The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1893-09-07

invite your careful perusal OF the report or
the committee on legislation. which has Iahored
faithfully in the interest or the organization,
and while not successful In accomplishing ali
future
BY Section 1855, Revised Statutes OF the Unit
cd States, Congress recommended those honor
ably discharged by reason or expiration or their
terms Of sarvice or the close OF the war, 10 the
business men and firms or the country. for Iucrs-
tive employment, and Section 1884 provided
that those DISCHARGED from the military or naval
service by reason or wounds or sickness Incurred
in the line OF duty. should have preference in
appointments 10 public Office.
To you, comrades, who have observed the
events OF the past few months. these citations
will appear farcical when considered in con-
nection with the numerous discharges from
government positions OF veterans who have
been experts in the positions filled by them.
and In which they were held in great esteem
by those then in authority. Every one came
strictly within the provisions OF this statute,
but the statute had effect whatever; even
In cases where attention was specially directed
to IT, II was not respected: The veterans were
compelled to vacate: their honorable service,
efficiency character. had no weight, nor did
the laws which have been cited above
It is the purpose OF this committee to secure
legislation which will insure preference 10
veterans in appointments TO office or employ
ment.. and retention in the public service IL
they be qualified for the place, in accordance
with the spirit OF the statutes
PENSIONS.
Pensions are paid by all civilized nations. and
are the natural results of war. They are recog-
nized in this country by enactment of law, and
they are granted under law complying with
certain requirements, and when the require
ments have been faithfully complied with. and
the pension certificate issued, IL was supposed
and justly believed that was final. and that the
d sioner was not subject to the whims or ca
price Of officials Recently, however, we find
scores &C. % OF worthy veterans: some me- above @ the age
many suffering from wounds received on the
battlefield. or disease incurred while In the
service OF their country, or other disabilities
which are covered by law, cut OIL from the pen
sion roll without first making proper inyestiga-
ton.
BY q very large majority the Fifty-irst Con-
gress passed what Is known as the disability
bill. which was supplementary TO previous enact
ments OF a similar nature The one
which convinced everyone that the country
wanted the bill TO become a law. Ii received the
signature OF the President and became law on
the 9th day OF June, 1880. The law was consld-
cred a wise one and has given general satisfac-
uon.
AS you are aware during the past three years
some OF those who were not the friends OF our
country during that mighty contest from 1861
to 1865, have taken every means within their
power TO create public sentiment against pen
sion laws and pensioners. lt is hardly necessary
10 state that many or those who were and still
are the most bitter in their denunciatoEs and
abuse, do not confine themselves TO facts, and
most OF them we're not in the army either side.
Unwarranted statements are made against the
pension roll No facts are advanced 10 sub
stantate the statements made, and more re-
Gently ve learn that thousands OF worthy SOL
diers, who at large expense have proved their
cases to the satisfaction OF the Pension Bureau,
| have had their pensions stopped upon one pre-
text another. Notwithstanding they are placed
| upon the pension roll after a prolonged and
most critical examination and investigation,
often extending through many years.
The pension laws OF our country affect the In
terests OF veterans OF various wars, but somehow
| this indiscriminate taking away OF pensions
affects only those who served in the war against
treason aud rebellion
hp
| area OF human slavery. Thousands OF those