The National tribune., 1902-01-23
SPECIAL PENSION AGENTS.

friends for the debate on the Pension APP
preparation Bill, and every man who
could be induced to say anything in his
behalf was given all the time he wanted.
yet the Commissioner Jared pretty badly
in the general Showing. Each speaker, in
saying what Mr.. Evans had supplied him,
was badly hampered by knowing that at
best it was not more than half truth, and
that much of it was absolutely contra
dicted by facts of which he had knowl-
edge, and of which his constituents knew.
Mr.. Barney, of Wisconsin, who had
charge of the bill, was constantly driven
to sheltering himself under the plea of
ignorance when questions Mt all pertinent
were asked. Mr.. Barney really is aston
ishinsly ignorant as to pensions, but at
the same time, he knew more than it was
convenient for him to admit. Take for ex-
ample, that part of the discussion relating
to Special Pension Agents:
Mr.. Clark (Mo.)-I should like TO ask
one more question, if it will not interrupt
the gentleman.
Mr.. Barney-Certainly.
Mr.. Clark-Have you ever turned your
attention to the question as TO whether
these rowing pension agents that 90 around
over the country save the Government
enough money by cutting off pensions TO
pay their salaries and expenses?
Mr.. BaIney-Do you mean what arc
called Pension ExaminersY''
Mr.. Clark-Yes. They raise good
deal of disturbance. and | want to know
whether they do any good or not.
Mr.. Barney-Of course, that question
does not properly come. under the juriS,lic-
ton Of the Committee on Appropriations.
1t comes more properly under the juriSiiic
ton of the Invalid Pensions Committee.
We do not enter into any investigation uf
tat subject.
Mr.. Clark-1 know that: but do yoI
know, as IL matter of fact, whether they
do save the Government enough to pay
their saIaiies and expenses or not?
Mr.. Barney-My. personal experience is
that they do good deal of hu5tling and
examine Il great many witnesses.
Mr.. Clark-Yes. | know; that is ji-t
exactly it,
Mr.. Barney-And they make good
deal of trouble for members of this
House.
Mr.. Clark-And a good deal of trouble
for other people, too.
Mr.. Payne shruld Ike to as.. the
gentleman "a question IL it not a fact
that these Examiners throughout the
country greatly aid persons III ayli! !.ns
for tensions and assist applicants ia gel
ting their proof?
Mr.. Barney think they often do. and,
as | understand it. that is one of the great
objects Of the work they have to perform.
Mr.. Payne-ABd that they add mole to
the pension roll .aD,ii to the peSieH pay
ments than they take away by reason of
finding dishonest .tila iRsants.
Mr.. Barney-AIy experience is. and that
is d uhtlees trro. fhaz or, account Of the
work of these Pension Examiners a great
many pensions have been allowed that
otherwise would not have been allowed
Mr.. Robinson lind )--That was the ori-
ginal theory that Bromrded their anprint-
ment. But is it not. true that the present
special agents seBtooht TO make inve>tiga-
tions are sent ont as specia! detectives. or
are so esteemed by members Of this iIuuse
and others? ~. -l5
Mr. RaTnpv-Wcll! DO not know in
what way they are considered bv tn" TnrUi-
bers of this IIouse.' frnderstand the real
Object is to get the facts.
Mr.. Robinson lind. lis not tis5. ral.
icy to defeat the f7enSiog claims Of thosa
whose pensions thcv iRyfsiir;,tn in a kind
If detective service?
Mr. Baney-I know that hrs been
charged against many Of th.m. and 'pr-
haps sometimes with good reason. bat $.
EAR as my personal eXPcri"n"e is Concerned
J do not think it is generally true.
Mr. Robinson Gnd.I-Dpes not the gen
1eman's bill provide the appropriation.
and does not it have jurisdiction over
them?
Mr. Barney-We have no jurisdiction
over the approximation for pension exam
iners. We only have jurisdiction for max
ing the appropriation for III" uavwcrt Of
PENSIONS, for the ravment OF mndira rx-
aminers, and for the payment for the Of
fices Of the agencies and the hire of their
clerks.