The Emmett index. [volume] (Emmett, Idaho) 1893-1925, 1893-12-16

The execution OF this law IN It's early
stages does not seem TO have been in ac-
cord with its true intention, but toward
the close OF the last administration an
authoritative construction was given TO
the statute, and since that time this
construction has been followed. This
has had the effect OF limiting the opera
ton OF the law to its intended purpose.
The discovery having been made that
many names had been put upon the
pension roll by means OF wholesale and
gigantic frauds, the commissioner sus-
pended payments upon number OF
pensions which seem 10 be fraudulent or
unauthorized pending a complete exami-
nation. giving notice 10 the pensioners
in order that they might have an oppor-
tunity 10 establish, il possible, the JUS
tice OF their claims, Notwithstanding APP
parent invalidity. This, ] understand,
Is the practice which has for long time
prevailed in the pension bureau, but AZ
ter entering upon these recent inyestiga-
tions the commissioner modified this
rule 30 az not to allow, until after com
plete examination, interference with the
payment OF pension apparently not al
together void, but which merely had
been fixed at rate higher than that au-
thorized by law.
FRAUDS SHOULD BE EXPOSED.
am unable TO understand why frauds
in the pension rolls should not be ex-
posed and corrected with throughness
and yigor. Every name fraudulently put
upon these rolls is wicked imposition
upon the kindly sentiment in which
pensions have their origin. Every
fraudulent pensoner has become bad
citizen; every false oath in support of a
pension has made perjury more COM
mon and false and undeserving pen
sioners rob the people not only OF their
money, but Of their patriotic sentiment
which the survivors of a war fought for the
preservation OF the union ought to inspire.
Thousands OF neighborhoods have their
weli-known fraudulent pensioners, and
recent developments by the bureau es-
tablish appalling conspiracies TO accom-
plish pension frauds. BY no me ans the
least wrong done is to brave and deserv-
ing pensioners, who certainly ought not
Those who attempt in the line OF duty
10 rectify these wrongs should not be ac-
cused OF enmity or Indifference TO the
claims of honest veterans.
The sum expended on account of PEN
sions for the year ended June 30, 1898,
was S156, 7iO. l67 IA. The commissioner
estimates that sl65, 900 900 will be re-
quired to pay pensions during the year
ending June 30, 1894.
THE HOMEsEEKERs.
The vast area of land which but
short time ago constituted the public
domain is rapidly falling into private
hands. IL is certain that in the trans
fer the benehcent intention of the gov
TO supply from its domain
homes to the industrious and worthy
is often frustrated through
the Spectator, who stands with extor-
tomato purpose between the land Office
and those who with their families are
invited by the government to settle on
the public lands. lie is a despicable
character who ought not to be tolerated,
yet it is difficult to thwart his schemes.
The recent opening to settlement of the
lands in the Cherokee outlet, embracing
an area OF $500, 900 acres, notwithstand
| ing the utmost care in framing the regu
lations governing the selection OF loca
tons, and Notwithstanding the pres
ence OF United States troops, furnishe,
an exhibition, though perhaps in
modified degree, of the mad scramble
and the violence and the fraudulent
occupation which have accompanied
previous openings OF public lands.
concur with the secretary in the belle
that these Outrageous incidents cannot b.
entirely prevented without change in
the laws on the subject, and hope this
recommendation in that direction will
be favorably considered.
TO PRESERVE OUR FORESTS.
/ especially commend TO the attention
of congress the statements contained in
the secratary's report concerning fores-
try. The time has come when efficient
measures should be taken Tor the pres
ervation of our forests from indiscrimi-
nate and remediless destruction.