The Springfield herald., 1913-05-23
5EAzzzE ar osszzRAz M02zAs

But everywhere under the Stars and Stripes on
Memorial day there is an outpouring OF those
who pay homage to the soldier dead. Every
where is evidenced the ,thoroughness and eff
cheney of the nations attempt to take care of its
dead and assure the perpetuation of the name
and the credit of the martial hero.
Twelve freight trains of 25 each would
be required to haul the money In 20-doar gold
pieces that this nation has paid out in pensions
to the veterans of the Civil Ten freight
cars would be required to haul the money in gold
that the nation pays to Its veterans in single
year. These amounts promise to be greatly aug
mented by legislation now pending before con-
gress.
The pension office in Washington is the pri-
mary monument in honor of the old soldier 1t
was built with the particular Idea in mind OF
furnishing clearing house for the gratuities
which the government extends to him. 1t Is the
largest building ever erected by the federal gov
eminent. The maintenance of the pension service
alone in its handling of the sums that go to the
pensioners cost the government $2650,OO0 last
year. The net paid out in pensions has
during the last few years amounted around
$160 100000 annually.
This appropriation would mean couple OF
dollars to every man, woman and child in the
nation. Indirectly every man, woman and child
contributes couple of dollars to it.
The government has expended in pensions to
date for all the wars OF the past little over
$4.O0000 900. OF this $3 900. 1000 received
by Civil war veterans. Four billion dollars ia an
enormous amount of money. There Is at present
In the United States including all the gold, silver
and paper money in all the treasures. banks
wallets and old socks, but $3,556. 100000 This
is to say there is not enough money in the
United States today to pay, at single time, the
pensions that the Civil veterans have re-
ceived. So in the course of drawing their
stpends 1t Is evident that the pensions have at
one time another had all the money there Is
There is but $1750.0 0.000.0 900 in gold coin in the
United States. There is not half enough gold coin
in existence to have paid these pensions had the
call come all at once The government has paid
out altogether $50 carloads OF gold coin in pen
sions. All its gold might have been used two
and one-half times in the process II this
twelve trainloads Of gold loaded at once II
would require but nine additional trainloads to
haul the balance of the gold coin of the world
These pensions are paid quite cheerfully. There
Is hardly dissenting voice IN congress when a
proposal to increase pensions is introduced. The
people approve of the action. They worship at
the shrine of the martial hero and are willing at
all times to be taxed that he may be given
further pttances
The pension appropriation is the largest ind
vfdual Item when each year. congress makes up
the list OF governmental expenditures. Yet
scarcely voice is raised in disclaimer. Admin
istrations may lay heavy stress upon the pro-
gram of economy, but no suggestion is made
that the pension roll be cut When measures
OF pension increases brought before congress
not even the Democrats vote against them. When
investigate committees go roaming through
government departments In search of financial
leaks the pension Office is cear-listed and no
questions asked. The veteran and his PEN
sion are held sacred
When the question is raised to who shall
secure position under Uncle SAM the veteran is
again given the advantage. In the civil service.
In the FIRST place, the age limit is removed from
the old soldier Be his age what 1t may, the
positions are all open to him. In the exarna-
tons that must be taken under civil service rules
the veteran need secure average Of but 65
while the civilian must rate at least TO-