2 pages, 8 x 10 1/2.

VETERANS PROTECTIVE COMMITTEE

Boston, June 16, 1896

Comrades:

The undersigned Executive Committee deem it proper to make some report to the organizations composing our association, to others not represented by delegates but which have contributed to our funds, and to promulgate the law as much as possible.

Anticipating that possibly the Supreme Court, on the test case, might declare the Preference Law of 1895 unconstitutional, when the decision was rendered that some parts of that law could not stand, our committee were prepared to renew the fight.

After consultation with eminent lawyers, with prominent veterans, and with the civil servicecommissioners, we urged before the Legislature a law drafted by Comrade L.E. Dudley, which brings together all acts and parts of acts remaining on the statue book relating to the preference of veterans in employment, and going further in some particulars than any previous laws. After some slight changes all opposition was withdrawn, and the accompabying act was approved by the Acting Governor, June 9, 1896.

In view of the fact that this law was enacted by both branches of the legislature without a single dissenting vote, we think it may well be taken as an expression of the desire of the people of our Commonwealth that the services and sacrifices of the veterans shall be recognized, and so far as possible compensated, by giving them the preference in all public employments in which they are able to perform the duties.

Yours fraternally,

Edward P. Preble, Post 15, Chairman,
21 Oliver St., Boston

W.H. Marden, Post 75, Vice-Chairman

Wm. Badger, Post 26, Treasurer

F.E. Howard, Camp 98, S. of V., Secretary,
68 Clifton St., Roxbury

John T. Norwood, Post 39

Thos. Langlan, Post 191

J.E.E. Goward, Post 68

P.J. Haley, Gettysburg Command, U.V.U.

M.B. Chase, Camp 79, S. of V.

The reverse of the document has the following imprint: An Act Relative To The Public Service Of The Commonwealth And The Cities And Towns Thereof, And The Employment Of Veterans Therin. Click on "Click to Zoom" to read the entire Act.

Light age toning and wear. Very fine document regarding Massachusetts Civil War Veterans.