Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-05-07
HOTEL DEs INvAL1DEs.
Some Reforms for the Old Pensioners
Veterans Are Born Grumblers.

Paris Correspondence Pail Mall Gazette.
Nothing is sacred to the reformers. and
they are even laying sacrilegious hands on
the famous Hotel des Invalides, whose
gilded dome is one of the most striking
architectural features of this beautiful city
1 hasten to say that there is no Intention
to turn the hotel into modern flats; the
reform concerns the old pensioners them
selves. The building which Bruant erected
was destined to house 1.500 invalids-old
soldiers and old sailors wounded in the
wars or enfeebled through long service and
rage. AS a matter of fact, the hotel has
never housed any but military men, De-
cause the aged mariners prefer to live on
their pensions at the various naval ports,
where they are in touch with their families
and the friends of their youth, and within
sight and sound of the active business of
the sea. The number OF the pensioners at
the hotel has now dwindled to seventy.
Half the number are victims of the war
of 1870, of the Crimea and of the eXped1-
lions of Rome and Mexico and the other
half enjoy the hospitality of the state in
virtue of their great age. 1t has been dis
covered that the country pays rather high
ly to insure the comfort of its aged ser
wants, and, not to put too fine point upon
it, certain abuses have arisen, certain leak
ages in expenditure, that have made re-
form imperative A committee is just now
examining into the question, and 1t is likely
that It's recommendations WILL result in GER
tain notifications. AS an instance OF the
somewhat lavish expenditure. one may
mention that there are four concierges In
charge of the central gate.
One of the suggestions recently made was
that the old fellows should be given an an
nuity and sent to their homes and that
their quarters should be put to other uses.
However, that is not likely to take place,
and the Hotel des Invalides will still justify
it's name by supporting a number Of dis
abled soldiers. Reform will probably come
in the cutting down of the staff attached
to the service Of the hotel. The institution
of certain economies will, perhaps, allow
some increase in the pocket money or the
old fellows, which is only a penny day.
Already changes have been made which
rob the life of the hospital of some OF Its
picturesqueness, though at the same time
effecting some saving in expenditure. On
fete days the pensioners no more appear
with lances which gayly faunt pennon.
The lances have been deposited in the mu-
scum, to save the expense of the armorer.
who drew a yearly salary to look AFTER
them, and the trembling hands of the old
soldiers have no greater burden on these
days than their habitual sticks. That Is
change that has not been altogether appre-
ciated by the aged parties interested for
the lance remained to them as the symbol
of their military career. Even sorer for
them has been the suppression of the sa-
lutes with the old Misunderstanding guns on
the terrace. 1t was their proud duty to
furnish the gunners on great days, but the
minister of war no longer allows the pr1v1-
lege The reason of it is twofold-a desire
to avoid accident and to save money. But
the old soldier in retreat is born grum-
bier. 1t is certainly his leading occupation.
and perhaps his chief pleasure. So far
the general public is concerned, however
these reforms are not likely to rouse an
echoing protest