The Story of The American Legion

By

George Seay Wheat

The Birth of the Legion

The first of a series to be issued after eachAnnual National Convention

_Illustrated_

[Illustration: The St. Louis Caucus]

G. P. Putnam's SonsNew York and LondonThe Knickerbocker Press1919

The Knickerbocker Press, New York

FOREWORD

The American Legion was conceived by practically the entire personnelof the army, navy, and marine corps! Every man in the military andnaval establishment did not think of it in just such terms, but mostof them knew that there would be a veterans' organization of sometremendous import, and here it is!

"A veterans' organization of some kind will be formed. " I heard thatidentical remark not once, but a dozen times on board a transport enroute to France as early as September, 1918. In fact, one night in thewar zone a group of officers were huddled around a small piano tryingto make the best of a lightless evening, and, having sung every songfrom _Keep the Home Fires Burning_ to _You're in the Army Now_, paused, longingly toyed cigarettes which were taboo by ship's order, and then began to spin yarns. 

"Reminds me of a G. A. R. Reunion, " one second lieutenant from Maineremarked, after a particularly daring training camp adventure had beenrecounted. 

"Just think of the lying we'll all do at our reunions when this war isover, " chirped a youngster from South Carolina. And then spoke a tallmajor from Illinois:

"The organization which you young fellows will join won't be any_liefest_--at least not for forty years. Don't forget there's somesaving to do for the United States when this European mess is over. Usfellows won't ever get out of Uncle Sam's service. "

How well the Illinois major hit the nail on the head! The incident onthe transport seems worth recording not only because of the major butbecause it shows the general anticipation of what is now the AmericanLegion. Perhaps it was this general anticipation which is responsiblefor the cordial reception that the Legion has had ever since its veryinception in Paris. 

No one can lay claim to originating the idea of a veterans'association, because it was a consensus among the men of the armedforces of our nation. A certain group of men can take unto themselvesthe credit for starting it, for getting the ball rolling, aiding itsmomentum, and, what is more important, for guiding it in the rightdirection, but no one man or group of men "thought up" the AmericanLegion. It was the result of what might be called the "spontaneousopinion" of the army, navy, and marine corps caused by a fusingtogether in a common bond of the various elements of the service, justas spontaneous combustion is brought about by the joint action ofcertain chemical elements. 

Spontaneous opinion, like spontaneous combustion, is dangerous whenimproperly handled and beneficient when rightly directed. That's whatthe organizers of the Legion have been and will be mostly concernedwith. They have their elements--these men of the army, navy, andmarine corps, and the organizers mean to direct this united andorganized patriotism into such channels as will make for the welfareof the United States of America primarily, and, secondarily, for thewelfare of the service men themselves. 

Just how much attention this Legion with four million potentialmembers intends to pay to the United States of America, and just howmuch to themselves _per se_, is basicly important and pertinent as aquestion, nowadays when the Legion is being tried and is on thewitness stand before public opinion. The answer is most clearlyindicated by the preamble to the proposed constitution printedelsewhere. 

This preamble stresses _Americanism, individual obligation_ to the_community, state_, and _nation; battling with autocracy_ both of the_classes_ and _masses; right_ the _master_ of _might; peace_ and_good will_ on _earth; justice, freedom_, and _democracy_! Only in thelast two words of the preamble is mention made of the welfare of themen themselves. These two words are _mutual helpfulness_. But be sureand understand the connection in which they are used. 

"... _we associate ourselves together ... To consecrate and sanctifyour comradeship by our devotion to mutual helpfulness_. "

This is the way the last purpose of the preamble reads. 

The men who framed this constitution certainly did not believe thatcomradeship would be consecrated and sanctified by anything of aselfish character under the guise of mutual helpfulness. Certainly notthe _comradeship_ that made bearable the zero hour in the trenches orthe watch in a submarine infested sea. 

To go a little in advance of the story and speak practically, mutualhelpfulness has meant so far voting down a pay grab from Congress; aget-together spirit to foster the growth of the Legion; a purpose toaid in the work of getting jobs for returning soldiers, and theestablishment of legal departments throughout the country to helpservice men get back pay and allotments. Mutual helpfulness in thiscase would seem to make Uncle Sam as much a partner in it as are theLegion members. Because, for every job the Legion gets an unemployedman, and for every dollar Legion lawyers help collect for back pay andallotments, a better citizen is made. And better citizenship is whatthe Legion most wants. 

So here seems to be the place to make the patent observation that_mutual helpfulness_ will in future years mean just what it meansto-day--doing something for the United States of America. 

At the present time the Legion might be compared to a two-headedAmerican eagle--one looking towards France and the A. E. F. , and theother homewards to the service men here. The two are a single bodyborne on the same wings and nourished of the same strength. They arethe same in ideal and purpose but directed for the moment by twodifferent committees working together. One committee is the result ofthe caucus at Paris in March, when the A. E. F. Started theorganization, while the other was born this month in St. Louis, Mo. , for the men here. 

 GEORGE S. WHEAT. NEW YORK May, 1919. 

CONTENTS

 I. --LATTER WAR DAYS IN FRANCE

 II. --THE PARIS CAUCUS, MARCH 15-17, 1919

 III. --PRE-CAUCUS DAYS IN AMERICA

 IV. --THE ADVANCE COMMITTEE

 V. --THE ST. Louis CAUCUS, MAY 8, 9, and 10

 VI. --THE LEGION AND THE BOLSHEVIKI

 VII. --THE LEGION WON'T MEET AT CHICAGO

VIII. --THE SILVER LINING

 IX. --OBJECTORS--CONSCIENTIOUS AND OTHERWISE

 X. --THE REËMPLOYMENT PROBLEM

 XI. --THE DISREGARD OF SELF

 XII. --THE CLOSING HOURS

XIII. --WHY THE AMERICAN LEGION?

 THE AMERICAN LEGION

 CONSTITUTION OF THE AMERICAN LEGION

 RESOLUTIONS

 LEGION FACTS

 WHAT THE PUBLIC PRESS THINKS

 COMMITTEES

 ROSTER

ILLUSTRATIONS

THE ST. LOUIS CAUCUS

HENRY D. LINDSLEY

THE PARIS CAUCUS

THEODORE ROOSEVELT, JR. 

GROUP AT ST. LOUIS CAUCUS

BENNETT C. CLARK

ERIC FISHER WOOD

CASPAR BACON

STATE CHAIRMEN HERBERT, [A] MATHEWSON, AND WICKERSHAM

"JACK" SULLIVAN

CHAPLAIN J. W. INZER

FRED HUMPHREY

P. C. CALHOUN

 [Footnote A: Photo by Gray, Worcester, Mass. ]

THE STORY OF THE AMERICAN LEGION

CHAPTER I

LATTER WAR DAYS IN FRANCE

 I believe that the army of to-day, when it goes back to citizen thinking and citizen acting, will be capable of so contributing to the commonwealth of the United States as to change the character of the whole country and lift it up to a higher plane. 

 BISHOP BRENT, _Senior Chaplain, A. E. F_. Paris, March, 1919. 

On a midsummer morning in 1918, ambulance after ambulance unloaded itscargo of wounded humanity at a base hospital in Paris. The woundedwere being conveyed rapidly from the front and the entire hospital wasastir with nurses, surgeons, and orderlies. A major, surgeon, almoststaggered out of an operating room where he had been on duty fortwenty-two hours and started for his quarters when a colonel arrivedon an inspection trip. 

"Pretty busy, " remarked the colonel as he acknowledged the major'ssalute. 

"Busy? Busy!" replied the major. "Good Lord, the only people abouthere that aren't busy are the dead ones. Even the wounded are busyplanning to hobble around at conventions when the Big Show is over. Already they are talking about how they intend to take a hand inthings after the war when they get home. "

Over across the street a sergeant, limping slightly, stopped under ashade tree and leaned against it to rest. He was almost well of hiswound and eagerly awaited the word that would send him to join hisregiment, the Twenty-sixth United States Infantry. As he paused underthe tree another soldier with a mending wound in the knee and justable to be about stopped to speak to him. The sergeant's hand rose inquick salute for the newcomer was an officer. 

"Expect to get back soon, sergeant?" said the officer. 

"Yes sir, " he replied. "Anxious to go back and get the whole job over, sir. "

"So am I, " responded the officer. "But what will we all do when theGermans really are licked?"

"Go home and start a veterans' association for the good of thecountry, sir, " the sergeant answered. 

Lieutenant Colonel Theodore Roosevelt, then major, was the officer, and Sergeant William Patterson, later killed in action, was theenlisted man, and the institution was Base Hospital No. 2. 

Colonel Roosevelt, who was in the hospital convalescing from a woundin his knee caused by a machine gun bullet, told me the story and saidit was the first time that he had heard the subject of a veterans'association mentioned, although he had thought of it frequentlyhimself as an organization with boundless possibilities for good. Hefound later that it was being very generally discussed by men in BaseHospital No. 2, particularly those who were so badly wounded that theycould not be sent to the front again and who knew they must furtherserve their country along peaceful lines at home. 

This was during war time, remember!

Then came the armistice!

When our victorious armies were wending their way towards the Rhine, when men of the navy and the marine corps realized that peace had comeand that home was again within reach, this thought of a veterans'band, which had slumbered far back in the subconscious thoughts of allof them, burst into objectivity. An association of some sort waswidely discussed not only by the men but by the officers as well. Buthow could even the start of it be begun? Those who considered theproject most seriously were confronted with a difficulty which seemedat first to be almost insurmountable: that was the difficulty ofassembling at one time and in one place a gathering which might atleast approximately represent the whole army, navy, marine corps, oreven the A. E. F. 

This difficulty tended to narrow what is believed to have been thewish of everyone when he first thought of the matter, that is the hopethat it would be another Grand Army of the Republic, another UnitedConfederate Veterans, but greater than either because representativeof a United Country. Talk started then about all sorts of imagined andfancied veteran organizations. Some advocated an officers'association. This was believed to be possible because officers hadmore freedom and more financial ability to attend a convention. Othersthought the enlisted men should perfect organizations by regimentsfirst, then divisions, and finally form one great united body. 

The present leaders in the movement have since said that they realizedthat all of these schemes must come to naught because no organizationexcept one on the broadest possible lines could be effective. Theybelieved that all officers and men of the three branches of theservice and all enlisted women, whether they served at home or abroad, should be eligible and urged to join one thoroughly democratic andcomprehensive organization. They knew that any organization leavingout one or more elements composing the military service of the UnitedStates would be forced to compete constantly with the organization orassociation so discarded. In short, they knew that in union there isstrength. And they believed, and still believe, that the problems ofpeace after a catastrophe such as was never before witnessed inhistory are so grave that they can be met with safety only by anational bulwark composed of the men who won the war, so closely knit, so tightly welded together in a common organization for the commongood of all that no power of external or internal evil or aggression, no matter how allied or augmented, could hope even so much as tothreaten our national existence, ambitions, aspirations, and pursuitof happiness, much less aim to destroy them. 

Don't forget that the leaders of the movement realized all this, andalso remember that they include among their number the enlisted man ofthe A. E. F. And home army and the sailor in a shore station and onboard a destroyer. The realization may not have been in so many words, but each knew he wanted to "make the world safe for democracy"--he hadfought to do that and had thought out carefully what it meant, thatis, that it didn't mean anything selfish--and each knew enough of theprinciple of union and strength to embrace the idea when "organize"first began to be mentioned. 

But how to do it, that was the problem. 

Then kind Fate in the shape of G. H. Q. Came to the rescue with whatproved to be the solution. 

G. H. Q. Didn't mean to find the solution. There had been a deal ofdissatisfaction with the way certain things were going in the A. E. F. And on February 15, 1919, twenty National Guard and Reserve officersserving in the A. E. F. , representing the S. O. S. , ten infantrydivisions, and several other organizations, were ordered to report inParis. The purpose of this gathering was to have these officers conferwith certain others of the Regular Army, including the heads of trainsupply and Intelligence Sections of the General Staff of G. H. Q. , inregard to the betterment of conditions and development of contentmentin the army in France. 

Included in this number were Lieutenant Colonel Theodore Roosevelt, Jr. , of the First Division, Lieutenant Colonel Franklin D'Olier of theS. O. S. , and Lieutenant Colonel Eric Fisher Wood of the 88th Division. All of these officers have since told me that when they left theirdivisions they were distinctively permeated with the desire to form aveterans' organization of some comprehensive kind. When they got toParis they immediately went into conference with the other officerson the questions involved in their official trip, details of which donot concern this story. 

What is important is the fact that Colonel Roosevelt, Colonel D'Olier, and Colonel Wood each discovered that all of the officers in thisrepresentative gathering shared with the thousands of other soldiersof the American forces the hope and desire that the officers and menwho were about to return to civilian life, after serving in the greatwar, whether at home or with the combat units or in the S. O. S. , mightsooner or later be united into one permanent national organization, similar in certain respects to the Grand Army of the Republic or theUnited Confederate Veterans and composed of all parties, all creeds, and all ranks, who wished to perpetuate American ideals and therelationship formed while in the military and national service. 

When these officers realized what each was thinking they promptly setabout with the "let's go" spirit of the A. E. F. To avail themselves ofa God-given opportunity. A dinner was spread in the Allied Officers'Club, Rue Faubourg St. Honoré, on the night of February 16th andcovers were laid for the following:

 Lt. Col. Francis R. Appleton, Jr. , 2d Army. Lt. Col. G. Edward Buxton, 82d Div. Lt. Col. Bennett C. Clark, ex 35th Div. , now with 88th Div. Lt. Col. Ralph D. Cole, 37th Div. Lt. Col. D. J. Davis, ex 28th Div. , now att. G. H. Q. Lt. Col. Franklin D'Olier, Q. M. , S. O. S. Col. W. J. Donovan, Rainbow Div. Lt. Col. David M. Goodrich, G. H. Q. Maj. T. E. Gowenlock, ex 1st Div. , now with 1st A. C. Col. Thorndike Howe, A. P. O. Dept. Lt. Col. John Price Jackson, Peace Commission Maj. DeLancey Kountze, G. H. Q. Lt. Col. R. W. Llewellen, 28th Div. Capt. Ogden Mills, ex 6th Div. , now att. G. -2, S. O. S. Lt. Col. Benjamin Moore, 82d Div. Lt. Col. Theodore Roosevelt, Jr. , 1st Div. Lt. Col. R. C. Stebbins, 3d A. C. Maj. R. C. Stewart, 1st Div. Lt. Col. George A. White, ex 41st Div. , now att. G. H. Q. Lt. Col. Eric Fisher Wood, ex 83d Div. , now with 88th Div. 

At that dinner the American Legion was born. 

Why not let this gathering--the most representative in the history ofthe A. E. F. --consider itself as a temporary committee to launch themovement? Why not? everyone asked himself and his neighbor over thecoffee. All felt that their presence in Paris presented an unusualopportunity to initiate the first steps of such a movement, anopportunity unlikely to be repeated and one they ought not to letslip. Another meeting was suggested to consider the matter. It washeld. The result was that there were several more conferences andevery such gathering was more enthusiastic than its predecessor. Ateach of these informal conferences, some one was careful to emphasizethat these self-appointed committeemen were by no meansrepresentative enough of the army or navy, nor sufficiently numerousto warrant their actually effecting an organization of any characterwhatsoever. Yet it was believed that, nevertheless, the gathering wasrepresentative enough to act as a temporary committee so functioningas to get together from the whole army and navy two caucuses--one torepresent the troops in France, and the other those who had remainedin America and who, through no fault of their own, had been denied theprivilege of making history on a European battlefield. The temporarycommittee realized that due care must be exercised in getting thesecaucuses started. Every unit in the A. E. F. Should be represented, ifpossible, at the Paris caucus, while to the one in the States, preferably to be held at St. Louis because of its central location, delegates must come from every Congressional District in the Union. 

Thereby would be avoided, it was urged, the mistake of giving theimpression that it was a small gathering of men, unrepresentative orserving some special and selfish end. 

This was unanimously agreed upon and the temporary committee electedLt. Col. Roosevelt, temporary chairman, Lt. Col. Bennett C. Clark, temporary vice-chairman, Lt. Col. Wood, temporary secretary. 

A sub-committee was appointed to receive from all the members of thetemporary committee the names of such individuals of combat divisionsand each section of the S. O. S. Of the A. E. F. , who were eligible andsuitable to be delegates to a caucus scheduled for March15th-16th-17th in Paris. A similar sub-committee was appointed toascertain the names of men of the home forces in order that they mightbe urged to attend a caucus in America on or about May 8th-9th-10th. 

The work of the sub-committee of the A. E. F. Was much more difficultthan would appear at first glance. It was easy enough to get the namesof leaders in the various outfits, both of officers and men, but toget them to Paris! That was the job. Of course it was the ardentdesire of everyone that the new organization should eventually becomea society principally devoted to the interests of those who served asenlisted men, for they bore the brunt of the fighting and the work andwere fundamentally responsible for the splendid victory. 

But once the names of such men were in the committee's hands the realwork had not begun. There were mechanical difficulties in securing forenlisted men in active duty leave to attend a caucus in Paris. In thefirst place the enlisted men themselves, as indicated by several whowere consulted, were very diffident about accepting an invitation toattend a caucus where they would be required to sit beside and debatewith and against generals and field officers to whom they owedmilitary obedience. Then again, there was the expense of travel inFrance, as well as the high cost of living in Paris. At the outsetthis raised the expense of a trip to the French capital to a sumamounting to many months of an enlisted man's pay. Furthermore, thesub-committee was face to face with the A. E. F. Regulations providingthat except in the most unusual circumstances an enlisted man wouldnot be granted leave except in company with a trainload of hisfellows, and to a certain specified leave area. 

But as has been said before the conclusion had been reached that ifthe organization was really to become preëminently an enlisted man'soutfit, it would be absolutely necessary to overcome thesedifficulties and by hook or crook to obtain the attendance of as manyprivates and noncommissioned officers as possible who were leaders. So, scarcely had seventeen of the twenty officers returned to theircommands before they received an urgent appeal to help out thesub-committee of three. They were told to get enlisted delegates toParis, never mind how, the method being of small importance providedthe men were there. 

CHAPTER II

THE PARIS CAUCUS, MARCH 15-17, 1919

The first delegates began to arrive for the caucus on March 14th. After-the-war good fellowship between those who had been commissionedofficers on the one hand, and enlisted men on the other, wasforeshadowed in a most interesting and striking manner when they beganto come into the hotels. A dozen or more officer delegates broughtwith them as orderlies an equal number of delegates from the ranks. Thus enlisted personnel, by devious means, were ordered to Paris underone guise or another. One sergeant came under orders which stated thathe was the bearer of important documents. He carried a despatch casewadded with waste paper. Another non-com. , from a distant S. O. S. Sector, had orders to report to Paris and obtain a supply of ratpoison. Several wagoners, farriers, and buck privates acquireddiseases of so peculiar a character that only Parisian physicianscould treat them. As one of them said, he hadn't had so much fun sincehis office-boy days when a grandmother made a convenient demise everytime Mathewson pitched. The expense of the trip was gathered indiverse ways. In some divisions the officer delegates took upcollections to defray the expense of enlisted delegates. 

In numerous instances, enlisted men refused such assistance and tookup their own collections. One amusing story was told by an enlistedman. He said that the "buddies" in his regiment had deliberately lostmoney to him in gambling games when he refused to be a delegatebecause he couldn't pay his own expenses. So by various means nearlytwo hundred enlisted delegates were in Paris by late afternoon onMarch 14th. It must not be imagined from the foregoing that all theofficers arrived on special trains and were themselves in the lap ofluxury. One second lieutenant who attended has since confided that hesold his safety razor and two five-pound boxes of fudge sent from homein order to get carfare to Paris. 

Practically all of the self-appointed, temporary committee, with theexception of Colonel Roosevelt, was present. He was Chairman of theAmerican Committee and had left France for the purpose of organizingthat part of the army and navy which did not get abroad or which hadreturned home. 

The Paris caucus convened at the American Club near the Place de laConcorde on the afternoon of March 15th, Colonel Wood presiding. Lieutenant Colonel Bennett C. Clark of the 88th Division was selectedChairman of the caucus and Lt. Col. T. W. Miller of Pennsylvania, andserving in the 79th Division, was elected Vice-Chairman. When ColonelWood called the meeting to order nearly one thousand delegatesanswered the roll-call and these were of all ranks from private tobrigadier general; and every combat division and all sections of theS. O. S. , were represented. Colonel Wood briefly reviewed theself-appointment of the temporary committee during the previous monthand outlined the purposes of the caucus. 

A few minutes after Colonel Clark had taken the chair an officer ofhigh rank, a colonel to be exact, moved that while in the conventionhall, the after-war status as fellow civilians be forecast and thatthe stations of rank would there cease to exist. It was agreed thatthey would be resumed with full force and full discipline as soon asthe delegates crossed the threshold of the convention hall andregained the street. 

It was the ability of the American officer to do this--to be friendlyto a certain extent with his men and yet at the same time to keep themperfectly disciplined--which amazed the officers of the armies of ourAllies. No more striking example of this was ever given than withinthe confines of the American Club on that 15th day of March. TheColonel's motion was unanimously carried and the work of theorganization began. Then generals forgot their rank, corporals engagedin hot debates with colonels, sergeants argued with majors andeverybody talked with everybody else in a most boylike spirit offraternity and equality. 

Captain Ogden Mills of G. H. Q. Moved that four caucus committees beappointed to draft suggestions and submit them to the caucus, onecommittee to design machinery for convening the winter convention; onecommittee to submit suggestions as to a permanent organization; onecommittee on tentative constitution; and one committee on name. Eachcommittee consisted of fifteen members, and was appointed by theChairman. 

