The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-07-27
FOR OLD SOLDIERS.
6. A. X. Will Distribute 5000
to Flood Sufferers.

Department Commander A. W. Smith
of the G. A. r. has upwards of $4,000
in the bank which will be distributed
between now and August II among the
old soldiers of the state who have suf-
fered from the devastation of the flood
Commander Smith has appointed Ber-
nard Kelley to assist him in the distri-
button of the money.
In passing out the relief checks, Com
mander Smith will use the various post
commanders as distributing agents The
post commanders in towns where dam
age was sustained are now sending to
Commander Smith complete lists of all
old soldiers who were damaged by the
flood. The list gives the name, the esti-
mated amount of loss sustained, the
pension which the man draws. and also
a brief statement of the financial cir
cumstances of the person.
1T is going to he a difficult matter
to make an equitable distribution said
Commander Smith this morning. We
want to make the $4,000 go as far as
possible. If we find that q cOmrade
sustained damage by the flood, but has
considerable other property and is in no
distress, we will cut him off with a
much smaller allowance than the one
who lost practically everything he had
in the world. M0se of the money viii De
used at Topeka. Lawrence and Kansas
city. though every town visited by
foods. where old soldiers suffered loss
will be looked after. re
"Ft viii be distributed purely TO in
dividuals and not to towns Each case
will be considered by itself. and. tne
circumstances viii determine how much
relief will be allowed
s.C,baclZs for the amount allowed viii
be sent by me TO the post commanders.
Each check will be accompanied by
receipt. The post commander VIII turn
the check over to the person designated.
and take his receipt. He will then SEND
- -, office We Will thus
have double system OF recelpls' tne
check itself being one"
There are probably about 300 old SOL
diers in the state who sustained dam
age from the flood. If each one shou ,'t
$40 apiece But the number to receive
aid will probably be considerably below
300 1t may be held down to less than
100. which would give an average OF Sso
apiece. The amount of pension which
a soldier receives will have consider
able effect on determining how much
aid shall be given. If man has $50
a month pension. and can therefore, JUST
about take care of himself. he will get
a smaller slice of relief than the small
pens-one-.
In North Topeka there are about fifty
names on the list of those members or
Blue post WHO sustained damage, Inc
heaviest single loser is Aaron Sheet2.
whose loss is estimated at $4,000. Mr..
Sheetz gets SIP a month pension. and
his financial position is such that he
will of course receive no ald. ana doupI-
less would refuse it if offered. ]. p.
Lapp. the dry goods merchant. is set
down for a $4,000 loss. B. A. Barrett
the drug store man. lost $1,000. Both
of these are not in very bad shape.
financially. however.
Commander Smith says that he viii
try to finish the distribution of the 3d.
600 before August -, when the state
HEADQUARTERS will be closed, and the
NV FOR %
Francisco to attend the national en-
campmeat.