PENSION-LISTS.
150 THE EDITOR OP TR! "SPECTATOR."] Sra,—I enclose a letter addressed by a " Veteran" to a recent issue of the New York Sun on the Pension Budget of the United States which may deserve your attention. Observe the words : "Pensions are to a great extent a matter of pull, political and otherwise." The amount of pensions in general is regulated by the giver ; but in your case, as in that of the United States, the amount will practically feel the " pull " of the receiving class through the influence of its political vote. That " pull " is still being worked by seekers of popularity in the United States. The abuse is notorious, yet no public man of either of the two political parties has dared to say a word. Let beneficence do its part, as it really seems in fair measure to be doing. It will discriminate, which State pension-lists do not. It breeds kindly feelings and unites classes, to which State pension-lists have no tendency ; if disputes arise about them, rather the reverse, as already begins to appear. My justification for again addressing you is that the question is raised here, and that our course is likely to be influenced by your example.—I am, Sir, &c., GOLDWIN SMITH. Toronto.
Previous page
