New-York tribune., 1920-02-17

siter 1t either necessary or appropri-
ate to make any defense of this posi-
ton. II Ia simply question of jus
tice and fair play whether the people
OF TINS country. through their rep
fese natives in Congress, live up to
thelr obligations to the ex-scrvicc
man. 1t is unmistakable that this
country recognized such an obliga-
uon IN its participation in the war,
and and that the legislation embodied in
the war risk insurance act and tho
provisions for vocational training was
framed in that spirit
This obligation, IN so far as it af-
tected the widows and orphans of SOL
die"a and the disabled. was only par
tiaiiy fulfilled by Legislation enacted
prior to the armistice. It was not
can Legion came to Washington in
December in the interest of procuring
amendments to existing legislation
that the rights of these people were
adequately considered, and the Amcri-
can Legion feels that they will not be
adequately protected without addi-
tional legislation which the legisla-
tive committee is now furtherin
Congress has taken no step what
socver to discharge the governments
obligation to other cX-service men and
women. 1t was the view of the dele
gates of more than a mallion ex-ser-
wee men and women at the American
Legion's national convention in Min
Aeapolls thatthe government owed this
obligation to all eX-service men to re-
lieve the financial sadvantaces in
cldcntal to their military service.
he American Legion was informed
at that time that Congress awaited it's
views on this subject and consequent
y gave them expression, but left with
confidence to Congress the necessary
steps to carry them into effect. Con-
gress has taken no definite action
toward that end in the months that
havc elapsed since the convention.
The American soldier is not seek
'ne pay for his patriotism. Nothing
can recompense him for the sacrifices
he made. The American Legion be-
iieves, however. that it is possible to
relieve him Of the financial disadvan-
tages which his war service entailed.
We believe that American people will
support Congressional action looking
toward such relief and we do not be
heve that, regardless of the merits of
retrenchment at this time, economy
should be secured at the expense Of
the eN-servicc man.
Savings bank deposits in the last
few years have increased on the aver
age s4oO per capita. The government
saw fit TO grant to government clerks
a bonus for war service rendered in
The safety of the national Capitol
Workmen safely cnsconced In ship
yards and munition plants were re-
warded for their war service by ex-
ceptionally high wages.
The American Legion is not seek
ing q bonus. The american soldier
does not want bonus He does not
want reward for the performance
Of his duty as a citizen, the very per-
formance Of which will always be for
him a source Of the greatest personal
satisfaction.
His position in this matter and the
position of the American Legion are
hased upon simple justice-fair play.
There need never be any doubt that
the members Of the American Legion
and ell eX-service men will play fair
with the American people and live up
TO the high ideals for which the Amer
lean Legion was founded. and We
firmly believe that when the ex-serv-
zee mans position, with respect to ad-
iusted compensation, is understood by
the American people they will want to
play fair with him through their rep
rescntatlves in Congress-"