The Monte Vista journal., 1899-03-11
SENTIMENT.
Men who have no pecuniary in
terest at stake are often influenced
more by sentiment than by COM
mon papcn

Vista, the inmates have shared the
feeling of loneliness and discomfort
that is common to all soldiers
homes. They nra wholly without
occupation and have but few
amusemcnts, and rs n consequence,
they have encouraged the schem-
ers who have sought 10 move the
home. The fact is they want a
change. Two years ago a plot
was devised to move the home TO
TT. Lyon-down on the Arkansas
river, and the plea was made II at
the San Luis valley was unhealth.
ful and, surprising to relate, peti-
tions came from the towns above
timber line and from the mosquito
swamps down on the Arkansas,
praying for the removal of the
home to some healthful locality.
Senator Moody, in m all might
fight, killed that vicious plot and
saved the home from being moved
to TT. Lyon and at the same time
forever put quietus upon the
charge of the unhealthfuluess of
this valley, and gave the manage
ment of the home and the ci,lzrus
of Monte Vista two years in which
to solve the question of discomfort
among the inmates of the home
two years in which to change the
management to provide the things
that are lacking to make life more
homelike. This has failed to be
done and there is now as great
demand for u change as ever be.
fore.
But the reasons are different.
There is now no complaint against
the climate. This time it is a lack
OF pleasures; need of amuse-
ments and more congenial en-
vironments; they want TO get
near Denver in order that they may
enjoy the pleasures and the asso-
Citations of society. And the G.
A. II. says let's move the home to
Denver in response to this de-
mand. The G. A. r. act upon
mere sentiment; they expect the
state to foot the bills; they do not
stop to consider the proposition in
a business way; they do not stop
to consider how man eau enjoy
society or the pleasures and CON-
forts that are to be found in a
large city without money; they do
not realize that with the same
straight-jacket discipline the in
mates Of the home will be as lonely
in the suburbs OF Denver ms in
tho suburbs Of Monte Vista; nor
do they take into consideration
that amusements can be provided
AZ well at Monte Vista AS IN the
outskirts of large city.
These friends of the old soldier
act upon impulse and are guided
by sentiment. As matter of fnct
there are many in the home who
want change OF something be.
sides location, but do not dare to
say 30; they think any sort of a
change will be diversion or a
relief.
Col. May. Saturday night, talked
about such M he going out to
meet and mingle with the old boys
IN blue in order to gladden. their
hearts and tighten the burdens Of
their declining years. Such sen.
timent is patriotic and soul in.
spring, but how seldom put into
actual practice! As n rule tho
poor sympnthize with the poor
and choose their associates from
their equals; they turn cold
shoulder upon arrogance and
wealth aud frnterna,c with the un.
ostcntntious and not with such ms
bear the stamp Of self importance,
such M atil,cts Col. May.
What the Legislature should do
is to net like business men, nsccr.
tain the actual needs OF the old
soldiers aud provide for their
wants. II IL is n good business
proposition to build u HON. ut
Denver, do NO; II tho needs of the
old soldier can bc m well supplied
near the growing metropolis OF the
great San Luis valley. good buqi.
ness prudence should suggest that
plan. IL In said the home il two
miles out OF town; a tram way can
very cheaply Hnnihilste that dis.
tnnce. On both sides Of the val.