Los Angeles herald., 1909-06-17
DECLARE THEY ARE STARVING
ON SHORT RATI0NS
WHOLESALE EXODUS TO FOL-
LOW PAY DAY
"They Went Five Days Without Food
During War; This Won't Hurt
Them," Says Gov
ernor

manner in which score of in
mates of the National Soldiers home
characterized the institution today, and
asserted that as a result of mistreat-
ment and lack of substantial food over
$50 inmates have asked for discharge
from the home and will leave tomor-
row, when they receive the pension
which is due. Governor T. J. Coch-
rane, superintendent of the home ad-
mits the shortage in food, but declares
that the fact that old soldiers often
were compelled to live four or five days
without food during, the Civil War
should make them able to endure such
hardships with ease.
That there is a bitter undercurrent
of sentiment against the management
of the home as conducted by Cover
nor r. j. Cochrane is certain, but be-
cause of methods of alleged oppres-
sion and intimidation, the veterans
fear to discuss the affairs of the in
stitution. That several inmates of the
home who sent word to Washington of
the existing conditions were at once
discharged is the reason why veterans
refuse to give their names and why
they hesitate to take personal action
in demanding a thorough investiga-
tion of affairs at the National home.
From what I hear, Cot. Cochrane
has said he regrets that we are strong
and plenty of it," said one veteran,
who, despite his 70 years. stood straight
as a young trooper 1--WE get a poor
quality of coffee and most of us carry
our own sugar to the table. It's either
that or none. Much other food is
bought outside and carried in. This, Of
course is a hardship, because none of
us has so much money he can afford
to throw it away Last Sunday morn
ing we We're disappointed in the lack
of eggs, as has been the custom. There
wasn't enough food on my table-and
there were fourteen of us at the table
to feed one hearty man. If one man
had risen in that dining room and
started a riot the place would have
been wrecked in three minutes. That
is precisely what will happen some of
these days If this starvation game
keeps up much longer. 1t will be diff
ficult to convince these veterans here
that the United States is going to
starve us at this time. This place is
a powder mine and these old chaps
have enough ginger left to raise ter
rible row. All that is needed Is a
leader"
Complaints of mismanagement at the
home have become so numerous that
the business men of Sawtelle have
taken an interest in the matter, and
that the aged veterans are not re-
ceiving the benefit of the money which
is annually appropriated by congress.
is a charge frequently made.
1t is alleged that since Governor
Cochrane assumed control of affairs at
the Soldiers home, nearly two years
ago. conditions have grown rapidly
worse. and although there has been no
open rebellion by the inmates, feeling
has become so intense that an investi-
cation will be begun.
No Meat Appropriation
That the 230O soldiers at present in
the home will have to go without meat
for the next fifteen days was the state
ment of Governor Cochrane, who said
that the appropriation allotted to Saw
teile had been expended, and no more
money would be forthcoming until the
beginning of the next fiscal year,
July 1.
Governor Cochrane admitted that he
had heard of the rumors of discon-
tent and had received complaints in
regard to the food, but stated that he
was unable to remedy the existing
evils and that present conditions had
been brought about by the act of con-
gress in reducing the annual appro-
priation for the subsistence fund.
Governor Cochrane also made the
statement today that he could live
easily on two pounds of meat month,
and that if the old veterans could have
gone for four or five days without
food during the Civil War they should
not consider it a hardship to have to-
go without proper food at the present
time.
Although all the veterans were anXi-
Gus to give publicity to the present
condition of the home, they refused to
give their names, because, they said,
il would mean instant dismissal from
the institution.
They openly charged, however, that
Gov. Cochrane is so far advanced in
years that he does not possess the ex-
ecutiVe ability necessary to manage
such a big institution as the Soldiers
home.
They stated today that they would
welcome a change in the management
and would be pleased to see a citizen
of ability placed in charge or else have
the home managed directly by the war
department.
Gov. Cochrane admitted that there
had been rumors of mismanagement|
in connection with the home funds, but
stated that grating was impossible
under the present system of inspection.
Governor Not Concerned
Gov. Cochrane was inclined to the
opinion that the inmates, not having
any work TO do, had more time to give
to fault finding, and stated that he
did not give more than passing atten-
a fact however, that in the last two
months eight new restaurants have
been opened in Sawtelle and the pro-
prietors of these eating places admit
ted that they depended upon the pat
ronage of the veterans at the Soldiers
home for their support.
AT least 300 of the inmates, who have
the financial means, it is said, take
but one meal at the home and purchase
the greater part of their food at the
different restaurants. 1t is necessary
that each inmate report for breakfast
every morning in order to obtain q
reservation for the other meals, and
MANY of the veterans simply answer
the breakfast roll call and then take
luncheon and dinner at the restau-
rants.
nlcntv of beans for the veterans al
though the meat supply was short:
and a score Of the veterans reported
CONTINUED on Page Eight