The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-05-29
WOUNDED MEN WAIT.
Compensation Slow In Coming to Sol.
diers for Their Sacrifices.

To THE EDITOR OF THE SUN-Sir. In
the past five months IL has been my
privilege to come in contact with many
of our wounded soldiers coming from
overseas. and on many occasions I have
heard them discuss the questions Of in
surance and compensation. At present
there are many discrepancies In the
laws governing these matters which in
time will probably be rectined. In the
meantime our wounded men, who have
made such sacrifices. are being dis
charged without any hope Of immediate
Justice. Money cannot repay them for
what they have given. but In so far as
possible they should always be assured
Of ample compensation.
The present situation 10 described by
the following extracts from a letter sent
me by one Of our wounded soldiers:
A study Of the war Risk Insurance
act and the War Risk Insurance Bureau
shows how unsatisfactory both are. Sew
erai OF the faults Of this law are glar-
ing.
A soldier who has lost both an arm
and q leg Is discharged with $50 and
an additional allowance OF $40 a month
-
or both feet, he would be fairly wen
provided for. probably receiving 500 a
month compensation and $3.50 from
his insurance.
The War Risk Insurance act. Great
ing the War Risk Insurance Bureau,
provides s?3, 900. 900 to begin with. The
law provides for employing a director
at salary OF 5000 a year. and II Is
evident that the director Is not over
paid.
It Is granted that the Government
means TO do the very best for returned
soldiers. but are those intentions con-
sistent with the following facts from
the viewpoint OF a soldier who gave
willingly one limb for his country and
democracy He is discharged with a
temporary leg. which costs $40. and n
$50 bonus-snd great promises. To
secure a permanent leg and compensa-
tion, disability and discharge papers
must be sent to the War Risk Insur-
anoe Bureau. and this bureau does not
even answer a letter regarding a policy
In less than thirty days.
This Government has spent money
lavishly to win the war. but IL is at
present pursuing a niggardy policy to-
ward its MANNED defenders. It is easily
verified that men are being discharged
after the loss OF a leg above the knee
with compensation OF SIS a month,
The writer lost his leg in october.
1918. seven months ago. To-day II IL
impossible TO get any definite informa-
ton from the Government, General
statements and promises are plentiful.
but rather tiresome and monotono,s.
He would gladly have given both legs
to defend his country, and now all that
he asks Is facts about the provisions OF
this law, and can get absolutely no
definite satisfaction. Nor Is there any
hone of immediate information after
discharge the writer being acquainted
with several men who are still hope
lessly waiting,
The promises OF tho Vocational
Board are alluring for those who wish
to be rented for some occupation. A
general perusal OF the War Risk In
surancs act Is satisfactory. but pub
liclty is the only way to show the peo-
pie that partially disabled soldiers are
getting a percentage of $50. not 800
q month. which is paid for total dis
ability or the loss of both eyes, both
hands or both legs.
1t Is conceded that II is impossible to
nay a soldier for his duty. But he 10.
II he survives. entitled to share TO the
utmost the benefits OF his efforts.
I feel confident that II every ono could
see the splendid spirit OF our wounded
boys, no matter how badly MANNED they
may be, everything possible would be
done TO procure proper legislation with
out further delay. The facts In the
letter are enlightening.
ISABEL d. HUNTER.