The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1910-07-30
OLD AGE PENSIONS
ARE CONSIDERED
Representative Lundin Of Illinois Pre-
sents the Results Of Some Of His
Investigations in European
Countries.

Washington, d. G., July 50,-old age
pensions IN foreign countries have been
the subject Of investigation by Con-
gresham Frederick Lundin rep M.
lie finds that they have proved success
fu and be Is hopeful that some such
provision for the care Of the aged may
Dc made in the United States.
I Germany was the pioneer in the
movement he says, with law passed
in 1889, amended in 1891 and perfected
in 1899. The present law covers % per
cent Of the population and is compulsory
IN many Instances and voluntary in
some. The pension i granted up to-
$3.50 year, according to class and
weekly premium paid, Beyond 70 years
Of age no incapacity need be shown toI
avail tue beneficiary his or her PEN
sion.
Denmark fell into line in 1891 An
persons over 60 years Of age are eligi-
BE to pension benefits, with certain
limitations as TO residence, health and
record Of citizenship
Laws were passed ia New Zealand
at intervals from 1907 to 1908, when all
81 them consolidated to create liberal
and enlightened system. sixty-dye
years IS the pension age, and 70 al
those who are without minimum com.
pcfence and can show 25 years honor
able residence IN Kew England the gov
crament pays $3.50 weekly The cost
per capita Of population is small, Toe
benefits conferred are great and not
oaly rebound to the benefit Of pension.
ers. but to that OF society in general
Belgium adopted an insurance annu-
ity and nationally sustained pension act
in 1900. Aunuities are granted accord
ine to age and amount Of premium paid.
Pensions are paid to al over IS years Of
age under certain prescribed conditions
Of want and disability.
Italy, France and Austria are operat-
ing system Of annuities and pensions
Old age relief is recognized in these
countries as an institution 81 worth, and
the system cannot fail to grow with the
advance Of the times.
Australia probably presents the best
example OF growth and modernization
81 the old.age pension idea The general
plan there is about as follows Men
over 65 and women over 90 are pensioned
at the rate Of $3.50 and 81 week, re
srectively Restrictions pertaining to
income residence and character sur-
round the application Of the law most ef.
fectiveIy am in receipt Of q letter
from the American consul at Newcastle,
New South Wales, in which he says;
1T is the general opinion that these
pensions are very good thing and that
these laws are working out SATISFACTORY
ly Tn order to see for myself the
people receive their pensions, 7 was pres
ens the first Of this month and saw a
large number Of them paid. They APP
peared to be most respectful lot Of
old people and I feel certain the money
allowed them each month BY the govern
mont is judieiously expended
"After years Of consideration, Eng
land adopted an old-age pension law in
1908 Under its provisions, all persons
over 70 years Of age are pensionable,
if they meet the requirements Of regu- |
lations as to income, habits and char
acter The amounts paid run from Is
cents to $l.25 weekly.
Canada passed an annuity law in
1905. Under it people beyond the age
OF So years may draw from $50 70 $500
II Il d government insurance
pure and simple, and depend
ent upon premiums but as step it is
encouraging to every believer in the hui
none policy Of making provision for
old age matter Of governmental regu-
lation.'