ENGLAND'S STARVING HEROES.

Otago Witness, Issue 2815, 26 February 1908, Page 37

ENGLAND'S STARVING HEROES.

VICTIMS OF CRIMEA AND INDIAN MUTINIES. WORKHOUSE OR STARVATION? (.From Our Own* Correspondent.) LONDON, Jamiarv 10. Some e\tra\agant nations pet and pamper the heroes of their groat wars. England's method is far more economical. We either let them starve or, as a g,enerous alternative, provide them with free quarters in the workhouse to live or die there under the stigma of pauperism. It seems suddenly to have occurred to lomebodv that this is hardly the best wav of rewarding merit and patriotism and 6elf-sacrifice. or the most promising mode of encouraging cultivation and practice of these \irtues. As an outcome of this novel and laudable change of sentiment, the following letter from the veteran commander. Field Marshall Lord Roberts, has just appeared in all the leading popers: — '• Sir. — Within the last few weeks the attention of the public has been drawn to the surviving veterans of the Crimea and Indian nAitiny, and the sad fact has been made onh tco clear that the closing years of those old servants of their country are, in many cases, embittered by poverty and destitution. It may be granted that the e\il has in the past been wrought by want of throught rather than want of heart, but the slur upon our good name will be all the greater if, now that it is recognised, we. take no steps to remedy it. A few days ago, when inspecting the Indian Mutiny veterans in Hyde Park, I found, to my regret, that no small number of them had come up that morning from Uic workhouse, and at the end of the day had only the workhouse to look forward to for the remainder of their lives. A strong feeling has been aroused in many quarters that it is in every way discreditable to our country that such a state of things 6hould be possible, and it is most desirable that an effort should be made without delay to y remedy it. I can state that the move1 ment has the entire approval of his

Majesty the King, who has graciously con. sented to become the patron of th* Veterans' Relief Fund, and to open the list of subscribers with a donation of 1000 guineas. It is proposed to collect a sufficiently large sum to ensure every Crimean, or Indian Mutiny veteran being released from the workhouse, and then to make him such a weekly allowance as will enable the old sailor or old soldier to spend his remaining days in moderate comfort and respectability, or ensure some amelioration of his circumstances if from age or infirmities he is obliged to remain in the workhouse infirmary." After mentioning the names of an influential committee which had intimated willingness to join -in and promote the movement, \inder the express personal patronage of the King and the vice-patron-age of the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Connaught, and Prince Christian, Lord Roberts says in conclusion :—" I appeal to your readers to assist me in saving those who have fought for their coumry in their youth from the ignominy of the workhouse in their old age, and the humiliation of a pauper's grave." *