Here are the committees, appointed by the chair:

COMMITTEE ON CONVENTION

 Brig. Gen. Sherburne, 26th Div. , Chairman Wagoner Shaw, 88th Div. , Vice-Chairman Capt. Ogden Mills, G. H. Q. Colonel Graham, S. O. S. Prvt. C. W. Ney, 1st Army Troops Captain Mahon, 77th Div. Sgt. Obrecht, 1st Army Capt. Kipling, Troops serving with French Sgt. J. C. Hendler, Paris Command Lt. Col. Appleton, 2d Army Hq. Major Gordon, 36th Div. Field Clerk Sowers, Press Section G. H. Q. Major Hungerford, 3rd Army Hq. Cpl. J. H. Anderson, Paris Command Lt. Col. Wren, 36th Division

COMMITTEE OF PERMANENT ORGANIZATION

 Colonel Donovan, 42d Div. , Chairman Lt. Col. Graham, 88th Div. , Vice-Chairman Capt. Boyd, 29th Division Sgt. Tip Bliss, _Stars and Stripes_ Lt. Col. Fitzpatrick, 35th Division Sgt. Rollo S. Thorpe, 88th Div. Lt. Col. Crosby, S. O. S. Pvt. W. L. Thompson, 11th R. R. Engineers Major Graff, 28th Division Major Barry Wright, 79th Division Sgt. Rommel, Paris Command Sgt. V. V. Trout, Paris Command Capt. Carlstrom, S. O. S. Major R. C. Patterson, Peace Commission Lt. Col. Smith, 89th Division

COMMITTEE ON NAME

 Lt. Col. Robbins, 2d Army Hq. Chairman Lt. Col. Goodrich, G. H. Q. , Vice-Chairman Sgt. Dolan, 89th Division Lt. Col. Stebbins, 3rd Army Corps Sgt. H. E. Fleming, 35th Division Major E. S. Haile, 77th Div. Colonel Gibbs, S. O. S. Sgt. McElow, Paris Command Major Horace Rumsey, 35th Division Sgt. C. E. Sommers, Paris Command Major D. D. Drain, 3d Army Sgt. G. F. Fleming, Paris Command Lt. Markoe, 2d Army Major Dwight, S. O. S. Sgt. Barnard, Paris Command

The names of these committees are given because they are more thanjust names. They show the first bubbles of the melting pot into whichall rank and titles in the American Army have been cast and out ofwhich comes the one word "Comrade. "

There were three outstanding features of the Paris caucus which wereevident by midnight of March 15th. The first was the desire to gettogether and form an organization quickly and a willingness to foregopersonal prejudice and opinion to arrive at that end. The second wasthe determination to make the man who didn't get across as much acomponent part of the legion as his more fortunate brother-in-arms;while the third was the avowed intention to take no action at thecaucus which could be deferred until the winter convention in America, when the home brother and the navy could be jointly represented and apermanent organization could be effected. I say that these things wereevident by midnight of March 15th for those who have attended manyconventions know that from the casual word heard here and there, thewhispered conference of a few leaders, and from the general tenor ofdiscussions carried on by delegates gathered together in littlegroups, the spirit of the body politic is most perceptible. 

After the adjournment of the afternoon session on that day, membersof the committees closeted themselves and started work on theirspecial functions, while those who were to pass on the committee'sactions, the "hoi polloi" were here and there in groups, in the "Y"huts or in boulevard cafes discussing the real meaning of thegathering. A colonel in the Officers' Club said there must be nodisagreement on this or that question; a private in the Bal Tabarintold his buddies the same thing. 

And so it came to pass that on the following day in the Cirque deParis, where the final meetings were held, the delegates formallygathered, sensed the gossip of the clubs and boulevards, and actedaccordingly. One of the things done was to endorse the action of thetemporary committee in appointing itself and in calling the caucus. Another was to adopt a tentative constitution. It is in reality littlemore than a preamble, but it gave a working basis, expressing enoughand yet not too much. 

Newspaper men have told me that the Sermon on the Mount is the finestbit of reporting in the history of writing because it tells a longstory succinctly. Lieutenant Colonel Buxton and his committee onconstitutions are certainly entitled to credit of the same type--forthey tell a great deal in a few lines. 

[Illustration: Henry D. Lindsley Temporary Chairman, who presided at St. Louis]

[Illustration: The Paris Caucus This gathering had no time for official photographers. A half hour before a session began one slipped in and took this picture with more than half the caucus delegates absent]

Here's the tentative constitution under which the Legion worked--itwas read by Lieutenant Colonel Bolles:

"We, the members of the Military and Naval Service of the UnitedStates of America in the great war, desiring to perpetuate theprinciples of Justice, Freedom, and Democracy for which we havefought, to inculcate the duty and obligation of the citizen to theState; to preserve the history and incidents of our participation inthe war; and to cement the ties of comradeship formed in service, dopropose to found and establish an association for the furtherance ofthe foregoing purposes:

"Those eligible to membership shall be: All officers and enlistedpersonnel in the Military and Naval Services of the United States ofAmerica at any time during the period from April 6, 1917, to November11, 1918, inclusive; excepting however, persons leaving the servicewithout an honorable discharge or persons who having been called intothe service refused, failed, or attempted to evade the fullperformance of such service. 

"The society shall consist of a national organization with subsidiarybranches; one for each State, territory, and foreign possession of theUnited States as well as one in each foreign country where members ofthe national society may be resident and who desire to associatethemselves together. 

"The officers of the society shall be a President, one or moreVice-Presidents, a Secretary, a Treasurer and a Board of Directors, which shall consist of the President, the Vice-Presidents, togetherwith the chief executive of each subsidiary branch. 

"The subsidiary branches shall organize and govern themselves in suchmanner as the membership of such subsidiary organizations shalldetermine upon except that the requirements and purposes of thepermanent national constitution as adopted shall be complied with. 

"The representation shall be on the basis of the actual enrollment inthe subsidiary branches at all conventions after the adoption of apermanent constitution. 

"Members present at the meeting of this committee as follows:

 "Lt. Col. G. Edward Buxton, Jr. , Chairman "Lt. Col. T. W. Miller, Secretary "Major Redmond C. Stewart "Col. E. A. Gibbs "Lt. Col. W. H. Curtiss "Major J. Hall "Col. C. L. Ristine. "

There were many, many men in the A. E. F. Respected and beloved, butnone perhaps more than he who seconded a motion made by a private fromS. O. S. Base section, No. 4, that the constitution be adopted. Theseconder asked to speak on the question. When he began he got the raptattention which Bishop Brent, Senior Chaplain of the A. E. F. , alwayswon whether he talked to buck privates knee deep in trench water orthe King in Buckingham Palace. 

"It was a great soldier who said that the army has not merely a bodybut a soul and a conscience as well, " he began. "I believe theconscience of the army is speaking in this committee's report. Ibelieve the army's soul is speaking in it. I was present on Saturday, at the beginning of this caucus and I will tell you frankly that I wasfearful at that moment lest you should create a great mechanismwithout adequate purposes. My fears have been wholly allayed and I seein the report of your committee the ideals not only of the army but ofthe nation adequately expressed and I wish to tell you gentlemen thatso far as I have any ability to promote this great movement I give youmy most hearty support. I believe that the army of to-day, when itgoes back to citizen thinking and citizen acting, will be capable ofcontributing to the commonwealth of the United States so as to changethe character of the whole country and lift it up to a higher planeof political, industrial, and religious life. I happen to be at thismoment leading in a movement in the army to promote the various endsthat are so well expressed in the committee's report, in what is knownas the 'Comrades in Service. ' There are two ways of creating anorganization; one is by forming the principles and leaving the body totake its own shape; the other by creating a machinery without statingyour end and reach that end through the machinery. According to ourdemocratic conception we have adopted the former or idealistic method. We are prepared to contribute to this army wide organization which isnow brought into existence, all that we have to contribute. We areentirely loyal to your principles and methods of approach and we arequite willing to forego any attempt to make an organization whichmight become a rival to you. Between now and the time ofdemobilization there is a great opportunity for us to promote theprinciples which actuate you. We have already a temporary andprovisional organization for the promotion of such principles; thecreation of better citizenship along the lines so well expressed. Wewould like everyone who can to give support to that which we areendeavoring to do, while we ask all who come in with us to be preparedto throw in their lot with this organization when it is perfected inthe United States. "

"The creation of better citizenship, " Bishop Brent says. He wantsevery one who can, to give support to that; to "what we are trying todo. "

If everyone could see just that in the Legion, if everyone will workfor just that--better citizenship--the Legion's aim will be realizedin its deepest and truest sense. Bishop Brent has a knack of hittingthe nail on the head with such force that the sparks fly and by theirlight comes insight--ask anyone from out Manila-way if it isn't so. The short address was greeted with thunderous applause. The newly bornLegion knew it had a champion and a worker in the Bishop. 

Col. Wm. J. Donovan of the 165th Infantry, Forty-second Divisionheaded the committee of fifteen which gave the final report onresolutions and organization. This report is reproduced here in fullbecause it presaged the action of the American caucus and broughtabout the form of the Legion Government until November. 

 "RESOLVED: That an Executive Committee shall be selected, two (2) from each unit (as recognized in this caucus) and eight (8) to be selected by the Executive Committee; the two members, one officer and one enlisted man, to be selected from each unit to be named by the respective delegations attending this caucus. Each unit shall present the names of committeemen who shall as far as possible represent, in point of residence, each State, Territory and possession of the United States and the District of Columbia. 

 "This Executive Committee shall have general power to represent the units now in foreign service, to determine its own quorum, to confer with committees from a similar caucus in the United States, to secure one general convention of persons entitled to membership under the tentative constitution, to elect its officers and appoint such sub-committees and give them such powers as may be proper and necessary. 

 "This Executive Committee acting in conjunction with the committee of the United States is specifically charged with the duty of fixing a date and place for holding a national convention, issuing a call for the holding of county and State conventions and providing a unit of representation and method of selection of delegates to the national convention, by the State conventions. 

 "The powers of this committee shall expire upon the organization of the permanent national convention. 

 "The committee is further charged with the duty of making known the existence and purpose of this organization, of stimulating interest in it, and of inviting the support of all those entitled to membership. 

 "No policy except in furtherance of the creation of a permanent organization having in mind the desirability of unity of action in organizing all the American forces shall be adopted or carried out by the committees. 

 A meeting for the temporary and preliminary organization of the Executive Committee shall be held at this place immediately upon the adjournment of this caucus. 

 The Executive Committee may receive and add to its number two representatives from any division or equivalent unit not represented at this caucus. "

As the result of the passage of this report it is interesting to notethe personnel of the Executive Committee which the delegates selectedand which is controlling the American Legion of the A. E. F. , observingespecially the large number of enlisted men; large in view of thedifficulties experienced in getting such men to Paris. 

 1st Div. , Capt. Arthur S. Hyde 2d Div. , Lt. Col Harold C. Snyder 26th Div. , Sgt. Wheaton Freeman 26th Div. , Lt. Col. Wm. J. Keville 27th Div. , Lt. Col. Edward E. Gauche, N. Y. 27th Div. , Reg. Sgt. Mjr. Samuel A. Ritchie, N. Y. 28th Div. , Brig Gen. Wm. G. Brice, Jr. , Penn. 28th Div. , Sgt. Ted Myers, Penn. 29th Div. , Lt. Col. Orison M. Hurd, N. J. 29th Div. , Color Sgt. Andreas Z. Holley, Maryland 31st Div. , Captain Leon Schwarz, Ala. 33d Div. , Col. Milton A. Foreman, Ill. 35th Div. , Lt. Col. B. C. Clark, Mo. 35th Div. , Sgt. Fred Heney, Kans. 36th Div. , Col. Chas. W. Nimon, Texas 36th Div. , Sgt. Mjr. L. H. Evridge, Texas 41st Div. , Col. Frank White, N. Dak. 42d Div. , Col. Henry J. Reilly, Ill. 42d Div. , Sgt. Rowe, Iowa 77th Div. , Major Duncan Harris 77th Div. , Sgt. Lawrence Miller, N. Y. 79th Div. , Lt. Col. Stuart S. Janney, Md. 79th Div. , Sgt. Benjamin R. Kauffman, Pa. 80th Div. , Capt. Arthur F. Shaw, Mich. 81st Div. , Major Theodore G. Tilghman, N. C. 81st Div. , Reg. Sgt. Mjr. Wm. S. Beam, N. C. 82d Div. , Capt. Frank S. Williams, Fla. 82d Div. , Sgt. Alvin T. York, Tenn. 83d Div. , Lt. Col. Wayman C. Lawrence, Jr. , W. Va. 83d Div. , Cpl. Thoyer 86th Div. , Major John H. Smale, Ill. 88th Div. , Lt. Col. George C. Parsons, Minn. 88th Div. , Wagoner Dale J. Shaw, Iowa. 89th Div. , Lt. Col. Frank Wilbur Smith, Pa. 91st Div. , Lt. Col. John Guy Strohm, Oregon 91st Div. , Sgt. Mjr. Hercovitz, Calif. S. O. S. Hq. , Col. James H. Graham, Conn. Adv. Sec. , S. O. S. Capt. David A. Uaurier, Wash. Base Sec. No. 1, S. O. S. , Pvt. W. L. Thompson, N. Y. Base Sec. No. 3, S. O. S. , Lt. Col. Carle Abrams, Oregon Base Sec. No. 5, S. O. S. , Major Orlin Hudson, Kans. Base Sec. No. 6, S. O. S. , Major Arthur S. Dwight, N. Y. Troops with French, Sgt. L. K. Flynt, Mass. Troops with French, Capt. A. W. Kipling, Paris, France Paris Command, Pvt. Harold W. Ross, Calif. Paris Command, Lt. Col. John Price Jackson G. H. Q. , Bishop Charles H. Brent, N. Y. 1st Army Corps, Lt. Col. Lemuel L. Bolles, Wash. 1st Army Corps, Sgt. Mjr. Race 2d Army Hq. , Lt. Col. Burke H. Sinclair, Colo. 

The tentative name of this organization was not adopted without agreat deal of discussion. All sorts of titles were suggested to thecommittee which considered the matter. Some of them were:

 Comrades of the Great War Veterans of the Great War Liberty League Army of the Great War Legion of the Great War Great War Legion The Legion The American Comrades of the Great War The Great Legion The American Legion

The last was tentatively decided upon as the best name although therewas considerable discussion on it. This discussion waxed particularlywarm between a colonel and a corporal and it came to an end only whensome hungry enlisted delegate braved the officer's rising ire to movean adjournment for lunch. The motion carried immediately and, true tothe understanding made at the outset in regard to rank, the corporalclicked his heels together, stood at attention and saluted thecolonel, when the latter passed him on the sidewalk exactly fiveminutes after he had been telling the colonel precisely what hethought of him and his opinions--at least as far as the name of theVeteran's Organization was concerned. I might add that this colonelwas well under thirty-five years of age and that the corporal was onlytwenty-one. 

And this brings to mind another striking feature of this most unusualgathering, which was the comparative youth of its membership. Forinstance the two individuals who have taken from the beginning theleading parts in the movement, Bennett Clark, son of Champ Clark and aLieutenant Colonel of infantry, and Theodore Roosevelt, Jr. , son ofthe ex-president and also a Colonel of infantry. They are respectivelytwenty-nine and thirty-one years of age, and one of the most brilliantspeeches in the caucus was made by a captain of twenty-six. 

It must not be understood from this rather dry recital of what tookplace at the Paris Caucus, this record of minutes and resolutions, that it was an entirely sedate and dignified gathering. On thecontrary, Young America was there and quite often the impression whichone gathered was that a dozen or so Big Brothers had been turned looseat once. A great many wild speeches were made and all sorts ofticklish questions were brought up. Chairman Clark broke two gavelsand three times overturned his table. Everyone there was young. Peacewas young. Few knew exactly, like Bishop Brent, just what was wanted. The whole project was new. Dozens of delegates wanted to speak; it wastheir first chance since April 6, 1917. In fact one man made two veryviolent speeches on the same subject, one in direct opposition to theother. He realized he was making a heated argument for both sides andfinally sat down laughing about it. Who was he? Who was the colonelwho got wrought up over the proposed name? Who were the lieutenants, and who were any of these privates, captains, and sergeants?

"I don't know. " Nobody knows. 

Doubtless they have themselves forgotten what they said. No verbatimrecords are available now. In fact I am told that no record could havebeen kept, for many times two or three were speaking at once and thechairman was breaking the third commandment with his gavel. But thismuch everyone wanted, "A Veteran's Organization. " This much everyoneswore he would have, one that was neither political nor partisan, onethat would perpetuate righteousness, insure "honor, faith, and a sureintent, " and despite whatever bickering there might have been, despitewhatever differences of opinion arose, when, with a tremendous "Aye, "the motion to adjourn was carried, this Paris Caucus had accomplisheda body politic and a soul of the type which Bishop Brent so clearlydescribed. 

To resume the story of actual accomplishment. The Executive Committeewas given general power to represent the units in France, to conferwith committees or representatives of the American Caucus as soon asthese should be appointed, and, in conjunction with the latter, toissue a call for the holding of county and State conventions andproviding a unit of representation and method of selection ofdelegates to one general convention for the autumn of 1919, preferablyNovember 11th, or Armistice Day. 

The Executive Committee met immediately after the adjournment of thecaucus and elected Colonel Foreman of the Thirty-third Division, Chairman; Lt. Colonel George A. White, Forty-first Division, Secretaryand Major R. C. Patterson, Paris Command, Assistant Secretary. Lt. Col. White, Col. Wood, Major R. C. Patterson, and Lt. L. R. Farrell wereelected permanent members at large of the Executive Committee. 

Then from this executive committee a committee of fifteen was chosenfor the purpose of expediting the work which had been assigned to thelarger committee, it being easier to assemble fifteen men than thelarger number. The committee of fifteen elected Col. Bennett Clark asits chairman. 

At the first meeting of the committee of fifteen a hope was expressedthat the caucus in America would take similar action in theappointment of an executive committee, which would in turn delegateits authority to a smaller committee for working purposes. Justexactly how this worked out, is later described. 

CHAPTER III. 

PRE-CAUCUS DAYS IN AMERICA. 

Once home again it didn't take a Solomon to tell Colonel Rooseveltthat he had a man's size job on his hands in starting the AmericanLegion on its way in the United States. Dispatches more or lessaccurate had told the service men on this side something about theLegion activities of the A. E. F. In France. As late as mid-April, however, a great many men in this country knew nothing whatever aboutthe American Legion, while the majority of those who did were not atall sure it was to be _The Veteran's Organization_. What I have saidpreviously about the "spontaneous opinion" of the men in France on thequestion of a veteran's organization proved to be equally true amongservice men on this side of the water. Consequently, it wasn't longafter the armistice before several veteran's organizations andassociations were in the process of formation. As it was a pertinentnews topic, the newspapers gave a great deal of prominence in theircolumns to several of these organizations. They were of various typesand characters. One was for enlisted men only. Another was forofficers only. There was an organization for officers who had foughtin France, Italy, or Russia and there was one or more organizationswhich had the breadth of vision to see that men of all ranks and allbranches of the military and naval establishments must be eligible. 

Such was the situation confronting Colonel Roosevelt when he arrivedhome to help start the American Legion in its own country. The fact ofhis arrival and his announced intention to aid in the organization ofthe Legion was duly heralded in the press of the United States. 

At first the army and navy men were inclined to say, "Here is anotherof those mushroom Veteran's Associations bobbing up. " In fact I heardone officer make just that remark, but another was quick to correcthim by saying, "Its bound to be a straight and honest organization ora Roosevelt wouldn't stand for it. " That was the crux of the initialsuccess of the Legion, because just that was true. Every man who worethe uniform had known Theodore Roosevelt, Sr. , and although he may nothave agreed with him in all of his political opinions still he knewthat neither he nor any member of his family would back anyorganization or proposition that was not morally sterling. 

There were those who did not like the American Legion. There werethose who were willing to let a past political prejudice deter themfrom aiding in the most important movement in American life to-day. There were those who stated that Theodore Roosevelt, Jr. , wasprominent in organizing the American Legion for his own politicaladvancement. The answer to that misapprehension will develop later andwill prove one of the most striking incidents in this story. 

Colonel Roosevelt has a peculiarly happy faculty of keeping those whowork with him cheerful and optimistic. He gathered around him, tolaunch the movement in America, a set of cheerful, competentoptimists, prominent among whom were Colonel Richard Derby, ColonelFranklin D'Olier, who figured in the Paris Caucus, Major Cornelius W. Wickersham, Assistant Chief of Staff of the Twenty-seventh Division, Captain Henry Fairfield Osborne, Lieutenant Colonel Granville Clark, Lieutenant Colonel Leslie Kincaide, Lieutenant Colonel Eric FisherWood and Captain H. B. Beers. One of Colonel Roosevelt's first dutiesas temporary chairman of the Legion over here was to create the nationwide organization. He needed committeemen in every State to work theState organization up, and to start the machinery for the election ofdelegates to the St. Louis Caucus, for it had been decided that therepresentation in St. Louis must be by duly elected representativesfrom congressional districts in so far as that was possible. Each suchdistrict was awarded double its congressional representation, inaddition to the delegates at large. It was no easy task to pick thesecommitteemen. The decision of the Paris gathering that theorganization must be non-partisan and non-political had to be adheredto in its fullest sense. There were soldiers and sailors enough in allthe States who would have been willing to have started theorganization in their respective localities, but how _not_ to getpoliticians of the lower order, men who would gladly prostitute theLegion, its aims and ambitions to their own selfish advantage--thatwas the problem which faced the temporary committee in America. 

