VETERANS OBJECT TO FORMER CONGRESSMAN WHO VOTED AGAINST BONUS ATTENDING HOSPITAL PICNIC
Muskogee, Oklahoma (JFK+50) On July 10, 1923, the Associated Press reports that the inmates of the Soldiers' Memorial Hospital* here in Muskogee refused to attend a picnic sponsored by E.W. Mountcastle, United States Commissioner, if Miss Alice Robertson "went along."
The objection to the attendance of Miss Robertson, a former member of Congress and welfare worker, is because she voted against the proposed soldiers' bonus.
The veterans changed their minds about attending, however, when they learned the nurses at the hospital were looking forward to the event. Their sentiments remained intact that "Miss Alice ought to be court-martialed."
*Soldiers' Memorial Hospital (Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical Center) opened on Flag Day, June 14, 1923 to provide free medical care to veterans. It cost $500,000, employed 165 & served 1500 vets the 1st year. SMH was built by the state of Oklahoma & then leased to the federal government.
SOURCES
"Muskogee Medical Center To Celebrate 90 Years Of Serving Vets," June 9, 2013, www.news9.com
"Veterans Rule Miss Robertson From Picnic for Bonus Stand," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., July 10, 1923, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/
