Evening star., 1919-01-22
SENATE MAY VOTE
ON RELIEF TODAY
Mr.. Ashurst Presses Service
Mems Bonus Amendment
to Famine Bill.
MEETS WITH OPPOSITION

III an effort to reach final vote be-
fore adjournment today the Senate
gave exclusive right Of way TO the
House bill appropriating s100, 900. 900
for famine relief in Europe. All other
business was laid aside but discus
sion in opposition 10 the appropriation
and on many collateral and also unre-
lated subjects made the time for final
action uncertain.
Senator Ashurst of Arizona. demo-
crat, pressed his amendment propos-
ing Il bonus of two months pay to
discharged privates and non-com1nis-
stoned officers, sailors and marines.
His amendment also provided that the
discharged men should retain their
uniforms and overcoats
mo Money Value on Service"
Senator Ashurst said that while the
country proposed to donate to the peo-
pies of Europe, who do not understand
the ideals of this government. it would
be only fair to give generously to
those who helped to save the country.
Opposing the Ashurst amendment.
Senator Thomas of Colorado, demo-
crat, said he did not believe in a
policy that fixes a money value on
public service. He asked Where is
the money to come from" discussing
the bill and the Ashurst amendment
The Ashurst amendment was op-
posed by Senators, Kirby OF Arkansas.
democrat. and Jones of Washington,
republican.
In requesting the appropriation
President Wilson said it was needed
as a means of securing peace, declared
senator Jones, who said. if true il
was an important war measure and
should be passed without amendment
he said he was inclined to support
the measure. but instead of hindering
the growth of bolshe vism, as the
PRESIDENT claims, it would, he believed.
II anything, encourage it.
Amendment by Senator Penrose.
A definite development of the
opposition was the introduction of an
amendment by Senator Penrose of
Pennsylv MIA, republican, proposing
that administration of the 100000
900 fund be placed in the hands of a
commission of three members to be
named by the President subject to
confirmation by the Senate and to be
responsible to Congress.
In introducing it. Senator Penrose
again attacked Food Administrator
Hoover and discussed aircraft produc-
ton. the Hog Island shipyard and
other war activities, promising fur
ther investigation of them by the
next Congress.
conditions in this country, Senator
Harding criticised the administration
for failure to present reconstruction
program. and declared the country
was drifting to chaos" He asserted
that President Wilson's policies have
been largely responsible for the
spread of bolshevism in Europe, and
declared that the statement that this
country entered the war for demo-
cracy has been lie from the
beginning"
Senator Harding said the world
cannot be stabilized by charity. and
told the Senate that if he voted for
the bill it would be his last vote for
a measure on the plea of war neces-
sity."
Defines Americas "First Duty"
Demonstrations by unemployed. in
which men in uniform have partici-
pated, were pointed to by Senator
Johnson of California us showing the
need for measures to meet reconstruct
ton conditions at home. He said the
nations first duty is to American
military men. and declared that the
proposed appropriation was for the
benefit of the packers. who have meat
to sell.
Senator PoindeXter said the appro-
priation was an unconstitutional bur
den upon taxpayers and unwarranted
- "sso cate srd Mr. ii ,-.ver. hs-
clared opposition to President Will
sons plan for a league of nations and
joined in demands for measures to
benefit discharged soldiers and sail
ors.
MIR. Hoover was defended by Sena-
tor Hollis. and also by Senator Weeks
who declared that unless Senate de-
bate was curtailed the objects of the
bill's charity would starve before the
measure was enacted.