The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1932-06-15
HOUSE PASSES
BONUS BILL.
2O9 TO 176
Tattered Veterans of War
Watch From Galleries
During Voting.
CERTAIN DEFEAT LOOMS
Debate Nearly Stirs Up Fist
Fight Between Rival
congressman.
BIZ United Prcss


WASHINGTON, June IS. - The
house today passed the $4,000, 900, 900
Patman cash bonus bill as hundreds
of ragged veterans watched from
the galleries the results of their
march on congress. The vote was
200 to 176.
The measure, providing sufficient
currency imitation, to meet the vet
Grams payments, now goes to the
senate where it's opponents are
boosting a hostile majority. Lead
vers there hope for a quick defeat Of
the bill to send the army of 10000
unemployed ex-service men away
from the steaming Potomac mud
flats back to their native states.
In any event, a presidential veto
is regarded as assured. President
Hoover and his official advisers fire.
quently have opposed, the measure.
Debate Nearly Stirs Fight
Angry debate preceded passage of
the bill. A fist fight between Rep
resentative Thomas l.. Blanton
Oem, Tex and Representative
Charles H. Martin Dem, Ore) was
averted when colleagues stepped
between them
Blanton brought Martin, a re-
tired army general, to his feet when
he launched an attack on General
James Harbord, and accused Martin
of drawing $4,000 year retirement
pay "just like Harbord does"
i resent that insult" Shouted
Martin.
Sit down." Blanton shouted.
Martin then started for Blanton,
and was pulled away by nearby con-
gressmen.
This is one time a general will
take orders from private" con-
tinued Blanton, as Martin reluctant
ly withdrew to seat.
Blanton's criticism of Harbord
was based on the generals site
ment that the bonus armyshere
should go home.
veterans 20 on Parade
In military formation, with flags
flying, several hundred veterans pa
raded before the capitol today as
the house began its debate prior to
q vote.
After their parade the veterans
returned to their camps. There was
no disorder, although rumors were
circulated that small squads were
deserving the bonus expeditionary
forces and starting toward home.
The bonus army of occupation"
continues to grow in Washington, de-
spite all that the wet, hot weather
has done to bring encouragement,
and despite the certainty that the
bonus bill can not become law.
A spirit of confidence in the
power and ultimate effect of their
demonstration pervades the ranks
of the 10000 odd destitute and job
less World war veterans encamped
about the city.
They feel that congress can not
fail to do something to relieve their
distress, whether it be by payment
OF the bonus or enactment of legis-
lation to provide relief and jobs for
the unemployed.
Death Forces Adjournment
Through three days of rain and
cold. the bonus army increased ap-
proximately 1000 day. Cloudi-
ness, with slowly rising temperature,
has followed, turning "AnacoStia
flats" site of the largest bonus
camp, into humid, steaming
marsh. Singly, in pairs, and in
small groups, number have de
serted and are trekking home
ward, but the incoming hordes have
made the assertions seem insignifi-
cant.
Washington city officials, who APP
parently have abandoned hope of an
early evacuation of the bonus army,
today were discussing the steps nee
eSsary to provide permanent camps.
Health and fire inspectors have been
ordered to examine all buildings now
occupied by the veterans and report
on sanitary conditions and fire
hazards.
No change has been noted in the
attitude of congress. The bill would
have been passed by the house Tues
day had not the death of Represen-
tative Edward E. Eslick Dem.
Tenn) forced adjournment.
In the midst of an impassioned
plea for the veterans, which visiblv
stirred those in the gallery, the Ten
nessean toppled over on the house
floor. He died few minutes later
in an anteroom, victim of a heart
attack.