The times., 1899-07-02

walls are decorated with pictures, and
there are numberless little engravngs, the
private property OF the men, scattered
about Dewey and other heroes at present
in the public eye hang in charcoal or pen
sketch over several of the beds, which, by
the way. are said 10 be the most comfort
able beds of any institution about Wash
ington, as are indeed all the appointments
of the Home. You see," observed the
guide, our appropriation is unlimited;
the Home receives its support from the
regular army, each soldier in active serv
ice having a contribution of II IL cents
per month levied on his salary for that
purpose. There is also an income from
the fines imposed, forfeitures of men by
sentence of courts martial; amounts for
feited by deserters; effects of deceased SOL
diers unclaimed, and interest at per cent
on the permanent fund. At present We
have the interest on about $3,000,000."
Absolute Rest for the Veterans.
The work about the place is done chiefly
by persons hired from the outside; the SOL
diers are not expected to work; the Home
is theirs for past services. and they are not
its debtors Those who prefer some occupa-
ton to idleness choose their own work and
receive compensation of % cents a day,
in addition to the 81 per month pocket
is not a large sum, but everything they
need is furnished, such as good food and
clothing, music, library, and entertain
ments. AS most of the men are too feeble
for heavy work, they accomplish their best
results in the culture of the flowers and in
the dairy. A few work in the plumbing
establishments and some very good arti
cles are turned out by them from the car
penter shops. Some are fond of the horses
nd Vatpr gnppdS nj
looking after them. When asked why he
preferred their companionship to any other.
he replied that it was because they have
mans intelligence minus his meanness.
The reporter asked one venerable gen.
tleman if he were not ideally happy in this
beautiful Home.
He raised his calm blue eyes from the
book on his lap and there was a shade of
sadness in his voice as he answered:
There is no reason why we should not
be happy, if external reasons can make one
so-our country is kind TO us-very kind;
comforts and even luxuries abound. We
can eat drink and be merry; but men,
especially old men, miss that which makes
q hut and a crust of bread preferable TO
a palace-the ringing of childish laughter.
hearts that turn to us for affection; that
indefnabe something which puts soul in
the word Home. Give the finest institu-
ton in the world that name if you will, it
will always lack the spirit. But we are
not unhappy There are so many blessings,
for instance, liberty, freedom from care
and responsibility, healthful surroundings,
and rapid transit, which keeps us in con-
tact with the world. brings us the daily
papers, and enables us to come and go as
we please. These days our greatest pleas
ure and recreation is a car ride back and
forth to the city, where We get the touch
Of bustling civilization and study human
nature in the crowd"
Now" interrupted a jolly comrade OF
the old man, why don't you hush and give
the visitor chance to ask us the usual
question-what we think of the heroes OF
the late war? I'll say in advance: 'Hurrah
for Funston!'"
WELL" drawled another, they don't do
things like we did; now in '6S, when"
But the guide hastened on and the re-
porter followed, well knowing that they
had started on a subject which might
occupy them for several hours
The kitchen is in the annex to the Scott
building. and the aroma OF coffe came in
strong whiffs from that direction. We
were informed by the cook that the soldiers
were given the best brands and plenty OF
the drink. I'VE serve no slop," he said;
1.-The boilers are zinc, and we make about
three hundred gallons of the beverage
daily; tea to the extent of $50 gallons is
used for supper" Two other huge boil
ers contained chicken stew, the piece de
resistance of that days dinner, and third
was filled with potatoes. Desserts and
fruit are ery-day occurrences.
The north addition of the main building