The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1922-09-23

not be long ignored. The latest
budget figures for the current fis-
cal year show ain estimated deficit
of more than .s650,000 and a fur
ther deficit for the year succeeding,
even after counting upon all in
terest collections on foreign in
debtedness which the government
is likely to receive. To add to our
pledges to pay, except as necessity
compels, must seem nc less than
governmental folly. Inevitably it
means increased taxation, which
congress was unwilling to levy. for
the purpose of this bill, and will
turn us from the course toward
economy so. essential to promote
the activities which contribute to
common welfare.
...It is to be remembered that the
United States played no self seek
ing part in the World war, and
pursued an unselfish policy after
the cause was won. We demanded
no reparation for the cost involved,
no payments out of which obtisa-
tions to our soldiers could be met.
I have not n1agnified the willing
outlay in behalf OF those to whom
we have sacred obligation. It
is essential to remember that a
more than four billion dollar pledge
to the able bodied ex-service men
now Will not diminish the later OBJ
legation which will have to be met
when the younger veterans OF to-
day shall contribute to the rolls Of
the aged, INDECENT and dependent.
Pensions Will Come.
cit is as inevitable as that the
years Will pass, that pension pro-,
vision for World war veterans will
be made, as it has been made for
those who served in previous wars.
It will cost, more billions than /
venture to suggest. There will be
justification when the need is
apparent, and a rational financial
policy today is necessary to make
the nation ready for the expendi-
true which is certain to be required
in the coming years. The con-
temptation of such a policy is in
accord with the established prac-
tfce of the nation, and puts the
service men. Of the World war on
the same plane as the millions Of
men who fought the previous bat
ties OF the republic.
s I confess a regret that 4 must
sound a note Of disappointment to
the many ex-service men who have
the impression that it is as simple
a matter for the government to be-.
stow billions in peace as it was to
expend billions in war. !, regret,
to stand between them and the
pitiably small compensation pro-
posed. I dislike to be out Of ac-
cord with the majority of congress
which has voted the bestowal. The
simple truth is that this bill pro-
poses a government obligation Of
more than four billions without a
provision Of funds for the extra
ordinary expenditure, which the
executive branch of the govern
ment must finance in the face OF
difficult financial problems, and
the complete defeat of our com
mitment to effect economies. I
would rather appeal, therefore, to
the candid reflections of congress
and the country and to the ex-ser-
vice men in particular, as to the
course better suited to further the
welfare Of our country. These
ex-soldiers who served so gallant
" in war, and who are to ,be so
conspicuous in the progress Of
the republic in the half century
before us, must know that nations
can only survive where taxation is.
restrained from the, limits of op-
preston, where the public treasury
is locked against class: legislation,
but ever open to public necessity
and prepared to meet all essential
Obligations. Such a policy makes
a better country for which to fight,
or to have fought, and affords
surer abiding place in which to
/. :