About three weeks before the St. Louis Caucus the following names werechosen from the various States as committeemen:

OFFICERS Lt. Col. Theodore Roosevelt, Jr. , New York, Chairman Lt. Col. Bennett Clark, Missouri, Vice-Chairman Lt. Col. Eric Fisher Wood, Pennsylvania, Secretary. 

ALABAMA Lt. H. M. Badham, Jr. , Birmingham Pvt. W. M. Cosby, Jr. , Birmingham Sgt. Edwin Robertson, Birmingham

ARIZONA Pvt. Ned Bernard, Tucson Lt. Col. J. C. Greenway, Bisbee

ARKANSAS Pvt. P. R. Graybill, Democ. Pub. Co. Little Rock Major J. J. Harrison, Little Rock Pvt. Walter J. Wilkins, Pine Bluff

CALIFORNIA Sgt. L. P. Adams, San Francisco Corp. Chas. A. Beck, San Francisco Lt. Col. Benjamin H. Dibblee, San Francisco Chaplain Joseph D. McQuade, San Francisco Major Stewart Edward White, Santa Barbara

COLORADO Lt. G. W. Cutting, Florence Sgt. C. C. Neil, Greeley Major H. A. Saidy, Colorado Springs Sgt. Phil. G. Thompson, Denver

CONNECTICUT Maj. Morgan G. Bulkeley, Hartford Lt. Col. Jas. L. Howard, Hartford

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Pvt. L. Clarkson Hines, Washington Col. E. Lester Jones, Washington

DELAWARE Major Thomas W. Miller, Wilmington Capt. John P. Nields, Wilmington

FLORIDA Brig Gen A. H. Blanding, Bartow

GEORGIA Col. Alexander R. Lawton, Jr. , Savannah Capt. Landon Thomas, Augusta

IDAHO Major C. M. Booth, Pocatello Pvt. John Green, Twin Falls Major Hawley, Jr. , Boisé Pvt. D. H. Holt, Caldwell

ILLINOIS Chf. Petty Officer B. J. Goldberg, Chicago Maj. Owsley Brown, Springfield Rear Admiral Frederick B. Bassett, Great Lakes 1st Cl. Pvt. Edw. J. Czuj, Chicago Maj. Thomas Gowenlock, Chicago 1st Cl. Pvt. Hy. Hickman Harris, Champaign 1st Cl. Pvt. Geo. Kendall Hooton, Danville Ensign Allen M. Loeb, Chicago Capt. Clark Nixon, East St. Louis Maj. John Callan O'Laughlin, Chicago Capt. Joseph Medill Patterson, Chicago 1st Cl. Pvt. C. J. Schatz, Wheaton Brig. Gen. Robt. E. Wood, Chicago Sgt. David S. Wright, Oak Park

INDIANA Col. Solon J. Carter, Indianapolis Ensign Win. L. Hutcheson, Indianapolis Sgt. R. J. Leeds, Richmond

IOWA Sgt. Chas. A. Doxsee, Monticello Major H. H. Polk, Des Moines

KANSAS Gen. Chas. I. Martin, Topeka Gen. Wilder S. Metcalf, Lawrence Sgt. Fred C. Stanford, Independence Sgt. Mahlon S. Weed, Lawrence

KENTUCKY Pvt. Samuel J. Culbertson, Louisville Lt. W. C. Dabney, Louisville Capt. Shelby Harbison, Lexington Major James Wheeler, Paducah

LOUISIANA Capt. Allen Cook, New Orleans Lt. John M. Parker, Jr. , New Orleans

MAINE Lt. Col. Arthur Ashworth, Bangor Col. Frank W. Hume, 103d Inf. Capt. A. L. Robinson, Portland Pvt. Daniel J. Smart, Sgt. Wm. H. Whalen, 103d Inf. Sgt. Freeman Wheaton, 107th Inf. 

MARYLAND Lt. James A. Gary, Jr. Baltimore Sgt. Alexander Randall, Baltimore Major Redmond Stewart, Baltimore Brig. Gen. W. S. Thayer, Baltimore

MASSACHUSETTS Brig. Gen. Charles H. Cole, Boston Sgt. Edw. J. Creed, 101st Inf. Sgt. Ernest H. Eastman, 104th Inf. Major J. W. Farley, Boston Lt. Col. Louis Frothingham, Boston Sgt. Geo. Gilbody, 101st Inf. Sgt. Daniel J. Nolan, MICHIGAN Lt. Col. Fredk. M. Alger, Detroit Sgt. Rand F. English, Detroit 1st Sgt. Wm. King, Detroit Lt. Commander Truman H. Newberry, Detroit

MINNESOTA Pvt. Gordon Clark, Duluth Major Paul B. Cook, St. Paul Pvt. Wm. D. Mitchell, St. Paul Pvt. W. Bissell Thomas, Minneapolis

MISSISSIPPI Lt. John N. Alexander, Jackson Sgt. Maj. C. J. Craggs, Greenville Major Alex. Fitzhugh, Vicksburg Corp. Isador A. Frank, Clarksdale Sgt. Elmer Price, McComb

MISSOURI Brig. Gen. H. C. Clarke, Jefferson City Pvt. David R. Francis, Jr. , St. Louis Corp. Sestus J. Wade, Jr. , St. Louis

MONTANA Col. J. J. McGuiness, Helena Corp. Chas. S. Pew, Helena

NEBRASKA Major P. F. Cosgrove, Lincoln Pvt. T. T. McGuire, Omaha Sgt. R. Scott, Imperial Lt. Allan A. Tukey, Omaha

NEVADA Sgt. E. L. Malsbary, Reno Lt. Col. Jas. G. Scrugham, Reno

NEW HAMPSHIRE Sgt. Herve L'Heureaux, Manchester Major Frank Knox, Manchester

NEW JERSEY Col. Hobart Brown, Newark Sgt. Allan Eggers, Summit 1st Lt. Geo. W. C. McCarter, Newark Corp. Roger Young, Newark

NEW MEXICO Capt. Bronson M. Cutting, Santa Fé Col. Debjemond, Roswell Pvt. Canuto Trujillo, Chimayo

NEW YORK Lt. Col. Robert Bacon, New York Lt. Col. Grenville Clark, New York Brig. Gen. Chas. I. Debevoise, Brooklyn Pvt. Meade C. Dobson, New York Col. Wm. J. Donovan, New York Lt. Samuel Gompers, Jr. , New York Seaman Jos. F. Healey, New York Chaplain Francis A. Kelley, Albany Lt. Col. J. Leslie Kincaid, Syracuse Ensign Jerome H. Larger, Brooklyn Ensign W. G. McAdoo, Jr. , New York Sgt. Major Howard H. McLellan, Yonkers Ensign R. H. Mitchell, New York Major General John F. O'Ryan, New York Lt. D. Lincoln Reed, New York Col. Henry L. Stimson, New York Lt. Col. Chas. W. Whittlesey, New York Major Cornelius W. Wickersham, New York Sgt. Clarence E. Williams, New York

NORTH CAROLINA Lt. R. W. Glenn, Greensboro Lt. Cyrus D. Hogue, Wilmington

NORTH DAKOTA Capt. Matthew Murphy, Fargo

OHIO Sgt. Jas. K. Campbell, Shreve Lt. Col. Jas. R. Cochran, Columbus Lt. Col. Ralph D. Cole, Columbus or Findlay Lt. Col. Isadore H. Duke, Cincinnati

OKLAHOMA Sgt. Eugene Atkins, Muskogee Brig. Gen. Roy Hoffman, Oklahoma City

OREGON Pvt. Harry Critchlow, Portland Sgt. Carl B. Fenton, Dallas Lt. Col. Geo. Kelley, Portland Col. F. W. Leadbetter, Portland Lt. Col. Geo. A. White, Portland

PENNSYLVANIA Major Chas. J. Biddle, Philadelphia Lt. Joseph F. Frayne, Scranton Lt. Col. Robt. E. Glendinning, Philadelphia Lt. Col. John Price Jackson, Harrisburg Pvt. George Jones, Scranton Maj. Alexander Laughlin, Jr. , Pittsburg Col. Asher Miner, Wilkes-Barre Lt. John R. Sproul, Chester Lt. Bernard J. Voll, Philadelphia

RHODE ISLAND Major Geo. E. Buxton, Jr. , Providence Col. Everitte St. J. Chaffee, Providence Sgt. W. C. Kendrick, Pawtucket

SOUTH CAROLINA Sgt. W. C. Coward, Cheraw Lt. Chas. C. Pinckney, Charleston C. T. Trenholm, Charleston Major W. D. Workman, Greenville

SOUTH DAKOTA Capt. Lawrence R. Bates, Sioux Falls Capt. Royal C. Johnson, Aberdeen Sgt. Ruble Lavery, Vermilion Sgt. Jos. F. Pfeiffer, Rapid City

TENNESSEE Col. James A. Gleason, Knoxville Sgt. Major Keith J. Harris, Chattanooga Sgt. John Hays, Memphis Col. Luke Lea, Nashville Major T. C. Thompson, Jr. Chattanooga Pvt. C. W. Tomlinson, Chattanooga

TEXAS Capt. Stanley E. Kempner, Galveston Col. H. D. Lindsley, Dallas Col. H. B. Moore, Texas City

UTAH Sgt. Maj. H. H. McCartney, Salt Lake City Gen. R. W. Young, Salt Lake City

VIRGINIA Pvt. Frank G. Christian, Richmond Lt. C. Francis Cocke, Roanoke Col. Stuart McGuire, Richmond

VERMONT Pvt. Donald J. Emery, Newport Sgt. Eugene V. Finn, St. Albans Major H. Nelson Jackson, Burlington Capt. Redfield Proctor, Burlington

WASHINGTON Lt. Col. R. W. Llewellen, Seattle Major P. P. Marion, Seattle Brig. Gen. Harvey J. Moss, Seattle Sgt. John J. Sullivan, N. Seattle Sgt. Major R. H. Winsor, Tacoma

WEST VIRGINIA Capt. Fleming W. Alderson, Charleston Sgt. Walter S. Moore, Huntington Sgt. Thomas Schofield, Wheeling Lt. Col. Jackson A. Weston, Charleston

WISCONSIN Edward F. Ackley, Milwaukee Pvt. David Bloodgood, Milwaukee Sgt. Elmer S. Owens, Milwaukee Col. Gilbert E. Seaman, Milwaukee Pvt. John P. Szulcek, Milwaukee

WYOMING Major A. S. Beach, Lusk Sgt. Morris A. Dinneen, Cheyenne Pvt. I. H. Larom, Valley Ranch

United American War Veterans, Warren S. Fischer, Commander-in-ChiefComrades in Service, Bishop Brent, President, National Legion of America, Major Elihu Church, American Army Association, Lt. Haywood Hillyer, General Secretary. 

 * * * * *

Just about this time it became most necessary to properly present theLegion to those men who had remained at home and who had gotten out ofthe Service, and to those who were incoming from France and rapidilybeing demobilized, as it was upon them that the success of the Legiondepended. Furthermore, their opinions were the soil upon which thevarious State organizations had to work, and at that particular timeit was vital that the Legion should be widely known and thoroughlyunderstood; that its aims and ambitions should not be misconstruedeither willfully or unintentionally, nor its precepts perverted. Tothis end the temporary Chairman proceeded to publicize it in the mostthorough fashion. One-page bulletins briefly outlining the Legion'saims and ambitions were distributed in every center where soldiers andseamen gathered. Such places as Y. M. C. A. And K. Of C. Huts and WarCamp Community recreation centers were thoroughly informed, andbulletins also were sent to every ship in the navy with the requestthat they be placed on the ship's bulletin board. 

Literature about the Legion was placed on transports when they leftempty for France so that the men might read it in their leisure hoursreturning home. In order to make sure that every soldier and sailorwould have the opportunity to know about the Legion this literaturewas again placed on the transports as they arrived in New York harbor. Various demobilization camps throughout the country were widelyplacarded and in each instance the names of the Temporary StateSecretaries were given, and service men were invited to write to theSecretaries in their particular States. Camp publications, newspapers, and periodicals published for service men throughout the country werebountifully supplied with Legion information and scores of themcarried special stories in regard to it. Bulletins and pamphlets weredistributed in hospitals, placed on bulletin boards, and given to thepatients. Every mayor of a town or city with a population above ninehundred got a letter containing literature about the Legion with arequest that it be given publicity in the local press and then turnedover to the Chairman of the Welcome Home Committee. Certain nationalmagazines devoted a great deal of space to special articles explainingthe Legion. 

Three or four times a week the Foreign Press Bureau of the UnitedStates Government sent stories about the Legion and its activities bywireless to the ships on sea and to the men of the A. E. F. Inconnection with its "Home News Service. " In addition to the foregoing, articles appeared almost daily in the press throughout the entirecountry, and by the time the convention was ready to meet those whoran and cared to read were fully informed that the American Legion wasan organization for veterans of the army, navy, and marine corp; thatit was non-partisan and non-political; that it stood for law andorder, decent living, decent thinking, and true Americanism. 

The wide publicity given to the Legion and its aims brought into theTemporary Committee many amusing letters. Scores of them complained ofthe published statement that it was non-partisan and non-political. "Damn it all, we want it to be political and partisan, " one angryWesterner wrote. Another correspondent insisted that in view of thefact that sons of Theodore Roosevelt, and Speaker Champ Clark wereinterested, the Legion must be bi-partisan and bi-political. But mostof the letters were of a highly commendatory character, expressing thedeepest and widest possible interest. I recall that one of them camefrom Junction City, Kansas, another from Old Town, Maine; one fromDelray, Texas, and others from Wolf Creek, Montana, Orlando, Florida, and Ray's Crossing, Indiana, while a postal card making franticinquiries was dated Nome, Alaska, and arrived a week after the caucusat St. Louis. I have mentioned these towns and localities because theyindicate how widespread and deep is the interest in the Legion. Nomatter where a man came from to go into the army, the Legion will goto him in his home now. Its members will range from fishermen on theFlorida Keys to the mail carriers on the Tanana in Alaska, from themill hands of New England to the cotton planters of the Mississippidelta. All who wore the uniform may enroll just so long as the word_Americanism_ was inscribed in their hearts between April 6, 1917, andNovember 11, 1918. 

CHAPTER IV

THE ADVANCE COMMITTEE

When the St. Louisian puffed its way into the big smoke-begrimedstation in Missouri's largest city I looked about me for Bill, who wasgoing to meet me at the station. We had not met since our prep. Schooland college days when Bill had been a thin, wizened little fellow, sohollow-chested that he had to be sent to Colorado for almost two yearsfor his health. He came back to school looking better but before hisdiploma was handed to him announcing to the world that he was afull-fledged Bachelor of Arts, he had fallen apparently permanentlyinto the rut of ill-health. In fact I wondered, when we all sang _AuldLang Syne_ in the fraternity house at the close of college, if I'dever see Bill again. 

From time to time I had heard from him in the years that followed, andone day in the summer of 1917 he wrote me that he was on the way toFrance. 

While I gazed up and down the smoke-laden platform, I got a slap onthe shoulder that sent me spinning, and there was the once emaciatedBill, who seemed to have grown three inches and to have put onseventy-five pounds. 

As we walked toward the taxicab stand I began to realize that insteadof an old friend, a stranger was beside me. True enough, he had thesame name and the same colored eyes, and his hair hadn't changed. Butthe rather dreamy eye had cleared, the pale face of old was tanned, and Bill's chest--the one he had gone to Colorado for--was bulging outas he carried my two heavy suit cases like a pouter pigeon's at apoultry show. 

What had happened to Bill? The little, quiet, timid youth of the pastwas now a big, burly, strong-bodied, clear-minded man. As we enteredthe taxi he was telling me that he "intended to raise hell if theydidn't take some action against this blank Bolshevism, and furthermorethat this new Legion was going to be the most tremendous organizationthat the U. S. A. Had ever seen. " If he had told me that Swinburne's_Faustine_ was written in iambic hexameter it would have sounded morelike old times. But here was a new man, strong and virile, intenselyinterested in the future of his nation. 

What had happened to Bill? Eighteen months in the army was the answer. 

The advanced delegation began to arrive in St. Louis, the afternoon ofMay 5th. The Statler and Jefferson Hotels were packed because therewere two other conventions in progress. But our delegates needed nobadge to be distinguished from the others; there was a differencebetween them and the other conventionites. There was the samedifference between the two as between the old Bill and the new Bill. They too had had eighteen months in the army, and a coat of tan oneach one's face, his ruddy frame, and general atmosphere of a healthymind and a healthy body were unmistakable emblems. 

This advanced delegation, two from each State, had been requested tocome beforehand to meet on the morning of Tuesday, May 6th, so as toformulate a working order of business on which the caucus mightproceed as soon as it assembled. There was another reason for thismeeting also. The temporary committee wanted to avoid any appearanceof having "framed up the caucus. " By this it is meant that thecommittee wanted to be able to say to the caucus that its workingprocedure had been determined by a thoroughly representative body, ademocratic, advanced delegation composed of men from every State inthe Union. There were those critics of the Legion, who, had thetemporary committee formulated the caucus procedure, would have beenonly too glad to have attempted to make trouble by saying it was acontrolled and made-to-order caucus--controlled and made-to-order bythe men who had taken the lead in it. In fact, during the earlymorning of the first day the advanced committee met one delegationarrived with blood in its eyes determined to wage a fight againstuniversal military training. One of the stories circulated at the timewas to the effect that the entire Legion was nothing but a blindwhereby a mysterious "Military Clique" was to gain supreme power overthe Legion's policies. It took but a very short while to convince thewould-be obstreperous delegation that the caucus was not theconvention and was empowered solely to organize a veterans'association and not to adopt policies. 

The temporary committee in America determined at the very beginningthat no policies would be adopted at the caucus, that the Legion atthis time should follow in the footsteps of its comrades abroad instating that neither the men here nor the men there could, asdifferent units, adopt broad policies until a convention could be heldtruly representing all men who had fought in the Great War. 

Colonel Roosevelt called the advanced committee to order a littleafter two o'clock in the afternoon, in a small and very noisy parlorin the Hotel Statler. The gavel which he used was made from wood fromthe rudder of Admiral Peary's North Pole steamship _The Roosevelt_, which had been presented to him by Colonel E. Lester Jones ofWashington, D. C. 

"The idea underlying the formation of the American Legion is thefeeling among the great mass of the men who served in the forces ofthis country during the war, that the impulse of patriotism whichprompted their efforts and sacrifices should be so preserved that itmight become a strong force in the future for true Americanism andbetter citizenship, " Colonel Roosevelt said. He spoke very slowly andmeasured his words carefully but emphasized them in a tone of deepestconviction. "We will be facing troublous times in the coming years, "he continued "and to my mind no greater safeguard could be devisedthan those soldiers, sailors, and marines formed in their ownassociation, in such manner that they could make themselves felt forlaw and order, decent living and thinking, and truer 'nationalism. '"

In this opening sentence, Colonel Roosevelt foreshadowed the spirit ofthe entire caucus. These service men wanted an organization not fortheir own special benefit, not that they might obtain pensions oroffices, but that they might become a power for truer Americanism andbetter citizenship!

Colonel Wood, the secretary, explained in greater detail the purposeof the proposed Legion. He broached the subject of the reemploymentfor soldiers, a legal department for the handling of insurance claims, allotments, etc. , and sketched the fundamental principles of theorganization as follows:

First, its non-partisanship. 

Second, that this society should be equally for those whose dutycalled them overseas and for those who were held by circumstances onthis side. 

Third, that it is fundamentally a civilian organization, one in whichall ranks, be they private or general, admiral or seaman, should havean equal share and participation. 

Then the advance committeemen began themselves to talk. Each one, nomatter on what subject and regardless of the side he took upon it, waspermitted to air his feelings to the full satisfaction of himself atleast. Like the Paris Caucus, the discussion grew heated at times andevery now and then the chair was forced to remind overly fervidorators that this was an advanced meeting of the caucus and not theconvention. There were those present who wanted to obligate the caucusto go on record for or against universal military training, womansuffrage, prohibition, permanent headquarters, and to elect permanentofficers, and each of these had to be shown that it would be unfair tothe men still in the A. E. F. To take such preëminently vital stepswithout consulting them. Then there were those present who wanted toexclude members of the regular army and navy from the Legion; that is, to limit eligibility in the organization to those who could showdischarge papers from either the army, navy, or marine corps. Thismeasure was voted down and it was given as the sense of the advancedcommittee meeting that those who served in the Great War would haveperfect liberty to join regardless of whether their service continuedin the military establishment after the armistice or after peace wasformally declared. 

The advanced committee outlined the order of business upon which thecaucus could proceed, named the various committees to be organized, and discussed the resolutions which were deemed wise and expedienttopics for discussion. 

On Wednesday afternoon, delegates from every district in the countrybegan to arrive, almost one thousand new Bills, husky of frame, somestill in uniform with the red discharge chevron on their left sleeves;others who had manifestly tried to get the new Bill into the oldBill's 1916 suit of clothes, and still others in new bib and tucker, looking exceedingly comfortable after almost two years in putties, heavy shoes, and tight blouses. 

Every man came with one deep-rooted determination and that was to seethat no one "put anything over" which might make an organization soembryonically useful take a fatal or selfish step. Each came, perhapsimbued to a certain extent with his own particular ideas on howeverything should be conducted; but the radicalism, sectionalism, andpartisanship which would have marked a gathering of these same menthree years before was not present. The men who had thought thatnothing good could come except from south of the Mason and Dixon linehad fought side by side with woodsmen from Maine. The man who hadthought the East effete had done duty on a destroyer with a boy fromHarlem. Everybody realized full well that sectionalism must beabandoned whenever it clashed with nationalism; and abandoned it was, with right good will. 

