St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1916-03-25

Mr.. Speaker, / am going to under
take the colossal task OF attempting
to discuss our pension system alb ini-
ton through all its vicissitudes down
to the present time. At the very fore
front of my remarks, wish to as
sure you that i fully realize that
criticism of this system is not likely
to evoke any enthusiastic applause.
hut on the contrary is calculated 10
arouse the ire OF its custodians, ana
thereby earn for me an undesirable
position in their judgment. Never
theless this belief. well or ill-found-
ed. shall not deter me one jot from
my determination to attack freely
and unreservedly q system through
which the peoples finances are dis
seminated in spirit of prodigahty,
unparalleled In the WORLDS history.
/ soon learned, as Member OF
Congress, that the word pension
had a sound to which the politicians
polite ear and polite heart are sup
ersensitive. Therefore, out OF def.
erence to the sensibilities OF these
gentlemen, shall not utter single
word designed to offend them.
Now, l do hope that you will be-
lieve me when l say that my sense
OF Justice is not distorted in the re-
motest degree by any feeling Of pre-
iudice against q Union soldier.
/ am equally interested with you
my colleagues from the North. in DO
ing substantial justice to our illus
trious and deserving soldiers.
/ stand here ready at any time to
support. in good will and affection
any measure proposed to care for
those who are Justly and morally en-
titled % gratuities, but to compel the
great toiling masses Of humanity tc
pay tribute to society drones. idlers
and hangers-on, under the speciouf
plea Of patriotism, is more than ! am
willing to subscribe to.
The Union soldier who faithfully
discharged his duty on the field o,
battle, as he saw and understood thai
duty. enjoys the respect and anectlon
of the American people on both sides
of the Mason and Dixon line.
Years ago we buried our differ
ences, and those differences are never
to be exhumed. Immediately aftel
their burial we cheerfully united
with our brother from the North II
an effort to reward the deserving sol
dier of the North. But you who pro
TESS to be his untiring champion; thu
jealous defender Of his course. thu
real appraiser of his services In your
NAL fight for political preferment
while thinking only Of self and work
ing solely for self. you have be
smi! ched the old soldiers good nam'
and minimized his services by plac
ing him in odious company. In thi
you have been ably and religiousi!
succored by members from ever!
point of the compass who cherish
similar ambition The CALLING thini
about these evils is that they are per
petrated in the name OF patriotism
Years ago a pension was given as
just and honorable recOmpense 10
years of real military service. dur
Ing which the soldier had either los
his life or suffered in health.
But every unprejudiced mind IA
miliar with our pension system
knows that a pension is no longe
badge Of honor-no longer ev:
dence OF a patriotic service render
.ed-no longer benefaction given t
worthy soldier in recognition 0
his patriotism-for We have inscrth
ed on this erstwhile roll Of honor th
names OF soldiers. nondescripts, para
sites, drones and deserters.
Heretofore when the voice Of tn
southern Representative was raise