Indiana daily times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1914-1922, 1920-11-11
AMERICA HAS
PAIDHALF HER
BIG WAR DEBT
That Is, Cost in Dollars and
Cents Has Been Cut in
Two.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 1L-On the sec
ond anniversary Of the signing OF the
armistice that ended the World War,
America's two foremost leaders in that
oonfiict are making ready to step back
into private life.
Just two years ago today President
Wilson, standing in the House Of Rep
xesentatives, read to an assemblage OF
Gongressmen, cabinet officials and dip
iorats the terms Of the document the
Germans had been forced to sign. To-
day. the Presidents white-haired inVa-
nd-a casualty Of the great war ne
helped end, his friends SAYS making
ready to leave the White House for some
quiet home where he probably win write
a history of the great events in when
he stood as a leading figure.
Gen. John J. Pershing, head or TINS
American expeditionary force, soon VIII
put aside the khaki The first fun gen
eraI since Grant has finished his reports.
His work in connection with the army
reorganization act is practically over.
The general expects soon to take trip
10 south America as an official repre-
sentative of this country. Beyond that
his plans are not known.
WILL TAKE SEVERAL
OTHERS WITH HIM.
Along With President Wilson, there
will retire several Cabinet members wh'
helped carry the burden Of Amer. Is
war EFFORT. Secretary Of War Baker
ana Secretary Of the Navy Daniels are
two of these. Secretary of Labor VIII
non. who helped keep the country free
from labor troubles during the days On
conflict: Postmaster General Burleson,
who managed the telegraph and tele-
nhone lines. and Secretary Houston, now
N the treasury and formerly at the head
of the Agriculture Department, Will also
leave the Cabinet
But If the war leaders are passing,
America still has before her sufficient re-
minder of the days when the German
hordes were turned slowly back.
Throughout the country on next Sun
dav memorial services will be held for
more than 100000 American soldiers who
were killed or died OF disease-114,46o Is
the exact number, according to Govern
ment statistics. President Wilson has
officially proclaimed next Sunday ss the
day fer memorial services.
Nineteen thousand five hundred men
wounded and disabled, many Of them
crippled for life, are still in Government
hospitals undergoing treatment, accord
ing to figures of the war risk insurance
bureau.
Some American troops are still in
Europe. They constitute the army of
occupation, 1900 strong at Coblenz, Ger
many. where the American forces were
assigned under terms of the armistice.
LIVING DIFFERENT
LIFE THESE DAYS.
And according to all reports, these sol
diers are living vastly different life
from those who tramped through the
mud and lived in dugouts. Because Of
the decline Of German money, the Ameri-
can soldiers with their $50 a month are
IN the millionaire class. Germany not
being dry, a large glass Of beer can be
obtained there for one cent IN American
money. Other prices are in proportion.
Nearly half OF the cost Of the war to
America In actual dollars has been paid,
according to Treasury Department fig
ures. This, however, is exclusive OF the
SIG, 900, 900 600 loaned the allies.
Exclusive Of that $4,000. 600, 900. former
Secretary Treasury Glass estimated the
war cost this country S260o7, coo 600. OF
this 81, $50 o00, 900 was paid in taxes dur
ing the course OF the war and afterward.
Two and a half billion more has been
paid since the armistice-a total OF $13,-
100000 paid.
Under present plans of retiring the
debt 1t will take about twenty-five years
To retire the remainder of the war debt.