Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-08-19

OEGlGS. GTeQI bFlt0fn ana france mare
done for. the.r tcar DctcraHs and uhGt
they contemplate doing
World War veterans organizations
usually shy at the word pensions" for
the future, but these who sense what
is coming admit that, on top of the
huge financial load the United States
Government now bears in veterans re-
lief, there will be new legislation cost
ing much more,' whether this relief is
known as pensions" or by some other
name.
The cost of caring for the veteran has
been tremendous. in 142 years, since
the first pension act in 1889 to the
present and covering the wars that
have interviewed except the World War,
more than So 1000 900 900 has been spent
on veterans relief.
On June 80 there were still on the
rolls eight widows of the war of 1912.
On World War veterans the United
States has spent more than $5,o0o.-
These figures are from Gen. Frank
T. Hines, administrator of veterans af-
fairs, who warns:
We may lock with some apprehen-
sion at the possible future cost unless
cur veterans policy is based upon a
sound and common sense foundation. -
Eut he adds:
The pension and compensation roll OF
the Federal Government must be ar
honor roll. No one questions cur desire to
deal generously and fairly with all vet
Grams when they are in neeJ."
What has the Government done for
the typical World War veteran?
Insurance Provisions.
In the first place the soldier, sailor
or marine had the pportunity-some-
times he virtually was ccerced-into
taking $4,000 war risk life insurance.
In disc bility this Melted him a return
up to $3.50 a month for total dis
ability If he died, 1t Melted the same
amount to his family until the $4,000
was paid. In connection with signing
up for insurance, men were required to
make allotments to their families, to
whom the Cove -nment then also gave
an additional allowances.
When the typical veteran got out of
the service he received the fat $50
bonus then In effect. If disabled, he re-
cetved in the early days disability pay
ments which ran up to $50 a month
fer total disability, but which was later
increased to 500 for total dis utility and
now stand FIR double total disability at
5000. If he carried his insurance he
got $3.50 a month on top of his other
compensation for total disability.
II he died with no insurance his
widow received $50 m-ntn. additional
amounts for children. out with $57 so
insurance in addition each month until
$4,000 was paid.
Vocational training was provided the
disabled, first under the Federal Board
for Vocational Education, later under
the Veterans Bureau. This privilege
new has expired.
Free disqualification, medical care and
treatment were offered first for service
connected disabilities But later legis-
lation EXTENDED iris TO non-SerYice-
connected disabilities New legislation
also added ID disc bility compensation
for injury a new payment. disability
allowance" fer disabilities would could
not be traced to war service.
Adjusted Compensation.
Adjusted service compensation, or the
bonus. came ~ a kind OF insurance pol
icy payable n the future. but nego-
table within two years. Loan value on
these was increased by Congress last
year to so per cent OF the face value,
and tremendous sums have been lent.
Veterans who have thus Borrowed
against the bonus, however. cannot
borrow again on it until, in several
wears, 1t again assumes a loan value
The bonus was based on compensation
for 81 q day FIR service in the United
States and 81 rs for overseas service.
There are many regulations concern
ing civil ser'dce preference for veterans,
and supposed TO give them advantage
over others making equal marks in ex-
aminations. Veterans organizations.
however. Sty they have been having
difhculty. through political causes, to
get jobs fer veterans even with this