The evening times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1902, 1902-04-04

There was a vigorous denunciation Of
the present pension system, and action
was taken requesting President Reese
Welt TO investigate its operation. at a
meeting last night Of the District OF
Columbia Corps, Spanish War Veterans.
at their hall, 6l2 E Street Corps Com
mander Lipscomb presided. and repre-
sentatives were present from all the
commands in this jurisdiction.
The pension resolution was introduced
by Dr. s. Clifford Cox. corps medical di-
rector, who also promised 20 bring the
matter before the National Army. span
ISL War Veterans, at its forthcoming an
nual session at Detroit. Mich. Il states
that it is well known among soldiers Of
the war with Spain that they are not
receiving justice in the matter Of pen
sions-" The reason alleged is that the
policy of the administration or the Pen
sion Bureau is to prevent the granting
OF pensions whenever it is possible 20 do
so, and that "in carrying out that pol
icy, examining boards are appointed which
consist Of men whose appointments have
been obtained under circumstances which.
TO say the least, are subject TO iuvestiga-
uon-" None Of the men bers CT said
board, It is stated. have ever served as
soldiers, and have been appointed in pref
erence, IT is charged. 10 veterans OF the
civil and Spanish-American wars.
II was therefore resolved that we do
rot consider a board appointed under
such circumstances a proper body TO pass
JUDGMENT upon applicants for pensions
and. that in our opinion IL would not
only be in the interest Of the cx-soldiers.
but in the interest of the Government as
WE'LL 20 have a representative On each OF
said boards who has served in the army
during the Spanish war; also repre-
sentative Of the civil war. who. by virtue
OF such service and knowledge Of the dis
eases and injuries from which the sol
diers suffered. is qualified to pass judg-
meLt upon their applications Tor pen
sions."
II was further resolved that the Presi-
dent lis requested e. investigate this
matter and see that the examining boards
are reorgonized in conformity with these
resolutions The resolutions were adopt
ed by unanimous vote
Action Was also taken by the corps in
reference to the forthcoming Memorial
Lay ceremonies ana q was decided TO
have distinctive ceremonies in the Spanish
var section Of Arlington on May 80. A
committee Of Ewenty-seven officers and
delegates from the seven commands was
appointed to carry this into effect. and
co-operate with the Ladies Auxiliaries
a select committee OF three viii be named
TO confer with the officers Of the Poto-
mac. C. a r, in reference TO the ser
vices.
A resolution was introduced favoring
the formation Of a national federation OF
all semi-military organizations composed
Of former soldiers, sailors. and marines
Of all wars in the interests OF veterans.
individually and collectively. and 10 Sc
cure cooperation in all matters pertain
ing to their welfare
It was decided to present a suitable
medal TO Past Corps Commander NJ
Emmet Urell for faithful service TO his
comrades.
A committee on legislation was also ap-
pointed for the good OF the organiza-
ton" The members are DR.. 8. Clifford
Cox, medical director; Corps Adjutant
Daniel Y. Chisholm. Adjutant General Z.
c. Dyer. Walter Mitchell, Isaac Dolph.
and Captain Wheaton. commander Of
Henry W. Lawtcn Command.