought the wal
] Of Tire rebellion 10 successful conclusion gnl
| which Will materially aid many dosclg iu.; claim
ants u securing thcir pensions. Aud we therefor,
! earnestly urge aud recommend the passage Of IA,
.
Essolred That The thanks Of this Department ar,
due 10 the Hon, john j. Suclcy Tor his eli ris 10 Sc
cure This just rElsHtUn for surviving veterans nus
that COPY 81 these resolution. ba furnished Mr.
/ SecIlsy and copy 10 tie Committee on Inyalic
Pensions ol the House 81 Representative
Every soldier will az once sec the importanc,
Of this proposed legislation in the interest o
all Comrades who now have. or may hercaftc
have, claims ina the Pension Bureau. The Diff
Guilty OF making proof OF disability from sery
ice. under the regulations Of tho Department
aud this unjust reelection on the integrity 0
the private soldier has been the cause Of grca
dissatisfaction 10 many comrades. Mr.. Seer
lcy's efforts are in the direction Of removing
this cause Of complaint. IL would be well 70
other Eucampmcuts aud Posts Of tho GAR
30 show 20 Congress their interest in this mat
ter rs tho Department Of the Potomac has done
by passing resolutions and forwarding petition
10 the House Of Representatives, while ih
matter is pending, asking for favorable action