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It is interesting to note with what rapidity the new attitude toward the disabled is developing in America. The newspapers and periodicals are preaching the gospel of "Not charity -- but a chance," and the people are responding. That is what Government compensation and vocational training will give our men -- a chance with a running start.

ON FAMILY STATUS

Military and naval compensation is based first on the injury and then on the size of the man's family. If the status of the family changes from month to month or year to year, the amount of the compensation changes with it. For instance, if a soldier or a sailor now a bachelor becomes handicapped, and later, say ten years after, should marry, the amount of his compensation at that time will depend upon his status then. It will be increased. And still later, if there are children, it will be further increased. On the other hand, if he is married and has children at the time of his injury, and in the future his wife or children should die, then his compensation will be reduced to that of an unmarried man.

For permanent disability the monthly compensation is paid in the following amounts:

(a) If he has neither wife nor child living, $30.

(b) If he has a wife but no child living, I45.

(c) If he has a wife and one child living, $55.

(d) If he has a wife and two children living, $65.

(e) If he has a wife and three or more children living, $75.

(f) If he has no wife but one child living, $40, with $10 for each additional child up to two.

Bachelor or married, he receives $10 a month additional for his widowed mother. If his condition is such that he needs the constant attention of a nurse or attendant, the Bureau of War Risk may allow him up to $20 a month for that purpose.

$1,200 A YEAR FOR LIFE

There is another significant provision that is not generally known today. For the loss of both feet, or both hands, or both eyes, or for a condition rendering a single or a family man permanently helpless or bedridden, $100 a month will be given. In addition to this, of course, he will receive medical and surgical treatment and will be supplied within reason with all special appliances he may need. Many men, thus handicapped, will be able to work and make a good salary, but whatever they earn the Government will still pay them $1,200 a year for life.

These are the broad aspects of compensation. The war insurance offering as high as $10,000, payable however only in monthly payments over twenty years or more, will still further fortify compensation, for it covers death and the total permanent disability from injuries received not only in the line of duty but in civil life after the war.

As the 'cripple' is passing, so is the 'pensioner'. He will become as obsolete as the old soldiers' home, and other institutions and practices that world progress is leaving in its wake. In industry there are not pensions but compensations. In the military it will be the same with the added rehabilitation for a new life. And this addition must soon be extended to all who are handicapped whether in industry or in war: whether through accident or negligence.