Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-08-20

sort; they are sums Of capital advanced
by tho nation to promote utility. self
respect and economic development
Moro than all. they are essentially HUI.
manitarian and In tho highest sense
dtGcharse by tho government Of an es-
sential duty to society.
INSURANCE COMPANIES
PROTECT THEMSELVES
Military service is now obligatory:
those who imperil themselves have no
election. The Insurance companies do
not and cannot permit this fact to affect
their calculations. They must protect
themselves by charging premiums SO
high that they are secured against loss
no matter how severe tho rate of NOR
tally may be. Consequently tho very
men who arc called into the service
because their physical condition is of
tho best. and who. as civilians. would
for that reason be able to secure the
most favorable insurance rate In peace
time, are denied as soldiers. the neces-
sary life insurance to enable them to
protect their families and dependents
Inc tremendous rates charged by pri-
Vate insurance companies to protect
them against the extra-hazardous risks
or war put insurance entirely beyond
the reach OF the conscriptcd soldier.
Military necessity has. therefore.
subjected the most mt subjects for in
surance to an insurmountable discrim-
ination unless the government Itself
supplies Insurance at cost and upon a
peace basis. 1t would, in fact be das-
tardly and undemocratic II tho govern
ment should penalize the soldier who
Is forced to render the highest duty
OF the citizen by its failure to provide
war insurance upon peace terms and
at net cost. first. because the pay OF
the enlisted men in the army and navy
is less than the wages and Salaries
generally earned in private life. which
reduces their investing capacity, and,
second. because government insurance
is an essential war and emergency
measure. inausurated for the specific
benefit of our military forces, and can
not and should not be conducted for
profit.
Such overhead charges as agents
commissions. advertising, promotion.
local rentals. ETC.. are eliminated Tho
government must assume tho cost OF
administering this benevolent agency.
just as II bears the cost Of administer
Ing all other government agencIcu cs-
tablished for the beneit OF the people.
This legislation will be a great step
forward in the recognition of the re-
publtc's duty to Its heroes. consider
1t tho most significant and progressive
measure presented to Congress since
the declaration OF war. 1t Immediate
~ affects the well-being OF greater
number OF persons than any act with
which I am familiar. 1t deserves the
earnest and vigorous support OF the
country. 1t provides the broadcast and
the most liberal protection ever ex-
tended by any government to its fight
Ing forces and their depend. at families.
The United States. the most progressive
and prosperous nation on earth. setting
an example in tho ideals for which
enlightened humanity is fgh .inE,
should set the highest example OF all
the nations In the treatment OF those
who do and die for thslr country and
for world freedom.
JUSTICE MUST BE DONE TO
MEN AND THEIR FAMILIES
We arc proposing to expend during
the next year more than SO. 1000. OOo. 900
W create ana MAINTAIN the necessary
hghtinG forces to re-establish Justice
in the world. But justice must begin
at home: justice must b done to the
men who die and suffer for us on the
battle fields and for their wives and
children and dependents who sacrifice
FOR US at home. To do justice to them
requires only 1.-THE OF the money we
arc expanding for the general objects
OF the war. Let 1t not be said that
noble America was iEnobln in the treat
ment OF her soldiers and sailors and
callous to the fate OF their dependents
In this greatest war OF all time.
The pending war insurance bill gives
compensation. not PENSIONS: It fxe.
amounts definitely in advance Instead
OF holding out the mere chance of
gratuitics after the conclusion of
peace. 1t saves the dependents from
want and gives them the necessaries
OF life while their men are at the front.
1t deals with Its heroes literally for
the sufrerings that result from their
disablement on the field Of battle. and.
IL they die. It makes just provision for
the loved ones who survive them, 1t
fosters the helpless and dependent. the
manned and disabled. and recognizes
the immensely of the nations debt to
the valor and patriotism of her heroic
sons.