The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1920-12-25
Eleven States Already Decide on
Bonus for War Workers.
Eight More to Decide at Coming
Legislature Sessions.
new YORK MOST GENEROUS
Assembly at Albany Provides
Huge Fund of $45,0OO,O0O.
States Include Women With
Men in Their Gifts.

New York, Dec. 25.-SoldierS, SAIL
ors and marines-and in some cases
nurses, and first aid workers-who
took part in the World War will be re-
warded in at least eleven states of the
Union.
That number has already authorized
the expenditure of approximately
$I50.0O0,000 for relief of veterans and
for buying farms, obtaining medical
relief and securing educations. Bonus
bills have been proposed in score or
more other state legislatures but have
not yet been enacted.
Eleven States So Far.
The states that have so far extended
financial relief in payment in part, at
least, CT its gratitude to its sons and
daughters for their valiant service dur
ing the great conflict, are New York.
New Jersey, Minnesota, North Dakota,
Wisconsin, Washington, Massachu-
Sets Rhode Island, Maine, New
Hampshire and Vermont.
New Yorks appropriation naturally
leads the list in point of size, on ac-
count of the fact that that state, with
approximately 10 per cent of the ma
tion's population. had the largest en-
rollment. The amount the Albany leg
islature voted for soldier bonuses was
s45, 100000. This sum was approved
Dy the voters IN d TeISESAQuHl at the
November election.
Other amounts, where definitely set,
follow: New Jersey, S12,000,000; Min
nesota, $40, 000, 900; Wisconsin. $25,-
5000; washington, S11 .0O0,00o;
North Dakota, 100000 (first year).
Get 500 Each.
In Massachusetts,, Maine, New
! Hampshire, Vermont and Rhode Is
land the bonus decided on was 500
for each recipient, the amount to be
raised by taxation.
In Alabama the legislature can
celled the veterans poll taxes for five
years.
Efforts were made in Illinois and
Maryland last year to pass a bonus
bill at the state legislatures, but they
failed. A provision for soldiers aid
was defeated by the Missouri cleo
I torate at the last election.
New York Decides Bonus
Further legislation is necessary in
New York to determine a method of
paying the bonus. Shortly after the
! legislature meets at Albany next
month, it is expected that a commits
sion will be created to work out a
| scheme. Soldiers, sailors, marines and
nurses are to receive SO for each
month of service. No officer above
rank of captain may participate in the
! bonus.
| New Jersey created a bonus COM
mission to carry out the provisions OF
the soldier aid law approved by the
| voters Every man and woman from
/ New Jersey who volunteered or who
was indicted into service under the
| draft laws will receive SO for each
month of service, the aggregate in
dividua1 bonus not to amount to more
| than 500 however.
Minnesota granted SIS for each
month of service. The funds are to
J be raised by the sale of certificates OF
Indebtedness sufficient to pay 1900
! bonuses.
Farms Minnesota Gift.
North Dakota will pay $25 for each
money must be spent in buying a
! farm home, medical relief or obtain
! ing an education. The money is to be
| raised by a tax on real estate.
Wisconsin put into effect an educa-
tional bonus, providing for the pay
ment to each man or woman in serv-
| ice $40 for each month, to be used in
getting an education anywhere in the
| United States. A cash bonus was also
voted, giving each person SO for each
| month of service. The money is to be
raised by levy on incomes.
Other States Consider Bonus.
In Washington state. every service
man or woman will be entitled to Sic
for each month served between the
/ beginning of the war for America
April 6, 1917-to its end-November
IL. 1918.
Bonus bills will be proposed al
many legislatures this winter. includ-
ing Tennessee, Kentucky, Delaware
Pennsylvania, Iowa, Indiana, Michi-
gan and Illinois. according to reports
to the United Press.