Perth Amboy evening news., 1910-08-05
FOR
OLD AGE MAY
Be PROVIDED

NNSfios " OHIItu fT6SS THSs
Washington. Aug. 5.-Old age
pensions in foreign countries have
been the subject of investigation by
Congressman Frederick Lunden
(Rep. Iill.). He finds that they
have proved successful and he is
hopeful that some such provision for
the care of the aged may be- made in
the United States.
Germany was the pioneer in the
movement" he says, with a law
passed in 1889; amended In 1891
and perfected in 1899. The present
law covers 20 per cent. of the pop
ulation and is compulsory in many
instances and voluntary in ONE
The pension is granted up to $3.50
a year, according to class and week
ly premium paid. Beyond, 10 years
of age no incapacity need be shown
to avail the beneficiary his or her
pension.
Denmark fell into line in 1891.
All persons over so years of age are
eligible to pension benefits, with
certain limitations as to residence,
health and record of citizenship.
Laws were passed in New Yea
land at intervals from 1897 to 1908,
when all of them consolidated to
create a liberal and enlightened
system. Sixty-five years is the pen
sion age, and to all those who are
without a minimum competence and
can show 25 years honorable resi-
dence in New Zealand the govern
ment pays $3.50 weekly. The cost
per capita of population is small.
The benefits conferred are great and
not only rebound to the benefit of
pensioners, but to that of society in
general.
Belgium adopted an insurance
annuity and nationally sustained
pension act in 1900. Annuities are
granted according to age and amount
of premium paid. Pensions are paid
to all over 65 years Of age under
certain prescribed conditions of
want and disability.
Italy, France, and Austria are
operating systems of annuities and
pensions. Old age relief is recog-
nized in these countries as an in
stitution of worth, and the system
cannot fail to grow with the advance
of the times.
Australia probably presents the
best example of growth and\modern-
ization of the old-age pension idea.
The general plan there is about as
follows; Mem over IS and women
$3.50 and $40 Ga week, respective
ly. Restrictions pertaining to in
come, residence and character sur
round the application of the law
most effectively. / am in receipt of
a letter from the American Consul
at Newcastle, New South Wales, in
which he says: 1T is the general
opinion that these pensions are a
very good thing and that these laws
are working out satisfactorily. In
order to see for myself the people re-
ceive their pensoins, l was present
the first of this month and saw a
large number of them paid. They |,
appeared to be a most respectful lott
of old people, and | fell certain the
money allowed them each month by
the government is judicfousfy ex-
pended.
after years of consideration Eng
land adopted an old-age pension law
in 1908. Under it's provisions all
persons over 10 years of age are
pensionable, if they meet the re-
quirements of regulations as to in
come, habits and character. The
amounts paid run from 25 cents to
$1.25 weekly.
Canada passed an annuity law
in 1908. Under it people beyond the
age of SIS years may draw from $50
to $500 annually. 1t is a govern
ment insurance proposition pure
and simple, and dependent upon
premiums; but at a step, is o
aging to every believer in the hui
name policy of making provision
for old age a matter of governmental
regulation"