Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1921-04-06
Harding Gives
Instructions to
Dawes Committee
Tells Board Wants TO Know
Where Agencies Have Fall
en- Down; Also Desires
Recommendations.

! Washing gton, April 15.-President
Harding today asked his special
commission, headed by Charles G..
Dawes, of Chicago. to make dill
gent inquiry" Of government de-
partment heads in an effort to find
out Just where the government
agencies have been lacking in
authority, neglectful or failing" in
caring for disabled service men. He
also asked that investigation be
made of "the abuses which have de-
veloped'
Mr.. Dawes who called on the
president today at the White House,
announced that the presidents
wishes would be carried out to the
letter and that the inquiry would
not be. directed into controversial or
extended subjects.
make an investigation into the ad-
ministration of the law for caring
for the crippled and injured SOL
diers of the late world war;" said the
presidents statement. There have
been numerous complaints that the
government is neglecting the be
coming care of these defenders. to
whom it owes every consideration,
and there is further complaint that
there is tardiness in dealing with
them and their claims which grew
out of their service.
Must Find Cause.
Il should like you to make diligent
inquiry of department heads or with
those associated with them, in all ef-
fort to find out just where the gov
ernment agencies are in any way
lacking in authority, neglectful or
failing to carry out what is the un-
questioned intent of congress in its
enactment of laws, and the making
of appropriations. There need be no
inquiry into the intent of the gov
ernment, because | think it is we'll
understood that every agency desires
to deal justly and generously with
those of its defenders who were I'M
paired in the nations defense.
Il think it would be well, while
you are making inquiry as to the
failure to care for these service men
that you also make inquiry into the
abuses which have developed, and
look carefully into the regulations
adopted SO that you may know their
probable effect in the future. 1t is
well to realize that the American peo-
pie want to prove the republic S
gratitude TO these men.
Must Stand Fifty Years.
"The regulations adopted at this
time are likely to be in effect for a
full half century to come. In order
to deal justly with these men and
carry out a permanent policy it is
exceedingly important to start on a
firm foundation" 5i 5
Mr.. Dawes told his commission
that it was known that "a deplora-
Bile situation exists" ard that the
president and congress were anx-
ious to remedy it.
THE condition exists" he de-
clared, because of lack OF co-ordi-
nation among the agencies au-
thorized by the law to care for the
soldiers. Something must be ac-
complished. We will find the rem
edy and stay in continuous session
until we do. Tie men on the other
side worked at night. This relates
to them. Let's cut out the dinners
and get down to definite work right
now"
Mr.. Dawes said the commissions
hearings should be concluded by
Saturday night and the commission
then begin its executive sessions to
draft recommendations for submis-
sion to the president.