Evening star., 1932-12-06

bieS representing Mai. Gen. o'Ryan.
veteran oTganiza-
tion5 had more or less free opportunity
to get from Congress various legis ,ative
measures providing compensation in
one form or another to veterans Of the
World War.
It is well known that these lobby
Organizations we're most effective. IN
deed the Legion lobby has been refer
red to as the most efficient of the many
lobbies that function in Washington.
It is known that individual members
of Congress in substantial numbers en-
couraged the plans and work of these
veteran lobbies.
Public Interest Lost.
On the other hand, the American
public tooE little interest in what was
going on, and it was natural under
such conditions the lobbieS demon
strated their efficiency by getting legis
lation carrying huge appropriations and
of such character that they cannot now
in conscience be defended.
So far as the veterans themselves
are concerned. they, too or at least many
of them, became infected by the lavish
manner in which moneys were appro-
priated for their benefit. Their views
underwent a change. Those men who
never themselves advocated much of
the legislation that was passed accepted
its benefits on the theory that if such
beneflcences indicated the policy CT
their Government, why should they re-
fuse to accept them. From this State
OF mind it is not far cry to state
of mind which will protest against the
cancellation of such benefcenes.
I have yet to flnd, worthy citizen
who objects to a generous treatment of
all veterans wounded or physically dis
abled as a result tof their war service.
Like comment applies to the treatment
accorded the dependents of those who
we're killed or who died as a result of
disease actually contracted in the
service.
Declared Stalking Horses.
But it is this general class of worthy
citizens who have been used as stalk
ing horses to obtain huge gratuities for
men who suffered no disability as re-
suit of their war service. There are now
more men receiving gTatMtieS from the
Government for alleged disabilities un-
related to the war than there are men
receiving compensation for disabilities
actually incurred IN the war.
That this should be seems incredible
It is abuses of this general character
that the public have determined to cor
rect. They cannot be defended. While
they continue they constitute a rehec-
tion upon the veterans as a class.
I am sure it will be found that the
veterans themselves will take a promi-
nent part in correcting these abuses.
By organized action they can and will
radically curtail unwarranted Federal
appropriations Already an association
called the American Veterans has been
organized and is now opposing con-
tinued payment of such gratuitles and
the payment at this time. Of the SOL
diers' bonus.
Regarded Reckless Waste.
The soldiers bonus is an outstanding
example of reckless waste of public
funds tending to demoralize the veteran
in his attitude toward his Government
The main argument one now hears II
support of immediate payment of thu
bonus is based upon the need of the
veteran for this payment. The fac
is that the bonus was granted by Con
gress during the pre-depression days
and was not based upon the need O
veterans either present or future L
was a wholesale broadcasting of public
moneys to all veterans of more than {
few months service, and took the form
OF what amounts to paid-up 20-yea
endowment policy
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Italy has lifted its ban on girl FacistS