Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1917-07-24
Government to Pay
Dependents of u. S.
Soldiers and Sailors

Washington. July, 24-The federal
governments plan for. insuring Off
GERS and men of the army, navy anu
marine corps against death and in
jury while in service, was broadened in
a complex program which would pro-
vide government allowances for fam
lilies of soldiers and sailors and the re-
habilitation and training of inj'red
men to fit them for making liveli-
hood after the war.
The program was discussed at con-
tferences among officials of the war,
navy, treasury. commerce and labor de-
partments, the labor committee OF the
council of national defense and the
presidents and other high officers OF
leading insurance companies Of the
United States.
Issuance Of insurance policies from
$1,000 to $4,000 to officers and men at
ordinary peace time rates, the govern
ment paying the extra cost, indem-
mites for total or partial disability. and
administration Of the entire scheme
by the governments war risk insur-
ance bureau, which Is at present in
suring officers and crews Of American
merchant vessels, are among the out
standing features Of the proposed pro-
gram.
"The plan has not yet assumed def
mite FORM" said a statement issued
at the treasury late today, "but when
1t has been worked out in all its funda-
and details, Secretary Meade
will present it to the president for his
approval, and if approved the recom-
will be submitted to con-
gress at an early date for it's consider
alton.
Burden on Treasury.
"The whole proposition is based on
the fundamental idea tina. the govern
ment should, as a matter of justice and
humanity, adequately protect its fight
ing men Of land and sea and their
dependent families. 1t is proposed to-
impose on the public treasury the OBJ
legation Of indemnifying Justly the men
who have uttered or are about to enter
the American army and navy.
Under the plan discussed, it Is sug-
gested that provision be made for the
support Of dependents Of soldiers and
sailors by giving them an allotment out
Of the pay Of the men apd also an al
;owance by the government: that OF
ficers and men be Unidentified against
death or total or partial disability: that
a system Of rehabilitation and re-edu-
cation Of disabled men be inaugurated.
and that the government insures lives
Of sailors and soldiers on their appli-
cation at rates Of premium based upon
ordinary risks.
VIII Pay Dspsndsnts.
! sDependents of soldiers and sailors
IN service would be provided for thru
from their pay. supplement-
ed by allowances by the government.
The amount Of the government allow
ance would depend upon the size OF the
family and as to others than the wife
and children. upon the actual depend
ENJOY upon the men.
"The family allowance would be
made only II the sailor or soldier makes
an allotment for his dependents out Of
his pay.
~The risk Of death Of tota; di.abil-
lty would be compensated for some-
what on the analogy Of workmen's
acts, with the cotnpen-
sation measured by the mems serv-
ices, the size Of the families aud the
loss to the family.
Partial disabilities would be COM
pensated for upon a percentage Of the
for total disability. The
cost OF this compensation naturally
would be paid wholly by the govern
ment.
Plan Rehabilitation.
'In working out the new system It
Is deemed essential a system for re-.
education and rehabilitation be estab-
ished, SO that the injured men may
be fitted as far as possible To-. lives Of
usefulness either N their former Or
yome other vocations.
I'm the preparation Of the plans TO
be laid before the president and con-
sress the laws and experiences Of other
have been studied and useful
IDEAS have been suggested by insur-
lnce men.
TT is hoped to have the plans ready
N the near future, as It is desirable
hat the subject be considered during |
The present session Of congress-"