The New York herald., 1922-04-10


the recompense of the able bodied men
rendered. Such legislation Is wrong,
I think. from every point Of view and
tends to undermine not only the
patriotism OF our people. but their
character.
My opposition to this bonus is not
based on any excessive pride in my
own patriotism, and Is cerainly not
meant to derogate that of the ex-serv-
ice men who are working for it. My
harmful to the millions who gave the
country the best they had at the criti-
cal time. In plain words, mean that
It would harm rather than help the ex-
service men. / mean the direct harm
that would result from placing several
hundred dollars cash in the hands OF
hundreds of thousands Of young men.
Il knew these same men when they
did have a little money, and l know
what I'm talking about when I say
In 80 per cent. of the cases 1t would
not produce any benefit and the other
20 per cent. can manage to get along
without 1t. We do not want to see in
this country perpetuation of the sys-
tenn Of Treasury milking by organized
bodies of any kind.
IF the bars are let down so that mil
lions can get taste of easy money,
there is no predicting where the thing
will stop. The thing must be stopped
somewhere. and the responsibility
seems to be sqrarely up to the Senate.
OF course, the rank and file of the ex-
service men want the bonus. Can you
imagine an offer of something for moth
ing that would not find a majority of
the citizenry with outstretched hands
So the American Legion asks for a
bonus.
But can assure you that there Is a
strong minority in It's membership who
disapprove of the idea OF little service
to the Government at q critical time
being made an excuse for a perpetual
raid on the Treasury-which is what
The bonus plan amounts to-
Should BE Condemned.
John d. Wiseman, leading attorney
of Murfreesboro, Tenn. in protesting
against the bonus raid to Senator
Shields, said:
II presume the so-calied adjusted
compensation bill for ex-service men
will soon be before the Senate for con-
sideration. AS a citizen OF Tennessee
and OF this nation and as volunteer
Of the late war expressing a frank and
candid conclusion, want to say that
cannot look with favor on the efforts
OF the politicians to burden the tax
payers by enacting legislation giving
to able bodied service men a bonus to
be paid out of the Federal Treasury.
The whole thing is wrong in principle
and should be condemned and de-
feated."
Others in various parts OF the coun-
try who have written to Senators in
opposition to the bonus bill have ex-
pressed the following opinions:
From a travelling salesman in Con-
necticut: IT have taken the pains to
Interview a large number or business
men and soldiers to get their opinions
on the bonus bill. The business men
are absolutely against 1t and commend
the stand taken by Secretary Mellon
and say he is absolutely right In his
stand against the passing OF the bill.
Reasons for Dfsapproval.
From a clergyman in Indiana:
"Realizing how vital is this bonus
issue. / have taken the trouble to
sound the soldier sentiment in my
parish on It, From my conversation
with soldiers they do not favor the
passing OF the bonus bill at this time
for these reasons, as set forth by
ex-service men:
"T am a larger and better man;
appreciate what the trip 10 France
did for me.
MY salary has been doubled.
"The Government has no money to
pay a bonus.
Several States have paid bonuses; /;
inside of two weeks i think 20 per
cent. OF the money had been gambled
away.
Better walt to pass bonus.
Don't want a bonus. / did not do
any more than lots OF people at home.
"1f the Government has the money
I would not refuse IT,"
From resident OF Illinois: AL
though well beyond the draft age and
the father OF four children / consid-
cred II a privilege as we'll as duty
to do whatever ! could in the late
war, and as a result spent, at very
great personal sacrifice, year and a
half in France. / consider the pro-
posed soldiers bonus as one OF the
most iniquitous and utterly selfish
measures that has ever been suggested
In this country.
I'm my judgment II isn't a question
OF the form of taxation which should
be used for paying 1t, but a question
OF stamping out once and for all any
such suggestion. Although a Repuh-
lican by birth and inclination feel
SO strongly on the matter that it
would be impossible for me TO vote
for any man who casts his vote for
any form OF bonus legislation other
than for the very proper relief OF
disabled veterans"
ADAM MARSHALL rs KILLED.
VALENTINE, Neb., April s.--Adam