ANOTHER WAR SCANDAL

Hokitika Guardian, 27 February 1920, Page 4

ANOTHER WAR SCANDAL

UNDERTAKERS LOBBYING.,

SAN FRANCISCO, ajnuary 17 Charges that an alleged “undertakers’ Lobby” is behind the movement to have bodies of the American soldiers returned from Franco to the United States are to be investigated by the United States Senate Military Affairs Coriunittee. Senator Thomas (Colorado! cited charges made by members of the Gold Star Mothers that undertakers are behind the movement, and asked that the Committee investigate the whole circumstances connected with the affair: “If these charges are true,_ it is an attempt to commercialise the sentiment of those who lost relatives in the war,” I Senator Thomas said. “It is a matter that should be investigated.” He con- ! sidered that if bodies of American sol. ; diers could ho brought hack consistent j ly with the policy of France, it should i be done. Stephen Earlv, former captain of infantry and secretary of the American Field of Honour Association does not oppose the return of soldiers’ bodies, if requested by next of kin, but proposes a, .permanent memorial cemetery m France for those who remain there, and recommends against the blanket return of bodies, because it say s parents proposing this will have no complete assurance they will receive the remains of their loved ones, m many cases, but may even receive the remains of Germans! \fter the Association’s representatives had been heard. Chairman Porter, of Pennsylvania, introduced a resolution covering 'the requests and empowering President Wilson to act accordingly. America, is noted for its expensive funerals, and it has been readily recognised that the undertakers of the coun- ; try expected to reap an enormous harvest i should the Government of the United ! States have definitely resolved to bring I the bodies of Americans who fell m I France back to America for re-mter-I ment.