The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1922-04-11
BONUS BILL To
PASS CONGRESS
BEFORE SUMMER
Vanderbilt Thinks Rash
Feature Will Become
Part of Law in u. S.
Senate.
By CORNELIUS VANDERBILT Jr.
written for The Tribune)

WASHINGTON, April l0-lt can
be set down now on the highest
authority that the United States Gov
eminent will play straight cash bor-
us to all veterans of the World War
who received honorable discharges
from the army navy and marine corps.
The bonus bill, which will be cash
bonus after it shall have passed the
Senate, will come into full force and
effect before the adjournment Of
Congress this summer.
There has been considerable hag-
Cling over the bonus bill in its present
form; much difference of opinion has
arisen as to whether the measure
should embody sales tax, or the is
suance of government bonds and treas
ury certificates by which to raise the
necessary funds. But learn on. the
best authority that the present House
bonus bill, which gives the veteran
a half dozen rather unsatisfactory al
ternatives in lieu of straight cash, will
never see the light of day in the Sen
ate.
There are various we'll founde
reasons as to why the house bonus
measure will go to pieces on the sena-
torial rocks. The main reason is pure
ly political. Seventy-five per cent of
this countrys primary elections are
scheduled to take place within the
next nine weeks. From the purely
selfish viewpoint of party, the Repub-
Leans are casting an anxious eye to-
wards the approaching elections. They
realize that on the bonus hinges the
final result of these primaries. They
realize, also that the American Legion
and its friends, not politicians but re
solved that the veterans shall receive
their just due, really holds in its hands
the fate,of the Republican party.
Now, it is we'll known that Presi-
dent Harding will veto the bill if it
passes the Senate without certain rad
ical changes, the most important of
which is the Presidents expressed
desire to have sales tax provision.
Ticklish Politics
In view of the present ticklish poll
teal situation, the Republican leaders
in the Senate realize too we'll that
they cannot afford to risk possible
veto of the bill.
Therefore, | am quoting from
highest authority the much compli,a
ted House bonus bill will pass into
oblivion upon reaching the Senate.
Some of its minor provisions will re-
main, but its outstanding feature will
be straight cash payment to the
veterans. This money will most
likely be paid in one lump sum to
each veteran and not in series of
payments as set down in the Fordney
measure
mains a question yet to be thrashe
out in the Senate The Senate Fin
ance Committee, which will rebuild
the House bonus measure, has two
concrete plans under consideration,
one of which will be incorporated in
to the new Senate bill. They are
|. The sales tax recommended by
President Harding, but which was un-
acceptable to the House Committee
2. Authorization for the Secretary of
the Treasury to issue against the full
amount of the bonus special bonds
and treasury certificates
have made a close study of the
bonus situation, not because | am a
veteran. but because believe that
every American who served his coun-
try during the war is entitled to COM
pensation for the sacrifices he incur
red In my opinion, a sales tax
would not only be the safest and san
est solution of the whole question, but
in line with sound business principles.
Moreover, such a tax would be the
least burden on the citizens and com
munity.
Many senators, / have found in 4
canvass of the situation, are in favor
OF the sales tax plan, and, if the
head of the Senate Finance Committee
possesses the courage to recommend
the sales tax, and fight for its passage
there seems to be little doubt that the
Senate will adopt it. l doubt, how.
ever, whether he will have the temer.
ity to suggest such tax in view oil
the strong opposition from certain in.
fluential financial sections of tn,
country.
Other Alternative
Respecting the other alternative,
understand from reputable authorit,
that portion of the bonus none,
would be taken from the reserv.
funds in the treasury, against which
the Secretary of the Treasury woulc