The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-02-14
VETERANS WELFARE FIRST

Because "t has been reported that there is evidence of waste, extravaganza, irregu- larities and mismanagement in the operation of the United States veterans bureau" the senate has resolved to hold an inquiry into the conduct of the bureau with view to correcting any undesirable conditions. The senate resolution justifies the inquiry on the ground that the burden of mismanage- ment "falls upon the incapacitated soldier for whose relief said bureau was created; ; and the conditions said to exist would neces- sarily impair the morale of said bureau" Senators Sutherland and Walsh, the same men who conducted similar Inquiry year ago, will make the present investigation. It is hoped that their search will be more painstaking and thorough and the results more far-reaching than on the former oc- casion.
 The disabled and incapacitated veterans have the right to the very best treatment this country can afford. It is the will of the people of this country that they shall have such treatment. It is the general be- lief that such treatment has not been uni formly accorded the wounded or sick ex- service men. There has been much conn plaint of red tape and unexplained delays in caring for deserving cases It would be far better and more in keeping with our na-. tional obligation to these men for desired and necessary relief to be extended forth with, even though it be found that occa- sionally some undeserving person makes ap- plication. Let the relief be prompt and the investigation follow, that no hero may be forced to undergo delay.
 It appears incredible that all the reams of criticism of the bureau could be without foundation. It is far easier and more iog1- cal to suppose that some of the complaint is justified. The primary question is nos one of saving money, but of caring for those incapacitated in their country's service. We can in honor do no less. The duty of the bureau is not to the nations treasury, but [ the nations defenders. The poblic eaa- science will accept no lepoct of inquiry that has not heen seareAag and complete. saa thatd5es at oarry with t some suss gantial seaa tsmenAatioH oi peeuaaBaA remedy.
 TIE TROPHIES OF NAPOLEON
 3Aeso s another echo of the World war I tae announcement that the trophies ' Napoleon I, carried of to Vienna by the Hapssprgs in 5s4a. Hase been returned to 1s be srown, sceptre, seal of state, g..arsnals baton and magnificent coronation robe of green velvet, trimmed with ermlne, embroidered with gold and silver lace and freely adorned with the initials of the mighty Corscan, were restored to the Ital- ian government under the terms of the treaty of St. Germain. It is reported that the national assembly of Austrik released these objects with many regrets" No doubt! For years Italy tried to get them back, but the dual monarchy turned deaf ear to it's pleas. The cataclysm of 1914-18 changed all that. The proud Hapsburgs were humbled along with other notables, and Austria is no longer in a position to ignore a polite request from her one-time foe.
 It was this gold-gilt crown that Napoleon I used in his coronation at Milan, where he placed it on his own head, saying God had given it to him and vowing retribution on whomsoever dared to touch it. A fine con- mentary on the folly of the great, whose egregious vanity is the marvel of lesser folk! At that moment, in the full tide of his arrogance and success, little did the con queror of Europe dream of Waterloo, Elba and St. Helena. The power and glory of Napoleon are gone, surviving only as tra- dition which still intrigues the worlds fancy, and the house of Hapsburg is no more Yet, the relics of former greatness, even when they are the symbols of oppres- sion and defeat, are cherished in spite of the onward march of democracy.
 BRIDGING AMERICAN GAPS
 An American Association is the idea of ,,1 a;o1,+