The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1896-06-11

RRles }Ue Club Write briefly. .. Write only
side al the pape- 3. Write TO the point. 4.
Write ON one subject 6. Write your best. g. Each
week tlse Of thoee writing the bess letters
style sositi0n, spelling. penmsnship and gen.
Of this column the Honor Roll First honor
viii include MI OF these requirements. Second
honor viii Include q deficiency In some ole point.
DISCRIMINATION IN PENSIONS
DEAR L.H.w.: Women have had the gospel
Of economy preached 10 them for nearly 20
centuries, and much practice may and has re-
sultea in ysnglorious preference for self
methods for which we arc willing TO be for
given because Of these mitigating circum-
stances. Eternal and enforced exhortation,
combined with hourly necessity and natural
ingenuity to invent expedientG, whereby un-
pleasant environment is transformed into a
mock-rose hedge and ambition TO present fair
life surface for neiRbborly admiration, ought
10 render each individual wearer Of calico ex-
eusable for believing herself almost perfect in
the art of makeshift
But we have been outdone where competi-
tion was least expected
Discrimination against dependent parents bv
the general Law Of 1880 is plainly based on
economic reason, although at that time the
Governments bursting Treasury wants caused
no end OF Presidential contriving how TO re-
duce surplus revenue.
While the dependent widows Of soldiers are
bands death due 10 army service the depend
eDt parents are held to the line OF duty.
They must prove that the injuries or diseases
which deprived them Of sons were incurred
While in line Of duty. and no Pension Commits
noner or any OF his household, from Secretary
10 scrub boy, win locate the line.
BY this economical quibbie parents are de-
barred from the s. pcr month given widows
and lefi the pension Of 81 per week of their
respective towns.
IL more than that sum must be had the
County House is their only refuge. But In
order TO make that asylum sure Commissioner
I,Oehrcn devised a escape.
In case some one Of bis future substitutes
should be credHlous enough TO accept proof
that now and then one of the boys stopped long
enough on the line of duty to get hurt the in
deniniiy OF S. per month made payable from
date OF claim allowance was deemed sufficient
by this economic sleight-of-hand three saw
ings are accomplished These parents arc de-
barred from accrued pension which the Treas.
UTy inhcriis inn mediatey
by having TO wait three months before nav
ment, II their claim should be allowed which is
not probable they, being very old, have chance
Co die aud forfeit the benefit and again the
Treasury Of this great Republic becomes chief
heir.
In any case, cutting OF accrued pension, tho
quarterly payment will only sustain life in the
aud more money must be paid for care than for
loco and clothing. 30 ia most every case Town
OF County must be taxed 10 desray the expense
OF burial
So are we afflicted with Lochren economv
Those who voted for this amendment plead in
justification Of their patriotism that the Com.
missioner OF Pensions recommended it's passage
Thank Heaven Any excuse 10 better than
none.
The President did not veto Mr.. Lochren's
bill. Whether it was because the Comm issioner
recommended pen-rest. or whether he was pre-.
vented by a disability not incurred in his army
service. remains 10 be found out.
No wonder silence spreads a shame. woven
eoverlet oyor our Republics parting benedic.
ton TO fathers who ia the hour of peril gave
oil that made life worth living, and mothers
who prepared bandage and lint and denied
themselves every comfort to send deliracies 10
hospitals for somebody's boys aud prayed
that like remeDbrances of mother. love. and
bone might not be denied their own.
HELEN II. Sears Sisson