CHAP. LXVIII.- An Act to increase the pensions of invalids in certain cases; for the relief of invalids of the militia; and for the appointment of pension agents in those states where there is no commissioner of loans. (a)
| Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled, That all persons, of the ranks hereinafter named, who are now on the military pension roll of the United States, shall, from and after the passage of this act, be entitled to, and receive, for disabilities of the highest degree, the following sums, in lieu of those to which they are now entitled, to wit: a first lieutenant, seventeen dollars; a second lieutenant, fifteen dollars; a third lieutenant, fourteen dollars; an ensign, thirteen dollars; and a non-commissioned officer, musician or private, eight dollars per month; and for disabilities of a degree less than the highest, a sum proportionably less.
SEC. 2. And be it further enacted, That all persons of the aforesaid ranks, who may hereafter be placed on the military pension roll of the United States, shall, according to their ranks and degrees of disabilities, be placed on at the aforesaid rates of pensions in lieu of those heretofore established: Provided, That nothing herein contained shall be construed to lessen the pension of any person who, by special provision, is entitled to a higher pension than is herein provided. SEC. 3. And be it further enacted, That all laws and regulations relating to the admission of the officers and soldiers of the regular army to be placed on the pension roll of the United States shall, and they are hereby declared to relate equally to the officers and soldiers of the militia, whilst in the service of the United States. SEC. 4. And be it further enacted, That the Secretary for the department of War be, and he is hereby authorized and required to appoint some fit and proper person in those states and territories where there is no commissioner of loans, and also in the district of Maine, to perform the duties in those states and territories, and in said district respectively, relating to pensions and pensioners, which are now required of said commissioners in their respective states. APPROVED, April 24, 1816. |