The New York herald., 1922-02-14
TEXT OF BORAH'S SPEECH
IN OPPOSING BONUS BILL

, ment shall have discharged its obligation
to the wounded or disabled soldiers the
taxpayers of this country will have met
an obligation of at least $4,000. 000,0
conservative experts have estimated
It at 500, 900 900, 900. That sum seems
so staggering and so stupendous that
hesitate to prophesy that we VIII reach
that sum. but I do not know by what
process we can reason it down below
$75. 900. 100000.
"Look for a moment at the civil war
pension appropriations. In 1875, ten
years after the close of the civil war, our
appropriation for pensions was $29,-
$4,000. That was ten years after the
conflict was over. We are now appro-
priating $780, 100000 within four years
after the war Is over.
Comparative Figures.
"In 1898. prior to the Spanish war, we
appropriated to the veterans of the civil
war $141.263.SS0. So from 1875 to 1898
there had been this large increase, and
in 1921, ffty-six years after the civil
war. we appropriated S17o.15o.0oo for
pensions.
eff. therefore, we compare the rate OF
increase, taking into consideration the
larger number with whom we shall have
to deal and the greater seriousness of
the war so far as inflicting injuries and
wounds is concerned, we shall arrive
readily at the conclusion that the amount
of money which have suggested as the
probable amount which the taxpayers
will have to meet is a reasonable figure
to be considered.
"One of the reasons why am opposed
to the bonus bill Is because do not be-
lieve. even with the large sums which we
are now appropriating, that we are do
ing all that we ought to do by the dis
abled soldiers.
.T am perfectly aware that the sub
ject of neglect of the disabled soldier
is one which Is calculated to create
good deal OF feeling and some undue
sentiment, and therefore facts and fig
ures may be exaggerated but after all
these things are taken into considera-
ton 1 entertain no doubt at all that
those who are in charge of this service
and they are faithful and efficient
could utilize altogether to the benefit
and advantage and happiness and well
fare of the disabled soldier 100000. 900
a year more than they are now
receiving.
Situation Not Fully Met.
"T know, not only by personal OBJ
servation, as every Senator here knows,
that there are many cases which call
for consideration at the hands OF the
Government, and we know that those
who are particularly in touch with the
disabled soldiers are constantly pre-
senting to the Government the fact that
the situation has not yet been met.
Only short time ago a letter was adj
dressed to the President of the United
States calling attention to the fact that
the neglect of the disabled soldier was
a smirch upon the good name of the
United States. and calling attention to
facts and circumstances which seem to
have warranted the conclusion which
the writer's drew. vtAa
Among other things, they say:
"For example, in the Longview
Asylum In Hamilton county. Ohio. there
are forty-two gallant soldiers who broke
down mentally under the stress OF the
war. although Longview is so over
crowded that 240 of the inmates sleep
on the floor like cattle
IT never have heard Of that state
ment being controverted. There are
other statements which have been made
which seem to be we'll founded and
these things. taken in connection with
the personal knowledge which every
Senator has either through letters or
observation, lead me to believe that,
owing to the fact that the Government
is now apparently meeting every bur-
den In the way Of tax gathering that il
can. we are not meeting the situation
with reference, to the disabled soldier
as we should
Appeal to Reason.
Does any one doubt that If we impose
upon the taxpayers of this country an