The National tribune., 1894-09-13
ridicule and disdain of the people, who
see through them so clearly.
ANOTHER GREAT CASE.

ANOTHER GREAT CASE.
Michigan is to furnish another highly
important case to test the legality of the
present policy of the Pension Bureau.
Gen. William Shakspere, of Kalamazoo,
is prominent citizen and leading
Democrat. Some months ago he came
out very strongly in opposition to the
policy of the Pension Bureau, his posi-
ton and utterances attracting National
attention.
Recently he received notice from the
Pension Bureau of a special examina-
ton to determine whether his physical
condition ju stiles the continuance of his
pension at the rate of S72 a month. He
was informed that this was prompted by
two afidavits which had been sent to
the Bureau from Kalamazoo. Gen.
Shakspere demanded copies of the aft
davits and the names of those who made
them, but this was refused. The Kala-
mazoo Daily Meas says, with reference
to the case
Gen. William Shakspere enlisted in the
army April II, 1861, and though but II
years Of age was the first person in Kalama-
zoo County to enroll his name. On April
u he was mustered into the State service,
and into the United States service May %,
1861, rs a member OF Co X, I'd Mich. His
military history is one of the most brilliant
of our citizen soldiery. He was one of the
few commended in General Orders for BRAY
cry On the field of battle, and was success
sively promoted through the various ranks
to Second Lieutenant. While non-com-
mlssoned officer, at the age of Is years, he
was In command of his company for some
period. His term of service was unbroken
until he was wounded at Jackson, Miss,
July II, 1863. While in a charge in ad
vance of his company he received no less
than seven wounds, breaking his left leg
twice and right leg once.
PENSION ALLOWANCES
Following is a list of the pensions granted
to Gen. Shakspere at different times:
June /, 1864, s. per month.
June 6, 1866, SIS per month.
June 9, 1872, SIS per month.
On June 2, 1888, he was granted $50 per
month, and subsequent to that he had
made two applications for an increase to
$50 allowed by the act of June 26, 1880.
He Cd turf Ill al
mazoo boards, who found him first grade
His case vas, however, rejected. Upon ap-
peal the case was referred to the Medical
Referee, and he was ordered to Allegan for
examination. He refused to comply with
the order, for the reason that he had been
previously examined by two reputable
boards land this examination wonld have
made three within six months), and had
been found to be In physical condition
emitting him to first grade. The rejection
was thereupon reaffirmed by Assistant Sec
rotary Hawkins, of the Interior Department
On June A, 1889, Commissioner Tanner in
creased the pension TO $50 per month, upon
certificates previously furnished, and upon
the Passage of the act of March 4, 1890.
Green B. Raum, on May TO- 1890, increased
the pension to So, under the provisions of
said act
Gen. SHAKESPEARE, through counsel,
entered his protest against the examina-
ton. The grounds of this protest are:
Because no irregularity IN connection with
the procurement of pension is charged, and
admission was made in presence of witnesses
that there was no charge Of fraud.
On, tho gropnd nf rafucal 10 diooloea 4ba
names of adverse witnesses and nature Of
their evidence.
Because the Commissioner of Pensions is
not authorized, under the law, to detail clerks
to make special examinations of pensioners,
unless there is suspected attempts at fraud
on the Government" and as no such fraud
is charged, Or no charge whatever Of any
kind or description is made to the knowledge
OF the claimant, the proposed examination
is without legal authority.
Because no notice stating the object of the
examination has ever been served on the
pensioner as required by an act Of Congress
approved June 81, 1879.
Because names of proposed witnesses and
time and place Of proposed examination
were not furnished as requested by the pen
sioner
Because under the proposed examination
the pensioner is called upon to submit TO an
examination, and TO produce testimony to
meet. something, he knows not what based
upon some evidence or affidavits the pen
sioner has never seen, the contents of which
he Is denied the privilege of knowing.
Because the pensioner does not think he
is legally required to offer evidence until
some formal charge is made and he has been
furnished a copy Of such charge.
That tie pension is a vested right and that
before he can be deprived of same burden is
upon the Pension Bureau to show some rea-
son af1irmatively therefor.
That he has the right to cross examine
witnesses who are relied upon to support
the charge against him, and that he has the
further right 10 understand the issue in
volved.
Because the Special Examiner has ex-
pressed to the pensioner an opinion adverse
to the rights of the pensioner, and is there
fore disqualified TO conduct the special ex-
animation.
Because the pensioner has been examined
IA times by the officers of the Bureau called
United States Examining Surgeons, who all
agreed, and SO reported to the Pension
H. Ii. LII l.