The herald., 1898-03-19
Froun I Veteran

S&AA
TO the Editor Of the Los Angeles Herald:
am very much impressed with two edi-
ltorials in your excellent paper Of even
date. refer to the one entitled "A Holy
President" and Veterans Disgustsd." Az
an old Union soldier can say that fully
subscribe to both. We were disgusted with
Cieveland's attitude toward the men who
took their lives in their hands in the days
Of war, yet after all we were impressed
with the belief that In most cases he acted
conscientiously. We believe he honestly
desired to reward meritorious soldiers, a.
he desired to guard against pensioning the
unworthy. But the present administration,
after riding into power on the old soldiers
votes. inclines to turn the back Of its hand
to them all except the favored few.
Why? In order to get into the swim Of
what 1t considers the popular clamor
against pensioning the remaining unpen-
stoned men who offered their lives to save
the country. But two and half years
hence the Mckinley administration will
find out its mistake. II not before. The vet
Grams are, as you say, thoroughly disgusted
with the commissioner of pensions for his
insulting and ungentlemanly bearing
toward the men who made 1t possible for
him to occupy his present position. That
there are few men drawing pensions who
are not justly entitled to them have little
doubt, but on the other hand know Of
good and grand men who many times over
earned a pension, and are in need of the
small pittance, yet are denied the consid-
Grafton because the present administration
in its blindness believes 1t is popular to do
so.
While war Is to be deprecated. and I
earnestly hope 1t may be honorably avert
ed, am in full sympathy with the senti-
ment Of your editorial, and am ready. with
you to inquire who has asked Mckinley to
engage in an "unholy war;" With more
than q half million men, women and chill
dren butchered in sight Of our shores.
women outraged and children brained-all
stretching out their hands to this strong
Christian nation for help, and that help
denied for three long, weary years. and
the weakling in the White House insulting
the humanity of the civilized globe In say
ing he will not be responsible for an un-
holy war!" Why? Is 1t because Boss Han
ma, who speaks for Wall street. demands
1t? This great Republican boss, who is
now undergoing investigation charged with
corruption in buying his way to the United
States senate. who, believe, has taken up
his abode in the White House, and who
everybody knows is the power behind the
throne in this administration, has repeat
edly said there would be no war with Spain.
God grant that this may be true, If war
can be honorably averted, but II nothing
but the great trusts and monopolies, and
the grinding money power that has inter-
ests in Cuba, is all that keeps 1t back, l
am sure speak the sentiments Of the old
soldiers who wore the blue and the gray
when 1 say. let\lose the dogs Of war at
once and rescue the helpless and outraged
N, ,men and children Of Cuba. who are
raising their skeleton hands for bread.
In the last campaign the cry was: Elect
Mckinley and Cuba will be free within
sixty days." It was the cry of the dem
agogues and the deceiver. 1t was insin-
cere; but 1t helped to elevate a weak man
to the presidency. More than year has
passed by; congress has done everything
within its power to strengthen his hands,
even to the placing of $50. 900 900 at his dis
posal, but he hesitates. The civilised world
is looking on and asking: ''Why does not
the United States intervene and settle this
matter that Is pressing against its very
doors?" But poor Mckinley virtually says:
1.-THE money power won't let mel" What
a spectacle for angels and men!
UNION SOLDIER.
Avalon, March 18th.