The meeting of the advance committeemen justified itself as a verywise and judicious action on the part of the temporary committee. Anysuspicion of a particular delegation that anything was "framed" wasquickly allayed after a conference with its advance committeemen. If aman from Pennsylvania suspected that anything was on foot not to theliking of the Keystone State he had only to ask his advancecommitteeman, Colonel D'Olier, about it. Incidentally the personnel ofthe advance committee was not so numerous that everybody couldn't knowwhat everybody else was doing. As a matter of fact, everybody did knowwhat everybody else was doing. One of the most peculiar facts of thismost interesting caucus was that when it came to "_pussy footing_"pussy seemed to foot it on piano keys so far as secrecy was concernedand in such a fashion that usually the _Star Spangled Banner_ wasplayed. I know that the night and the morning before the caucus metthat there were many and various powwows and conferences, a great manyof which I attended, but there wasn't a one that I knew of or everheard about, the full details of which could not have been printed inbold-faced type on the front page of every St. Louis newspaper andhave reflected credit on the powwowers as well as on the AmericanLegion. 

CHAPTER V

THE ST. LOUIS CAUCUS, MAY 8, 9, AND 10

All during the morning of May 8th that delegation was constantlygetting together with this delegation; this leader conferring withthat one; was this question going to come up, and what would be doneif that question was tabled? Everybody interested, everybody excited, everybody waiting to see the other fellow's hand at the show-down, which was scheduled for the Shubert-Jefferson Theater at half-past twoo'clock in the afternoon. Of course, everybody had found out theprevious evening that every card in the pack was red, white, and blue, and that, from the very beginning of the game, an attempt had beenmade to keep the knaves out. As a matter of fact, they'd never beenin, but the new Bills who made up the delegations to this caucus weregoing to look everybody over mighty carefully before any seriousplaying was done. 

Suppressed excitement doesn't describe at all the half-hour precedingthe opening of the caucus, because the excitement was not suppressedin the least. Eager, shining, tanned faces, eyes alert, heads erect, straight-bodied and straight-talking men one by one took seats whichwere assigned to them by delegations. 

A flashlight photograph of the gathering was made, but this caucus wasnot one that could be pictured by the camera at all accurately. Theoutstanding feature of this great get together was the spirit of themen, and that no camera could catch. 

Three large wooden tiers of seats, the kind the circus has undercanvas, were built in a sort of semicircular fashion around the largestage. The New York delegation occupied one of these tiers; theOhioans another, while the third was built for distinguished guests. If any distinguished guests came they were entirely put out of thelimelight by the audience, for this was one show which was enactedbefore the footlights rather than behind them, and, with one or twoexceptions the star performing took place where the spectators usuallysit. In fact, the only spectators that I saw were the newspaper men, seated at tables within the corral formed by the tiers. All of themhad been in the army or navy or had seen the big show abroad as warcorrespondents. 

When Theodore Roosevelt, as temporary chairman jammed that gaveledbit of the rudder of the North Pole ship down hard on the table andcalled the meeting to order he got what he had never received while inthe army: that is, direct disobedience. He commanded order, and therewas utter disorder. It was rank insubordination, distinctly requiringcourt-martial of everyone present, from a military point of view--butthe American Legion isn't military! And so the delegates howledjoyously. Roosevelt, demanding order at this time, had just about asmuch chance of getting it as the Kaiser has of making Prince JoachimKing of the Bronx. Somebody started a cheer, and the crowd didn't stopyelling for two minutes and a half. 

"Young Teddy, " as they called him, was manifestly surprised at theovation and tried repeatedly to get the crowd quiet. He wanted to bepleasant and yet he wanted order and so between knocks with his gavelhe smiled. And a very engaging smile it was, too. 

"Gentlemen, " he pleaded. "Gentlemen, a little order. " Finally therewas comparative quiet. "Now let's proceed to the business of themeeting. The floor is open for nominations for permanent chairman ofthis caucus. "

Sergeant Jack Sullivan of the State of Washington got the floor. Sergeant Jack is a husky northwesterner who did his bit in theintelligence section in Seattle and has seen a lot of the Bolshevikiout there. 

"In behalf of the State of Washington and representing the men of therank and file of the Pacific Northwest, it gives me pleasure at thistime to place for your consideration the name of a sterling patriot, "he shouted. "The man I am going to place in nomination proved himselfto be a one hundred per cent. True blooded American when his country'shonor was assailed. He was among the first who placed himself in thefront-line trenches, he was wounded twice, he was ready and willing tomake the supreme sacrifice in order that this world might be made safefor democracy. I deem it an honor and a privilege, and the PacificNorthwest deems it an honor and a privilege to place in nomination theworthy son of a worthy sire--Theodore Roosevelt. "

The crowd seemed to know all along who Jack meant and it held itsenthusiasm in tether as best it could. But when Sullivan got to theword Theodore, the Roosevelt was drowned out in the mightiest cheerthat is possible for eight or nine hundred throats to utter. Thesecond to the motion, made by Colonel Luke Lea of Tennessee, wasn'theard at all. This time it took Colonel Roosevelt more than twominutes to get order. 

"Gentlemen, I want to speak on that now, " he shouted and during alull in the cheering managed to make himself heard. "I wish to saythat I want to withdraw my name from nomination--"

But the "gang wouldn't hear to it. " Somebody raised the old cry:

"We want Teddy!" "We want Teddy!" "We want Teddy!" they chanted inunison. Bedlam broke loose at that. Men stood on their seats and wavedtheir hats and handkerchiefs; some took their collars and necktiesoff; some wept, some cursed for sheer joy and others--I believe thatwhen Gabriel blows his horn and all the dead arise that some of themen who attended that caucus will try to make a speech! These speecheswere going on four and five at a time during the entire hullabaloo. Itdidn't seem to matter in the least to the speakers that they weren'tbeing heard. They couldn't hear themselves. They added a little to thenoise and that satisfied the crowd and seemed to satisfy them. 

"Please, please let me talk, " pleaded Colonel Roosevelt. He finallygot his plea over by means of the sign language. 

"I want to withdraw my name for a number of reasons, " he continued. "The first is that I want the country at large to get the correctimpression of this meeting here. We are gathered together for a veryhigh purpose. I want every American through the length and breadth ofthis land to realize that there isn't a man in this convention who isseeking anything for himself personally; that all of us are workingsimply for the good of the entire country. I believe, furthermore, that what we want here is someone who has been connected with themovement only since it started on this side of the water, someone whooriginates from the convention. "

The din started again. 

"No, no, gentlemen, " shouted the Colonel. "I want to withdraw. It ismy earnest wish. It is my absolute determination. "

But the caucus seemed equally determined. "We want Teddy!" "We'regoing to have Teddy!" "You got this thing going, you ought to run it. "Colonel Roosevelt paced up and down the stage, trying his best tosilence them. Then, during the din, one by one some of his oldestfriends went to him and begged him to accede to the crowd's wish. "Take it Ted, " they urged. "Take it. " That underslung jaw of the youngColonel's became rigid. 

"I won't do it. I can't do it, " he answered. 

Then someone managed to make a motion that the nomination of ColonelRoosevelt be made unanimous. It was seconded and made extremely_unanimous_. 

[Illustration: Theodore Roosevelt, Jr. ]

[Illustration: Group on the Stage at St. Louis Caucus]

"Then, gentlemen, I accept and I resign, " Colonel Roosevelt said. "Iwant quiet for a moment here on this situation. This is something thatI have thought about and have given my most earnest consideration. Iam positive I am right on it. We must not have creep into thissituation, in which we all believe from the bottom of our hearts, theslightest suspicion in the country at large. I don't think there isany suspicion among us that anyone is trying to use it for hispersonal advancement. But it is absolutely essential that this spiritbe proven. I am going to stick by this from the beginning down to thevery end because, in my opinion, we have got to create to-day theimpression all over the country on which this organization will carryon and serve a great purpose for years to come. "

Again there were outbursts of applause for the Colonel. "We wantTeddy!" "We want Teddy!" the crowd cried again and again. Men ran tothe stage from the orchestra seats and even from the second balcony. 

"Take it, Colonel. You ought to take it, " they urged. 

What the Colonel answered couldn't be heard but the jaw was workingand the head was shaking vigorously. 

A couple of newspaper men dashed up to him. 

"You oughtn't to take it, Colonel, " one of them whispered. "If youdon't, it will give the lie to those who are saying the Legion isbeing conducted for your special political benefit. "

"I haven't the slightest intention of taking it, " he answered back. 

He didn't take it and he nailed the lie that the Legion was started tofurther his own selfish ends. 

On motion of Colonel E. Lester Jones of the District of Columbia thenominations were reopened again. 

Sergeant Haines of Maine put up the name of Colonel Henry D. Lindsley, a banker of Dallas, Texas, and a prominent Southern Democrat, forpermanent chairman. Think of it! A man from Maine nominating aSouthern Democrat! One of the Ohio delegation seconded the nomination. Think of that too! Colonel Claud Birkhead of San Antonio, Texas, leader of the Texas delegation "thirded" the nomination. He toldColonel Lindsley's record. The Colonel had been Mayor of his homecity, and during the war had served his country so well in France thathe had been awarded the Distinguished Service Medal. He and MajorWillard Straight, now dead, had started the War Risk Insurance Bureauabroad and, at the time of the caucus, Colonel Lindsley was the headof the Bureau under the Treasury Department in Washington. 

Minutes of a meeting usually are dry but here I am going to quotedirectly from them because they tell the story in the most vivid way. Fancy between the lines, please, dozens of cheers, a couple of rebelyells, a great deal of talking and shouting for "T. R. !" "T. R. !" and aBabelous babble that ebbed or flowed according to the strength ColonelRoosevelt used in wielding his gavel. 

COLONEL JONES (of Washington, D. C. ): "Mr. Chairman, I personally feel, and I think I voice the unanimous sentiment of this organization, thatyour withdrawal is a mistake. We are not only sincere, but we aretelling you what is in the bottom of our hearts. We are weighing alsothe sincerity which you have expressed, and in deference to yourwishes, which I know have not arisen spontaneously but which you havetalked about for some time, regarding the chairmanship of thiscommittee, I think we should not embarrass you further. I have one inmind who I feel is going to be a man who will do credit to thisorganization--"

MR. ABBOTT (of Ohio): "Gentlemen of the caucus, I think we are wastingtime around here. I can't see why we can't have for the permanentchairman of this convention the man who will be elected in November. "

THE CHAIRMAN: "Gentlemen, can't you see how it is? I can't possiblychange my convictions. I can't go back on what I have told you withouteverybody, who doesn't understand the situation here, feeling that Ihave just come out here to make a grandstand play. I am right. I amabsolutely sincere and right. "

A motion was made that Colonel Theodore Roosevelt temporarily yieldthe chair to Colonel Bennett Clark. 

COLONEL BENNETT CLARK: "It is very evident what the desire of thisconvention is. I know that Colonel Lindsley of Texas was only put innomination in response to the express wishes and repeateddetermination of Colonel Roosevelt. I think that that explanationshould be made in justice to Colonel Lindsley. I think that ColonelRoosevelt should take this chairmanship or if he doesn't want to takeit he should be made to take it. (Applause. ) The chair will recognizea motion to that effect. "

CAPTAIN BOYCE (of New York shouting to a yelling audience): "What isthe use of our acting like a lot of kids? Just one minute; only oneman can talk at a time and get anywhere. Colonel Roosevelt will nottake it. "

COLONEL BENNETT CLARK: "The chair will recognize nobody until theconvention is in order. It has been moved and seconded that ColonelRoosevelt be elected chairman of this convention by acclamation. "

Cries of approval from the audience and a request for the question. 

COLONEL BENNETT CLARK: "On that the chair will take the responsibilityof ordering a roll call. (Applause. ) The Secretary will call theroll. "

SECRETARY WOOD: "The motion is that Colonel Roosevelt be nominated byacclamation. The chairman has directed me to call the roll by States. Alabama--"

A call for a point of order. 

DELEGATE: "After nominations have been made and closed a roll callcannot be taken. "

COLONEL CLARK: "The chair was fully aware that he was proceedingoutside of parliamentary law because it was the unanimous wish of theconvention. "

MR. SULLIVAN: "I move that a roll call be made on the originalnominations. "

COLONEL CLARK: "Colonel Roosevelt has expressed to me his absolutedesire that that not be done. He refuses to enter into a contest withColonel Lindsley in any way. "

COLONEL JONES (Washington, D. C. ): "Mr. Chairman, the nominations werereopened. "

COLONEL CLARK: "The chair is informed that while he was on the way uphere a motion was carried to reopen nominations after the resignationof Colonel Roosevelt. Now nominations are again in order. "

MAJOR SAMUEL D. ROYCE (Indiana): "On behalf of the State of Indiana, Inominate Colonel Theodore Roosevelt. "

The motion was seconded. 

COLONEL CLARK: "The gentleman from the District of Columbia has thefloor. Others please be quiet. "

Here I must inject my story into the minutes again. Colonel Rooseveltsaw the convention was "getting away to a Roosevelt finish" again, touse a racing term, and he sent a hurry call to the Arizona delegationfor Colonel Jack Greenway. 

Jack Greenway followed the elder Roosevelt up San Juan hill. He wearsunderneath his civilian coat to-day, but right over his heart, aDistinguished Service Cross won at Cantigny. 

"Jack, for Heaven's sake, tell them I won't take it, " ColonelRoosevelt plead. 

It was just at this moment that Colonel Clark, the acting chairman, was saying: "The gentleman from the District of Columbia has thefloor. Others please be quiet.... "

Colonel Jack waving one arm at the chairman and another at theaudience strode to the center of the stage. 

The minutes read:

COLONEL JACK GREENWAY: "Will you give me the floor? I won't keep youfive minutes. 

"My name is Greenway but that doesn't mean anything to you. Gentlemen, Colonel Roosevelt has said that he is not going to take the nominationof the caucus and you can take it from me that he is not going to doit. Now wait a minute. Whoa! Quit yelling! I know this Rooseveltoutfit and when they say something they mean it. I followed his daddythrough Cuba and I know. I saw this boy in the first division atCantigny and on the Toul Front and I know that he means he is notgoing to take the chairmanship of this temporary caucus. There is abig misunderstanding about what you are trying to do. I have justtalked to Colonel Roosevelt and he says that he will not be acandidate for the temporary caucus, but if, after all the boys comehome at the convention in November, it is still the desire of thatbody as a whole, he will give the matter reconsideration. " (Applause. )

Colonel Roosevelt resumes the chairmanship. 

THE CHAIRMAN: "Mr. Lindsley, the gentleman of Texas is in nominationfor chairman. I mean absolutely what I say. I can't do it. I won'tserve if elected. What you have done will always be a great memory tomy family. (Applause. ) I mean that, gentlemen! I mean that! Now isthere anybody else you want to put in nomination? I absolutely meanthat for the good of the cause; you have got to do what I say on that. 

"Gentlemen, I believe the nominations were reopened. "

Now I must again put the minutes by for a moment, for Bill has come tothe stage and what he says doesn't get into the minutes, although Iwish his remarks were there:

"That was pretty fine in him, " Bill said, pointing to ColonelRoosevelt. I nodded only, for somehow this whole thing had got to mepretty strong and I felt like crying for some unaccountable reason. 

"And then he gives his family the credit for all this yelling, " Billwas saying. "We like his family all right, but say, this wasn't tocompliment his family, not by a darn sight. Why, you know that youngColonel's got a h---- of a fine record himself--"

But somebody within an inch of my ear was letting out a warwhoop forJack Sullivan who had just been nominated for permanent chairman andI didn't hear the last of Bill's remark. 

Sergeant Sullivan got up and tried to withdraw in favor of ColonelLindsley, and Colonel Lindsley did the same thing and each was refusedthe opportunity. Colonel Lindsley then took the floor. "Comrades, " hesaid, "I want you to know that I came here for one man for thechairman of this caucus, and that man was Theodore Roosevelt. He hasrefused it absolutely. I appreciate the support that has been given tomy name. If honored with the chairmanship I shall be glad to serve, but it is important that we get to business immediately. I am certainthat Mr. Sullivan will make an excellent presiding officer. If I hadthe right, I should be glad to withdraw my name in his favor. But thepoint is, gentlemen, let's get to business. This is the greatestmeeting that has ever gathered in the United States, and it is not somaterial who is chairman of the meeting as it is to proceed tobusiness. "

While the roll is being called let's glance around the theater again. Most of the men in uniform are enlisted men. It is difficult to tellat a glance just what rank or rating the majority of those presentheld in the army or navy because in civilian clothing the officer andthe man are indistinguishable. I mean to say that our army wasdifferent from most other military establishments. Being primarily acitizen affair it was really representative. It was the desire of thetemporary committee that sixty per cent. Of the delegates should beenlisted men and when the call for the caucus was issued that was setforth most plainly. No one seems to have taken the trouble to checkthe thing up at the caucus. Anyone desiring to do so can find theinformation in this volume. I was interested at the opening of thecaucus to know just what the percentage was, but after it got intoswing it didn't make any difference. No one cared. There was talk(among officers) of making an enlisted man permanent chairman. Theonly persons that I heard objecting to such a procedure were theenlisted men themselves. 

"We've forgotten all that stuff about rank. If the officers insist onan enlisted man they'll make a mistake. We want the best man andbecause we're in the majority in the organization we don't want todiscriminate against the officer. Taken as a whole, he was a mightyfine sort. "

This from Sergeant Laverne Collier of the Idaho delegation when Iasked him what he thought of the enlisted man idea. While we weretalking about it the vote was being cast on Lindsley and Sullivan. Asif to reecho Collier's sentiments, Sullivan got up and demanded thatLindsley's election should be made unanimous, and so it was. 

Colonel Roosevelt promptly put Sullivan's name in nomination forvice-chairman. Mr. Abbott of Ohio seconded it and further moved thatthe sergeant's election be made unanimous. Sergeant Jack Sullivan waselected by acclamation. Then Colonel Wood was chosen secretary, therules of the House of Representatives were decided upon to govern theprocedure, and debate was limited to five minutes. 

Insistence on that point was unnecessary. Our new American back fromthe wars has been too accustomed to action to like words that aren'tconcise and aimed right at the heart of the point. There was a gooddeal of noise and talk at this particular juncture and someone movedthe appointment of a sergeant at arms. Captain A. L. Boyce of Boyce'sTigers (those young men who drilled so persistently in Central Park inNew York preparing for the war) was picked. While this guardian of thepeace was being appointed at least five gentlemen from as manydelegations started to speak at once, perhaps against the five-minutedebate rule, and in the confusion a delegate, whom Checkers might havedescribed as carrying a load he should have made three trips with, took the platform and began something that sounded about asintelligible as Cicero's oration against Catiline in the original. 

"Do I understand, Mr. Chairman, that a sergeant at arms has beenappointed?" shouted Mr. J. L. Walsh of the Pennsylvania delegation. 

"That's right, " answered the chairman. 

"Then let's have him get busy, " rejoined Mr. Walsh. "We didn't comedown here for a vaudeville show or to be entertained by some boob, because we've got boobs back home. "

After this remark, the minutes read "Laughter and applause" but thatdoesn't half describe it. 

Captain Boyce "got busy" and if the minutes could record the result ofhis actions they would probably read "Order restored--almost. Quieter, for a time. "

Colonel Lindsley made a splendid presiding officer. None could havedone better, but as the stenographer who took the minutes remarked(and she was convention-worn because she had attended so many): "Thisis the funnest meeting I ever wrote up. " Right. It was the funniestmeeting--funny being used in the sense of unusual as the stenographermeant it--that anyone ever saw. In fact it was unique; absolutely theonly one of its kind. Because the delegates were unique. There neverwas anything like them in all the history of the country. They hadgone into training camps like Bill, very tired, anæmic, with a shopand office pallor; and they came out of the war like Bill, --new, virile, interested, placing a value on themselves which would havebeen unthinkable prior to April 6, 1917. 

But they placed a greater value on this organization which was so nearthe heart of all of them. No better proof of it can be shown than theincident which has just been described, viz. , the refusal of TheodoreRoosevelt to be the permanent chairman. Although I do not pretend tobe able to explain the processes of thought and reasoning which ledColonel Roosevelt to take the action he did, still I do know thismuch! There are very few young men who would have been so deaf to theplaudits of the multitude, to the advice of old friends and to thestill small voice of personal ambition as he was in refusing. Imaintain that this refusal was by no means altogether prompted byanything of an hereditary nature but, rather, by the experiences andenvironment which had been Colonel Roosevelt's during the war. It tookmore than an under-slung jaw and a rugged Rooseveltian determinationto refuse this great honor. It took _discipline_, and ColonelRoosevelt knew how to inflict that upon himself just as he did uponhis troops whenever it was wise and necessary. 

In much smaller, but no less important matters, did I see other menpractice discipline upon themselves. I saw men forego the discussionof subjects in which they believed with all their hearts and with alltheir minds solely for the purpose of doing nothing that would tend todisrupt the Caucus or give the impression throughout the United Statesthat the men who had stuck together so closely in times of daring anddanger could not still stick and face, as a band of brothers in theAmerican Legion, any perils or pitfalls which peace might hold forthis country. Therefore, it seems to me that Colonel Roosevelt'saction was more than a manifestation of his own sterling determinationto do nothing which might hurt the Legion. It was archtypical. 

Major Hamilton Fish of New York called attention to the fact that thenavy was unrepresented in the offices of the caucus and moved that asecond vice-chairman should be appointed from that branch of theservice. A delegate from Missouri seconded the motion and amended itto read that a third vice-chairman should be appointed from the marinecorps. 

During the election of these officers enthusiasm reached a high pitchand in no more striking manner did the new American reveal his newcharacter. 

"Gentlemen, " said one dignified delegate (I don't know who let him in, because just from the way he said "gentlemen" we all knew that once inhis life he had practiced oratory before the bureau mirror), "I wantto place in nomination the name of a man who is true blue--"

"Name him, " shouted the crowd. 

