The National tribune., 1900-09-06

of our comrades. may reavow our fealty
to the obligations resting upon US to care
for the widow and the orphan, and in
words of truth and soberness give ex-
preston on matters which affect the high
est interests of the soldier and citizen alike.
The Grand Army asks not for undue liber-
ality nor the prodigal disbursement of the
public funds to the former Union soldiers
and sailors and dependent ones, but for
simple justice. It's membership yields to
no class of citizens in their respect for and
whole hearted obedience to the law This
lesson was learned in the stern school of
loyalty and will abide with us through
life.
The National Committee on Pensions
submits this report to the considerate judg-
ment Of this Encampment. The trust con-
tided to us year ago, il rishtfully appre-
hended, has been discharged under the
dominating influence OF a very old and
safe rule, in the advocacy of such practi-
cal legislation as would warrant the great.
est good for the greatest number. The
two desired changes in the law of 1890 are
now accomplished facts, so far as legisla-
ton can control. If there be questions per.
tanning to administration, may we not rely
upon precedents of the not remote past
for satisfactory solution? Argument,
as the result OF calm, dispassionate deliber-
alton, is surely more to be trusted as the
weapon of the veteran than heated con-
troversy leading into unexplored paths we
may very properly avoid.
We respectfully submit and recommend
the adoption of this minute as expressing
the sense Of the 34th Annual Encamp-
ment, Grand Army of the Republic.
THANKS TO THE PRESIDENT
We tender to the President Of the
United States and to the members Of the
56th Congress our earnest and sincere
thanks for the generous recognition ac-
corded large class of the surviving I'm
ion soldiers and sailors and the widows
Of our dead comrades in amending Sec
tions 2 and 8 OF the Act of June q. 1890,
as requested by the Philadelphia Encamp-
ment. This act of simple justice by the
unanimous vote Of both Houses Of Con-
sress and the prompt approval of the
Chief Executive Of the Nation was "un-
ment and based upon sound legal propo-
sitions."
We respectfully and confidently affirm
that under the express terms Of the sec
ond section Of the statute each disability
within the limitations of the law is to be
considered and rated and these ratings az
sregated to make up the total Of the pen
sion to be allowed; and that all pensions
granted under this act shall commence
cation under the Act Of June p, 1890.
RESTORATION OF ORDER 1874 ASKED FOR.
We respectfully represent to the Presi-
dent of the Unit ed States our earnest con-
viction that under the terms Of Order 372.
bearing date July 7, 1900, to Chiefs of Di-
vision Of the Pension Bureau, SO far as 1t
applies to Section of the Act of June
%, 1890, grave injustice may be done
hv
long sought a fair adjudication Of their
claims. We ask that, If deemed consist
ent with the discharge Of his duties under
Section AIT of the Revised Statutes, which
reads, "The Commissioner Of Pensions
shall perform, under the direction of the
Secretary of the Interior. such duties in
the execution Of pension and bounty law
as may be prescribed by the President" "
that the President by executive order will
direct such modification of this rule as will
insure carrying into immediate effect the
evident purpose of the executive and law
making branches of the GOVernment-to
restore the operations of Order 164.
The pending bill Senate. 4949) and Oh.
R., 1922 to establish Pension Court
Of Appeals is heartily indorsed as meas
ure in the interest of the people and the
penSioner alike.
We believe that in the creation of this
tribunal many vexed questions will be
speedily and judicially determined and
that the rights of all will be more fully
protected and conserved than under the
present system. We earnestly petition the
Congress to pass this bill and respectfully
ask Executive approval. Fraternally sub
mitted.
r. r. Brown,
J. w. BURST,
d. E. SICKLEs,
A G. WEISSERT,