Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1899-02-04
CONFEDERATE SOL
DIERS.
c. NJ. B. Gives His Views Concerning
Senator Buffers Bill.
Portsmouth. Va. Feb. 8. 1S9

Senator Buffers Bill.
Portsmouth. Va, Feb. 3. 1899. ,
Virginian-Pilo Portsmouth, Va:
Dear Sir-A few days ago your val
liable paper published II set of resolu-
tons adopted by the Confederate
camps of Norfolk and Portsmouth, re-
questing our Senators and Representa-
tives in Congress to vote against the
bill to pension eX-Confederates, recent
ly introduced by Senator NJ. c. But
Ter. In consideration of these facts
beg short space in your paper in
order to express my opinion and views
on this subject. AS a member of Stone
we'll Camp of this city l protest against
the resolutions as n mistake on the part
of our camp, in particular. and on the
part of other camps. in general.
The war ended in 1865, and the South
ern States have long since been re-
stored to all their immunties as to
equality with Northern States. Sec
tional lines have almost been obliterat-
ed by the late war with Spain, and
Southern men have proven their 10y
ality to the American Union by serv-
ing their country in it's military service.
Southern Representatives in Congress
Dy their votes help to support Union
soldiers Called our encmies), and it
would be but meet and Just, as well
as magnanimouS for the Representa-
tives of these Union soldiers to vote
10 pension all destitute, wounded and
disabled ex-Confederate veterans.
There are. perhaps, some needy ex-
Confederate veterans scattered
throughout the South who are depen-
dent upon relatives. friends and their
native States for a support, and in
many instances these friends and re-
latiVes are in impoverished circum
stances being unable to render ade-
tslN fins NrI
nearly all Southern States are likewise
impoverished and unable to allow libc-
raj pensions and liberal appropriations
Tor the support of her many meritorious
sons Why, then, should eX-Confede-
rates prefer to burden their impover-
ished friends and States rather than
appeal TO the generosity of this rich
government. whom they help to sup
port and which is better able to hrlp
them! AS to myself and all others who
are in position to care for themselves
this letter does not apply.
There are. however. some OF our old
comrades who are in destitute circum.
stances and to whom a Federal pen.
sion would prove a blessing. but who.
perhaps, are too modest or have too
much of that so-called false pride to
wish to appeal to the Federal govern
ment for aid. The time for sentiment
is past and /. for one. say let the
southern people not refuse to accept
their part of the leaves and fishes OF
this rich government in just and hon
orable manner whenever an opportu-
nifty presents itself. OF course. l think
had this pension bill been introduced
by a Northern Congressman 1t would
nave looked better but as II was not
that reason alone should not cause
confederate veterans to kick against it.
In conclusion, l would say let Sena
tor Butler by all means push his bin.
II he fails no harm can follow. and If
ne succeeds he should merit the thanks
Oh each and all Confederate veterans
ana their Southern sympathizers
Respectfully, G. M n