The Federal government of the United States in the 20th Century was recognizing its difference from what was called the Federal Government of the United States of 1861-65. It was not a government of the "United States" it was a government of a section of states that were Unionist. This Federal Government had no representation in those states it now was at war. The Unionist Federal Government is a better term than what they called themselves. Historically this has been a misrepresentation of what the Federal government of the "Union" as opposed to a Federal government of the "United States" of which is was not in 1861-65.

By the 20th Century our states were united again and the Federal Government of the United States was representing all states. These states were paying taxes and revenue to the Federal Government that was giving pensions to the "Union" states veterans but not to those who fought just as hard for their section of the now "United" states. How could you use 20th century federal dollars to help one section of veterans who were fighting for their section of the country and not compensate the other? This is what the Confederate Veterans pension bill was about.

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David Upton