The daily worker. [volume] (Chicago, Ill.) 1924-1958, 1933-05-17
By II. E. BRIGGS


We approach the Bonus Camp at
Fort Hunt by fine road that winds
for 10 miles along the picturesque
banks of the Potomac. For the first
time in months, yes even years, many
of these vets have not had their lungs
filled with fresh country air. COM
ing from the dirt and misery OF
breadlines, lighthouses and charity
associations, one feels a detern1ina-
ton among these men never to re-
turn to the degradation Of charity.
The men are happy and confident,
but underneath there is a certain
grimness, a certain purpose in coming
here. They realize this is no picnic.
One can gather from their CONVEX
sation that they will fight until the
Job is Done!" And if you ask what
this job is, they will answer as one
man, "Our job is to get that Bonus,
and restore the disability cuts"
Buses supplied by the Veterans
Bureau ply between the camp and
the registration tent at 8 st. NV.
and Pennsylvania Ave. on a 15-min-
ute schedule.
The registration tent is the bust
est spot in town. Here vets from
every state in the union come to sign
up for camp. A big truck pulls in
with signs reading, EVERY blood
ed vet is on his way to Washington"
Men file out and line up to register.
Members of the Liaison Committee
greet them. Their elected leader says,
ss1Lyo ctsya orlaI IN 40 ,,
boys have been on the road a week.
Newsmen try to get pictures. A vet
says, How about some smokes for
that picture, buddy?" Another says.
Send my regards to Greta Garbo."
Say, Bill, we came after the Bonus,
not pictures"
In a few minutes or more the men
are signed up, receiving a white iden-
tlfication card. This entities them
to the free use of the camp with all
accommodations Without this card,
no one is allowed in the camp.
Organization and Leadership
Once in camp, with their equip
ment consisting of two blankets, mess
kit and cot, they are assigned to
tents. Each new group or contin-
gent is greeted with a barrage Of
| questions and ordinations. Where
you from Buddy? How was the trip?
! Many more on the road? No Mp. IS
this year, Buddy. Vets from the last
| bonus march renew acquaintance.
The long orderly rows of tents are
4 pleasant sight to the vets who last
year slept in the mud of Anacostia.
Here is organization, planning, lead
ership, different picture from last
year. And the rank and file feel a
certain pride in their ability and
power to force a decent living from
the ruling class. These square khaki
colored homes are theirs for few
days at least. This in itself is VIC
tory, one of those small but neces-
sary points that strengthen morale
and pave the way for greater VIC
tories
Everywhere there is activity. To-
day the sun is a sponge. Soon there
will be no more puddles in the COM
pany streets. The gloom of two
day rain is over. Blankets must be
dried, clothes must be washed, the
tents aired. Men are opening the
flaps, picking up papers, keeping their
homes in order.
Rank and File Control
The cots are laid head to toe
with ample space between. Blankets
neatly folded are at the foot of each
cot. In one tent there is an election
of new squad leader. Some favor
one man, some another. Reasons are
given and argued back and forth
Soon a decision is reached and Big
Adams is elected Adams is an old
timer. A veteran, not only of the