"He is not only true blue but he is thoroughly everything he ought tobe in addition--" continued the orator, coldly trying to squelch thecrowd. 

"Name him. " "Shut up. " "Aw, sit down. " "Who wants to listen to such'bull' as that?"

Each of those sentences was roared by a different man. 

"This gentleman is one of whom I am sure you will be proud--"persisted the orator, but at this direct violation of its edict thecrowd began to scream its maledictions and Captain Boyce could nothave stopped them with all his Tigers if the gentleman orator hadn'ttaken his seat in a most dignified manner, never to riseagain--doubtless as a rebuke for the gang, but one which wasthoroughly appreciated. 

Thus the way of orators in the caucus!

The navy men who were nominated consisted of Goerke of New York;Goldberg, Illinois; Chenoweth, Alabama; Almon, Montana; Humphrey, NewMexico; McGrath, New Jersey; and Evans of Kentucky. The secretary tookthe vote by delegations. When Goerke got a vote the New York crowdyelled itself hoarse; New Mexico did the same for Humphrey; Alabamacheered like mad for Chenoweth and it wasn't long before everybodypicked out his candidate and yelled furiously every time he got avote. The New Mexico delegation occupied a proscenium box but Humphreywasn't prominent enough there to suit his delegation. Before anyonethoroughly realized what was happening, Seaman Humphrey appeared onthe stage, borne on the shoulders of two colonels! Two men who hadeagles on their shoulders, U. S. On their collars, and gold chevrons ontheir left sleeves carried on their shoulders a "gob, " a sailorman, adeck-swabbing bluejacket, as he called himself. 

It was the beginning of a cavalcade of noise that fairly made eardrums ache, and, incidentally, proved a signal for the backers ofother candidates. Goerke soon was lifted aloft by a half dozen NewYorkers; Chenoweth was exhibited to the general view from the sectionof the orchestra occupied by his delegation, while Illinois paradedup and down the aisles with Goldberg. Colonel Lindsley hammered thespeaker's table almost to pieces in an attempt to get order and thengave it up for a few minutes as a bad job. Captain Boyce succeeded ingetting a semblance of it, when everybody got tired of carrying thecandidates and of shouting. Then the secretary again started takingthe vote by delegations. No one of the candidates received a majorityof the votes which was necessary under the procedure adopted at thebeginning of the caucus. Then began the withdrawals. This Statewithdrew its vote from Goerke and cast it for Humphrey; Chenowethwithdrew from the race and his vote went to Goerke, et cetera. Asimilar situation resulted on the second count and finally Goerkewithdrew in favor of Humphrey. When Evans took the same action, Humphrey (first name Fred), described as the "rough-riding sailor fromNew Mexico, " was elected. 

Humphrey's speech of acceptance delighted the hearts of those who hadforced the would-be orator to sit down at the beginning of thenominations. 

"Mr. Chairman, gobs, soldiers, and marines, " Humphrey said: "I am mostglad and gracious to accept this honorary position and I will doeverything that a deck-swabbing sailorman can do to fill it. "

The first day's session closed with the appointment by the variousStates of representatives on the following committees: ExecutiveCommittee; Credentials; Temporary Name of Organization; Organization;Resolutions; Constitution and By-Laws and Declaration of Principles;Next Meeting Place and Time; Publication; Emblem; PermanentHeadquarters, and Finance. 

The personnel of these committees will be found elsewhere. 

Thursday evening and Friday morning were devoted largely to committeemeetings and different sections of the country came together todiscuss matters of particular interest to special localities. Forinstance, the Western delegations discussed the question ofBolshevism, because the symptoms of this mad disease had been moreapparent in that section of the country than in any other. Thequestion of color was practically decided in a meeting of theExecutive Committee and was ratified later by various delegationsrepresenting the Southern States. Everybody was pleased. An attemptwas made by the leaders of each delegation to keep such questions asmight be "_loaded with dynamite_" off the actual floor of the caucusso that those lacking in discretion might not have the opportunity tothrow the caucus into an uproar. 

In fact it was this spirit--the desire on everybody's part to give into a certain extent on any mooted question for the sake of generalharmony that was a marked feature of the gathering. In the committeemeetings were found delegates with radically different opinions onalmost every question. It was not an uncommon thing, however, to see adelegate very heatedly advocate a certain side of an issue; listen tothe opposing side, rise, and with equal heat and fervency advocate theopposite point of view. 

This spirit is highly significant. It will be one of the Legion'sgreatest powers. It was and is due to the fact that these newAmericans are not cursed with fixed ideas. They have seen too much, lived through too much in their comparatively short lives to benarrow-minded. Over in the A. E. F. The former hod-carrier often turnedout to be too good as a construction manager for any officer todespise his opinions. One noticeable characteristic of the AmericanLegion delegate was the respect which he had for the other man's viewsand his willingness to admit outright that he was wrong in a thing orto go at least halfway with the opponent of his particular ideas. Thiswas the saving grace of the caucus and this will be the saving graceof the Legion for the spirit which was manifested there is the spiritwhich will prevail at Minneapolis, and for always, because theAmerican sailor and soldier will not change. 

It was interesting to see these modern American soldiers side by sidewith the veterans of the Civil War. The Grand Army of the RepublicPost, the local Bivouac of the United Confederate Veterans, and theSpanish War Veterans gave a joint reception for the delegates at theMissouri Athletic Club which included a smoker and a vaudevilleentertainment furnished by the War Camp Community Service. 

CHAPTER VI

THE LEGION AND THE BOLSHEVIKI

The second session of the caucus began at half past two o'clock Fridayafternoon. Like its predecessor it started with a bang. Nominationswere made for the third vice-chairman who was to be selected from themarine corps. The first nomination was a wounded man, at the time inthe Walter Reed Hospital at Washington and who had won theDistinguished Service Cross at Château-Thierry. Then came the name ofSergeant Woolley of Utah, quickly followed by the name of P. C. Calhounof Connecticut, put up by Mr. Black of Louisiana; the name of MajorLeonard of the District of Columbia also was put in nomination andthen the slate was closed. 

True to the spirit of the previous meeting the caucus was soon in anuproar of applause for each of the four candidates, three of whom weremarched to the stage. Calhoun was elected, with the result that hisardent brother delegates from Connecticut treated him like a footballhero by placing him on their shoulders and performing a snake dance. Marines are no more garrulous than sailor men, for Calhoun's speech ofacceptance was just about as long as Humphrey's. While Calhoun wasbeing bombed by flashlight cameras Mr. Smoot of Utah moved that a voteof thanks should be tendered to Colonel Roosevelt and other Legionmembers who had been active in the preliminary work which insured thesuccess of the caucus and this was seconded by Major Wickersham of NewYork. One of the most rousing ayes of the entire caucus carried themotion. 

Cries of "speech" brought Colonel Roosevelt before the footlights. Hisremarks were just about as long as Humphrey's and Calhoun's. To bespecific he said: "Gentlemen, it is going to be a short speech becauseI think we have got a lot of business to do. Thank you. "

Just about this time the committee reports began to come in, the firstof which, that of the Credential Committee, brought the question ofBolshevism to the floor of the caucus. The report read as follows:

"We recommend that all delegates to the American Legion selected andnow functioning from the various States, districts, and territories, be seated and accredited with full vote, and that all organizationsorganized and having delegates here be allowed one vote with theexception of the Soldiers and Sailors Council, which delegation theCredential Committee recommends shall be excluded from the caucus. "

S. H. Curtin, the representative of the Soldiers and Sailors Council ofSeattle, pending the action of the Credential Committee, had beenaccorded a vote at the previous session on all questions that came upbefore it. The fact that Colonel Wood, the Secretary, took this actionwas in line with the general spirit of fair play, which was thekeynote of the caucus. The Credential Committee's report elicitedshouts of approval. Chairman Lindsley after bringing the house toorder again said:

"I understand that the delegate from the Soldiers and Sailors Councilis here and asks to be heard. Gentlemen, the members of the Committee, I assume, had full knowledge of facts which warranted that report, butthere are men here who have not that knowledge. Shall we hear him?"

This statement aroused mixed emotions but Mr. Curtin came to theplatform. Word having spread through the theater that he representedthe "real Bolshevik outfit" in Seattle, a great many of the delegatesbegan to hoot, jeer, and make cat calls. 

"Give me a square deal, give me a hearing, " Curtin shouted. 

"Give the man a hearing, " echoed Colonel Roosevelt, who sat with theNew York delegation. "Yes, give him a hearing. " shouted the majorityof the delegates and when the chair had procured order, Curtin madehis plea. 

"I wish to say, by way of introduction, that though I come from theState of Washington, I am not a member of the Washington Delegation, "he said, "I say that out of deference to the members from that Statefor the reason that I wish to prejudice nobody here against theWashington Delegation. I am not an I. W. W. I never have been and Inever intend to be I never have shown any Bolshevik tendency and Idefy any man present to prove to the contrary. If you've got proofthat Sherman H. Curtin ever was an I. W. W. Or made a Bolshevikstatement, say so?" He paused here but none answered him to thecontrary

"It is true that the organization which I represent has had in thepast some I. W. W. 's, and it is true that there are some I. W. W. 's in itnow, " he continued; "but I am in that organization for the purpose ofthrowing those I. W. W. 's out. I got in there for the purpose of kickingthem out and I want your help. "

Here he was interrupted by applause. 

"At the present time, we (when I say we, I mean the particularconservative element which I represent in that organization) havecontrol of the Board and practically all except one office of theorganization. We are doing everything in our power to make that a onehundred per cent. American organization, and one of the things that Icame down here for was to see that the Legion had in its constitutionas a preamble that we pledge ourselves to the principles of democracyas set forth in the constitution of the United States of America. 

"I, personally, was the man who rewrote the constitution of theSoldiers and Sailors Council. It was written wrong when I got in thereso I changed it. I want you men to stand behind me and help me makethis fight. My organization did not give me permission to come hereand join this, just as I presume some of your organizations did notgive you permission, for the reason that they did not know what thiswas going to be; but I can see from the spirit that this organizationhas, that so far, it is on the right path and I am with it and I wantyou with me. 

"I am already only and wholly for the purpose of doing what good wecan for the elimination of I. W. W. 's and Bolsheviki. If you areagainst that, I am with you and if you are with me, I am with you. 

George Pratt of Louisiana rose. 

"With your permission, " he said to the chairman, "I would like to askthe gentleman one question. " "Sir, " turning to Curtin, "is it or is itnot true that you re-wrote the constitution now in effect for yourorganization, and is it not true that it is so worded that AmericanArmy and Naval officers or former army and navy and marine officers ofthe United States are not eligible? Is that true?"

"I will answer that question and I will answer it in a fair way, " Mr. Curtin replied. 

"Say yes or no. Is it true?" Mr. Pratt demanded. 

"Yes, " shouted the crowd. "Say yes or no. Is it true?"

Then pandemonium broke loose in the meeting. The cat calls and booswere renewed. "Put him out!" "Put him out!" "Shut him up!" the crowddemanded. And here I want to pause a moment to say that the enlistedmen present gave a mighty concrete sign of the approval of theirofficers by this denunciation of the constitution of Curtin's outfit. 

"I am not here for the purpose of being persecuted, " Mr. Curtinshouted. "I am not asking no or yes to anything. But I will say to thegentleman who questioned me that while it is true in letter it is nottrue in spirit. "

At this juncture Mr. Simon, of the Washington delegation, said that inall fairness to Sergeant Curtin he wanted to say that during therecent demonstration of Bolshevism in Seattle, Curtin commanded amachine gun company on the side of right and law and order. 

"I do not speak for his organization, " Simon said, "but I speak for aclique in it, headed by Sergeant Curtin, who went into thatorganization to clean it up, to make it a fair and square one hundredper cent. American organization. " The applause of Simon's remarks hadscarcely died down when General Moss succeeded in gaining the floor. 

"I want to say to the members of this delegation, " he said, "that Iled the fight against the soldiers' and sailors' organization beforethe Credential Committee, and I want to say to you gentlemen that wedidn't lead a fight personally against this man, but against hisorganization. ' We know the outfit in our country and we do not wantthat organization in unless the Americans in it come in asindividuals. I want to say that we are to be organized here on a basisof one hundred per cent, true Americanism. 

"I asked Curtin in the presence of the committee if he represented aminority or a majority in his outfit and he admitted that herepresented the minority. "

"But we can lick a majority, " Curtin shouted back. "I want CaptainMcDonald who had charge of the Intelligence Department at Camp Lewisto say a word on this subject. He knows the history of my organizationand I would like to have him give it to you. " But if Curtin counted onMcDonald to help him he reckoned without his host. 

Captain McDonald rose and speaking with great deliberation said:

"I have been an American soldier for thirty years. I was a regulartelegraph officer at the time of the Bolshevik trouble. I establishedstations at Seattle and Camp Lewis and this man represents the realelement that we are all working against. Personally he is all rightbut he is backing that organization because he wants to represent it. If he desires to be admitted into the Legion let him get loose fromthat outfit and come in by himself. "

Captain McDonald's statement was greeted with enthusiasm. 

"Are you ready for the question?" demanded the chairman. 

The caucus certainly was. 

"Those favoring the adoption of the credentials report vote aye, " hecried. 

That aye could almost have been heard in Seattle itself. 

That aye answered the question of what the American soldier thinks ofBolshevism or anything tainted with it. That aye answered the lyingstatement that our troops abroad had been inoculated with the germ ofthe world's greatest mental madness. 

That aye marked the distinction between a grouch caused by acootie-lined bunk and a desire to place a bomb under the Capitol atWashington. 

I have intimated that the chief aim of each delegate was to see thatno one "put anything over" at this caucus. I think that the only otherdetermination which might rival that in intensity was most apparent atthe mention of anything that pertained to or bordered on Bolshevism. This incident of ousting Curtin's organization was not the onlymanifestation of it by any means, although it was perhaps the moststriking on the floor of the caucus. But, outside the caucus, in thehotel lobbies, and in the various committee rooms, whenever thesubject came up these soldier and sailor men, in almost everyinstance, got mad--damn mad. 

"The trouble with these people who talk Bolshevism is that they don'tknow anything about our country, " I heard one of them say. 

Another quickly interrupted him with, "The big thing the Legion's gotto teach is Americanism and let those crack-brained fools know justwhat this country stands for. " While still another injected, "Theaverage 'long-beard' has been so crazed by persecution in Russia thathe would mistake Peacock Alley in the Waldorf-Astoria in New York fora Siberian coal mine. "

This last remark brought forth a laugh, and though it was whimsicallymade it illuminated the matter under discussion very well, I thought. In fact, the whole conversation made clear to me one of thefundamental missions the Legion must perform. 

The seeds of Americanism which Legion members sow to-day will bereaped, not only to-day but in the generations of to-morrow. TheSoldiers and Sailors Council, Seattle, was thrown out and itsrepresentative knew why. But, if Jack Sullivan and his red, white, andblue colleagues in the State of Washington preach in the future whatthey did at this caucus, the children of those northwestern Bolshevikiwill not only salute the Stars and Stripes, but will know _why_ theydo so. They will know what their fathers don't--that the constitutionmeans Americanism and that Americanism means "life, liberty, andpursuit of happiness. "

In most conventions the reports of committees are invariably adopted. There are many reasons for this, the particular one being the theorythat when a set of men are placed on a task they will study thesituation in all its angles, in all its ramifications, in all itsdifferent phases and that its report should therefore be adoptedbecause of this expert thought and study on the matters underconsideration. I say that most conventions do this. Once as anewspaper man, I attended an undertakers' convention. It always didso. And at another time I attended a manufacturers' gathering wherethis procedure was invariably followed out. But how about at St. Louis? Not on your life! The delegates of the American Legion wereneither like undertakers nor manufacturers nor like any-other businessmen that I ever saw during ten years on a Metropolitan newspaper. Thenew American doesn't do business that way. 

Witness the report of the Committee on Name. This report read:"We, your Committee on Name, unanimously make the followingrecommendation--that the name of this organization be the AmericanLegion of World War Veterans. " The chairman had scarcely finishedasking: "What is your pleasure gentlemen" when Major Wickersham gotthe floor and moved an amendment that the name be "The AmericanLegion. " This was seconded by Mr. Cochrane of Ohio and then came theargument about it. 

Mr. Shank of Ohio, thought that the American Legion did not convey asufficient meaning to the average civilians. "The American Legionmight be an organization of street cleaners, it doesn't signifysoldiers. It isn't comprehensive enough, " he said. Mr. Larry ofFlorida countered with, "Go ahead and call it American Legion, we willsoon show them what it means. "

Mr. Walsh of Pennsylvania, suggested that the A. E. F. Knew what it wasdoing when they called it the American Legion. "Let us honor them andrespect them by calling it the American Legion, " he urged. Colonel E. Lester Jones, of Washington, stated the name had been considered bythe committee most carefully and--

But why go into all the arguments. The motion to call it the AmericanLegion was carried amid cheering and as such the name will go downinto the history of things well done for America. 

CHAPTER VII

THE LEGION WON'T MEET AT CHICAGO

We have arrived at what is the most significant event of this sessionof the caucus, if not of the entire gathering. The caucus has alreadyshown its spirit in ousting the Soldiers and Sailors Council because, in its opinion, it could not measure up to one hundred per cent. Americanism, and now we shall see what the same simon-pure brand ofred, white, and blueism is demanded of the second largest city in theUnited States. 

It came about in the most dry, matter-of-fact way. Let the minutes ofthe meeting form the introduction for it. 

THE CHAIRMAN: "Next is the report of the Committee on the Next MeetingPlace and Time. "

SECRETARY WOOD (reading): "From the Committee on Next Meeting Placeand Time, to the Chairman of the American Legion; action of theCommittee. 

"Meeting called to order at 10:30 A. M. This day at the ShubertJefferson Theater. 

"Charles S. Caldwell, of New Mexico, unanimously elected chairman. 

"Frank M. Ladd, Jr. , of Alabama, Secretary. 

"The majority of the States being represented as per attached listvoted unanimously for Chicago as next meeting place. Date being set asNovember 10, 11, and 12, 1919. 

 "Respectfully submitted, "CHARLES S. CALDWELL, _Chairman_, "FRANK M. LADD, JR. , _Secretary_. "

MR. SEXTON (of Illinois): "When you consider your place for your nextconvention tell Chicago what you want, and in response to that Chicagowill answer you. 'We will give you whatever you want. '"

Then the excitement started. Mr. Dietrick of Pennsylvania moved toamend the report of the committee. "By striking out the word Chicagoand substituting therefore the city from the State which furnishedmore soldiers than another state--the city of Pittsburgh. "

This elicited great applause--especially from the Pennsylvaniadelegation. Mr. Stems of Louisiana got the floor--

"I want to tell you what took place in that committee, " he said. "Thecommittee selected a place to the best interest of this organizationand not to the best interest of any one specific locality, and thequestion was argued in a very quiet, organized, gentlemanly manner. Anumber of the delegates put up towns that did not get enough supportto get the meeting, so they withdrew their names. It was all to theinterest of the organization so it was unanimously adopted by thatcommittee, without any dissenting vote, that Chicago be unanimouslyadopted as the place for the next convention for the best of allinterests concerned. I am from New Orleans, Louisiana, which is aconvention city and I will not offer my city to you as a conventioncity at this time because I do not think it is to the best interest ofyour country. "

[Illustration: Bennett C. Clark Who presided at the Paris Caucus]

[Illustration: Eric Fisher Wood Secretary]

When Mr. Stem took his seat at least a dozen delegates clamored forrecognition from the chair. Colonel J. F. J. Herbert succeeded ingetting it. It was he who then fired the gun which, if not heardaround the world at least made Chicago's ear drums rattle. 

"Mr. Chairman, " he began--

Colonel Lindsley rapped for order. 

A man near me whispered, "There's Herbert of Massachusetts. I thinkBoston is too far east for this convention, at least for the firstone. "

Colonel Lindsley got order, and you could have heard a pin drop, while the following statement was made by the Massachusetts leader:

"As the spokesman for my delegation on this question of next meetingplace I want to say that if no other body and if no other party ofthis caucus wants or believes it is its duty to rebuke any city or therepresentative of any city for Un-Americanism during the time when thesoldiers of that city were offering their lives in defense of theworld, then Massachusetts stands ready to offer that rebuke. Massachusetts will not agree willingly to having a convention ofsoldiers and sailors in the Great War, go to a city that has as itsfirst citizen, by vote, one who can not measure up in any small partwhen the test is one hundred per cent. Americanism. "

When Colonel Herbert reached this point one delegate with a big voicefrom a big State (Texas) let out a loud yell of approval. This was thesignal for blast after blast of vocal vociferousness which fairlyraised the roof. Men stood on their seats, and cheered. "You're deadright" and "Get a new mayor, Chicago, " while others began to point atplacards advertising Chicago which had been placed on the walls of thetheater by members of the Illinois delegation. Colonel Herbert stoodfor fully five minutes before order was sufficiently restored for himto proceed. 

"The hall has been placarded with invitations, reading, 'The AmericanLegion, Chicago wants you in November, '" he said. "I believe that thisconvention, this convention of soldiers and sailors should say, 'Chicago, you cannot have American soldiers in Chicago when there is apossibility that the chief representative of that city may not believeit is his duty to come before the Convention and welcome it. ' If theseplacards read, 'American Legion, Chicago _soldiers_ want you inNovember, ' our answer might be different. The answer of Massachusettswould be different but when your placard reads, 'Chicago wants you inNovember' the answer of Massachusetts is, 'Chicago cannot have us inNovember'--or any other time until Chicago has an American for Mayorin an American city. 

