Beset with rumors that President Roosevelt would not seriously object if his proposed veto of the Patman "Green-back" Bill were over-ridden by the Senate, those Congressmen who would make political wampum of the bonus question are left straddling the proverbial fence. In view of recent developments in Washington their confusion can well be appreciated. Vice-president Garner, and others close to the President, are reported to be in favor of the bonus bill. Mr. Garner has expressed the opinion that currency inflation--which the Pat-man Bill would effect--would at this time be advantageous to the country's economic welfare. Other Senators are asking why, if the President is really in earnest about the veto, didn't he discuss the subject with some of those super-politicians with whom he spent the last week-end? Surely, if the Pat-man Bill is so alarming wouldn't he have said something about it?

These and other questions are bothering the Senators. They don't want to make a political mistake of not taking a tip--if it is a tip--when it is offered so kindly. Yet on the other hand, knowing what a good politician the President can be and having heard some of his earlier views on the evils of inflation--the Senators don't know which way to turn, and now look forward to his bonus message for the next stop.

It is for those reasons that the President's forthcoming message on the bonus bill will be singularly significant. General comment from the Capitol suggests that Mr. Roosevelt will come out openly to rout those who suspect the sincerity of his vote. But politicians in favor of the bill will over be inclined to find some subtlety, some presidential wink in his speech as a sign that the printing presses are to be oiled up and the veto is to be overridden. The President will need all his candor to convince these Senators that his vote is sincere.