New-York tribune., 1920-03-03

Legion eonssnton had daoRsie aed = n
dorse any Of the pending bonus bills.
The witness admitted this, but added
that since that tine the executive
council Of the Legion had taken q
more definite position.
"The overwhelming majority Of ex-
service men," said Mr.. D'Olier in
opening the case for the advocates Of
the bonus, "fee1 strongly that this
government owes an obligation TO all
persons who were handicapped either
bodily or financially because Of mill
"The American Legion. representing
more than 100000 ex-service men
and women, spoke plainly on this point
at its national convention in Novem-
Der. Although this obligation to the
disabled men. handicapped bodily, was
universally acknowledged, 1t required q
special meeting of the American Le-
gion in Washington during December,
moro than year after the signing Of
action by Congress for the disabled
longer be an object Of charity, but
could live on his increased compensa-
tion allowances.
"Tho average man has been out Of
the service more than year, and out
side Of the $50, which hardly bought
him civilian outfit, he has received
no aid from his government In over
coming the handicap incidental to his
service.
"In accordance with resolutions
passed at the national convention Of
fetal legislation committee is ready
to submit recommendations for legisla-
tion covering four features, as follows:
Land settlement covering farms
in all states and not confined to-
few states.
"Home aid to encourage purchase
of homes in either country or city.
EDUCATIONAL training for all ex-
service men desiring it.
adjustment Of compensation or
final adjustment Of extra back pay
based on length Of service for those
not desiring to avail themselves Of
any OF the previous three features.
"The ex-service person to have an
above four features proposed and only
upon his application.
Legion Merely Asks Aid
"The American Legion asks for no
bonus, wants no bonus--that sounds
too much like gift or present from
the government. 1t merely asks the
government to assist the ex-service
man aa,1 IN s, overcoming some Of the
his military or naval service.
at asks that each Of these fou,
features shall only be rs liberal as
is consistent with the welfare Of the
| whole country. The American Legion
asks nothing in it's selfish interest at
the expense Of the country, but at the
same time does not feel that this OBJ
legation to ex-service men and women
| should be altogether passed by at this
time, and all economizing done at the
expense of the ex-service man.
"If legislation Is wisely framed
covering land settlement, home aid and
vocational training, every dollar in
vested by the government ultimately
| will bring great returns to the coun-
try by making the ex-service man a
| better citizen and greater producer
and will increase the wealth of the
nation.
Having waited more than a year
! it is not unreasonable to expect now
some action showing that the interests
of the exservice man have not been
/ altogether forgotten.
| "AllS that the American Legion asks
is as liberal treatment as is consistent
with the welfare Of the whole country
Legislation that Is fair to the ex
service man, and at the same time jus,
as fair to the entire nation as we'll"