The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-12-02
The Revoking Rule.

The RevokinR Rule.
Referring 10 the order revoking rule
164. the report says:
In pursuance Of this order, a board Of
revision was formed Of the ablest and
most experienced men of the Pension
Bureau, with instructions to examine the
cases allowed under the act of June q.
1880 and to Gull out such as had no legal
basis TO rest upon. In cases where IL
was believed that pensions could not be
sustained and another medical examina-
tion was necessary, the payment Of the
pension was ordered TO be suspended
pending Investigation. This was done by
the Commissioners OF Pensions in pursuance
Of the uniform practice Of the bureau as
IL had existed almost from the organi-
cation thereof. The pensioner was not
dropped from the rolls, but the payment
Of his pension was suspended, and the
usual sixty days notice was given 70
the pensioner I'm which he could ask for
a medical examination, or supply further
evidence OF his right TO a pension. The
examination OF his proof having dis
closed that he was not entitled TO pen
sion. he was told that the payment of
bis pension was suspended until he could
put on record a case which would au-
thorize payment according to the terms OF
the act Of Congress.
Ii was found that many thus suspended
were able 10 supply the proof, when
notice was given that proof was re-
quired and 10 these payment was at once
resumed. The former practice in re-
gard to suspensions was also modified In
cases where the proof on file disclosed the
fact that the pensioner was entitled 10
some rating. although not 10 the rating
which had been allowed him
The report treats the matter or sus-
pensions and revision in a calm, judicial
manner. 1t denies that the purpose has
ever existed Of adopting an extreme
and unreasonable manner OF suspending
pensioners, and II also denies that any
abandonment has taken place OF tne
policy OF removing from the pension rolls
those who are not legally thereon
Ising the Census
With reference to the census, the report
shows that until the resignation OF Mr.
Porter on July 3lst, the Secretary sup
posed that the census would be closed
December 3lst, but a conference with the
chiefs Of the various divisions satisfied
him that radical change was necessary
to improve the census and bring II 10
a completion The Secretary states that
he did not discover any purpose on the
part Of those connected with the census
10 bring IL to a conclusion al an. lie
refers to a selection Of Carroll ID. Wright
after a careful Investigation, 10 determine
who was best suited for the work ana
says that he now feels confident 'hdI
every effort is being conscientiously maze
to bring the census 10 a close. ana 10
rer der il as useful as possible fhe
'eport indicates that the census VIII
be practically closed by July !, 1SjL nhd
that 100000 will be needed To complete
il and TO bind and 10 otherwise prepare
its volumes for distribution
The Wards OF the Nation.
In treating the subject Of public lands,
and the lessons taught by opening the
Cherokee strip and other Indian reserva-
tious 20 settlement. the Secretary states
that a number Of small but valuable
tracts will be ready for settlement within
the next two years. and that it IS impos-
slble for the department 10 prevent uou-
ble without additional legislation. II re-
commends the adoption OF a plan which |
by action under certain restrictions or |
otherwise, may determine In advance the |
ownership OF each particular section, as |
a substitute for the present system.
The report states that a fair exvamlna- |
tion OF the work OF the Indian Bureau |
furnishes proof I'm support OF the wisdom |
OF the policy which controls the admins
tration Of Indian aifaifs. Slowly but !
steadily. the wards Of the nation are being /
advanced 10 condition suitable for clu- |
II IL a mistake 10 suppose the |
indians are decreasing In numbers. Tribal |
wars and wars with the whites having |