Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1924-04-24
CONVENES
TWO HOURS EARLY
To HASTEN BONUS

WASHINGTON. April 23.-Con-
vening two hours earlier than usual,
the senate pressed toward a vote
today on the soldier bonus bill,
with each speaker limited to Is min
utes.
The principal controversy cen
tered on the amendment for inclu-
sion in the bill of a cash option pro
vision, offered by Senator Copeland,
Democrat, New York. Although
drafted by Democratic members of
the finance committee, the amend
ment was not submitted by them
leaders said, because they feared its
adoption would prevent enactment
of a bonus bill. Republican leaders
had said they would vote to sustain
a presidential veto if the bill car.
ried the cash option proposal but
would vote 10 override a veto if the
insurance plan should be disap-
proved by the executive.
The pending bill, reported to the
senate by the financ committee
substantially as passed by the house,
would allow cash payments to vet
Grams not entitled to more than $50
in adjusted service compensation
and 2O.year endowment insurance
policies to others.
The Copeland amendment called
for a cash payment in full to vet
Grams preferring it to the insurance
Such proposal would require a
larger immediate outlay by the gov.
eminent than the straight insurance
proposition, and the amendment pro
vide for issuance of $500, 900, 900
bonds under the second Liberty loan
act to take care Of the payments.
Underwood for Pension
Opening the debate today Sena-
tor Underwood, Democrat, Alabama,
renewed the attack a. inst the
bonus. lie advocated a pension law
but declared it impossible to COM
pensate the former soldiers for their
service.
you dishono rthese protectors Of
our nat by offering them dirty
dollars" Mr.. Underwood said, "or
by PROPOSING to give them these in
surance policies.
THE m. % fought cn first
line of battle will have to carry this
country in the next 20 years You
very cunningly fixed this bonus so
that it won't be paid for 20 years
and propose that these men instead
of you will have to pay for it.
you're adding under this legisla.
ton an enormous tax to an already
heavy burden. The doctors disagr
as to the cost of the bill, One esti-
mate says it will cost $4,000, 900, 900.
The treasury actuary, Mr.. Mccoy,
says, it will cost $500, o0O,oO and
tie treasury is probably right"
honest BOnHS or None
"A price must be paid for every
thing worth having" Senator I'm
derwood said, that is true Of gov
ernment-the most essential factor
in civilization. You pay in loyalty,
in service. as well as in taxes. The
bond every citizen is born under
is carried in that section Of the
constitution providing that congress
has the power to raise and main.
tai narmies. The duty cannot be
measured in money.
Il want it distinctly understood
that 1 shall vote against any bonus
measure presente dhere. 1t would
be a reflection on the service given
by my SON"
Yet, the senator would reflect on
it by letting war profiteers keep
their profits" declared Senator
Brook art, Republican, Iowa.
That is not the issue here" re
turned the Alabama senator. They
already are hidden behind tax eX-
empt securities"
When Senator BrOOkhart insisted
that those securities were only a
small part of the national security
issue, Senator Underwood expressed
regret that he could not keep up
with that senator imagination"
Although opposed TO any bonus,
he continued. Il feel that if one
is to be paid it should be an honest
bonus, paid in cash"
Calls Ii a Sham
This bill says to the soldiers
YOU are to sign a receipt, adjust
your account with the government
and pass on, " the Alabama senator
continued.
1T is claimde the soldiers APP
prove this bill | don't believe it,
/ Why they won't get anything for
20 years. \ loan at high interest
can be made after two years. but
only of SS7 if the policy is. worth
$4,000"
CharacterizinS the insurance meas
ure as sham and fraud" Senator
Underwood said he would vote to
amend it to substitute cash. option.
but added he would continue to op.
pose bonus measure.