Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-05-23
GRIEVED OVER HIS ACT
THOUSANDS OF MILES TO RIGHT
IMAGINARY WRONG.

Queer things happen at the Pension Office
and many queer stories might be told of
pensioners and applicants for pensions
But perhaps the queerest of all the Incl
dents that have happened In connection
with the bureaus work was the visit of a
youthful ex-soldier, an applicant for PEN
sion who came all the way from Pacific
coast state to tell the commissioner of PEN
sions that he, the applicant. had committed
what he supposed was a criminal act in the
drawing up of his papers. He desired either
to be forgiven or to give himself up to pay
whatever penalty might be imposed
According to the story which the ex-sol-
der told to the officials of the bureau, he
was an applicant for pension on account
of disability brought about as the direct
result of service in the volunteer army dur
ing recent campaigns in tropical climates.
In one of the legal papers that it was nee
essary to submit to the bureau, he said, he
thoughtlessly inserted a word which had
been accidentally omitted. and was after
wards convinced that he had done il
legal act and was liable to arrest and Sc
we're punishment.
In Highly Nervous State.
The matter had preyed upon his mind to
such an extent that he was IN a highly
nervous state. Believing it was his duty to
confess his act to the government, he
saved his money and came clear across the
continent for that purpose, sending ahead
of him telegram which the pension bureau
was unable to understand until ex-
PLANTATION was made subsequently.
When he arrived and was ushered into
the presence Of the commissioner he broke
down and cried, saying his was an honor
able family and he had not meant to do
any wrong. He sought the mercy of the
government, or. falling of this, he was will
ing to serve out his sentence" whatever
that might be. He declared that he had
made arrangements with his brother to take
care OF his family. while he was in prison.
But the young man, he was scarcely
more than boy, had reason to rejoice
later. The kindness and sympathy of the
commissioner went out to the poor fellow,
who, it was clearly to be seen, was in i'll
health, and laboring under a cruel mental
strain.
No Violation of Law.
His case was looked into at once by the
commissioner. The young man pointed out
wherein he considered he had transgressed
the law. After careful examination OF
the papers the commissioner said he was
unable to discover that there had been a
criminal act and assured the young man
that he might go back home in peace.
Surprise and joy were manifest in the fea-
lures of the visitor and his establishment
was complete when, after further investi-
cation, he was told that his claim for a
pension was valid one and would be al
lowed by the government.
The commissioner of pensions did not care
to discuss the incident, out of respect for the
young soldier, the results of whose services
for his country had reduced him to such a
pitiable mental and physical condition, and
doubtless also from motives of personal
modesty, for his act has been looked upon
as one of special kindness, as we'll as of
justice, and among those who know of 1t
has added to their admiration and regard
for the head of Uncle Sans pension bu-
reau.