Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1922-01-27
THE BONUS

being asked for information respect
ing the national finances as likely to
be affected by the proposed bonus
legislation, makes q statement. He Is
to be commended rather than con-
demned for his frank reply, assum-
Ing that he told the truth, and it
would indeed be extraordinary If he
did not set forth the facts as he sees
them, In view of the hostility he
must have foreseen he would prob
ably incur. Unless his statements
can be dsproved all, those in favor
and likewise those opposed to the
soldiers bonus, should accord him
tribute for a duty performed. If all
public servants had Secretary Mel
Ions courage the chances of success
for that legislation would be ap-
probably less, for undoubtedly quite
number of members OF congress are
influenced rather by the soldier vote
than by their convictions as to what
Is best for the country to do.
In light OF all the conditions it is
evident that bonus will be voted.
Likewise in view of all the conditions
We are convinced that this will prove
in the end the wise thing to do. Not
that the country is under obligation
20 do this at this limo; not that the
country need be regarded ungrateful
should II refuse to do this; not that
II already hasn't done and isn't doing
more for the disabled than ever was
attempted before: not that it did not
make better provisions to care for the
soldier and his dependents in the
way of life insurance than ever was
done before. Not for these reasons,
but because If it isn't done a sense
OF injustice will be implanted in the
minds of thousands, who have been
and are capable of continuing our
strongest props of sane government.
No matter though this sense of in
justice be not in itself just, it would
Furthermore, while this bonus has
got TO be paid and the people Of this
country. ex-service men as we'll as
others. have got to help pay it,
whether they realize Il or not, and
while IL must inevitably cause diff
culties and aggravate burdens for the
country TO assume this undertaking
at this time what about the difficult
ties and burdens undergone by the
service men?
1t is eminently fitting that the
country should ever keep in mind
what these men did. whether as VOL
unteors or in compliance with the
draft law. The country could not, if
IL would. pay them fer this and it
should not. If it would, forget them.
1t Is evident many IF the ex-service
men feel that the country has forgot
ten, are mindful of the we'll recog-
nized fact that countries are pro-
verbally ungratcful and all that.
TIN bonus is not likely to remove that
impression altogether. No bonus can
make recipients reasonable but it
should, In a time like this. impress on
their minds the disposition of the
country TO suffer inconvenience, even
TO the extent OF interference with our
progress in recovery from financial
depression. in order to relieve their
condition.
They were taken from the walks of
civil life and thrust into whatever
position demanded them. 1t mat
tertd not that the paths from which
they were taken might never be open
TO them again; that possibly their
careers were diverted if not ended;
that those dear to them suffered in
consequence: that the experience
into which they We're forced may
ave Slapped their vitality and yet
eft them able in the eye of the law;
I afforded no excuse that those who
lid not have TO go enjoyed in many
instances opportunities for advance
merit denied to the service man. Is
strange If they are saying to them
selves: 1t matters not If the tax
payers have to hustle a bit; it's
nothing to the hustling they would
ave had to do If we hadn't gone"
So perhaps they will feel better
about II. will take up their civic du-
ties with more zest II we do hustle
a bit" Let's try it. Then If any of
them show inclination to get the
ponus habit It should be possible in
the light of this experience to DEM
nstrate that such habit persisted
would ruin any country and SIM
~ isn't being done.
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