MORE BONUSES.

From Washington come reports that Congress is considering the appropriation of several billions of dollars for the giving of further bonuses. At first glance most of us will approve. We have acquired the habit of receiving money unexpectedly and we like it.

The backers of the plan hold that the United States should be liberal to her veterans. Canada, they say, has awarded bonuses averaging $420; but the pay of a Canadian soldier during the war cannot be compared to that of a Yankee doughboy. The Dominion is making a some what tardy retribution for what she probably now considers parsimonious treatment during the war. War time generosity has its advantages; peace time must bring a curtailment of all expenditures. We cannot fool ourselves into believing that the money does not come from our pockets; liberality takes on another aspect when it means increased taxation. Much of the present unrest is due to the mistaken attitude of large groups towards the government. War time salaries, lavish expenditures for material, and railroad concessions have caused these people to look upon Congress as one vast mint anxious to rid itself of money. Surely additional gifts will cause the strengthening of this alarming belief.

No one can deny that many are in need of aid, but if financial helps is to be given, why shouldn't it be given exclusively to the widows and other dependents of those who fell. For the men in hard circumstances no effort should be spared in securing suitable positions; the country needs every man at some productive post so that he may become a helpful member of the community. Work will do this; gifts will not. Let us temper generosity with good sense.