Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1924-04-22
WAY IS CLEARED
FOR SENATE VOTE
DIV SOLDIER BONUS

surance soldier bonus bill was adj
canved rapidly in senate Saturday
in its first real test there, and to-
night the atmosphere apparently had
cleared sufficiently to assure its pas
sage without serious contest early
next week
Democratic spokesman indicated
they would not press their proposal
for inclusion in the bill of a full cash
payment option, in the face of in
sistent support for the pending meas
ure by both Republican leaders and
the American Legion.
This stand was taken by Demo
Gratis after Senator Watson, Repub-
lican, Indiana, had told Senator Rob
inson, of Arkansas, the Democratic
leader, that some Republicans had
told President Coolidge they would
vote to override a veto if he should
order one on the pending measure,
but that they would vote to sustain
a veto if the cash option were incor-
porated.
Likewise, Commander Quinn Of the
American Legion in a message sent
to each senator urged support for
the pending insurance bill on the
grounds that it could be passed over
presidential veto, but that a COM
bination cash and insurance propo-
sition could not A careful poll OF
the senate had shown such a situa-
ton, Mr. Quinn contended.
Position of President 4 Tpoartoin
Repeated attempts by Senator Rob-
inson to verify ''rumors" that Presi-
dent Coolidge would sign the insur-
ance bill, but would veto the cash
measure, brought no definite re-
Spouse from Republican senators.
Senator Curtis, Republican, Kan
sas, in charge of the bill, did say in
reply, however, that he believed the
insurance measure had better
chance of obtaining presidential APP
prevail than would the cash and in
surance proposition.
Senator Walsh, Democrat, Nassa-
chusetts, who Friday introduced a
substitute bill calling for options of
full cash payments or insurance poll
cies, did net press it. He ANNOUNCE
ed, however, he would speak on the
bill Monday
The Walsh bill which it is under
stood had the support of Democrat
ic members of the finance commit
tee, with the exception of Senator
King, of Utah, who is opposed to
any bonus, would provide for funds
for the cash payments by issuance
of 81, 500 900, 900 more Of the second
Liberty loan bonds.
With but brief debate, the senate
adopted almost a score of minor
amendments TO the house bill pro-
posed. by the finance committee.
Senator Jones, Democrat, New Next
co, announced he would propose some
other amendments of a somewhat
technical nature. Aside from these.
the way practically was cleared to-
day for passage of the bill.
No Opposition Speech Made
During the more than three h01Irs
or debate, not speech in opposition
TO the bonus was made, the contro-
Versy centering on the proposal for
cash option
Senator Watson, declared, how
ever that if this proposition were
adopted, enough Republican votes
would be lost to prevent passage
or the bill over a presidential veto.
Senator Curtis said the cost of the
Dill probably would amount to SO
50O,000,000, spread over a period Of
twenty years. Senator Walsh Of
Massachusetts, insisted the meas.
ure would cost 6O0,000,0O0, but
mat the combination cash and in
Surance measure would cost ST, 800
100000 less
An amendment offered by Senator
curtis to make all employees who
would be required for administra-
tIon OF the bill subject to civil serv.
ice examination was adopted. as was
committee amendment making
women who served in the woman
service in the navy and marine corns
elglbie TO the bonus This affects
about II 900 women.
Legion Endorses Bill
The American Legion Endorsed tho
insurance bill. In message to
each senator, Commander Quinn
asked that no attempt be made on
the floor TO amend the pending hin
Commander Quinn mentioned sna.
officially the proposed amendment Nv
finance committee Democrats for
LuI cash payment option and ex.
pressed the belief that if it were
ADOPTED chances of the bonus hin
becoming law would be endangered.
Inc bill as 1t was so overwhelm.
nSl% passed by the house" said
Commander Quinn's MESA 90 and
as 1t was reported by the senate
finance committee, is in accordance
with the resolution adopted at the
national conventions of the Ameri-
can Legion at San Francisco this
year and at New Orleans last wear.
This meets with approval of mem
oefs or the American Legion. This
question Of immediate payment in
cash has not been before the eX
service men and women for more
than two years. In the name Of the
eX-serTice men and women of the
country we ask your support Of the
bill as reported by the finance com.
mittee
We believe that this bill can
become a law even over a veto bv
the president. What the ekservice
men and women desire IS that tnt
Oil become a law. Your active SUD.
pert therefore of this bill as re.
ported by the finance committee
VIII receive the sincere appreciation
Of the eX-service men and women
Of the nation"
l.. EH n