The Washington times., 1922-07-07
MILLIONS
ASK CASH
FOR VETS
Monster Plea, Sponsored by
Hearst Newspapers, Is Re-
ceNed by Senators.

The third million petition urg-
ing immediate enactment of the
soldiers bonus bill, collected by
Hearst newspapers throughout the
country, was formally presented
to Congress today. It was re-
ceived by Senator McCumber,
chairman of the Senate Finance
Committee.
Offered by Legiess Vet. .-
Ivan D. Berry, Of Iowa. vet
eran Of the Rainbow division, who
lost leg at the battle OF st.
Mihiel. and Mrs. Hilda I. Smith.
Of the Salvation Army, made the
presentation. Senator McCumber.
prior to the presentation Of the
petition. shook hands with the vet
eran and chatted with him about
the battle in which he was dis
abled.
Berry Tod the Senators who as
| sembled on the, Capitol steps that
he presented the million signatures
in behalf of "nfy comrades and in
behalf of the people Of the nation
who are anxious that ex-service
men be compensated for the losses
by reason Of having to serve in the
military forces"
In reply, Senator McCumber told
the gathering that "the bonus bill
is the unfinished business before
the Senate and as soon as the tariff
bill. is disposed Of, the bonus bill
will be taken up and there will be
is taken on it,"
McCumber Hopeful.
During the formal presentation
Of the signatures moving picture
men were, busy reeling off pictures
Of the veterans and Senators. Sena-
tor McCumber posed specially for
the dozen or more photographers
who crowded about the lawmakers.
Shortly after the presentation
Senator McCumber remarked that
| the bundle of signatures which had
been handed to him had some
weight. "I hope It will have more
weight in the Senate" Mrs. Smith
quickly shot back. The Senator
smiled and said he hoped so.
Sightseers who had been inspect.
ing the Capitol stopped to witness
the presentation and in a short time
a large crowd had gathered. When
Berry had finished his brief speech
the gathering clapped and cheered
the veteranl
Berry said in part:
without in any way criticisinE
the Senate, we want to again i'm.
press upon you the fact that millions
Of soldiers throughout the United
States have not been given u fair
deal. We know that you have done
your best for us, but you have been
unable to overcome the obstacles
thrown in your way by selfish in.
terests.
Voice Of Three Millions.
This petition completes about
three and one-half millions Of citi.
| zens who have made a written de-
| mand on Congress that the bonus
| bill be passed. It Is extremely
doubtful IL so much interest ever
before has been shown in a meas.
ure Of this kind. am quite sure
that the public is becoming i'm.
patient with the delay and will
indicate this in the next election
unless something is done before ad.
journment."
"On behalf Of the Senators who
feel as l do. want to thank you
for presenting this petition at this
time." said Senator McCumber in
] acceptance. 1T gives us that as.
surance and confidence which we
need so much. We know that we
are doing what the people wish us
| to do.
IT also wish to thank the Hearst
newspapers for making IL possible.
On two previous occasions the
Hearst organization has gathered
and presented petitions bearing a
million signatures. Each time they
were Of tremendous help In pulling
the bill along over what appeared
to be insurmountable obstacles. I
feel quite confident that this peti.
ton win be equally as useful"
Members OF the American Legion,
Veterans Of Foreign Wars. disabled
soldiers from the hospitals about
Washington. Gold Star Mothers,
Continued on Page ., Column ~