SOLDIERS’ BONUS

New Zealand Times, Volume LI, Issue 11783, 20 March 1924, Page 7

SOLDIERS’ BONUS

POLITICAL FIGHT IN U.S.A. PRESIDENT MAY VETO BILL PASSED BY HOUSE. ENORMOUS EXPENDITURE. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received March 19. 7.55 p.m.) WASHINGTON, March 18. Tho House of Representatives, by an overwhelming majority passed the long-mooted Soldiers’ Bonus Bill, providing paid-up 20-year endowment insurance for all veterans, save those who in service had earned 50 dollars or less, and who will receive cash. The maximum insurance, however, is not to exceed 2000 dollars per veteran. It is computed that the bill involves Government expenditure in excess of 2000 million dollars, of which 135 million dollars would 1 be expended during the first yeaT. The bill now goes to the Senate, where it is certain of a stormy reception, although it is believed it will with some modifications be passed. VETOED ONCE BEFORE. The bonus has been strenuously opposed by President Harding and President Coolidge. The former vetoed it in 1922, whereupon the House passed it over his veto but the Senate failed to act on it. Official circles believe President Ooolidge will promptly veto the bill, in accordance with his declared attitude, but the bonus advocates avowedly intend either to win the President’s approval or to muster sufficient vote® in Congress to assure its passage over his veto. “ABLE-BODIED MEN.” In his Message to Congress last December President Coolidge 6aid the United States had already spent 2000 million dollars oh disabled soldiers, and was preparing to spend another 500 millions, but was no sound reason for the compensation of able-bodied men when the oountrv was prosperous and employment available.