The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-03-13
PROMISES TO SOLDIERS.
Grand Army Post Commander Thinks
They Are Not ProperIy Kent.

The following paper was read to the
members of Major Robert Anderson Post.
G. A. r., by its commander, and by unan-
imous vote was referred to a committee
with instructions to publish:
"Of the assertion that republics are I'M
grateful much might be said pro and con,
and yet when controversy evolves testi-
mony that seems 10 confirm both affirmative
and negative views there remains enough
latent evidence that comes 10 the surface
only through the medium of time that goes
far toward making the assertion truthful
one Many cite the provisions made for the
comfort of the old soldiers in the establish
ment of homes wherein they may spend
their declining years in peace and comfort,
but give no thought to the thousands bound
by family ties that cannot and should not
be Broken. Others cite the immense appro-
priations of each year for pensions and
content If they do not irritate themselves.
with the thought that the men who saved
the Union are well provided for in the way
of money consideration. No doubt the
larger number are honest in their belief of
this view, assuming it correct from knowl-
edge only of the aggregate sum named in
the appropriation. The thought never oc-
ours TO them that detailed statement OF
the distribution of the apparently vast sum
would develop the fact that thousands of
men. broken in health by reason of pa
triotic services in war, are really suffering
for want OF the necessaries of life to which
is added the torture of witnessing the suf-
fering of those near and dear TO them, hav-
INK TO QeDcnu upon a mere DlItance. called
a pension, for what little they do get
ut is a fact that there is a decadence of
reverence and respect for the men TO whom
credit is due for the glorious position of our
life of the Nation was threatened every
man who donned the blue was looked upon
as hero. Adulation was his, promises OF
future care and love enveloped him. and
when he returned bearing aloft a victorious
and unsullied flag flowers carpeted his path
While he could not fully repress regret OF
lioHf tod sof WI he
wholly stifie his means of pain; while tears
would dim his eyes as he gazed sadly upon
his broken and emaciated form, yet above
all would come the flush of manly pride of
duty performed.
Recalling those days. and remembering
the sacrifices made, the dreary marches
performed. the skirmish. battle and seasons
of pain, recall also the promises made
How are such promises being kept? Let
me quote an editorial from the Indianapolis
Daily Journal, dated Feb. %. for answer:
1t is said that the citizens OF Washington viii
not expend go much money for the entertain
ment OF the National Encampment OF the Grand
will be no elaborate decorations. no display Of
electric lights no general reception and other
The change is a commendable and IL should
be adopted for State encampments. There are
like TO entertain The stste encamprnent but for
| the large expense for features which are not
| or the slightest consequence.
Read that. comrades. and contemplate
the vast sums being expended in entertain
| ing foreign prince. Banquets, receptions.
| parades and decorations costing thousands
upon thousands OF dollars, and freely given
| Perfectly right and proper. too. but is there
| need OF discrimination, as this editorial i'm
plies? There will be elaborate decora-
| lions; yet the prince walked upon carpet
| In the midst Of elaborate decorations. NO
/ display of electric lights yet our warships
| were afiame with electrical designs, all in
| honor OF our royal visitor. No general re-
| ceptions and other features which have
| been expensive heretofore yet Washing
| ton city hesitated not at expense when the
/ prince was TO be received. The change IL a
! commendable one and should be adopted
| for State encampments; yet Indianapolis
is stirred 10 its depths 10 provide an elao-
| crate entertainment OF twenty minutes
| duration in honor of the German prince
Mark you, comrades. do not criticise the
| elaborate preparations 10 properly receive
| Prince Henry. On the contrary. l think IL
| eminently proper. but as l read that all
| this is done 10 encourage friendly relations
| with another country. i am constrained 20
| ask What about the men VINO made this
| event possibleg IL would seem that as
events transpire evidencins the rapidly