The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-10-21

QItClU EMtW NUN WCtN WV
WAYS will be grateful for ser
vices rendered" hy his loyal sons
ana daughters IN the various
branches OF military activities, de-
claree United states senator Au-
Nuzline LonergNn,
m q statement, which reviews
LEGISLATION passed for ex-service.
men and women, for widows ana
Gold star mothers, Senator Lon.
erRan states that Democrats ano
Republicans have supported with
ont "pohtlcal consideration" the
measures aimed at relief, He M
Inmates that future legislation Is
being planned for men who have
become incapacltated through eo-
vancing age or by infirmities M
duced BY Service-connected inju-
ties,
The senator's statement is as
follows;
Uncle sam
The United states government
has always recognized its obliga-
tions 10 men and women who
served in the armed forces OF the
government during times OF war
Every administration, whether
Democratic or Republican, has
consistently supported veterans
uensions and veterans relief
This policy Of relief to veterans,
and also TO their dependents, has
been continued by the Democrat
Tic administration since 1888,
when President Roosevelt first
tonk office, he was faced with q
critical financial situation which
threatened the entire structure Oh
the government. II was necessary
for him to support economy meas
,,res, and In that connection
many of the governmental eSpen-
dih,res were curtailed or chang
cd The economy act OF that
wear did affect some veterans ad-
versely, either by making reduce
tions In their pension or compen-
SNtion income, or by modifying
the provisions making veterans
and dependents eligible for ben
efits,
IneQulties
These temporary changes were
necessary, not only In the inter-
csts OF economy and good Federal
government, but also In the M
terests OF the veterans them
selves, Under previous admins
trations many inequities had de-
yeloped In veterans legislation
until claims we're piling up that
certain classes OF veterans were
not fairly treated. IN comparison
with other classes OF veterans.
The legislative committees o,
leading veterans organizations
we're themselves agreed that GER
thin changes were necessary
since 1888 Congress has con-
tnued to readjust these inequi-
ties. with the result that Veter-
ans laws are now better balanced
in advantages TO veterans and de-
pcndcnts Of all classes
offsetting any temporary cur
tAilment OF benefits which result
"a from the Economy Act, were
the many benefits received from
succeeding laws. For instance,
the T4th Congress authorized the
immediate payment Of adjusted
service certificates, commonly
known as the soldiers bonus,
This placed millions OF dollars
into the hands OF needy veterans
and their dependents.
The 74th Congress also amend
I'd the Economy Act, by providing
That needy war veterans and for
rter members OF the pcace-timc
forces suffering from service-con-
nected disabilities may receive
free disqualification. and extended
until January 2nd. 1910, the time
within which World War veter-
ans may make application for
adjusted compensation,
Spanish War Vets
Spanish American War Veter-
ans were also restored TO their
previous benefits by action OF the
74th Congress, amending the
Economy Act.
Then, in the 18th Congress,
Congress got down to the busi-
ness OF improving Veterans laws
generally. after extensive studies
had been made to remove In
equities.
A general law was amended TO
provide pensions for reserve Of
ficers and members Of enlisted
reserves who were disabled In
line Of duty.
Another act was passed to lib
eralize the provisions Of existing
laws governing the allowance OF
benefits to World War Veterans
and their dependents for service
connected disabilities, and for
other purposes.
The Act increased payments OF
2.3OO widows and parents, Of a.
$40 deceseased parents.
Gold Star Mothers, and Amer
lean War Mothers, were included
in the provisions Of benefit insur-
ance embodied in the law, as well
az In the provisions for increased
rates Of death compensation. A
section Of this law also restored 10
fltna f,iaH vakarasae and THAR. da-