Los Angeles herald., 1909-06-21
VETERANS WILL
SEE PRESIDENT
TAFT MAY PROBE AFFAIRS AT
SOLDIERS HOME
DELEGATES PLAN TO VISIT HIM
IN SEPTEMBER
Managers of Institution Conduct Quiet
Investigation to Ascertain Names
of Leaders In the Present
Trouble

would Jump at the chance to disprove
the assertion. Because our teeth are
supposed to be poor is the reason the
officials give for supplying us with
cheap soup and stews. A good supply
of real edible meat, in my opinion,
would develop some remarkably good
teeth, even though we are advanced
in age. The Spanish American veter-
ans who are at Sawtelle ought to have
pretty good teeth, and the reason
should not hold in their cases."
The veterans are eagerly awaiting
word from Washington as to when the
investigation at Sawtelle will be held.
They believe that with a promise OF
immunity from punishment they will
be able to uphold their contention that
affairs at Sawtelle are badly misman-
aged and that there is every reason
why sweeping change in the man
agement should be made. They will
seek the expected arrival of President
Taft in order to place before the chief
executive the real state of affairs. They
have great confidence that President
Taft will see that they obtain their
rights and that the present ring that
is alleged to dominate affairs at the
home for personal benefit rather than
for their comfort will be ousted.
Declares Fruit is Scarce
AJI6 RT1ZZl6u N6I61dup WHO mas D6GIl III
the service of Uncle Sam for fifty-one
years and wears medal for bravery,
stated yesterday a number of the
greater evils in the acknowledgment of
affairs of Sawtelle have not been
brought to light, and that only
thorough governmental investigation
will disclose the existing conditions.
He said that affairs were always in
good shape when the quarterly inspec-
tions are made, but go wrong as soon as
the inspection is completed To make
a complaint TO the inspector, said this
veteran, would mean dishonorable dis
charge, and for that reason the vet
Grams have been compelled ito grin and
bear it,"
That instead of allowing the soldiers
to eat the fruit raised on the grounds
belonging to the home it is said this
fruit is sold and the veterans do not
know what becomes of this revenue.
1t is charged that last year policemen
were posted about the orange grove,
and any inmate caught taking fruit
was sent to the guard house. Next
morning he appeared before Governor
Cochrane and was reprimanded for the
offense, and in some instances inmates
were given a two-month sentence in
the home Jail.
Salt and Pepper Wanted
1t is further alleged that inmates
afflicted with contagious diseases are
allowed to associate with other patients
and use the same towels and hand
basins. That olemargarine was served
instead of butter, and then in small
quantities and but once a day, was the
statement of a score of veterans. These
men alleged also that no salt, pepper
or vinegar had graced the dining tables
since the March inspection.
The men agree that Quartermaster
Barr has worked consistently to bring
about better conditions and that he has
rejected carloads of spoiled meat and
potatoes.
eve are treated" said a veteran, 'as
though we were In a penitentiary in
stead Of a soldiers home. and all we
want is to have the government Of
fcials realize the state of affairs. Then
we believe the present wrongs will be
speedily righted."