The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1924-11-05
Forum, Of The People
An Ex.servicei Man Speaks Out.


To. the Editor of The Age-Herald:
There appeared in the Birmingham News
of Friday, the 18th, an editorial appeal to
the former officers of the army and navy to
join the Reserve Corps. And makes the
startling revelation that in Birmingham
alone, there are more than one hundred off
GERS who are not members. After little OF
the annual flattery it quotes Colonel Moor
mon as saying: "The reason a good many
are not members, is because the mothers
wives or sweethearts will not let them Be
ing an ex-officer Though of humble rank
from my own personal feelings and from con-
versation with many others, l have come to
the very definite conclusion that the cause
is far deper than the mere protests of moth
ers, wives and sweethearts. believe it is
collection of incidents beginning with the
reputation of the principles for which he
felt that he was fighting. Then came the
shameful condemnation of his commander-ln-
chief which left sting that will follow him
to his grave. Then came the unfortunate
bonus question, for which the ex-soldier does
not feel responsible. Bringing to light many
startling facts.
He learned that while he was away trying
as best he could for what he believed to be
for the honor of his country and the salvation
Of democracy, without any thought of COM
vested millions. The most CONSPICUOUS and
perhaps the largest benefactor who was
destined to become secretary of treasury anu
the compensation bills most bitter enemy.
And in the minds of the ex-service men he
stands convicted of actually juggling treasury
figures to deceive the American public. he
heard himself accused by men high in office
of bartering patriotism for asking for few
dollars compensation in one breath and IN
the next he heard Mr.. Mellon for being able
to extract millinos, hailed as financial
Moses who was to lead the bankrupt country
out of the wilderness.
He heard how perfectly ethical it was for
the vice president to demand two hundred and
fifty dollars for making a memorial address
while it was treason for the fighting man to
ask for compensation. He has learned now
his unfortunate comrades were betrayed by
one of his buddies who was an appointee and
associate of these same powers. lie knows
of the raids made on the government VINO
were a part of the same organized forces lie
knows tomorrow that his comrades In peace
are going to the polls and endorse these acts
and he knows that a week from tomorrow
that these same patriots will again sing the
praises of his heroism, accomplishments ana
sacrifices to the tune of the shout of the null
titude while he Looks on and wonders for IL
is democracy he can't quite understand.
He, alone, knows the mental upheaval
caused from the excitement and constant
drive during his army service from when ne
has had such a hard time to get his balance.
He alone knows of the problem that it has
been to get back into the economical life OF
the country. The editor of the News knows
that these are facts and if he will pause he
can understand why the ex-service man hest
tates to join the reserve corps. These, be-
lieye have been the dominant factors in BRING
ing about the depressed spirit so apparent IN
the ex-service man. Any close observer can
not help but know these conditions, deploraole
though they are, actually exist And those
responsible for formulating public opinion
should take some steps to remedy them be-
fore they get more serious. Personally,
knowing the spirit and courage of that army
that the ex-service man will forever sleep
while the ideals for which his comrades gave
their all, perish. cannot help but feel that
sometime from somewhere there will arise a
man big enough to organize and carry on:
JAS. B. UREN.
4317 Ninth Ave-. Wylam, Ala.