"The literature circulated through the caucus reads, 'Chicago pledgesitself to go any other city one better on anything this conventionrequires. ' This convention first requires that Chicago shall reach astandard different from the standard of being the most despised cityin America, and when it has reached that standard, it is then in aposition to say whether it can go one better. It has not yet reachedpar. Until Chicago reaches par, Massachusetts votes no!"

A large poster reading "Chicago bids you Welcome, " had been placedover the seats directly in the center of the stage; Captain Osbornepulled it down. This was the signal for similar action all over thehouse. Chicago banners, dropped from the boxes, were hurled to thefloor. Other banners which had been on the theater walls just out ofreach were torn down by men who climbed on the shoulders of theirfellow delegates in order to reach them. Only during the ovation givenColonel Roosevelt, did the cheering reach such intensity. 

These men were cheering for Americanism. They wanted one hundred percent. Americanism, untainted and unvarnished by a hyphen or an "ism, "especially when the word pacific precedes the latter. Everyone feltsorry for the Illinois delegation, for it was realized that ColonelHerbert's remarks were intended solely to reflect upon the person hespecially mentioned and not upon the thousands of soldiers and sailorswho went from Illinois and Chicago and did more than their part inwriting glorious history. 

Just how this was impressed upon the men from Illinois let the minutesshow. The chairman recognized "the gentleman from Chicago. "

MR. CUMMINGS (of Chicago): "Gentlemen, I don't believe there is asingle delegate to this caucus who would be so unfair as to impugn thepatriotism of 650, 000 men who rallied to the colors of this countryby saying: 'Because Chicago had a mayor of which they are all ashamedthat they are not patriotic. ' Had the men who were serving the colorsin France been in Chicago, they would have had no apology to offer fortheir mayor. (Applause. ) He was elected in a three-cornered fightwhere he did not receive a majority vote in Chicago, but had theopposition to him been solidified he would have been snowed under, forChicago is patriotic. I consider that an insult has been handed toevery man in Illinois who rallied to the colors. 

"The Tank Corps of which I am a member, and an enlisted manoriginally, gave from Chicago 11, 250 enlisted men, volunteers in themost hazardous branch of the service. They gave 11, 250 men as against11, 000 which the rest of the country contributed. If that doesn'tbespeak patriotism for Chicago, I don't know how you are going togauge it. I am saying that in the invitation which was extended to youwe are speaking for the boys of khaki and blue who rallied to thecolors from Illinois, and who are here to-day, extending theinvitation to you notwithstanding the fact that we are cursed by amayor who is not our choice. We would throw him out if we had thechance, but we are extending the invitation to you on behalf of750, 000 men from Illinois and we do not feel that you are going toimpugn their patriotism, that you are going to insult them by sayingthey are members of an unpatriotic community. "

MR. HAWKINS (of Oklahoma): "The great State of Illinois standsunchallenged in the patriotism of its soldiers throughout the world. Iam only sorry that you didn't leave enough patriots at home to elect apatriotic mayor of that great city. You are in the embarrassingposition of having a man who has repudiated the things we went out todie for. Either you have got to repudiate us or repudiate him. "

"We'll repudiate him next time when the boys get home, " shoutedseveral of the Illinois crowd. 

Then other speakers tried to make it plain that the Legion's attackwas solely against the municipal head of Chicago, but some of the menof Illinois let the incident rankle. How it came out (and it was endedhappily) will develop. Meantime the attention of the caucus wasdiverted from the Chicago incident by the manifestation of that desirewhich is in every true American's heart, namely to be a booster forhis own home town. In less time than it takes to tell it, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Atlantic City, St. Louis, Pittsburgh, Indianapolis, Kansas City, and Chicago were being voted upon. While the delegateswere voting, a small body of soldiers and sailors were gatheredtogether in a wing of the theater, seriously discussing the incidentwhich was developed by Colonel Herbert's speech. They desired that itshould be made more plain to everyone just what Colonel Herbert meantand that the millions of patriotic simon-pure Americans who live inIllinois should not take undue umbrage of the incident. Thereforewhile the vote on the convention city was being counted, Colonel LukeLea was recognized by the chairman and asked unanimous consent topresent for consideration the following resolution:

"RESOLVED, That the action of the caucus of the American Legion inrefusing to accept the invitation to hold its next convention inChicago is no reflection upon the splendid patriotism of the men andwomen of that great city, who have loyally proved their Americanism bysupporting our Army and Navy and all war activities. 

"BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this caucus records its admiration ofthe valor and heroism of the thousands and thousands of Chicago's sonswhose pure patriotism has been proven on the battlefields of France. "

"I would like to say something in support of the motion, " Colonel Leasaid. "It is very proper for me to offer it for I had the privilege ofserving for three months with the great Thirty-third Division ofIllinois and I know what wonderful soldiers they are. "

The resolution was adopted by unanimous vote. 

No booster ever had a better time than had those who attended the St. Louis Caucus. Local pride assumed its highest pitch during the vote, and at length Minneapolis won it. The date was set for November10-11-12th. 

Just before adjournment Colonel Herbert arose to a question ofpersonal privilege. 

"I would like, if possible, " he said, "to have the attention for a fewminutes of every man that is in this theater. Intentionally orotherwise, and I think it was otherwise, the soldiers of Illinois havefelt that I was not just to them in the remarks that I made bearing onthe report of the Committee on the Next Meeting Place. I meant to say, and I believe now that I did say, that if those banners that were hungin this theater had read, 'American Legion, Chicago's _soldiers_invite you next November. ' Massachusetts' answer would have been'Yes. ' I believe I said that. The men of Illinois believe I did notsay it. The men of Illinois believe that when I sat down after makingthe few remarks I did, that I had a sardonic smile on my lips and theysay that I have insulted them to the heart and I say to them: 'Ifthere is anything that I can say, anything that I can do, as soldierto soldier to remove from your mind, or from the minds of any man whomay have been in this theater, any belief that there was any feelingexcept of highest admiration, the highest respect, and the deepestaffection on the part of the soldiers of Massachusetts for thesoldiers of Illinois, then I want to correct that impression, becauseI want you, the soldiers of Illinois, to know that we recognize inMassachusetts that no better soldiers wore the khaki, no bettersailors wore the blue, than the men of Illinois. My remarks were, as Istated, for the purpose of saying Massachusetts would, if no otherState would, take such action to rebuke the city of Chicago; would sayto Chicago that if it would have the right to invite Americans to meetin that city, first Americanize the City Hall. That was my chiefpurpose of rising to my feet. If Chicago's soldiers, if Illinois'soldiers still think that I have not made reparation for what theybelieve was the intention of my remarks, then I say to them that nohigher respect, no deeper affection exists for them than in the heartsof the men of Massachusetts. "

Colonel Herbert's assault upon Chicago's mayor in itself is only halfsignificant. It is only wholly so when its reception is considered. Colonel Herbert will have none of Chicago until it has purged itselfof its municipal leader. He remembered, perhaps, the assertion that itis "the sixth largest German city in the world. " He might have said asmuch in a newspaper interview as he said on the floor of the caucushad he been asked about the Illinois city as a meeting place forsoldiers, and, perhaps, the editor would have given to it a halfcolumn of space; in the larger dailies, less. But when men of thearmy, navy, and marine corps, from every battlefield in France, fromevery State in the union, voice their approval so thunderously; whenthey stand on their seats and cheer; when they so positively overrulethe recommendation of committeemen who have studiously considered thematter, presumably from all angles, it means much. No wonderMetropolitan dailies devoted columns to it. 

Those of you who have become low-spirited over your own particularview of the future; those of you who have talked about "the good olddays"; or, the Spirit of '76, take heart. Take counsel of the Spiritof '19, based on the deeds of '17 and '18, on the mistakes of '14, '15, and '16. '19 is all right!

Read the constitution of the American Legion to-night just beforeyou go to bed. Think of this second day's session when theBolsheviki-tainted organization was thrown out, when the secondlargest city in America was told to "clean house" and redecorate inred, white, and blue. Then go to bed and know that all's right withthe United States. 

A large number of the delegates attended, on the second evening, adance and supper at Sunset Inn given in honor of the Legion by theladies of St. Louis. For most though, there was work in plenty to do. Some of the committees hadn't yet reported and there was an allimportant meeting of the executive committee in the Statler Hotel. 

I said _all important_ by design. The caucus had taken up a great dealof time with the proceedings already recounted and it was the purposeof the executive committee on adjournment-eve to get down to brasstacks. It certainly did that. It was agreed to recommend to the caucusthat the Legion should attempt to help get returning soldiers andsailors positions and that a legal department should be establishedwhich would aid men to get back pay and allotments, while stillanother department would look after their insurance and instruct themhow to change it to policies of a permanent character. Needless to saythese conclusions were not arrived at without a great deal of helpfuldiscussion. 

Then too this executive meeting was all important because it letseveral persons who claimed to be dissatisfied, air their grievances, thereby clearing the atmosphere of considerable cloudiness. For themost part these malcontents didn't seem at first to distinguishbetween the caucus and the November convention. They didn't seem tocatch at first hand the spirit of the A. E. F. Caucus which positivelyrefused to take action on large questions of policy until the HomeArmy could be consulted. The principal leaders of the caucus in St. Louis determined upon the same course, as has been previouslyexplained, and rightly so. One thing one element wanted to do was toelect permanent officers. "How could you do that when more than amillion men entitled to a vote are still in France?" they were asked. They couldn't answer. Another element wanted to go on record againstuniversal military training while still others were for endorsing it. Someone else wanted this city to be chosen as permanent headquarterswhile another wanted some other town selected. There was somegrumbling to the effect that the caucus had been too "rowdy. " Then, too, everybody was more or less tired out and a darker view of thingswas natural. 

The silver lining was there, however, as it always is. This time ittook the rotund form of a preacher from Alabama. Inzer was his nameand his folks and Colonel Roosevelt's away back five or sixgenerations ago in Georgia had been the same people, so let'sintroduce him as Colonel Roosevelt's cousin. Chaplain Inzer had beenready to embark at Newport News with his regiment when the Bolshevikimenace grew quite serious in the Pacific northwest and he was orderedto proceed to Seattle and was there during all the stirring timeswhich culminated in making Ole Hanson famous. 

It might truthfully be said that the "silver lining" quite properlyhad a silver tongue. When he had spoken just about a hundred wordseven the grouches were holding onto their chairs if they weren't usingtheir hands for purposes of applause. And many a man, who thought he'dtalked his voice silent dug deep down in his vocal chords and broughtforth something that could easily be labeled a cheer! This preachertold everybody who might have the slightest idea of making troublejust where to get off. But I am not going to try to remember hisspeech and perhaps improperly quote the chaplain. The speech was sogood that they made him do it again at the very opening of the caucusthe next morning, so I'm going to lead off with it in my story of theproceedings of the last day, just as the stenographers recorded it. 

CHAPTER VIII

THE SILVER LINING

Soon after the caucus opened on Saturday morning, May 10, the minutesread as follows:

THE CHAIRMAN: "Gentlemen, before we have the report of the ResolutionsCommittee, I want to say to those who were not of the ExecutiveCommittee and in its meeting last night, that there seemed to me to bethere a more splendid crystallization of the real purpose of thiscaucus and a foresight into what it is going to mean, not only tothese four millions of men but to the people of the United States forthe next half century, than I have ever heard, and at the request of anumber of those who were there at that meeting, I am going to ask oneof them to interpret to you in just a few minutes, as well as he can, and he did it wonderfully well last night, the spirit that we believedin that meeting is your spirit here to-day and the spirit that isgoing out from this caucus as a slogan to all American citizens andthrough them to the world, indicating the purposes for which wefought, and more than that, the purposes for which American manhoodstands and for which it will fight again, if necessary, the heritagewe will hand down to our children, and I will ask this gentleman topresent that thought to you. "

CHAPLAIN W. INZER (of Alabama): "Gentlemen, I appreciate thisopportunity more than I have words to say, and if you will only be assympathetic with me for these minutes as that Executive Committee waslast night, I will do my best to interpret the spirit and the mind ofthis convention as I see it and as I saw it last night. I never had amore sympathetic audience, it seemed to me, or a more psychologicalmoment in which to speak than that was last night and I appreciate thespirit of the brethren who asked me to come out and make this talkthis morning and I am going to try my best to interpret it as I saw itlast night. 

"There has been an undercurrent all through this Convention. Somebodyhas been afraid that we are going to do something or pop some lid offthat will bust the thing and I have been, as I said last night, sometimes scared almost to death. I think I could personally say thatI wanted to make about seventy-four speeches in the two days that Ihave been here. I didn't do it but I was waiting and praying for thepsychological hour to arrive and I believe that that hour came lastnight when this Executive Committee really got together and gotsomething concrete before them, and I think that the whole Conventioncomes together this morning ready to take up matters of importance andleave off matters that should not be taken up, and to solidify thisbody in a great spirit of Americanism that shall last for fifty yearsas the greatest organization that the world has ever known. "(Applause. ) "Now the keyword that I want to say in the beginning is, at all costs we want to save this organization. We do not wantanything to arise to-day that will in any way mar the spirit of thisgreat assembly and the work that it is going to do in the future. While you were deliberating here these past two days some of youthought only of this hour and this moment, but, gentlemen, I had aneye cast into the future and I was dreaming dreams and seeing visionsof the years that are to come and the wonderful work, the wonderfulinfluence, and the mighty power that this organization is going tohave and exert upon this nation and upon the whole world, and I wantyou to think of it in these terms. This convention is a baby and wemust not choke this baby. You can't give a young baby a gallon ofcastor oil the first week. It only requires castoria, that is all thefirst week. It can stand with a little mother's milk, and I want youto feel that way about it to-day. " (Laughter and Applause. )

"Our first duty is beyond the shadow of a doubt to get this infant onits legs, and once we get it on its legs, it will be like the mightyNiagara Falls, there isn't anything in the world can dam it up. Itwill be a power that shall be known, and with influence all overAmerica and for good all over the world. Let's be quiet and let's besensible to-day until we get this infant on his legs. He's just arecruit, a raw recruit, and he has to be trained and we are going todo that now. 

"Gentlemen, I want to say just here, if you can only think about thisLegion--the chairman spoke of it last night to me--as the jewel of theages. I believe that is the best interpretation I know. I cannot sayanything greater than this: I believe God raised up America for thisgreat hour; I can say that the strong young man of the time is to bethe American Legion in this country and in the world. 

"What the great seers of the past ages have dreamed and what they haveplanned and longed for, the opportunity that they sought, havesuddenly been placed and in our hands. Are we going to be great menand big men? Will we arise to the dignity and be worthy of theoccasion?

"I believe that we will. Oh, men, if I might make it plain to youthat it seems to me I stand on the very rim of creation and I amspeaking there to an angel who has never yet been able to see light. Isaid: 'Angel, what are you doing here?' and he said: 'I was placedhere when God created this world'; and he said: 'God sent me to lookdown upon this world and report to him at one special time, and thatone time only, ' and I said: 'What was to be the nature of thatreport?' He said: 'God made man in His own image and God Himself is abeing of knowledge, love, truth, democracy, and peace, ' and He said tothat angel, 'Don't you ever leave that world until you see dawn, untilyou see that man has come up to the place where he will begin tomeasure up to what I expected of him, ' and that angel said to me, 'Ihave sat here through all the ages and I have seen times when Ithought that the sunlight of God's great knowledge and love and truthwas going to come over the hills and then some being like the Kaiseror Alexander or Napoleon or some one that was of a Bolsheviki typewould rise up and retard it and the sun could never rise, ' but hesaid: 'Thank God on April 6, 1917, I reported back to God when Americaentered this war that I had seen the dawn. ' (Applause. )

"As little as you dream, maybe when you came here and as little as youthought about it in the commitment of time, I believe to-day that westand on the dawn of the realization of the republic of man which isnothing short of the Kingdom of God on earth when men shall be men. "(Applause. )

"So the first thing we are to do to-day is to get a great spirit, men, a great spirit that we can carry back. All the other questions will beironed out in due time. Everything will be straightened out when werealize that five million men are going to be organized with the samespirit of love and loyalty and devotion and sacrifice and democracythat characterized their lives on the battlefield. They will neverrest until they make this whole world bloom in love, democracy, peaceand prosperity and equality and brotherhood for all mankind. That iswhat we are going to do and that is what this assembly means to-day. It is the world's great opportunity and your privilege to share withit. 

"Now, then, I want to say that the soldier spirit is going to be myspirit and I believe it is going to be your spirit. When Wilson andthe other men called us to the war, I was glad and ready immediatelyto offer my life because of the great principle. I said to those menlast night in that Executive Committee and I mean it to-day, I'dgladly lay down my life to-day if laying down my life meant that thisLegion should live and fulfill my dreams of its service to thecountry for these next fifty years. (Applause. ) So do you think I wantanything to come up here that would disrupt this body? Never! Do youthink I want to make a fiery speech about something because it is mypersonal conviction? No, I have a hundred personal convictions that Iwould like to see operating in the United States and this convention, but it isn't the time and I am not going to bring them up here. Idon't want to say anything that will keep all of us from pullingtogether like a military army for the great things that thisconvention in the future is going to stand for. So my final word isthis: That this day, we get right down to business and that we omiteverything that we can omit pertaining to the permanent policy of thisorganization that we cannot all immediately agree upon. 

"If there is going to be anything discussed here to-day that everybodyin this convention won't immediately agree upon and would hinder usfrom sending out to the nation word that we stand together and that weare going to pull together, that we caught a mighty vision and that wehave gained the great spirit, then, brethren, let's carry that thingover until November when all the boys come home and then we willdiscuss it there. There are many things to-day that we can discussthat are important and fundamental and that are urgently needed inour nation this hour. Let's take those things up and get down tobusiness on it to-day. Every Executive Member from each State pledgedthe chairman last night that he was going to act as a sergeant-at-armsin his delegation and hold the convention in order to-day. We aregoing to do the right thing and we won't be 'busted' by anything or byanybody, and when anything comes up that isn't the right thing for usto do to make a great impression on America, and the world, we willsay hold that thing over until the baby is strong enough to do itright. 

"I beg you to do those things. Somebody said: 'What are the things wecan do to-day?' We mentioned them last night. 

"Jack Sullivan has problems out there that we must meet this very day. One of those is this Bolsheviki business. We are going to passresolutions this very day, I believe, asking the United States inCongress to pass a bill for immediate action of deporting every one ofthose Bolsheviki or I. W. W. 's out yonder. " (Prolonged Applause. )

"Gentlemen, I know what I am talking about. You don't know how badly Ido hate some of those guys. If it hadn't been for them I would havegotten on the boat in Newport News in 1918 for France, but because ofthose rotten scamps I was sent to Seattle, Washington, and had tostay there for seven months guarding the interest of the shipbuildingin the Western States. 

"I was naturalization officer for our regiment and that division outthere and I have had those scamps stand up and say: 'Yes, I have beenhere fourteen years and have lived on the fat of the land, but wedon't want to fight, ' and they would deny citizenship papers or canceltheir first papers. 

"Now that the war is over, they are in lucrative positions and ourboys haven't got jobs; we've got to say, send those scamps to hell. "(Prolonged Applause. )

"We can all see this very moment that there is no division on thatquestion. We stand together. Somebody said: 'Why, we have been heretwo days and haven't done anything but elect officers and decide on aplace to meet. But let me tell you, Buddy, while we have been doingthose things, we have let the world know where we stand forAmericanism. (Applause. ) And we couldn't have done a bigger thing thancreate the impression we did relative to Mayor Thompson of Chicago andthe I. W. W. 's of Seattle. (Applause. ) We can do that. We are agreed onthat. The baby can do that without any trouble at all and we are notgoing to choke him when we start that kind of thing. 

"The other question that we might decide here to-day is what we aregoing to do about jobs for our returned soldiers. In my city we havealready said: 'Look here, man, you'd better post every job that isopen and post it in the place where we get employment for returnedsoldiers. And they have gotten down to that. We want to talk aboutthat to-day and get down to business--the business of getting jobs forour men, and then we want to care for those who come back withoutmoney. We want to help them get their allotment and get their $60bonus, and we want to care for the wounded. 

"But these other things--excuse me, I can't help but say brethren, because I am a preacher, but you are my brethren, I thank God you areand I love you like I love the brethren of my church. There is somefellow here who might want to spring something because he knows itwould be a lot of fun. Oh, brethren, let's not have any fun with thebaby to-day. (Laughter and Applause. ) We have all we can do to-day. Wehave all we can do if we do those things that we are all united uponand agreed upon. Those things which may have what they call a niggerin the woodpile, when they come up, let's say that is something we aregoing to talk about later when the boys get home in November, wheneverybody is settled down and we have thought it through and talkedabout it in our State organizations and we will come up withsolidified ideas and the great spirit will have gripped us and we willknow where we stand and will know our power and strength. 

"Brethren, I say let's cut out every last bit of hoodlumism to-day. Itis the zero hour. Let's stand together. If we don't carry anythingelse home, let's go home and say we are for America, that we caughtthe spirit and the vision and you can't stop us with anything in theworld. I thank you. " (Audience rises and applauds. )

That speech has been given in full not only for the reasons which havebeen stated before but because it is archtypical of the deep-seated, serious, and high-minded soul of the New American, born of the war. 

"Mr. Chairman, it seems that Illinois caught the spirit of the speakerwho has just seated himself, in advance. "

Before the applause over Inzer's speech had ended and before werealized it, Mr. Cummings of Illinois had the floor. He said that theIllinois delegation had been ungracious in accepting Colonel Herbert'sexplanation of his remarks the previous day. 

