The New York herald., 1922-10-24
VETERANS LAUNCH
ATTACK ON BONUS
Ex-Service Mems Anti-Bonus
League Declares War on
Money Grab
INJURED DESERVE IT ALL
But Able Men Nothing, in
View of Meeting-Recruits
Asked at 81 Annual Dues.

With nothing for the able bodied but
everything for the disabled" as its
slogan. the Ex-Service Mems Anti Bonus
League got under way last night with
an organization meeting at the Hotel
Commodore small group of meh who
believe that the blanket bonus is wrong
planned for an alliance that shall take
in all of similar mind. SO that the league
may be ready for mass action in case
other attempts are made to put a bonus
bill through Congress. The flrst big
meeting is to be held at the Town Hall
on November 80 just before Congress
reconvenes. BY that time 1t is hoped to
have several thousand members in this
State.
Among the speakers last night were
Edward L. Allen and c. Curtss Main,
Jr., trustees, who, with Charles NJ. Null
lcr Incorporated the league; George
Brokaw Compton and Elhu Root, Jr
The chairman was Richard Malone Mr.
Compton organized the New York county
chapter or the American Legion, but
withdrew from its leadership two years
ago because it voted for the bonus, al
though he is still member.
II Is not our intent, purpose or de-
sire Mr.. Allen said. Ito create an
organization in opposition to or in any
way replace the American Legion as
the veteran organization of the coun-
try. though we of course disagree with
their adjusted compensation policy and
Will fight for our ideals with all our
might. but 1t will be clean fight
II believe the Legion deliberately
turned its back on the greatest oppor-
tunity it>has ever had to put itself in
a position where it could demand the
respect, admiration and support not
only of that great body of ex-service
r men outside it's membership. but of
the whole public as WELL"
The League said Mr.. Allen, intends
to oppose ANY and all attempts to
bonus or pension the able bodied ex-
service men," and its secondary pur-
pose is that ''of aiding in every way
possible legislation providing for the
injured and disabled"
These purposes" he added, "can be
accomplished only by first recruiting to
,lour ranks every possible ex-service man
who holds views similar to ours The
united voice Of $4,000 or 100000 such
men will sound the death knen Of ad-
5usted compensation and will speak for
the disabled in tones that cannot be
ignored"
Mr.. Compton challenged any bonus
advocate to reflte his contention that a
majority OF veterans did not favor the
bonus. He said he honestly respected
the fine ideals of the American Legion,
but had utter contempt for politicians
in or out of Congress or in or out OF
veterans organizations who do not be-
leve In the bonus but advocate it from
Improper motives.
And the whole movement" Mr..
Compton said. was started by persons
with improper motives--a small group
OF leaders who wanted it for personal
or political reasons. / ann prepared to
prove that II necessary. 1t is shame
that the American Legion. after start
ing on the right track. was derailed by
few men Dor improper purposes" He
suggested that the new league joio
forces with the legion If the legion
turns against the bonus otherwise that
1t take over the opportunities which
the legion had in 1919"
Mr.. Root. recalling how the Platts-
burg movement grew from very small
beginnings predicted like progress for
the league.
"And whether large or small" said
he. ''it will keep people from going
around and saying that the sentiment
of the ex-service men Is unanimous for
the bonus. 1t supplies a rallying point
for those who think that the bonus
is just a disgraceful grab
The trustees were authorized to Sc
lcct temporary executive committee.
Annual dues were fixed at 81. Every
able bodied person who served in the
army or navy during the world war Is
eligible