The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1922-02-16
PRESIDENT NOW

Continued from Page One)
this expression of gratitude is design
ed to bestow.
1T is not an agreeable thing to
again, but, frankly 1 do not find my
self favorable to the piecemeal pay
ment plan which is manifestly de-
signed to avoid ehbarra ssment to the
treasury. The long drawn out pay
ments will not afford an effective
helpfulness to the service men.
I'VE have no serious problem in
beginning the allotments of public
lands and the immediate issue of paid
up insurance. The real difficulty lies
in the payment of the cash bonus.
Rather than provide that the maxi
q period of 2 " years it would be a
vastly better bestowal if we could
await the day when we may safely I'M
dertake to pay at once in full, SO that
the award may be turned to real adj
vantage.
"Inasmuch as the treasury is to be
called upon to meet more than So
00O. 900. 900 of maturing obligations in
the sixteen months Immediately before
US, it is not possible to recommend
the fssue of several hundred millions
of additional short time notes. Further
excessive borrowings would likely
undo all that has been accomplished
III tttlttCSS AdlCS anu SO
bilizing the financial world, both
vitality essential to the resumption of
Industrial and commercial activities.
Granting that it is not fair to OPP
pose any proposed plan without offer
ing a substitute, let me repeat that
believe the American people will ac-
cept the levy of a general sales tax
to meet the proposed bonus payments,
and we should contribute thereby no
added difficulties to the problems OF
readjustment. If congress will not
adopt such a plan, it would be wise
to let the legislation go over until
there is a situation which will justify
the large outlay.
Must Remember Veterans.
I'VE are driving for large econo-
mics, we are pushing the disposition
of surplus war property and have
other transa ctionS under consideration
which ought to prove great refer TO
the federal treasury It is not consist
ent to enact legisla ton in anticipa ton
of these things, but it would be pru-
dent plan to await the developments
and I can see in such a postponemeIi--
no lack of regard for the service men
in whom all the American people are
so genuinely interested.
81 take it that the ex-service men
themselves are no less concerned than
others about the restoration of bust
ness and the return to abundant en-
ployment. Those of their wounded or
sick comrades. who were impaired by
their war service. are being cared for
with the most liberal generosity the
nation can bestow. There are here
and there exceptional cases of neglect
and attending complaint but we are
seeking them out and correcting with
all possible speed.
1T has not been possible to meet all
the dema nds for special hospitaliza-
ton, but we are building to that end.
without counting the cost We are ex-
pending four hundred million dollars
a year in compensation. hOspitalization
and reha Utilization. These things are
recited to reassure you that such de-
lay as will enable congress to act in
prudence for the common good. will
have no suggestion of unmindfulness
or ingratitude-
Very truly yours,
tSigned1 WARREN G. HARDING