The National tribune., 1903-07-09
A Proposition from Wisconsin Veteran


EDITOR NATIONAL TRIBUNE: Permit
me through the columns of your paper to
express my views on the subject of pen
Si0ns for those who served in the eos
among whom there appears to be Il differ
encc of opinion between tie long and the
short term defenders.
In order to bring about n more larmo-
nious action, and to reach q solution OF
this wideIy-discusscd question. it is ncces,
sary to unite on Il definite proposition that
will accomplish the greatest good to the
greatest number.
Your bill for 81 per month is very sat
isfactory to those receiving 10 pension
and is looked upon with favor by those
dra wing less than SO per month but not
satisfactory to those drawing more, and
especially those who served long terms
\ bill to allow $I2 per month above the
present pension would be no better for
those drawing no pension than your bill
and would not receive encouragement
from the majority of those drawing rea,
sOnable pensions and are in fairly good
circumstances. because such men are bet
ter acquainted with the characteristics
that go to make up the great Congress
sional law-making bodies of our Govern
ment.
l am well aware that your valuable pa.
per is doing its utmost in favor of such as
have survived that terrible ordeal and
have lived to see their efforts crowned in
the most substantial manner as far as the
prosperity of a united Nation is concerned
but the characteristic of mans ingrati.
tude to man is as prevalent to-day among
the wealthy class whose pecunary sue
cess is the result Of that great struggle, as
at any period of the worlds history.
1t is my belief that in Il great ma jority
of the cases of those who are drawing nc
pension, the fault rests with their OWL
lack of energy, and as your bill recon-
mends SD per month for such, and should
it become a law it would Ee satisfactory
to the majority during their lives, but
should they receive but SS many of then
would be anxious for an increase up tC
the $l2 limit that is now being broIgh,
to their attention. a great many more
would thus receive an increase than should
your bill become a law.
The whole matter of pension lcgisa tior
has arrived at that stage that it is neccs
sary for all who are interested to unite
on a proposition that will meet with tho
greatest favor at the hands of our Ma
tiOnal Representatives.
| believe we can unite on q proposition
of SS per month above present pensions
and above all that may hereafter be in
| creased or allowed, and that the same
| would be indorscd by and receive the ac
tive support of the members of botI
Houses OF Congress.
Let us cease arguing about the number
of years, months and days that we served
Many who appeared at later period were
not old enough to respond sooner: many
were rejected as too young, entering after
| ward: some had political objections, anG
they are of the same copper hue yet, and
as for those who were afraid of being
hurt / have nothing but disgust.
Had l not been of suitable age and
vitality, / could not have served so long
had / been compelled on account of you'll
to wait, and then enlist as soon as age
| would permit, who is there to question
| my zeal or loyalty. / trust the comrades
will become interested in this matter an[
| be heard from through the columns of tho
great medium, The National Tribune-E
| BAssETT, Co. Il, Sth III. Cav; Co. A, g
U. S. V. /, Rice Lake, Wis.