Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1902-10-10
Report on Pensions Awards.

Report on Pensions Awards.
WASHINGTON, Oct. 9.--Among the ON
cial documents presented to the encamp-
ment OF the Grand Army nf the Republic.
which met here today, was the report of
the committee appointed last year to in
vestigate the administration OF the pension
Office by the then Pension Commissioner II.
Clay Evans, and to bring the result of the
investigation to the attention OF the presi-
dent.
The first name signed to the report was
that of General Ell Torrance. commander
in-chief, who stated in his address that as
soon as the report was brought to President
Roosevelt's notice the resignation OF Com
missioner Evans WAS. accepted. %
The committee consisted OF General Tor
rance, r. B. Beath, James R. Carnahan. c.
G. Burton, w. H. Upham. John G. Linehan.
Henry e. Taintor and John G. Black and
all signed It except General Black. who was
unable to meet with the committee. He
says, however, that he concurs in the re-
port.
The investigation was conducted in Wash
ington and the committee began its report
by saying that Commissioner Evans gave
every opportunity to make II thorough.
Speaking OF the results OF the inquiry into
special complaints they say that many OF
these complaints were without merit. but
that on the other hand many meritorious
claims had been thrown out.
From a personal investigation" they
say, 1--WE are confident that scores Of claims
are rejected every day that should be al
lowed" The responsibility for these re-
jectlons is laid principally at the door of
the medical division Of the pension bureau.
On this point the report says:
nI,u,o. MsdscoI ntvtsfov
The deadline. or place of execution of the
veterans claim, was found In the medical
division of the bureau, where unlimited dis
cretion seems TO be vested. TO ignore the
ard to minimize the soldiers disabilities.
The report closes as follows:
We respectfully submit that II cannot
reasonably be expected that the pension
ministered I'm accordance with their spirit
and intendment by those who treat every
applicant for pension with distrust, regard
his attorney a fraud and brand the ex-
honest
We contend that such an attitude on the
part OF those intrusted with the breaking
| OF the alabaster box of the nations love
| disqualifies them to administer so sacred
Haiing from widely separated states of
the union. and familiar with the views OF
making this report TO declare that among
| the survivors OF the war OF the rebellion
| tneTG Is an HTemONaDle DeleI Inat the
| present commissioner OF pensions is not
! disposed TO administer the duties OF his
| office In that spirit of equity and justice TO
| applicants for pensions which they have a
| right to expect and, while we are actuated
4 by no feeling of unkindness toward the
| convinced that justice to the soldier is not
| possible Of attainment under the present
administration OF the pension bureau.
! The report is dated March 20 last.
General Black Writes Too.
In separate statement General Black,
who is a former commissioner OF pensions,
says
II was not able to meet with the pension
| commission when II assembled In Washing
ton. l have. however, examined the COM
plants and bureau reports in a number OF
cases. and fully concur In the deductions
Of the committee as TO the real hardships 10
which claimants have been subjected and
| with the conclusion OF the committee that
the real obstacle in its way is in the Wash
ington end Of the medical division. In my
opinion that division is not in harmony with
the veteran and other applicants before the
bureau. While that division maintains such
an attitude, whether conscientiously or pro-
fessionally, or from any other motive. the
result must be the same, and no commits
sioner can relieve from the results save
| " ISoI haH'@iHs 'ha' ui'i9iOH anu 0o7i"s W
| II that It's work shall be performed In the
spirit Of the law
Unless such organization is undertaken
to be made by the present commissioner /
shall and do Join in the resolution OF the
committee for a change in the person OF that
ONCE"
Business Meeting II Held.
The enoampment OF the Grand Army Of
the Republic, which was the business meet
ing OF that order, began its session at 10
O'Clock today in the First Congregational
church in this city. The attendance com
prised about 1000 delegates. making IL one
Of the largest conventions ever held by the
organization. Commander Chief Tor
rance presided and an opening prayer was