The free press., 1895-12-05
EMPLOYMENT FOR CONFED1
ERATE VETERANS.

EMPLOYMENT FOR CONFED-
ERATE VETERANS.
New Orleans, La :, Nov. 16, '95.
To the People of Louisisna:
The Confederate veteran organ.
izations located in the City of New
Orleans desire to bring to public
attention the condition of many OF
the veterans, whose age and mis-
fortune have conspired to deprive
them of a support and repder an
appeal necessary in their behalf.
A general committee has been
formed for the purpose of organizs
ing and metbodizing a system for
their ultimate benefit, by which en-
ployment can be obtained for them,
both in the country and city. II
should require no extended rhet-
oric to our people to effect the obs
iect In view. The claims of these
patriotic citizens cannot be dlsre-
garded-they are enforced by a
record honorable to the State
they are accentuated by history
of bravery and self-sacrlfice that
has rendered their deeds memcrs
able. Their exemplary and law
abiding citizenship since the war
enhances their soldiery records,
and calls for favorable consider.
alton. They make no appeal for
charity; they but ask opportunities
for work.
The Commonwealth, as a polit-
lcal autonomy, has IN the main
recognized the Girectness of their
claims; it has established Sol
diers' Home in this city, open to
all Louisiana veterans with an
record. This home has
thus far been maintained and sup
ported with the appropriation from
the State and the assistance from
Police Juries of the parishes. Its
old soldiers
have managed it with creditable
ability, and afforded the inmates
comforts commensurate with the
means for its support. The next
General Assembly, it is confidently
will increase the appro-
priation for it's maintenance and
meet the enlarged demands made
upon it.
The class of veterans more ess
pecially appealed for in this cannot
enter the home. They have ties
Of kindred-wives and children
they cannot S p
arate from, and who look to
them for support. They are will
ing to work; they feel that they are
not entirely debarred. by age and
infirmities; many are still s:alwart;
nearly all capable Of light employ.
ment.
But if any old soldier be too fee.
BILE for personal labor himself, he
may have a son or daughter will
ing to work, capable and seeking
A helping hand to
such persons would be strictly with
in the line of our sollcitude and
assistance. The people of the
State will be called upon to vote at
the next general election in April
for constitutional amendment au-
the General Assembly to
enact proper pension laws for these
old soldiers. We confidently hope
for it's incorporation in the organic
law. 1t will, when perfected, bring
some relief and amel:orate their
condition. At the same time, the
claims for livelihood are urgent
and should he met. Planters, mer.
chants, heads of industrial estab-
lishments should note the fact that
the can obtain help, and at the
same time benefit a worthy class
of citizens.
All papers throughout the State
are requested to publish this ap-
peal, with their kindest commenda.
tions, and urge that all communi-
cations offering employment be a1-
dressed to T. r. Roach, Secretary,
Memorial Hail, New Orleans.
j. Y. GILMORE, Chairman.
L. Il. ROACH, Secretary.