The National tribune., 1893-09-07
A PROTEST
Concerning the New Examining Board for
the Hampton Home.

concerning tne Ne" cumming loN
the Hampton Home.
EDITOR NATIONAL TRIBUNE: Some time
since new Board of Medical Examiners
was appointed by the Pension Commissioner
for this Home. Col. Woodfin, Governor of
the Home, sent letter to Judge Lochren
suggesting that on account of the feeling
among the men in the Home it would be
best that one member of the new Board
should be in sympathy with the cause for
which the Union soldier fought, etc.
This fact becoming known, Col. Woodfn
was assailed from Richmond, Norfolk and
other quarters, as opposing the commission
ing of the new Board on the ground of
being Democrats and Southerners. In an
interview published in the Richmond Times
of July 30, Col. Woodfn discaimed any
such feeling, and pointed to his many
years of pleasant relationship with the
people of Virgins" in proof of his assertions
of friendliness.
Gov. Woodfn is right about the feeling in
the Home. We think we understand his
position. He seems to think that in simply
writing letter to Judge Lochren of the
state of the case he is acquitted of any
further responsibility. Gov. Woodfn is in
vested by act of Congress with the charge of
the interests of the men in the Home, and
while we will not say that "his pleasant
relations with the people of Virginia" and
his disclaimer of i'll feeling toward any
member Of the new Board on account Of
politics or place of birth, have had any in
fluence in determining his decision not to
press the question further than to express
wish that in the interest of fairness, har-
mony and good feeling there ought to be- at
best, a man of pronounced friendliness to
the Union veteran on the Board, yet there
are many veterans who think that he ought
to be animated By greater degree of parti-
sanship in a matter that so vitality affects
their interests.
Gov. Woodfin frankly admits that he
thinks the feeling of hostility toward the
new Examining Board, which is entertained
by SO many of the veterans, is perfectly
reasonable and natural, and his action in
suggesting to the Pension Bureau that one
member at least should be in sympathy
with the cause for which the veterans fought
is evidence of the Governors purpose to
perform his sworn duty, in accordance with
his own convictions Of the scope and extent
of his obligations.
Without arrogating to ourselves any su
perior wisdom, we of the Home believe that
our standpoint affords the more exact and
truthful view of the situation. We do not
claim to stand on "Pisgah's top" but we
can easily "view the landscape o'er," and
the conclusion we have reached is one of
hostility to the new Board as such. Person
ally, these men are doubtless both able and
of incorruptible integrity; but, as Gov.
Woodfn himself puts it, "any examination
they may make will be looked upon with
suspicion, for the very reason that they are
all Southern men," The veterans here go
q step further than their Governor, and say
that "men do not gather grapes from thOrns
to be deceived in so important matter,
but very many will refuse 10 go before this
Board if it be commissioned.
Admitting that their every action will be
dictated by what they conceive to be high
sense of honor the fact yet remains that
unless they are avowedly in sympathy with
the cause for which the Union soldier fought,
unless they are able to afford proof of their
ability to rise above the prejudices, the
effects of association, and the sentiments
that still permeate all Southern communi-
ties-their appointment will be greatly dis
trusted by the Union soldier, who believes
that the verdict of history must record the
absolute Justice and righteousness of the
Union cause.
We believe, further, that it is a very
grave error and an act of positive injustice,
upon the part of the National authorities,
not to afford Us representation upon this
Board and that it will be so considered by
the Union men of the North, irrespective of
their party affiliations. M.