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Story
October 5, 1870
The Evening Argus
Rock Island, Rock Island County County, Illinois
What is this article about?
Article criticizes Congressman John B. Hawley for delaying pension approval for Civil War veteran Reuben H. Webster, a wounded Republican soldier who opposed local corruption, despite promises and testimony. Pension finally granted at $6/month in 1870 amid Hawley's re-election.
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RADICAL LOVE FOR SOLDIERS
How John B. Hawley Worked for a poor Soldier.
Among the various charges we have made against Hawley and which have never been answered is that of voting against all bills designed to promote the interest of soldiers who are entitled to assistance from the country they have preserved.
We have evidence enough to cause his cheek to mantle with shame, or cause him to hide his insignificant head in the presence of all soldiers. Perhaps some of these soldiers can remember the old enlisting days—how grandly these Radical Congressmen talked of loyalty, love of country, and the glory of serving the country. How they patted them on the back and cheered for the brave boy!
One of these fell on the battle field and returned. He made the efforts he could; for a pension Hawley went to congress and he fought hard for it. He promised to do so, one excuse he hadn't time to attend to it. And ample testimony that the soldier was worthy Hawley agreed to have a special bill passed to relieve him. This he also failed to do. Hadn't time. The soldier was republican, but because he had denounced the Court House ring and its rascals, they put every authority at Washington employing its spies to see if he was worthy, and this too in the face of the testimony of Mr. Hunter of this city, as well as the testimony of the captain of the regiment who saw him wounded. Such are radical laws for soldiers. Hawley was up for re-election, and these little things were designed to give him trouble, so he hurried up the pension certificate. Here it is with his letter:
House of Representatives, )
Washington, June 22d, 1870.
R. H. WEBSTER, Esq.,
My Dear Sir:—I am just in receipt of the enclosed certificate from the Committee of Pensions.
I have done all in my power to hasten it, and I am very much pleased that your case has finally been successful
Very Sincerely Yours,
JOHN B. HAWLEY.
No. 101.934.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.
Invalid Pension.
I Certify, That in conformity with the law of the United States Reuben H. Webster late a private of Co. "M" 4th Regiment Illinois cavalry, is placed on the pension list of the Chicago Agency at the rate of six dollars per month, to commence on the fourth day of November, 1864. No sale, transfer or mortgage of any description whatever, of the whole or any part of the pension payable in virtue of this certificate, is of any legal or binding force against either the pensioner or the United States.
Given at the Department of the Interior this 20th day of January 1870
W. T. OTTO.
Acting Secretary of the Interior.
Examined and countersigned.
H Von Herhage,
Comm. Pensions.
How he did hasten? How pleased he must be at the wonderful success of Mr. Webster
Six dollars a month for the wreck of a strong hearty frame and constitution. And this is gratitude—this love for the soldiers
But we will leave the subject. language fails to express the contempt every honest man must have for such action.
How John B. Hawley Worked for a poor Soldier.
Among the various charges we have made against Hawley and which have never been answered is that of voting against all bills designed to promote the interest of soldiers who are entitled to assistance from the country they have preserved.
We have evidence enough to cause his cheek to mantle with shame, or cause him to hide his insignificant head in the presence of all soldiers. Perhaps some of these soldiers can remember the old enlisting days—how grandly these Radical Congressmen talked of loyalty, love of country, and the glory of serving the country. How they patted them on the back and cheered for the brave boy!
One of these fell on the battle field and returned. He made the efforts he could; for a pension Hawley went to congress and he fought hard for it. He promised to do so, one excuse he hadn't time to attend to it. And ample testimony that the soldier was worthy Hawley agreed to have a special bill passed to relieve him. This he also failed to do. Hadn't time. The soldier was republican, but because he had denounced the Court House ring and its rascals, they put every authority at Washington employing its spies to see if he was worthy, and this too in the face of the testimony of Mr. Hunter of this city, as well as the testimony of the captain of the regiment who saw him wounded. Such are radical laws for soldiers. Hawley was up for re-election, and these little things were designed to give him trouble, so he hurried up the pension certificate. Here it is with his letter:
House of Representatives, )
Washington, June 22d, 1870.
R. H. WEBSTER, Esq.,
My Dear Sir:—I am just in receipt of the enclosed certificate from the Committee of Pensions.
I have done all in my power to hasten it, and I am very much pleased that your case has finally been successful
Very Sincerely Yours,
JOHN B. HAWLEY.
No. 101.934.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.
Invalid Pension.
I Certify, That in conformity with the law of the United States Reuben H. Webster late a private of Co. "M" 4th Regiment Illinois cavalry, is placed on the pension list of the Chicago Agency at the rate of six dollars per month, to commence on the fourth day of November, 1864. No sale, transfer or mortgage of any description whatever, of the whole or any part of the pension payable in virtue of this certificate, is of any legal or binding force against either the pensioner or the United States.
Given at the Department of the Interior this 20th day of January 1870
W. T. OTTO.
Acting Secretary of the Interior.
Examined and countersigned.
H Von Herhage,
Comm. Pensions.
How he did hasten? How pleased he must be at the wonderful success of Mr. Webster
Six dollars a month for the wreck of a strong hearty frame and constitution. And this is gratitude—this love for the soldiers
But we will leave the subject. language fails to express the contempt every honest man must have for such action.
What sub-type of article is it?
Historical Event
Biography
Deception Fraud
What themes does it cover?
Betrayal
Deception
Justice
What keywords are associated?
Pension Delay
Soldier Neglect
Political Betrayal
Civil War Veteran
Radical Congressman
What entities or persons were involved?
John B. Hawley
Reuben H. Webster
Mr. Hunter
Where did it happen?
Washington
Story Details
Key Persons
John B. Hawley
Reuben H. Webster
Mr. Hunter
Location
Washington
Event Date
June 22d, 1870
Story Details
Congressman Hawley delays pension for wounded soldier Reuben H. Webster despite promises and testimony, due to soldier's opposition to local ring; finally approves $6/month pension in 1870 during re-election.