The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1922-09-20


Planters Warehouse, which held
practically $50 or 600 bales of cot
ton.
When the alarm was given the fire
department responded, but on ac-
count of strong east wind the fire
was uncomfortable. 1t was thought
the fire. had burned several hours
before 1t was discovered. The loss
was estimated at $4,000, partly COW
cred by insurance.
the rich republic to add four billions
to Its indebtedness. This impression
comes from the readiness of the pub
lie response to the governments APP
peal for funds amid the stress of
war. 1t Is to be remembered that
in the war everybody was ready to
give his all. Let us not recall the
comparatively few exceptions Citi-
zens of every degree of competence
loaned and sacrificed, precisely in
the same spirit that our armed forces
went out for service. The war spirit
impelled. To a war necessity there
was but one answer, but a peace
bestowal on the ex-service men as
though the supreme offering could be
paid for with cash, Is a perversion of
public funds, reversal of the policy
which exalted public service in the
past and suggests that future de-
Tense is to be inspired by compensa-
ton rather than consciousness of
duty to flag and country.
THE pressing problem of the gov
eminent is that of diminishing our
burdens, rather than adding here
to. 1t is the problem of the world.
War mutations and war expenditures
have unbalanced budgets and added
to indebtedness until the whole
world is staggering under the load.
We have been driving in every di-
rection to curtail our expenditures
and establish economics without inn
pairing the essentials of govern
mental activities. 1t has been
difficult and unpopular task. 1t is
vastly more applauded to expend
than to deny. After nearly year
and a quarter of insistence and per-
suasion with a concerted drive to
reduce government expenditure In
every quarter possible, it would wipe
out everything thus far accomplished
to add now this proposed burden,
and it would rend the commitment
of economy and saving SO essential
to our future welfare.
The financial problems of the
government are too little needed I'M
til we are face to face with great
emergency. The diminishing In
come of the government, due to the
receding tides of business and at
tending incomes, has been over
looked momentarily. but cannot lie
long ignored. The latest budget fig-
ures for the current fiscal year show
an estimated dificit of more than
$3.50. 900. 600 and further deficit for
the year succeeding, even AFTER
counting upon all interest collections
on foreign Indebtedness which the
government is likely to receive. To
add our pledges to pay except as
necessity compels, must seem no
less than government folly.
Would Increase Tax
Inevitably 1t means increased tax
alton. which Congress was unwilling
to levy for the purpose of this bill,
and will turn us from the course to-
ward economy so essential to pro-
mote the activities which contributed
to common welfare.
IT Is to be remembered that the
United States played no self-seeking
part in the World war and pursued an
unselfish policy after the cause was
won. We demanded no reparaton
for the cost involved, no payments
out of which obligations to our SOL
diers could be met have not mag
nified the willing outlay In behalf
of those to whom we have a sacred
obligation. 1t Is essential to remem-
her that more than four billion dol
lar piedre tc ths ahie- bodied ex-
service ansn NOW VIM not diminish
the late ohi{eatieAs which will
have to BE- met whoa the younger
veterans a to-day snail ontribute to
the rolls 81 che aeeA tndigent and
dependent. II Is as inevitable as that
the years WIZ rass. lat pension
provision for World war terans will
rbe made, a II has beer made for
those who served Ia prey Gus wars.
1t will cost lnore billions an I ven-
ture to sugg, "a. There IS ll be jr~ti-
fication whel the noeq h appa
and q natioial Financial noliey 81
necessary to make the nation ready
for the expenciture which is CO s.siu
to be required ~ the COMING ears.
The contemplate of such a policy Is
in accord with the established Drse-
tees of the nation and puts Il & seF
vice men of tho World war the
same plane as the niliieas men
who fought the previous Daf Of
the republic.
Regret Aet1an
sY confess roEret that 3ust
sound a note of dis ppointf4e the
many ex-service men whgs he
impression that it is as Simple q mat
ter for the government to bestow
billions in peace as it WAS 10 eS-
pend billions in war. ! regret to
stand between them and the piHabiy
small compensation proposed. ! dis
like to be out of accord with the ma
iority of Congress which has voted
the bestowal The simple truth IS
that this bill proposes a government
obligation of more than four billions
without a provision of funds for the
extraordinary expenditure, whtelf the
executive branch of the gogegnmes
must finance in the face Of difficult
financial problems and She complete
defeat OF our commitment 10 effect
economies. I would rather appea
therefore, to the candid reflections Of
Congress and the country and to the
ex-service men in particular as 20 The
course better suited 70 fsrther she
welfare of our country. These ex
soldiers who served SO calamity in
war and who are to be conspicuous
during the next halls ce4tury before
us. must know that nations can only
survive where taxation IS restrained
from Its limits Of oppfessiotl where
the public treasury Is l9ekce sgasnst
class legislation, but aNar omen to