The magnitude of our present system of veterans' relief is without
precedent, and the results have been far-reaching. For years a service
pension has been granted to the Grand Army and lately to the survivors of
the Spanish-American War. At the time we entered the World War however,
Congress departed from the usual pension system followed by our
Government. Eleven years have elapsed since our laws were first enacted,
initiating a system of compensation, rehabilitation, hospitalization, and
insurance for the disabled of the World War and their dependents. The
administration of all the laws concerning relief has been a difficult
task, but it can safely be stated that these measures have omitted nothing
in their desire to deal generously and humanely. We should continue to
foster this system and provide all the facilities necessary for adequate
care. It is the conception of our Government that the pension roll is an
honor roll. It should include all those who are justly entitled to its
benefits, but exclude all others.
Annual expenditures for all forms of veterans' relief now approximate
$765,000,000, and are increasing from year to year. It is doubtful if the
peak of expenditures will be reached even under present legislation for
sonic time yet to come. Further amendments to the existing law will be
suggested by the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the
United States, the Disabled American Veterans of the World War, and other
like organizations, and it may be necessary for administrative purposes, or
in order to remove some existing inequalities in the present law, to make
further changes. I am sure that such recommendations its may be submitted
to the Congress will receive your careful consideration. But because of the
vast expenditure now being made, each year, with every assurance that it
will increase, and because of the great liberality of the existing law, the
proposal of any additional legislation dealing with this subject should
receive most searching scrutiny from the Congress.
You are familiar with the suggestion that the various public agencies now
dealing with matters of veterans' relief be consolidated in one Government
department. Some advantages to this plan seem apparent, especially in the
simplification of administration find in the opportunity of bringing about
a greater uniformity in the application of veterans' relief. I recommend
that a survey be made by the proper committees of Congress dealing with
this subject, in order to determine whether legislation to secure this
consolidation is desirable.