Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-05-31

According TO Congressman Nicholas
Longworth of Ohio an equitable div-
sion Of the cost of the war would be
25 per cent paid in taxes by the pres
ent generation and rs per cent raised
by the sale of bonds to be paid by our
posterity. He claims that when. the
bonds become due our population will
at least have doubled. 1t is the people
Of today who are giving all the men
necessary to prosecute the war, and in
Mr. Longworth's opinion, it is only
fair to ask future generations to pay
three fourths of the money cost Of
conflict that has been fought to make
their heritage secure. If the war
lasts through another year, and addi-
tional funds are required, Mr.. Long
worth will favor the issue of additional
bonds rather than a further increase
of taxation.
Congressman John NJ. Rose of Fem
sylvania is urging upon his colleagues
the necessity of more fully informing
the people on the conduct of the war
in order to avoid the apathy which is
now SO prevalent. He thinks that if
a great deal OF the legislation that is
being dragged in at this time We're to
be postponed. and the public taken
more into the confidence of the Gov
eminent so that they could know and
comprehend the real situation there
would be a greater response of patri-
otism throughout the country In Mr..
Roses opinion the new Official Bulletin
may do something in the way of ac'
quainting the people with the dangers
confronting them, but at present very
few know even of the existence Of
such a publication.
II is the belief of Congressman
Charles F. Curry Of California that
during the present war it it a mistake
to retire skilled military men at the
age of 81 when the army is in such
need OF trained officers. He has pre-
scented a bin proposing suspension
OF the law that has been on the stat
ute books for the last IS years which
automatically retires officers to pri-
vate life when they reach that age.
Mr.. Curry provides. however, that such
men shall pass a physical examination
TO demonstrate their fitness for con-
tinued active duty, and shall be borne
on the rolls as extra officers. Repre-
sentative Curry points to the fact that
the present heads Of the German and
French armies. Generals Won linden
berg and Petain were taken from re-
tirement and placed in active COM
mand. and he believes that an arbi-
trary age limit should not be permit
ted to deprive the United States Of
some Of it's ablest officers.
The reported statement of the Pres
ident in his speech at the dedication
Of the Red Cross building in Washing
ton that we have no grievances and
~ democracy. has aroused the ire Of
many members Of Congress. Repre-
sentative Oscar z. Bland Of Indiana, in
particular. takes exception to the
Presidents Interpretation Of our mo-
tives in declaring war. 1t is Mr..
Bland's belief that not only foreign
democracies are at stake, but our own
rights and privileges, liberties and lives
are In peril, and 1t is to protect them
that we have entered the world con-
hict. Had I not thought" says Con-
gresham Bland, that the privileges
and blessings bequeathed to us by a
heroic ancestry were in jeopardy I
would not have given my consent to
call TO arms a million Of our splendid
men from the peaceful walks Of life"