The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1893-05-11

out, the naval feature was eliminated, ana tn'
mariners given separate maintenance, ant
the name was changed to the National
Military Asylum" The Central Branch, o.
first barracks was located at Dayton, o., IL
1867. just 26 years ago. Since then the titit
OF the institution has been changed again
and it is now known as the National
Soldiers Home" and its inmates now In
clade all United States soldiers of any wal
who are incapable of earning living
whether the incapacity resulted from theiI
service or net"
Year by year the needs and necessities oi
the Homc have multiplied, the field has
widened and the appropriations have IN
creased until there are now six branches OF
the Central Home at Dayton. where The dis
abled volunteer soldier of the Union may
find shelter and comfort in his declining
years
This idea Of thus caring for the Nation s
defenders did not originate with the founders
Of the National Soldiers Home, but had its
inception and illustration in the Old World.
Ii was the natural Outgrowth of the decay
of the Ieudal system.
When European Kingdoms were gradually
formed from the wrecks of Empire, the miii-
tary arrangements took on peculiar form
The King could not maintain standing army,
jor his Baruns, or feudal chieftains, were jeal
ons:of allowing him so much power. Each
Baron had small army composed of his own
militia or retaineTs. The contests OF these
small armies. sometimes combined and some
times isolated make mp the greater part OF the
wars OF the middle ages. When any vassal or
fendal cheitain was injured or permanently
disabled, the Baron of whom he was retainer
saw that lie was cared for. But when the
feudal system fell into disrepute, and great
standing armies came 10 be maintained IT be-
came necessary to provide for the accidents
incident to wars ravages.
THE FIRST NATIONAL INSTITUTION
of this character was the Hotel des lnyalides,
IN Paris. The object had in view by the
founders was 10 maintain at the expense of the
Nation the wOrnout soldiers of France, giving
them the comforts of home in their declining
years Louis XIV. laid the cornerstone iD
1910. Il was sadly diverted from its original
use In its earlier years. and was used as place
of retirement for the aged servants of court
favoriies quite rs much for iEvalided sol
diers Louis KY. changed this. however, and
il has never since been diverted from its legiti-
mate purposes.
Arch tecturally speaking the Hotel des In
vaiides is thing Of beauty. Beside ali the
features OF the best conducted hospitals and
homes. II contains a museum, in winch are
priceless relics Of the prowcss Of France IN
war, haitieidgs forming prominent part of
the display. There are fine paintings by the
old masters and models in plaster Of the prin-
cipal fortified cities Of France. and a model in
exquisite miniature Of the siege of Rene. IN
the chapel under the great dome rests the body
4 l.. l.
fragrant with the violets he loved. left there
by the French people who love him. There,
too Is the crown Of gold presented 10 Napoleon
by the people of Cherbourg, the insignia lie
Wore on state occasions, and the sword OF
Austeriitz. in the crypt are the tombs of
Turennc and YaubOn, and many other French
heroes
The institution is under the direction of the
Minister of War. The senior Marshal Of France 1
is usually appointed Governor. The ether /
officers are General Division Commandant, I
a Colonel, Major, eight Captains, and an Adju- I
tant.
Tie second example of a National Soldiers 1
Home was erected at Chelsea. one of the love !
liest suburbs Of London. The institution. /
which is called Chelsea Hospital. was erected in /
1863 for Protestant theological seminary, but /
after being charte ed by James l. as King James 4
College failed 10 prosper, aGd the building fell 1
into decay. Charles II. crginated the idea Of /
making asylum for disabled ard superannu-
ated soldiers, and selected the site OF tie aban-
doned college for the purpose. Here he laid /
the corn cr-stpae in I6s3, with great ceremony 4
and display. IN 1854 a warrant was issued /
1educting from the pay OF each soldier one /
days pay per year, and in leap-year two days
pay, FOR
TBE SUPPORT OF THIS HOSPITAL.
Ten years later it was opened for occupancy.
The magnificent pile of buildings are located
On 20 acres Of land four and one-half miles
from London, and has Recommendations for GOO
nen. beside the officers and attendants. whO
number 80 The management j. IL the hands
Of Board - Of whom are military 90 civil
officers. and 100 sabordinates The Lord Presi-
dent Of the Council the First Lord Of the
Treasury, and Secretaries OF the State are
members oiiiciO Of the Board Of Commits
s.Oncrs i he pensioners, who mostly belong I
10 tie Guards look very picturesque in their
Uniform o. red, with blue fGcngs. They get
their lodging board. medical attention aud
washing, aud a small sum Of money beside,
varying with tile rank in ihe service A SOL 4
iier wEo enters the Home at Chelsea is obliged
10 give NJ the pension he may be receiving for
J much smaller sum on entering the hospital.
II be chooses 10 leave the hospital at any time
ais pension is restored TO him.
At Greeuwich, England, is located the now
.bandoued Home for the superanunated sailors
ii0 Iias mes OF England 4 ui. institution
,Upied the site OF the Royal Palace IN which
Henry VIII. and his daughters, Mary aud
were born. aud where Edward VI
lied. The idea Of erecting this hospital origi-
lated IN 1862 after the great naval victory La
Hague IL was proposed TO raise a suitable
rs a mark Of the gratitude which
& gland felt toward her brave sailors. Under
etters- patent rom William and Mary in 1884
he cornerstone was laid, and in l705 the main
)uildimg was considered it for inmates 100 old
aiiOTs entering at once.
There are four distinct styles Of buildings all
# which are quadraagular, and named accord
Dg to The respective sovereigns in whose
cigHs ihey were successively built one for
King Charles. one for Queen Anne: King
williams Building. containing the great hall,
gith It's wOudrOusly beautiful pointed dome.
ind Queen Mary's Building. im which is the
magnificent chapel. On a fricze running
around the ball ia King Williams Building
here IS aH inscription in Latin, which reads:
The piOus regard Of Queen Mary, dedicsting
be Palace Of Greenwich for the relief and
maintenance at the public expense Of these
eamen who have protected public safety in
he reign Of William and Mary, 1884"
THERE ARE MANY VALUABLE PAINTINGs
u g G'eenw.ch Hospital, aud in the museum.
liled wlih valued mementOes is the coat in
which Nelson was shot at Trafalgar In 1914
he M zIaIGm number Of inmates was reached
YheH 27lO were sheltered. From that time
lie number began 10 decrease. The revenues
Il tie hospital were derived from the gifts Of
William and Mary, the rental Of forfeited es.
atcs aud private contributions II was oHi-