The National tribune., 1893-09-07
MUCH MODIFIED,
Commissioner Iochren Issues an Order in
Regard TO Suspensions.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, !


.Hf az WAsHINGToN, Aug. &c
Order No oI0:
In the examination Of all cases allowed under
Section of the of June q 1880 the practice of
the Bureau is hereby changed and modified as fol-
lows:
First. Where it appears prima facie on the face
oil the papers that the pensioner was not entitled
TO any rating the payment of the pension shall be
al suspended aud tile peusioner notified that
he will he dropped from the rolls, after 60 days
from such notice. unless he shall in the meantime
file competent evidence showing his right to pen
sion. .'h st..ft
Second. Where on the face of the papers it APP
pears that the petfsioner Is entitled a less rate
than he is now receiving lie shall be notified that
his pension will be reduced to such less rate unless
within 60 days from such notice he shall file
petent evidence of his right to n higher rating.
Third. Where 1t appears on the face of the papers
that the pensioner had been allowed 81 pension
under prior law and that he is not entitled, under
the act of June 81, $780, 10 any higher rate of
SION lth WIS SO h'ioweu uhder such pflor a"' ne
shall be notified that his pension under the act OF
June 81 1890. vii! be dropped aud his pension
under such prior law restored, unless within so
days from such notice lie shall file ompetent evil
dence that he is entitled to "a higher rate than
granted by his pension under such prior law.
Fourth Every notice shall inform the pensioner
that upon his application to the Commissioner he
will be Immediately ordered for examination by
local Medical Board to enable him To obtain the
necessary evidence to show his right TO pension.
Fifth. When any pensioner shall have complied
with the requirement of such notice and furnished
evidence lending to support his claim to be con-
tlnued on the rolls, the case shall at once be
special case and be promptly adjudicated.
There will be preliminary suspension in any
case hereafter except provided in the first sub
division of this order.
WILLIAM LoCHREN, Commissioner.
Approved: HokE SMITH, Secretary.
In speaking of this new order Commissioner
LOchren said
The Secretary has for sometime questioned the
fairness of the practice of the Pension Bureau,
which suspended pensions during inquiry as to The
right of pensioner TO The pension rate lie was
receiving. AT his request the whole matter has
been carefully considered, and the present order
modifying that practice not to suspend in
doubtful cases has been agreed to more equita-
BILE. During the progress of the examination OF
under the act OF June q. 1880, larger mum.
Der Of pensioners were found liable to suspension
than had been anticipated. and cases were found
where persons have been suspended whose dsa-
biliies have increased since the date of being pen
stoned, and who are now entitled to remain Oh the
rolls. In every instance. as soon as these cases
called to the attention of the Bureau, the
correction was promptly made, but IL was feared
that the suspension might work hardship by pre-
venting the payment OF pensions to those who at
the present time legally entitled To the same,
though they were not at the time the pension was
granted.