The New York herald., 1922-08-11
LEGION AGENTS SPUR
M'CUMBER TO ACTION
Senator Tells Them Bonus Bill
in Present Form Will Be
Put Through.
SUPPORT rs NOT SINCERE
Primary Results Have Changed
Attitude Of Many in the
Upper House.
Is NOT SINCERE
Special Dispatch to THE New YORK HERALD,

Special DtSpdtch 10 IHn NEW ioAh i1nhALp.
New York Herald Bureau.
Washington. ID. c.. Aug. 10.
John Thomas Taylor, lobbyist for the
American Legion accompanied by Neyle
Colquitt. a lawyer and former clerk OF
the House Ways and Means Committee.
called on Senator McCumber. chairman
of the Senate Finance Committee. today
and discussed with him at length the
pending bonus bin.
While Mr.. McCumber refused to dis
close any details of the conference, 1t
was reported at the Capitol that the
Legion agents are made alarmed at the
prospect of having the bonus bill side
tracked in favor of legislation which
may be offered because of the tie-up
of railroads and mines.
Mr.. Taylor made 1t plain to Mr. Nc
Cumber. according to reliable reports.
that the Legion is not disposed to yield
one iota in favor of strike legislation
or any other program which aims to
delay further action on the bonus bill.
Politicians of the Legion take the
view that the latest proposal to side
step the bonus issue gives color to the
charges made by Democratic Senator'S
in favor of the raid that the Republican
leaders are not sincere in their support
OF the measure and that they grasp
every opportunity to delay action.
McCumber Promises Aid.
Mr.. Taylor, it is reported. showed
some spirit in registering his protest
against the way the bonus bill is being
handled in the Senate and gave evil
dence of using strong arm methods to
force the measure Though.
Chairman McCumb6r promised ./he
would fight to have the bill brought up
just as soon as the tariff bill is passed.
In keeping with the resolution adopted
by the Republican conference several
weeks ago. He frankly admitted, how
ever, that il the President in the mean
time urged some special remedial legis-
lation in tn industrial crisis. the Senate
likely would vote to consider that before
taking up the bonus bill.
Mr.. Thomas was told by Mr.. Nc
Cumber, 1t is said that there Is not
the slightest doubt that the bonus bill,
practically in its present form. will be
passed by the Senate. He reported that
bonus Senators are firm in their deter
mination to pass the measure and that
the sentiment In the Senate remains un-
changed despite the blows given the
proposal at the recent primaries.
The fact Is even the bonus Senators
gave a sigh OF relief when the possi-
bility developed that the President would
ask some special legislation that would
ssdetrack the bonus BILL
Few Sincere in support.
While a majority in the Senate Is
committed to a bonus BILL few Senators
really are sincere in support Of any such
proposal. They gave their promises to
agents of the American Legion months
ago when IL appeared that organization
would be the determining factor in all
subsequent elections and any Senator
who opposed the measure would be
olacklisted. However, since 1t has been
demonstrated beyond doubt that the
Legion's political strength is a myth
many Senators committed to the bill
are not so keen in their support. Quite
number would be pleased to have the
President authorize Senator Lodge, Re-
publican floor leader. TO withdraw the
measure from the calendar
A Senator who has been watching
closely the reaction to the bonus bill as
maries said to-day that apparently Rep
resentative Tilson Comm was correct
In his analysis of the political effect of
the support of the bill. This Is how Mr.
Tilson sizes up the political aspects of
the bonus bill
1T seems TO be assumed that because
each individual voted Is TO receive
slight pecuniary reward he and his
friends will in return politically reward
those who vote for It and punish those
who do not, regardless of the effect or
the legislation on the country. We be-
lieve this Is unjust and untrue.
Approval Not Purchasablc.
1T is not the spirit In which the
veterans enrolled to serve under the
flag in foreign country. 1t was Amer
lea first then, not his own individual
gain. He has the same spirit and the
same love of country now II upon
careful consideration he concludes as
we believe he will. that, II passed the
bonus bill will work serious injury 10
tie country as whole, then no miser-
able pittance IT may carry for him per-
sonally VIII purchase his approval"
Senator's opposed to the bonus also
pointed ont to-day that IL the bonus
bill is enacted "ali hope of early relief
from existing tax burdens disappears"
The fact that the pending mea
provides no sinking fund or amortization
plan for the redemption of the Insurance
certificates to be given the Veterans ,s
strong objection to the measure ex.
pressed by Senator'S who are now giving
serious thought to the bill.
II IL ridiculous for the Administration
to be preaching economy and make some
show OF cutting down expenses by ador<
Ing the budget system and reduciny
appropriations to different Department.
and then approve the passage OF tbis
bonus bin. said leading RepubI,ca =
Senator. II II like SAVING at the snIroS