The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-10-09

The committee consisted of Gen. Tor
rance, r. 3. Heath, James r. Carna-
Ian, c G. Burton, w. H Upham, john
c. Linehan, Henry E. Taintor, and John
c. Black, and all signed it except Gen.
Black, who was unable to meet with
the committee. He sa Us, however that
he concurred in its deductions
The investigation was conducted in
Washington, and the committee began
their report by saying that Commits
sloner Evans afforded them every or
portunity to make it thorough. Speak
ing of the results of their inquiry into
special complaints. they say that many
of these complaints were without merit
but that on the other hand, many meri-
torious claims had been thrown out.
From personal investigation" they
say, I'VE are convinced that scores of
claims are rejected every day that
should be allowed. The responsibility
for these reflections is laid principally at
the door of the medical division of the
pension bureau. On this point the re-
port savs:a
THE dead line. or place of execution
of the veterans claim was found in the
medical department of the bureau
where unlimited discretion seems to be
vested. to ignore the reports and rat
ings OF examining surgeons and to
minimize the soldiers disabilities"
The report closes as follows:
I'VE respectfully submit that it can
not reasonably be expected that the
pension laws will be fairly construed
and justly administered in accordance
with their spirit and intendmcnt by
those who treat every applicant for
pension with distrust regard his at
torney as a fraud and brand the exam
lining surgeons as Incompetent and dis
honest.
We contend that such an attitude on
the part of those intrustea with the
breaking of the alabaeter of the ma
tons love, disqualiaes them to admin
lister so sacred trust.
Mailing from widely separate states of
the union, and familiar with the views OF
cur comrades, deem it our duty ir
making this report to declare that among
the survivors of the of the rebellion
there is irrcmovable belief and convic-
ton that the commissioner of pensions is
not disposed to administer the duties Of
his office in that spirit of equity and JUS
tice 10 applicants for pensions which they
have riSht to expect. and while are
actuated by no feeling of unkindness
toward the honorable com missioner of
pensions, We are convinced that justice to
the soldier is impossible of attainment
under the present administration of the
pension bureau"
The report Is dated March % last. which
of course is long before Mr.. Ware sue
ceeded Mr.. Evans
GEN. TORRENCE'S SPEECH.
General Terrence began his address
with a touching allusion to the assassi-
nation of President Mckinley. eulngiz-
ing in strong terms the dead presidents
character and condemning in bitter
language the crime that struck him
down He advocated the enactment of
laws by congress which should make
certain the punishment of any person
who should make ar assault on the
chief executive. No bubble concerning
constitutional rights. ne contended,
should be allowed to stand in the way
of such legislation.
within the memory cf every MEM
her of this encamnnent. the most nota
BILE steps in our country's progress have
been taken IN the face OF imaginary
constitutional difhcultiee American in
situations are of priceless value and
have cost too much in sacrifice and suf-
fer.ng tn be put in jeopardy for a single
hour, and the gallows and the dungeon
could be the :ust reward of every an
archist wEo sets foot upon our shores.
or attempts TO put in practice his doc
trines of universal hate and chaos
Continuing. he said that ,awlessness
of speech usually precedes lawlessness
of act and added:
ATTACKS YELLOW JOURNALISM
I'VE have never had president who