Evening star., 1930-06-24

Continued From First Page)
disabled from incidents of civil life
since the war.
''The whole matter is one that must
be approached in high sense Of JUS
tice and utmost sympathy. But this
veterans bill is Just bad legislation. It
is no more IN the interests of the vet
erans than in the interests of the tax
payer. The financial burdens, the
amount Of which has again been re-
affirmed by Gen. Hines (and they were
increased by Senate amendments yes
terday), do constitute a serious embar-
rasSment to the Government and to
the country, but there are other objec-
tions even more serious.
This bill selects a particular group
Of $4,000 to 100000 men, makes pro-
vision for them In the most waSteful
and discriminatory way conceivable and
entirely neglects the equal rights to help
of over 100000 more veterans who are
likewise suffering from disabilities in
CURED in civil life since the war.
Further. the very basis of the bill sets
up an untruthful, and, according to all
physicians, a physically impossible pre-
sumption and predicateS its action upon
this
Specific Illustration.
''For instance. a man who has served
q few DAYS in the Army in his home
town or in camp and afterward enjoys
7 to IL years of good health, then after
all that time incurs any aff1iction is
thereby declared to have a disability
due to the war ana is TO be compen-
Sated for pension on the same basis as
the man who suffered in the trenches
and from actual battle It contains
many other determinations and in
justices.
'These things violate not only the
facts, but the very integrity of govern
ment. 1t is a sad thing for our Gov
eminent to set standards of subterfuge
to our people. 1t is unfair to all other
veterans who have become disabled in
civil life It is unfair to the whole
spirit of the World War veterans.
There are emergencies and marginal
cases which I have insisted should be
cared for and which will be cared for
and there Is the additional necessity for
us to study the broader subject ex-
haustively before we plunge.
THE American Legion presented a
bill designed for emergencies which
has had the earnest support of many
administration members, but their views
have been overriden. The sensible thing
is either to take care of these emer-
EencieS or marginal cases and then So
berly determine future action, or alter
nately, to make the beginnings Of sound
action now on such foundations as will
contribute to the ultimate settlement OF
the problem with real justice to vet
erans and with generosity in solution
for the future. Such action can be
taken within our present financial re
sources, and believe the nation would
support that"
Reaction Is Awaited.
President Hoover's denunciation Of
the veterans bill was, one of the most
scathing criticisms OF legislation ever
pronounced by a Chief Executive. The
President apparently intends to take
the issue to the country If 1t becomes
necessary.
Congress could put through COM
promise bill which was more to his
liking, but in its present temper is
more apt to go ahead with the present
bill, it was said today.
The reaction in the country to the
controversy between the President and
Congress over this bill, however, may
make itself felt before the measure is
finally disposed of.