The herald., 1897-12-30
The Opposition to Hawaiian Annexa-
tion Growing in Strength-The
Fight Against McKenna

ing the present system, and If not reduc-
ing the list at least preventing any fur
ther increase.
1t has been supposed that, with already
a round million of names on the pension
rolls, and 1000 applications not yet acted
upon, a large percentage of those en-
titled to pensions had already been
heard from. 1t seems that this is mis-
take. From almost every county In the
United States letters are coming in to
the congressman from men who have
said that they have not heretofore ap-
piled for pensions trying to get their
names placed on the rolls before 1t is
|everlastingly too late. If the record of
the last two weeks is kept up the num-
ber of applications to congressman will
equal the number of applications in the
pension bureau.
Just what change will be made in the
pension laws is by no means certain, and
the probabilities are that they will be
left practically as they now stand. There
is no concerted action upon the part of
either Democrats or Republicans as to
pension legislation, and every man in
congress seems to deem it his duty to
make a reputation for himself by re-
forming the whole system and at the
same time retaining the soldier vote.
With SO many congressman, each try
ing to ride horses going in different di-
rectiOns at the same time, 1t is not very
probable that much will be accom-
plished.
EVANS PLAN
The principal reform that Commits
sioner Evans wants adopted is to be al
lowed to reduce his force of clerks. Any
reduction Of persons holding Office will be
vigorously opposed, as the congressman
think there are not offices to go around
now, and if the number was reduced
they would be held strictly accountable
by the office-hunting contingent at
home. As
Commissioner Evans is in favor of
printing the names of all persons draw
ing pensions, together with the amounts
paid them. He also wants the list to
state the disease or disability on account
of which they draw pensions. General
Hitchcock is out in card very strongly
opposing this plan, on the ground that 1t
would entail very great expense to the
government without any possibility Of
benefit to any one. The proposition to
print the names of the disease and the
nature Of the disability in connection
with each of the pensioners is most Wig
orously denounced. General Hitch
cock says that great many Of the dis
eases are such that to publish them
would result in great modification to
the pensioners and their friends. An
examination of the records in the pen
cfn nfH H. AV-s
contention of General Hitchcock is a
strong one.
FEW FRAUDS
1t is contended by the friends Of the
soldiers that the cry Of fraud Is without
foundation, and that very few fraudu-
lent cases would be discovered, no mat
ter how strict an investigation ensued.
The records of the departments show
that this assertion is we'll founded, as
was proved under the administration Of
Judge Lochren. who, when he went into
office, increased the number of special
pension agents and conducted an inves-
tigation throughout the country which
cost the government over 100000 and
resulted in very few cases being dis
covered where persons not entitled to
PChSAOAAo WCAC lCCCltlHS lucIus AS 10
those who were dropped from the rolls
under this system Of purging the depart
ment majority were reinstated by
congressional action, even though
President Cleveland through the exer-
else of the veto power, endeavored to
sustain the commissioner
Pension bills without number are be-
ing introduced varying from measures
to give all soldiers or their widows, In
case they are dead, who served three
months in the federal army, pensions.
to bills abolishing the pension system
entirely after the expiration of one year,
SO far as the granting Of any new PEN
sions is concerned.
1t Is understood that the committee on
pensions is not favorable to any legisla-
tion Of general nature, and there is
very little prospect that any change will
occur in the existing laws upon the SUBJ
ject.
ANNEXATION FIGHT
The opposition to the annexation Of
Hawaii is growing in strength daily. The
Democrats are rapidly becoming united
upon the subject, and while there are
some Democratic senators who will fol-
low the lead of Senator Morgan, there
will be enough to oppose the ratification
Of the treaty to defeat the measure.
While It has been generally known ever
since congress opened that the Hawaiian
treaty, was in danger, it was supposed
that the Morgan bill annexlng the
islands would receive majority vote
land become law.
There. Is now very serious doubt
whether even that measure can pass,
as Republicans are by no means united
upon the wisdom Of annexing the
islands.
TO COERCE CONGRESS
/ At the time the session began 1t was
announced that President Mckinley