An Old Soldier Turned Away From the Home

Correspondence has been sent to the trustees of the Soldiers' Home complaining of the management of that institution. The complaint is made by Comrade Livesley, an old soldier who lives on Vashon Island. He had occasion to visit relatives at Lake Park and took his wife with him. From Lake Park they went to Orting, where Mr. Livesley wished to visit his old mother before returning to his ranch. At Orting he found that his mother and brother had gone to North Yakima. Being short of money, he concluded to go to the Soldiers' Home, remain overnight, and go home the following day. At the home he found George F. Boardman, Jr., in charge, and told him his circumstances, but Boardman said he could not stay, for every bed was occupied. So Comrade Livesley was obliged to turn his back on the one institution which every old soldier's spirit should feel is his home if he so desires. Investigation has brought out the fact that there were twenty-seven unoccupied beds in the home when Comrade Livesley was told the rooms were occupied. The old soldier returned to Orting and was cared for overnight, and the following day returned to his place on Vashon Island. A committee from Stevens Post has been appointed to investigate, and several trustees have been in conference with the committee. G. N. M. Malken was seen yesterday and said he had had a talk with Mr. Livesley, and the latter admitted he had not told Mr. Boardman he was an old soldier, or even that he was a member of the G.A.R. In fact, he did not have any papers or credentials to make known his identity if challenged. It is claimed by Mr. Boardman's friends that some old soldiers are trying to stir up strife in the institution simply because they are dissatisfied with the way the home is conducted. Some G.A.R. men wished to be on the staff of the commandant, but the trustees declared there should be but one man in charge and all the rest should be considered equals, with no honorary officers. The days of military discipline are over for him, and he is allowed to go about as he chooses so long as his conduct is within bounds.