"We wish to withdraw that implication, " Mr. Cummings said. "We wish tostate to you as a solid Illinois delegation that we give full faithand credit to the high, patriotic motive which prompted this gentlemanin making the speech to you which he did and in bringing before thisorganization the question which he did. We feel on cooler deliberationand upon giving the matter the thought which its importance demanded, that he is helping us and that he has placed the American Legion in aposition to help us to move in a body politic, to overcome certainthings in the State of Illinois and blot out pro-Germanism. 

[Illustration: Gaspar Bacon Treasurer]

Three State Chairmen

[Illustration: John F. J. Herbert Massachusetts _Photo by Gray, Worcester, Mass_. ]

[Illustration: Henry G. Mathewson California]

[Illustration: Cornelius W. Wickersham New York]

"I say that the American Legion is bigger than any man; it is biggerthan any State; it is bigger than any combination of States; it is theunified action of the millions of men who were willing to sacrificetheir lives, their fortunes, their all on the altar of this countryfor the cause of democracy, to make the world safe for democracy, andthey are going to help us make Illinois come to the front and cleanits skirts of the stigma which is attached. We know that you are goingto help us in it, and with the support of the American Legion, nothingwill stop us from cleaning our skirts, from washing our dirty linen athome. When the next convention of the American Legion is held, as soonas we have had an opportunity or the boys in khaki and blue have hadan opportunity to give an honest expression of views on the questionof Burgomaster Thompson, we will come through with clean skirts, wewill stand before you without a question as to the patriotism of thegreat City of Chicago and the State of Illinois. We are for theAmerican Legion first, last, and all the time, and I will pledgeIllinois' seven hundred thousand soldiers who have gone to the frontfor the colors in this organization to a man. "

"... And clean its skirts of the stigma which is attached and we knowyou are going to help us in it, for we will have the support of theAmerican Legion and with that support when the boys from over thereget back, nothing will stop us from cleaning our skirts.... "

Attention is drawn specifically to that sentence, because it affordsan excellent opportunity to explain the difference between politicsand policies. The Legion has policies but it is not political. Oneprime policy is the demand for one hundred per cent. Americanism. Whoever or whatever cannot read that mark, be it Chicago's mayor orthe Seattle Soldier's Council, the Legion's caution is "measure up. "The Legion, _as the Legion_ will not go into municipal politics inChicago but the members of the various posts in that city like allother Legion members stand for one hundred per cent, simon-purepatriotism and regardless of party, he who does not "measure up" hadbest beware. The Legion, as the Legion, never will endorse a politicalparty or a party's candidate for office. But it will have platforms, it will have tenets, it will have principles. These platforms, tenets, and principles will be seen, felt, heard, and heeded by the voters ofthe United States. Furthermore, these platforms, tenets, andprinciples will be supported regardless of political party, politicalaffiliations, or partisan sponsorship. 

CHAPTER IX

OBJECTORS--CONSCIENTIOUS AND OTHERWISE

The first of the committee reports of the morning was that of thePublication Committee. This report is perhaps not so interesting adocument now as it may be in later years, when, with a circulation ofmillions weekly, the official organ will be a tremendous power forAmericanism throughout the country, spreading in every home, in everyvale and hamlet the same dragnet of Americanism as the draft law did, having in its tentacles the same power for culture, breadth ofexperience, and abolition of sectionalism. 

In view of this, the report possesses tremendous potentialities. Hereit is:

"The Committee on Publication recommends that this caucus of theAmerican Legion inaugurate a national publication which shall be theLegion's exponent of Americanism; that this, the sole and onlypublication of the American Legion, be owned and directed by theLegion for and in the interest of all Americans; that the PublicationCommittee be continued that it may proceed as organized with thedetails of founding this publication, with the advice and under thecontrol of the Executive Committee of the American Legion which shalladd such specially qualified members to the Publication Committee asit may see fit; that this publication shall be a National, nonpartisan, non-sectional organ for the service of the Americanpeople, a champion of Americanism which means independence, security, health, education, greater contentment, and progress for everypatriot, to be the torch, the beacon light thrown into our hands bythe Americans who fell, and held as a unique and living monument tothat other legion which did not come back. 

 "(Signed) G. P. PUTNAM, _Chairman. _ "CHARLES D. KELLEY, _Secretary_. "

As an aside it may be interesting to say that there were at least halfa dozen publishers, some with veteran journals already started, in St. Louis with the most alluring offers. Each wanted to have hispublication designated as the official organ. Several otherpropositions were made, one syndicate offering to publish themagazine, bear the entire expense, give the Legion fifty per cent. Ofthe stock, and allow it to control the editorial policy. All thesyndicate wanted was the official endorsement. From other quarterscame the word that a million dollars would be forthcoming, if such alarge amount was necessary, in order to start the publication, butthose who would furnish it wanted some return, naturally. However thePublication Committee felt, as set forth in the resolutions, that themagazine must be entirely owned and solely controlled by the Legion. If it was worth a million dollars to anybody else, it certainly wasworth conserving in every possible way for the Legion. 

Again I am going to let the minutes take up the story. Some of thedetails which they give in the next few pages are illustrative of theinterest and care which the caucus took when it came to importantmatters. 

SECRETARY WOOD: "The Committee on Resolutions begs to submit thefollowing report:

"'GENERAL PRINCIPLES AND CREED--Recognizing the supreme obligation ofthe citizens to maintain our national honor and integrity, and beingresolved that the fruits of the Great War shall not die, we whoparticipated in the war in order that the principles of justice, freedom, and democracy may more completely direct and influence thedaily lives of America's manhood, do announce our adherence to thefollowing principles and purposes:

"'(a) To inculcate the duties and obligations of citizenship. 

"'(b) To preserve the history and incidents of our participation inthis war. 

"'(c) To cement the ties of comradeship formed in service. 

"'(d) To promote, assist, and protect the general welfare of allsoldiers, sailors, and marines and those dependent upon them. 

"'(e) To encourage the maintenance of individual and nationalefficiency to the end that the nation shall never fail in itsobligations. 

"'(f) To maintain the principle that undivided and uncompromisingsupport of the constitution of the United States is the true test ofloyalty. '" (Applause. )

THE CHAIRMAN: "Do you desire to pass on that as read, gentlemen, or byparagraphs?"

MR. JOHNSON (Rhode Island): "I move it be adopted as a whole. "

Seconded by Mr. Black of New York. 

COL. HERBERT (Mass. ): "I would like to ask for information: if therearen't more eligible to membership in the American Legion than arecited--soldiers, sailors, and marines?"

THE CHAIRMAN: "The committee understands that covers everything. Thedirect eligibility comes up later. "

COL. HERBERT: "But before we adopt this we must know who are eligibleso it may be inserted there. As I read the qualifications formembership the members of the enlisted nurse corps are eligible tomembership in the American Legion. If they are eligible they must beincluded there. If there are any others they must be included. "

MR. FISH (of New York): "I make a motion to the effect that thisreport be laid on the table until the constitution has been adopted. There are points in this resolution that conflict with the preambleand by-laws of the constitution. I move you, Mr. Chairman, that thefirst paragraph of the resolution as read be laid on the table untilafter the constitution is adopted. I will amend my motion to thateffect. "

COL. HERBERT: "I want to hear that reread. "

SECRETARY WOOD: "What I have read, and what I am about to read again, is the first paragraph of the report of the Resolutions Committee. There are many other paragraphs. The second one, for instance, is anendorsement of the Victory Liberty Loan. If you lay the whole reporton the table we have to wait until later to consider resolutions as awhole. The first paragraph is as follows:"

Secretary read first paragraph. 

MR. MILLIGAN: "I wish to make a further amendment that the entirereport be laid on the table until after the constitution has beenadopted. I don't believe it is the sense of this meeting to hear thereport of this committee in fragments. "

COLONEL LEA (of Tenn. ): "If this report, or any part of it, is laid onthe table it means final disposition of it under the rules of theHouse of Representatives. I don't think we want to do that until thereport is read. As a substitute for the pending motion and amendment, I move that further reading and action of the report be suspendeduntil after the report of the Committee on Constitution and By-Laws. "

Seconded by Mr. Black of New York and carried. 

THE CHAIRMAN: "The Secretary will now proceed to read theresolutions. "

SECRETARY WOOD: "Endorsement of the Victory Liberty Loan. 

"'WHEREAS, The Government of the United States has appealed to thecountry for financial support in order to provide the funds forexpenditures made necessary in the prosecution of the war, and toreestablish the country upon a peace basis, therefore be it

"'RESOLVED that this caucus emphatically endorse the Victory LibertyLoan, and urges all Americans to promote the success of the loan inevery manner possible. '"

THE CHAIRMAN: "What is your pleasure with regard to that resolution?"

MR. SULLIVAN: "I move the adoption of the resolution. "

Seconded by Mr. Wickersham of New York and carried. 

SECRETARY WOOD: "Conscientious Objectors. 

"'RESOLVED, that this caucus go on record as condemning the action ofthose responsible for protecting the men who refused full militaryservice to the United States in accordance with the act of Congress ofMay 18, 1917, and who were tried by general court-martial, sentencedto prison and later fully pardoned, restored to duty and honorablydischarged, with all back pay and allowances given them, and ascondemning further the I. W. W. 's, international socialists, andanarchists in their effort to secure the release of these men alreadypardoned, and those still in prison, serving sentence, and be itfurther

"'RESOLVED, that this caucus requests a full and completeinvestigation by Congress of the trial and conviction of these partiesand of their subsequent pardon. " (Applause. )

COLONEL HERBERT (of Mass. ): "I move you, sir, that this conventionsubstitute the word 'demand' instead of 'request' where it says 'Werequest Congress. ' We are a body large enough and representativeenough and powerful enough to tell Congress what we want (applause), not to ask it, and I move the substitution of the word 'demand'instead of 'request. '"

Seconded by Luke Lea of Tennessee. 

THE CHAIRMAN: "The motion is now for the adoption of the resolution asread, substituting the word 'demand' for 'request. '"

ALBERT H. WILSON (of Idaho): "Gentlemen of this convention, beforethis is put to the body of this house, I want to offer a resolutionthat the man who convicted these men at Camp Funston be permitted togive the facts of those convictions and the facts of those dischargesto the body of this house. I refer, gentlemen, to Major Foster, ofCamp Funston, of the General Staff at Camp Funston, and I offer aresolution to that effect. Will you hear him?"

Assent from the audience. 

MR. GASTON: "I second that. "

THE CHAIRMAN: "It isn't necessary to have a resolution to that effect. The discussion would be germane to the question before the house. "

MAJOR FOSTER (of Missouri): "Gentlemen, on May 18, 1917, the Congressof these United States passed an act defining what should be done inregard to conscientious objectors. That act, as you are all probablyfamiliar with, says nothing about the I. W. W. --the so-calledhumanitarian, the slacker, and the anarchist, and yet for some unknownreason about 135 such cattle were shipped out to Camp Funston, segregated, were not required to do military service, were tried fordisobedience to a lawful order in time of war, duly convicted, sentenced to prison, and a large Majority of them pardoned out of thepenitentiary within two months. 

"These men, and I want you to get the importance of this, are notordinary, poor, misguided, fanatical men, but the large number of themwere college graduates. Take the case of Lundy in Chicago and Bergerand Greenberg and all of them. Seven of them were cases so seriousthat the court, of which I was a member, sentenced them to death. Within three weeks the order came from Washington restoring them tohonorable duty. These men who were dismissed from Leavenworth and whowere tried by this court made the statement before the court to provetheir conscientious scruples that they did not accept pay from theGovernment, nor did they, but when they were dismissed at FortLeavenworth and honorably restored to duty and given discharges withhonor, they took every dollar and cent that the Government sent or theofficials in Washington said should be paid to them and they carefullycounted it and it amounted to between four and six hundred dollarseach, and they went home with it. 

"You all know who is responsible for this condition. You all know thatthis convention should condemn it. And here is one more point I wantto put before you and I want you to get this carefully. One of the menwe tried, Worsman, has been pardoned. Here is a letter he sent out. Iwill not read it all. 

(The caucus requests him to read it all. )

It is sent out to the press and to everyone. Here is a book that hasthe expressions before the court that all these men made and theystand on that as being proper. 

"This letter says: 'The committee who sends you this letter are, forthe most part, near relatives or close friends of young men nowserving long terms in the disciplinary barracks at Fort Leavenworthbecause of loyalty of principle. Nearly all of them are your fellowworkers and except for those in what we call the religiousgroup, --trade unionists--the public knows little of their unhappyfate, even less than the other political or labor prisoners becausethey have been sent to prison by military court-martials and some havenot even had the hostile publicity of a public trial in court. 

"'The war is over; whether these men were right or wrong, they wereutterly sincere. Even military prejudice has to concede that, and thesufferings they have unflinchingly borne prove it many times over, butthe point for the country to get just now is that right or wrong, theycannot now have any adverse effect upon the military policy of theGovernment to keep them in prison. ' Here is the dangerous thing--'Weare trying to educate public opinion, and particularly labor opinion, to the point where it will demand the release of these brave andsincere young men. We say "labor, " because we know when labor reallydemands a thing, it gets done. ' There is the dangerous thing, gentlemen, the direct connecting up of the I. W. W. , the so-calledinternational socialists and anarchists who were tried, convicted, andlater pardoned by our War Department, --the direct connecting upbetween that element and those like the fellow who was sentenced toprison and who is sending out this letter, and this great anddangerous Bolshevism that is creeping into this country and is, I amafraid, more dangerous than many of us realize. I want to see thiscaucus go on record--don't be afraid--as strong as you can againstthis fellow. The officers who served on those courts know what we hadto endure. We had to treat them respectfully; we were obliged to dothat. Let me tell you a few things, if you don't know them, about whathappened in the guardhouse among those men. They would not do a thing;they wouldn't make their own beds. They wouldn't flush the toilets inthe guardhouse, and some red-blooded American soldiers had to go andpull the chain for them. I say you can't send out a message to thesepeople too strong in condemnation of this type and of the action ofthe War Department or whoever is responsible for the solace and theprotection that has been thrown around the man who hid under the cloakof an act of Congress that was designed to take care of theconscientious objectors, and there is no conscientious objector underthat act except a man whose religious creed forbade him to take partin the war in any way. I thank you. " (Applause. )

THE CHAIRMAN: "Gentlemen, the question has been called. All those infavor of the motion as amended will vote 'aye. '"

The motion was unanimously carried. 

The general comment at the time was that Major Foster's address summedup the opinion of the caucus on the War Department's action in regardto the objector, conscientious or otherwise. 

The accusation that the Legion was being formed for political purposeshas been frequently referred to in this account of the organizationand there follows an instance which shows very clearly the attitude ofthe delegates toward anything that might tend to give to the caucus apolitical savor. Just after Major Foster's address the chairman heldup his hand for silence. 

"One moment before the next resolution is read, " he said: "I aminformed that one of the newspapers of St. Louis has circulated blanksamong the delegates asking them to indicate thereon how they intend tovote in the next national election in this country. I would point outto those who are gathered here that this is a very improper suggestionand that the action should be repudiated by the men here filling outnone of these blanks. "

This statement was greeted both with anger and applause, the former atthe paper's action, the latter because of the chair's suggestion, andMr. Wickersham of New York made a motion that none of the blanksshould be filled out and that no delegate should take part in such apoll. It carried unanimously and with acclamation. The blanks were notfilled out and the men distributing them were ordered to leave thetheater, which they did. 

This is the nearest approach to a poll that took place at the St. Louis Caucus so far as I am able to ascertain. In fact it would havebeen quite impossible to take a poll except in the theater and I havebeen assured by men sitting in widely different parts of the housethat no such poll was taken. The delegates' living quarters were inwidely scattered parts of St. Louis and it would have been impossibleto have got any large number of them together to take a poll exceptduring the meeting in the theater. 

Despite this fact, despite the motion of Major Wickersham, and itspassage by acclamation, reports were circulated after the caucus, tothe effect that a poll had been taken and that it showed so many votesfor this man and so many votes for that one. The effect of thatstatement, while not doing widespread damage, caused the Legionleaders a great deal of embarrassment and a great deal of effort tocorrect the false impression among those not present at St. Louis tothe effect that the caucus had a political complexion. 

Following the refusal to allow a poll to be taken, the secretary readthe following resolution:

"WHEREAS certain aliens during the emergency of the war sought toevade military duty by reason of their status as aliens, and

"WHEREAS, such an act indicates a lack on the part of such aliens ofthe proper spirit of Americanism, therefore be it

"RESOLVED that this caucus assembled urge upon the Congress of theUnited States the adoption of such measures that may be necessary tobring about the immediate deportation from the United States for alltime of these aliens. "

This resolution covered a subject very near the heart of Sergeant JackSullivan, the vice-chairman. He was on his feet immediately saying:

"I agree with the gentleman from Massachusetts, Comrade Herbert, thatthis is not the time to urge upon Congress but to demand of Congressand I offer you, sir, this as a substitute resolution:

"WHEREAS, there was a law passed by the Congress of these UnitedStates, July, 1918, known as an amendment to the Selective Service Actgiving persons within the draft age who had taken out first papers forAmerican citizenship the privilege of turning in said first papers totheir local exemption board and thereby becoming exempt from service, "WHEREAS, thousands of men within draft age who had been in thiscountry for many years and had signified their intention to becomecitizens, took advantage of this law and thereby became exempted frommilitary service, or were discharged from military service by reasonthereof, and have taken lucrative positions in the mills, shipyards, and factories, and

"WHEREAS, in this great World War for Democracy the rank and file ofthe best of our American manhood have suffered and sacrificedthemselves in order to uphold the principles upon which this countrywas founded and for which they were willing to give up their life'sblood, if necessary, to preserve, and

"WHEREAS we, the American Legion assembled are of the opinion thatthese would-be Americans who turned in their first papers to avoidservice are in our opinion neither fish, flesh, nor fowl and ifallowed to remain in this country would contaminate the 100% trueAmerican soldiers and sailors who will return to again engage in thegainful pursuits of life. Therefore, be it

"RESOLVED: That we, the American Legion in convention assembled in St. Louis, this 8th, 9th, and 10th day of May, 1919, numbering millions ofred-blooded Americans, do demand the Congress of these United Statesto immediately enact a law to send these aliens who withdrew theirfirst papers and thereby avoided service, back to the country fromwhence they came, for we want them not, neither do we need them. Thecountry which we live in and were ready and are now ready and willingto fight for is good enough for us and this country, which they livein and prospered in, yet were unwilling to fight for, is too damnedgood for them to remain in. Therefore, be it further

"RESOLVED, that a copy of these resolutions be sent to each and everymember of the House and Senate of our United States and a copy begiven to the public press. "

 "Respectfully presented "(Signed) Sgt. JACK SULLIVAN. "Delegate from Seattle, State of Washington. "

"I move you, sir, the adoption of this resolution. "

"Now, gentlemen, I have a telegram from Seattle which I will read. Itis addressed to Jack Sullivan, St. Louis. 

"'Executive Board American Legion of Liberty authorizes you toadvocate before the St. Louis Convention as part of theAmericanization program, that the organization bring its influence tobear throughout the United States to secure enactment by Congress oflaws making it possible to deport alien slackers who avoided militaryservice by renouncing their citizenship and signing affidavits thatthey would return to the country from which they came. A billproviding for their deportation introduced by Senator Jones ofWashington failed to pass the last session of Congress because thedemand for its passage from the State of Washington was not backed upby other States. Demand upon senators and representatives from theirown constituents that a law should be passed to deport these slackerswould probably result in action by the special sessions of Congress ofnearly three hundred aliens who escaped military service in Seattle byrenouncing their right to become citizens. Twenty-seven per cent, wereshown to be I. W. W. 's of the thousands who thus escaped militaryservice. Throughout the country a large percentage are probably of theelement which is seeking to undermine American institutions. Theystill remain despite their affidavits that they would leave thecountry and there is no existing law under which they can be deported. The first move towards making this country one hundred per cent. American should be the elimination of aliens who are opposed to ourGovernment and institutions and who poison the minds of others bytheir teachings. Every senator and representative should be urged toback legislation for the elimination of this element and we hope thatthis work will be adopted by the convention as part of the nationalprogram. 

 "'(Signed) American Legion of Liberty, "'NORMAN E. COLES, _Secretary_. '"

When Sullivan finished reading, he began one of the most stirringaddresses made before the convention:

"Now let's not be afraid to put the cards on the table and say to theCongress of the United States that we are not afraid to trample on thetoes of the diplomats of these alleged neutral countries who do notwant legislation of this kind to pass, " Sullivan plead. "We have theinterest of the man who donned the khaki and the blue and when theships bring the boys from over there, they must take back these alienslackers. We would be derelict in our duty to the boys who gave theirall when they went over the top; we would be untrue to ourselves andthe institutions and principles for which we fought if we did not seeto it that these people were sent back. 

"I was born in the State of Massachusetts and I was taught thatcitizenship meant something. As a boy I went out West where I learnedthat American citizenship meant something to the people of the West. 

"To-day we are here from all parts of the country. We are not from anysection alone, because we are all Americans, This is an organizationof Americans. This should be a country of Americans and if ourcitizenship means something, the swine who come from other countriesshould be taught that it means something like what McCrae said:

 '"When from failing hands we throw the torch to you, Be yours to hold it high; If ye break faith with us who die, We shall not sleep though poppies grow in Flanders' field. '

"Let's make this unanimous and do it now and say to the boys inSiberia and France that we are going to see to it when they get backhere that those damned alien slackers are not going to be here, or ifthey are, they are going to be on the dock at Hoboken to go back totheir own countries because they don't belong here and we are notgoing to allow them to remain. "

[Illustration: "Jack" Sullivan of Seattle First Vice-Chairman of the St. Louis Caucus]

[Illustration: Chaplain J. W. Inzer of Alabama]

Sullivan was seated amid prolonged cheering; it was his big slap atBolshevism. When Colonel Lindsley restored order Colonel Ralph Cole ofOhio was recognized. 

