The Bennington evening banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 19??-1961, 1922-02-18
BONUS BILL INSIDE
OF 10 DAYS, SAYS
COMMITTEE HEAD
Cheers Greet Assertion of Rep
resentative Fordney
SUSPICION BY DEMOCRATS
Declare Measure Is Framed with
Assistance Of American
Legion Men

Wash 'ngton, Feb lS-The out
stand ng development yesterday in
the bonus legislation situation was
an unexpected announcement in the
House by Chairman Fordney, of the
Ways and Means Committee, tlat
the bonus bi would be ready for
presentation to caucus OF House
Republicans within the next ten
days.
A moment alter this statement
was made there was shout from the
Republican de OF the chamber when
the chairman lifting his voice TO its
highest pitch, declared the sold er
measure would be passed by a Re-
publican House.
+, Breaking into the thick of a row
over charges by Representative Gar
.ner, Of Texas, ranking Democratic on
the comm ttee. that the bill was be-
ing framed secretly with the aid Of
representatives OF the American Leg
hon. Mr.. Fordnpy shouted TO the
Democratic side that the Republicans
did not deem 1t proper to seek adj
vice ON the bonus from those unal-
terably opposed to It.
/ While there was no other reference
TO the bonus on the floor, bonus Ia K
swirled through the corridors, and
Tor the time being, discussion OF
plans for cutting the arm! and navy
appropriation bill was forgotten
Republican members Of the ways and
means committee, meet ng morning
and afternoon. went over details OF
fhe proposed bill without giving any
intimation as to the exact form OF
the measure to be reported.
The ealing in OF John Taylor, vice
chairman OF the legion's legislative
committee. and Richard Jones, repre-
senting the Veterans OF Foreign
wars. provoked the protest OF Mr.
Garner and bis appeal that the House
sten in and prevent Republicans
meeting In secret with witnesses
,fayoring the measure, without al
I'm tting Democratic members to hs'
ten at least, to the deliberations.
How far sentiment was Swinging
tn the sales tax as a means OF Tals'
ing revenue for the bonus as ad'
yocated by President Harding was
the subject OF unending discussion
among members. 1t was evident on
all sides. however. that the repuDn,
cans we're determined to put the Olli
throuen the House, regardless o.
what night happen to II In the sen.
ate In the event the bill Is IN shape
for consideration by a Repuollcah
caucus within the time set by MI.
Fordney. leaders said 1t wouid De
passed prior to March 4. - g..
There is no power in tie House 70
head of the soldier bonus now sa.u
Pepubl' can leader, which seemeu 70
NO the view Of most members insist
ing upon It's early passage
SDemocrats opposing the measure
,,s,s,ed on the other hand that oo-
lection to the sales tax was so StIons ns
in some quarters that II that plan ol
meeting soldier payments was pre-
sented sauarely 1t might be defeated
o., - tho sales tax method Is re-
.od nu, - u was said, President
Handing would view with favor taH
49, -" nrcduction rather than on general
retan sales. The executive was sI,o o
80 favor this form. 1t was SAID at the
white House. for It was. he oelieVeu,'
w. n', INN est form Of this tax ana
eon,d ynv avoid problems OF exemptions
iwb'ch would probably arise IN caSe
a general retail sales tax was ue''O
ed on.