New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-07-24
reckless to expect that NJ Lockroy will have his
way.
N THE NATTER or PENSIONS.

| An old soldiers letter printed in The Tribune
yesterday disapprovcs the proposition of another
contributor that certain pensioners of the Gov
eminent give up their pttance as contribr-
| ton 20 the war fund" lie exclams: Great
| ..IIeovcns, Has patriotism sunk low, or Is
this Government so poor, that any old veteran
should give up his pension to help the riches'
nation on earth prosecute n war; The ex-
| preston is somewhat confused. but the meah-
inc is clear and the writer's indignant question
| prompts the reply that nothing OF the sort Is ue
sired. II is not impossible that in mood Of
| exalted PATRIOTISM some old soldiers whose sac
rltccs for the country have made it inexpressi-
| bly, dear 10 them should feel moved to give al
dtional evidence Of their devotion by offering
10 surrender the pensions which they deserve
md need. But nobody would wish to have
| such n course encouraged. The people Oh the
United States are not led by new manifestations
of loyalty and hcroism to undervalue the ser
vices which. through the bitterness of civil
| war accomplished 4 more perfect union OF the
States. They are rather brought thereby to
higher appreciation Of those services. "A deeper
gratitude 10 the men who rendered them. and
tcnderer soicitudc for the dependent survivors
of that tremendous conflict. Consideration of
vision which IT may be suitable TO make for
those whom it incapacitaies for the pursuits oil
peace does not even tend to weaken the pur-
pose Of the people 10 supply the necessities Oh
former generation of soldiers.
The letters Of our two contributors written
from different points of view, do however. sug-
gcst thought of those whose names upon me
pension list to some extent discredt that roll of
th..rn mol
knows. or can know. though we may hope that
we shall some time acquire more Information on
the subject than we now possess. But every
one Of them is able to estimate pretty accu-
ratclv his own degree of illdeScrt. and most Of
them must from time 10 time feel more or less
ashamed of the deceit that enables them 10
draw pensions which they have not earned.
which tn, law ncvcS meant them to have. ana
which, as they are aware impose an excessive
burden on tine people and bring unmcrited re-
preach upon policy inrinsicaly merltorious
and honorable in the highest degree.
II would be- an extremely grateful proof of n
new birth of patriotism in n class Of citizens
whose conduct has provoked just resentment
against lis unknown members and some nm
worthy irritation against the great majority OF
well deserving recipients of the Nations bounty
if the Pension Ofiicc were able during the cur
rent year 10 announce q considerable reduction
Of the claims upon il. II would not he nec">-
>ary. though il might be creditahlr. for thns"
who should thIs Withdraw their names 10 con
Tess their fault rhc unexplained act would he
acceptable. and The general disposition would b'
10 PIT an honorahl" Interpretation upon II. No
pcnsiourr who is honestly drawing money
which he needs + under TIA" rcmotest obligation
to give II ny because the burdens of new war
are heavy Those who are dishonesty drawing
pensions. however hard they might find II 10
get along without Them now have an excellent
opportunity 10 RESPOND to the touch of
stronger patriotic impulse than they have ever
f"t and do good unto their own souls.