The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1896-12-10
PENSION COMMISSIONER.
Advocacy Of Col. John A. Picker, of South
Dakota, for the Office.

Advocacy Of Col. John A. Picker, of South
Dakota, for the Office.
EDIToR NATIONAL TRIBUNE: As the
time for the appointments of q new Com
missioner of Pensions approaches We OF
course wonder to whom the interests Of the
soldier as we'll as that of the Government,
will be intrusted, and knowing the fair and
broad ground always taken by The Ma
TIONAL TRIBUNE ON all questions, ask
space in your valuable paper for discussion
of the situation from my standpoint, which
/ find is in accord with majority of my
comrades.
OF the several names mentioned for that
position there is not one which will appeal
more strongly to the old veterans, or the
country generally. than that of Comrade
John A. Picker. He was splendid soldier
in a splendid Iowa regiment. He is an able
lawyer, an excellent parliamentarian and
speaker, aud of large and varied official ex-
perienee His constant, never ceasing, effect
i've work in behalf of the great body Of SOL
diers of this country is well known. No
storm so great, no night so dark, no business
so urgent that would prevent him from
going out to help or cheer lis comrades.
Since the mighty John A. Logan fell no
man has so effectively, so zealously, so con-
sistently championed and worked for the
best interests Of the soldier as John A.
Picker. Upon his broad and capable
shoulders the mantle Of the great Logan
seems to have fallen, and he has never for
one moment failed in his endeayor to meas
ure up to, as nearly as possible, the high
purpose of that match1ess and heroic yolun-
teer soldier in his devotion to that splendid,
incompatible body of volunteers to whom
this country owes its very existence.
Mai. Pickler's work as Chairman Of the
Committee on Invalid Pensions on the line
of justice and equity to the men who saved
this Nation should Ee and is appreciated by
them. It was consistent, loyal, just, ag-
gressive. As Commissioner of Pensions ne
would so administer that great office as to
make it a credit to the country and not, as
it has been in some instances, reproach.
His sole aim would be to conduct the affairs
of that great Bureau with absolute justice
to the Government, the people and the SOL
der. He is not one of those (happily grow
ing smaller in number every day. who
believe that pension is "gratuity /"
thrown to the veteran disabled IN his
country's cause as sort of holiday sop. He
believes and has ever maintained that PEN
sion to our soldiers is well-earDed, invioi-
able right, to be held as sacred as patriots
grave. Under his wise administration the
law would be properly, justly, yes, even
literally construed; and no soldier would Re
upjustiy dropped or reduced, and thus have
taken from him that which, in thousands of
instances, is the only mainstay Of whole
families.
It can be truly said, and with no dispar-
agement of any other man in public life,
that John A. Pickler has done more for the
soldiers of this country within the past few
years than any other. He is just, able,
competent. For taking his stand fearlessiy,
and against great odds, for honest Govern
ment, honest money, and Comrade Mckinley.
he has been cast "outside the breastworks."
He is a warm friend and admirer of the
President-elect, who could do no wiser act.
or please the country better than by making
this soldier and soldiers friend, this loyal
aud true man of the people, Commissioner Of
Pensions. Yours in F., G. and LA COM
RADE, Washington, d. G.
COmrade Pickler for Commissioner Of PEN
si0ns.
EDITOR NATIONAL TRIBUNE: In The
NATIONAL TRIBUNE of Nov. IS, read the
following: "Gen. Sickles Past Commander
in ChiefLawler and Corp'l Tanner are among
D.