"The delegation from Ohio has authorized me to second this motion, " hesaid. "This seems to be a unanimous caucus. There is harmony here. Themost impressive fact in relation to this assembly is the militantspirit of Americanism that has been manifested. I chanced to beAssistant Adjutant of the 37th Division when the time came for thenaturalization of aliens who were in the American Army. Thousands andthousands of young aliens came up and raised up their right hand andpledged fidelity to the American Constitution, and to fight for thesupremacy of the American flag, but, there was a certain smallelement, a certain small percentage that refused to take the oath ofallegiance and they appealed to the Constitution and their rightsunder the law and they were exempted from military service. And I sayto you, gentlemen of this convention, any alien that will appeal tothe law in order to avoid military duty has no right to theopportunity of peace in America. " Here there was prolonged applause. 

"There was an outbreak in the State of Ohio of Bolshevism a few daysago, but I want you gentlemen to know that it was put down. It was hitby the soldiers who returned from France, the rank and file of ourboys. 

"Now, as Mr. Sullivan has suggested, let it not be said that whenthese boys that raised their right hand and took the oath ofallegiance to the American flag return, that these contemptible skunksthat demanded exemption under the law shall occupy the positions, which these truly loyal men should have. Let's give those positions tothe returning American soldiers and the returning alien soldiers thatfought for the American flag and helped us win the great victory. " Theapplause given Sullivan was repeated. 

Then the "Silver Lining, " Chaplain Inzer, strode upon the stage. Thistime he was a very stern Silver Lining, and what he had to say he saidwith a vigor which characterized his speeches all during theconvention. 

"I want to offer an amendment, " he said. "Mr. Sullivan's resolutiondoes not cover the whole ground. As Naturalization Officer of the 14thInfantry, I happen to be observing enough to know that there are othermen that ought to be included in this list. Often we called certainforeigners together who had been drafted and said, 'Now, men, we aregoing to go overseas in a short while. How long have you been in thiscountry?'

"One said, 'fourteen years. '

"'How long have you been here?' to another. 

"'I have been here so and so, ' he answered. 

"'All right, now, ' we said, 'this has been your country. If we hadn'tgone to war, you would have expected to be here. '

"'But we want to go home now. '

"'If you go home will you fight for your country?'

"'We don't know. '

"And they absolutely refused to take out citizenship papers. How do weknow them? As Naturalization Officer I marked on every one of thosepapers. 'This man, though he has been here for four years or ten yearsrefused naturalization in the hope that he might avoid overseasservice. ' Now, then, I move that we include in that motion that thefiles be gone through and every man who refused citizenship, who was anative of any other country, but adopted this country and refused totake out the citizenship papers we offered him, after he had beenbrought into the army by the draft, also be deported. "

Before the applause began Colonel Luke Lea had the floor. He is talland imposing and a powerful speaker. 

"I want to see this made a complete and thorough job, and to that endI desire to offer a further amendment, " he said. "We further demandthe immediate deportation of every alien enemy who, during the war, was interned, whether such alien enemy be now interned or has beenparoled. I merely want to say this: That any alien enemy who is toodangerous to be at large and bear the burdens of war, is too dangerousto be at large and participate in the blessings of peace. "

This brought down the house. It was what everybody thought and wanted. It was what everybody had hoped for since the very first day duringthe war that the Department of Justice had made its first internments. There have been all sorts of stories telling about these internedaliens getting rooms with baths, tennis courts, swimming pools, andplaygrounds, and everyone had consistently hoped that they would allbe sent back to Germany or Austria at the earliest possible momentafter the war. The same hope was expressed in regard to certainScandinavians and Hollanders here who were active in behalf ofGermany. One thing is certain and that is that none of the delegatespresent were opposed to this enemy alien deportation, or if they werethey didn't or couldn't make themselves heard above the thunderousapprobation. 

Chaplain Inzer at this juncture jumped to his feet and heightened theapplause by shouting, "There are four million men back of thisorganization. If I were a Bolshevik, I'd pack my grip and beat it. "

The culmination of this particular phase of the caucus was mostdramatic. A wounded soldier on crutches, and bearing two wound stripeson his arm, was helped to the stage beside the chairman. "I am PrivateSossin of Kentucky, " he shouted. "I was born and reared in Poland, andcame to this country and began to enjoy all the freedom of theAmerican Constitution when I was thirty-seven years old. I left mybusiness and my family to fight for this country. And if any of mynative countrymen are so despicable as not to want to fight for thegrandest flag the world has ever seen, the flag which gives freedom toall who are oppressed, I say, damn him and kick him out of here sothat we can show that we despise such slackers. "

THE CHAIRMAN: "All those in favor of the motion as finally amendedwill vote 'Aye. "' That "Aye" shook the theater. 

The caucus then passed a resolution that every naturalized citizenconvicted under the Espionage Act should have his citizenship revokedand should be deported. 

Another telling blow for Americanism!

The caucus next went on record with a resolution calling for theprotection of the uniform. Those firms and individuals who had usedthe uniform as a method of peddling their wares were scored in theresolution and it was the sense of the motion that everything possibleshould be done to prevent panhandlers and peddlers on the streetswearing the uniform of the United States. 

The caucus also indorsed Secretary Lane's plan for the "Reclamation ofarid, swamp, and cut-over timber lands. " The resolution to that effectfollows in full:

"WHEREAS, the reclamation of arid, swamp, and cut-over timber lands isone of the great constructive problems of immediate interest to thenation; and

"WHEREAS, one of the questions for immediate consideration is that ofpresenting to discharged soldiers and sailors an opportunity toestablish homes and create for themselves a place in the field ofconstructive effort; and

"WHEREAS, one of the purposes for which the formation of the AmericanLegion is contemplated is to take an energetic interest in allconstructive measures designed to promote the happiness andcontentment of the people, and to actively encourage all propermovements of a general nature to assist the men of the army and navyin solving the problems of wholesome existence; and

"WHEREAS, the Department of the Interior and the Reclamation Servicehave been engaged in formulating and presenting to the country broad, constructive plans for the reclamation of arid, swamp, and cut-overtimber lands:

"NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: By the caucus of delegates of theAmerican Legion in convention assembled, in the City of Saint Louis, Missouri, that we endorse the efforts heretofore made for thereclamation of lands, and we respectfully urge upon the Congress ofthe United States the adoption at an early date of broad andcomprehensive legislation for economic reclamation of all landssusceptible of reclamation and production. "

CHAPTER X

THE REËMPLOYMENT PROBLEM

We are now coming to the consideration of a subject that was nearer tothe heart of every delegate than any other. That is the reëmploymentof one-time service men. This matter is of the most intimate anddirect concern to the Legion and its leaders and because of itsimportance I believe the details of the discussion are sufficientlyinteresting to permit me to quote them verbatim from the minutes. 

THE CHAIRMAN: "The secretary will read the next resolution. "

SECRETARY WOOD: "Reëmployment of ex-service men. "

"WHEREAS, one of the most important questions of readjustment andreconstruction is the question of employment of the returning andreturned soldiers, and

"WHEREAS, no principle is more sound than that growing out of thegeneral patriotic attitude toward the returning soldier, vouchsafingto him return to his former employment or to a better job, therefore, be it

"RESOLVED: That the American Legion in its first national caucusassembled, declares to the people of the United States that no act canbe more unpatriotic in these most serious days of readjustment andreconstruction than the violation of this principle announced whichpledges immediate reemployment to the returned soldiers, and be itfurther

"RESOLVED: That the American Legion in its national caucus assembleddoes hereby declare itself as supporting in every proper way theefforts of the ex-service men to secure reemployment, and recommendsthat simple patriotism requires that ex-soldiers or ex-sailors andex-marines be given preference whenever additional men are to beemployed in any private or public enterprise, and be it further

"RESOLVED: That the American Legion recommends to Congress the promptenactment of a program for internal improvement, having in view thenecessity therefor and as an incident the absorption of the surpluslabor of the country, giving preference to discharged ex-service men. "

MR. WALSH (Pittsburgh): "I move, Mr. Chairman, that we adopt theresolution. "

The motion was seconded by Colonel Jones, of Washington, D. C. 

MR. LEVEREE: "Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen of the Convention, I desireto present to you a substitute for this resolution. As one who hasbeen endeavoring to give a post-war service to these men who arecoming back here and need to be replaced in the industries of thiscountry, as a volunteer dollar-a-year man in the United StatesEmployment Service and one who has accomplished results in the work tothe extent that the bulletin of the National Chamber of Commerce hascommented on the work, I desire to call your attention to the factthat the resolution as presented is not concrete. It says nothing. Ittalks in generalities, and I want to present to you a concreteproposition based on the experience of the Bureau in New Orleans. "

"WHEREAS, it is desirable both for the welfare of the soldiers, sailors, and marines, now rapidly being discharged from the service ofthe United States of America, and for the industrial readjustment ofthe country that the process of returning these men to productiveoccupations in civil life be speeded up as much as possible;

"AND WHEREAS, by reason of the failure of the Congress of the UnitedStates to appropriate funds for the purpose the said process has beenretarded and left to private initiative; now, therefore, be it

"RESOLVED: That the American Legion in caucus assembled calls upon theCongress of the United States to promptly appropriate funds to beadministered for the benefit of existing coordinated Bureaus for theEmployment of Returning Soldiers, Sailors, and Marines, to the endthat there may be no interruption in the service now being renderedand that it may be broadened and speeded up, be it further

"RESOLVED: That each local post or organization of the American Legionis urged during the period of demobilization to constitute itself acommittee of the whole, which shall cooperate with the localEmployment Bureau and shall establish and maintain a liaison betweensuch Bureau and every employer in the community through members of thelocal post or organization who are already employed in suchestablishment to the end that it may be made easy for the employer toavail himself of the service of the Bureau by communicating withsomeone in his own establishment, and that every soldier, sailor, andmarine already replaced in industry may have an opportunity to assisthis comrades to become likewise. "

"Gentlemen, this is the crux of that whole business--getting somebodyclose to the employer where you can bring about that liaison which issuggested in this substitute motion. "

The motion to adopt the substitute resolution was made by Mr. Levereeand seconded by Mr. Luss. 

MR. DESMOND (of Pennsylvania): "What has been said, in my estimation, is not comprehensive enough. In the city of Philadelphia which isknown as the Cradle of Liberty, when the men who had given uppositions in the educational system--I mean teachers--returned fromthe service of their country they were not, as promised, given theexact positions which they left. Neither were they given positions ofparallel importance. They were actually demoted in grade so that thesemotions do not cover such circumstances. In many cases, inmunicipalities, men have returned from the service and have beenforced to take positions not of a parallel grade but positions of alower grade. 

"Men, Americanism depends on America's school systems, and if the oneswho are directing our school systems are so unpatriotic as to demotethose who go forth to serve their country, what is going to become ofAmerica and Americanism? And I wish to make an amendment to the effectthat municipalities and boards of education in those municipalities beforced to give men their parallel positions if not positions of bettergrade and that in no instance will they be allowed to demote a manbecause he has gone forth to serve his country. I put that forward asan amendment, that the municipal governments and boards of educationin our municipalities be forced to give men positions of equal gradeif they cannot give better grade. "

MR. SIMINGTON (of Washington): "I speak in opposition to that amendedresolution. In my State I represent ten thousand organized men. In myState the present system has proven a failure. The organization that Irepresent handles an employment bureau that places 350 service men aweek in permanent positions and 150 in temporary employment, and I sayto you that that record is far and above the record of the U. S. Replacement Bureau. It is a proven failure. Gentlemen, I believe thatit is 'For George to do'--and we are George. 

"The service man wishes to take care of himself and his own. It is forthe service man to handle his own problems and I suggest as anamendment--I am not sure of my being in order in offering an amendmentto an amended amendment, but I suggest that it be the sense of thismeeting that Congress assist the American Legion in taking care of itsown in the matter of employment and that it do not use civilians to dothe work. " (Applause. )

The motion was seconded. 

MR. HILL (of Pennsylvania): "The original resolution that is beforethe convention, I am frank to say, has been forwarded to me by asoldier from Allegheny County, who walked the streets of Pittsburghfor eight or nine weeks pleading this principle. A resolution adoptedby the Mothers of Democracy was sufficient for him to get back hisjob, because he held a position as a county employee of AlleghenyCounty and he invoked this principle and vitalized every militaryorganization in Allegheny County, and by means of that he got back hisjob and his back salary and his mother's allowance which was cut offsince January 1, 1918. This resolution was originally presented by meas a member of the National Resolutions Committee from the State ofPennsylvania. The National Resolutions Committee appointed asubcommittee of which I was a member, a committee of three, toconsider this and refer it back to the National Resolutions Committee. That committee passed favorably upon it and the National ResolutionsCommittee passed it. 

"Now, if that resolution, as it stands before the house, wassufficient to get a job back for him, playing almost a lone hand, surely it is sufficient for any man here or for, this American Legion, for all it provides for, and all that is necessary to be done is thesimple patriotism with the American Legion in back of it which canplace its hands on the shoulder of any substantial employer and say, 'Do you wish to rectify yourself on this thing called "patriotism?"'Do you wish to give the soldier back his job who presents to you ameritorious case? We give you a chance. If you do not take it we willpublish this thing and you will go down to contumely andstultification. "

MR. KNOX: "Gentlemen, I am speaking on behalf of the ResolutionsCommittee. We spent all day yesterday listening to such requests asthis. Our final calculated judgment is represented in the resolutionsas presented. We found in the discussion that there was opposition toan endorsement of the United States Federal replacement division. (Applause. ) And so we determined that the language as adopted coveredthe cast. We proposed to create in this organization a reemploymentbureau of our own, and the resolution as presented is all the supportthat bureau needs. 

"I move you, sir, that all the substitutes for the original resolutionbe laid on the table. "

The motion was seconded. 

MR. BENNETT CLARK: "I simply want to call attention to the fact thatunder the rules of the House of Representatives that if you lay allamendments on the table it carries the entire proposition to the tableand I don't believe this convention wants to do that. "

MR. KNOX: "I ask a ruling on that, Mr. Chairman. If we lay all thesesubstitutes for this resolution on the table will that kill theresolution?"

THE CHAIRMAN: "Unless you dispense with the rules. "

MR. KNOX: "Mr. Chairman, I move you, sir, the suspension of the rulesto a sufficient extent so that we may table the substitutes which havebeen offered to the original resolution offered by the committee. "

Motion seconded by Mr. Bond of New York and carried. 

THE CHAIRMAN: "The question now comes back to the originalresolution. "

The question was called for and it was adopted. 

MR. ACKLEY: "Mr. Chairman, I have another amendment to offer. "

THE CHAIRMAN: "It's too late. The secretary will read the nextresolution. "

CHAPTER XI

THE DISREGARD OF SELF

I feel almost as if the next matter under discussion should have notonly a special chapter devoted to it but be printed in large type andin distinctive ink, for I do not believe that anything so thoroughlygave evidence of the utter disregard of self in the Legion as did theflat refusal of the delegates to tolerate what has been called in somequarters, the "Pay Grab. "

The minutes read:

SECRETARY WOOD (Reading): "ADDITIONAL PAY FOR ENLISTED MEN. "

"WHEREAS, the financial sacrifice of the enlisted persons in themilitary and naval service of the United States in the world war wasaltogether in excess of that of any other class of our citizenship, and

"WHEREAS, the great majority of these persons left lucrativeemployment upon joining the colors, and

"WHEREAS, this direct financial sacrifice was made at a time whenmen, many of them aliens who thrived in safety at home, were enjoyingthe advantages of an exceptionally high war wage, and

"WHEREAS, the service which involved this sacrifice was a Federalservice in defense of our national honor and national security, therefore be it

"RESOLVED: That the delegates to this caucus of those who served withthe colors in the world war urge upon the members of the 66th Congressthe justice and propriety of appropriating a sufficient sum from theNational Treasury to pay every person who served in the enlistedpersonnel in the military or naval service for a period of at leastsix months between April 6, 1917, and November 11, 1918, six monthsadditional pay at the rate of $30. 00 a month, and to those persons whoserved less than six months' in the military or naval service betweenApril 6, 1917, and November 11, 1918, the sum of $15. 00 per month foreach month so served. This bonus to be in addition to any pay or bonuspreviously granted or authorized and to be paid upon and subject tothe honorable discharge of any such person. "

MR. KNOX: "Mr. Chairman, I move the adoption of the resolution asread. "

The motion was seconded. 

MR. MCGRATH (New Jersey): "I served in the navy, and I simply want tocall attention to the fact that this resolution says that the moneyshall be paid upon the honorable discharge of the soldiers andsailors, but in the navy we are only released from active duty and Iwill not be discharged for three years, neither will any of the otherthree hundred thousand naval reserves. I therefore move that theresolution be amended to say that so far as the navy is concerned thatthe money shall be paid upon their release from active duty or theirhonorable discharge. "

The committee accepted the amendment. 

THE CHAIRMAN: "Before I put this motion I want to make this suggestionto you, that this is a pretty serious matter that you are considering. It is for this caucus, of course, in its wisdom to determine thatwhich it wants to do, but up to this time, it has assumed continuouslya most splendidly high and patriotic and unselfish attitude towardthis whole question. It has dealt immediately and fairly andpositively with regard to employment problems, but I suggest to youthat we ought to consider very carefully whether we want to go onrecord as a caucus, as provided in this resolution, and I would prefernot to put the question until you have considered it further. "

The action of the caucus was foreshadowed by the applause which itgave to Colonel Lindsley's caution. Fully a half dozen men jumped totheir feet and waved their hands wildly demanding recognition. 

Colonel Roosevelt arose from his seat with the New York delegation, and Chairman Lindsley recognized him. 

"Gentlemen, I want to draw your attention to one feature of thisquestion, " he said. The Colonel spoke very deliberately and verydistinctly, reminding a great many of his auditors of his fatherbecause of the way he snapped his words out. "I heartily agree withwhat the chair has said so far. I want you to get this particularreaction on the matter and I want to relate to you a little incidentthat happened coming out on the train from New York. One of thedelegates on the same train with me said that the conductor stoppedand talked to him and among other things said, 'Young Teddy Rooseveltis up ahead. He's going out to St. Louis to try to get some of thesoldiers together to sandbag something out of the Government!'_Sandbag something out of the Government!_" The young Colonel's frameshook with emotion as he repeated that sentence. "Do you men get theidea of what he thought we were trying to do? We want everything thatis right for us to have, but we are not going to try to sandbag theGovernment _out_ of anything; primarily we are going to try to putsomething _into_ the Government. In thinking over this resolutionthink of that. "

[Illustration: Fred Humphrey of New Mexico A Vice-Chairman. ]

[Illustration: Private V. C. Calhoun, of Connecticut and the Marine Corps. He is a Vice-Chairman. ]

The cheer which greeted this suggestion was so resounding and theopinion of the caucus so positive on this question that Mr. Gordon ofConnecticut, a member of the committee that framed the resolution, moved that it should be laid on the table. 

The thunderous "Aye" which tabled this resolution might well berecorded in letters of gold. 

It showed the utter unselfishness of the American doughboy, gob, andleatherneck. He had followed Colonel Roosevelt's advice: he refused tosandbag the Government out of anything, and this action gives the bestpossible basis for the procedure to put something into the Government. 

In view of the action of certain newspapers, organizations, andindividuals in advocating that six months' pay should be given to thereturned service man, I wonder if there are not still a great many ofthem who are still puzzled over why the Legion refused to endorse thismovement. There must be scores of them, dozens of them who were notpresent at the St. Louis Caucus, to catch its spirit and who have notcarefully considered just what impression such a demand on the part offormer soldiers, sailors, and marines would create on the rest of thecountry. 

Why shouldn't six months' pay be given to every man who did his bit inthe war with Germany? In the first place, these men who have returnedfrom the war have begotten for themselves the utmost respect andaffection from those who could not go. The civilian forms the majorityof our people. Because of the esteem before-mentioned, he is willingto grant almost anything _within reason_ to the service man who riskedso much in defense of the country. It is to the interest of theservice man to make the civilian population feel that he does not wantto get something for nothing but that, rather, he would still preferto give his best to the country in peaceful times in the same spiritthat he manifested in war times--an utter disregard of self. 

Had the Legion endorsed this resolution, the general consensus wouldhave been, "There are the soldiers getting together to make demands. Their organization is nothing more or less than an association formedto get something out of the Treasury. " Therefore, when the servicemen, as a unit, came to demand something vitally necessary for thegood of the country, it is possible that they might be answered: "Wehave paid you in money and have your receipt and that will be all foryou. "

This Legion can, must, and will be an inspiration and a guiding spiritbecause it is composed of men who have been willing to sacrifice selffor the good of the country. For that they have obtained theaffection of their world and just so long as they are willing tocontinue to manifest that spirit will they retain that affection. 

CHAPTER XII

THE CLOSING HOURS

The next resolution to be passed was that concerning "Disability Pay. "That resolution, as passed read. 

"WHEREAS, under the provisions of the existing law an obviousinjustice is done to the civilian who entered the military service, and as an incident, too, that service is disabled, therefore, "BE IT RESOLVED: That this caucus urge upon Congress the enactment oflegislation, which will place upon an equal basis as to retirement fordisability incurred in active service during the war with the CentralPowers of Europe, all officers and enlisted personnel who served inthe military and naval forces of the United States during said war, irrespective of whether they happened to serve in the Regular Army, orin the National Guard or National Army. "

Then followed the passage of the War Risk Insurance Resolution. Thisread:

"WHEREAS, one of the purposes of this organization is: 'To protect, assist, and promote the general welfare of all persons in themilitary and naval service of the United States and those dependentupon them, ' and, "WHEREAS, owing to the speedy demobilization of the men in theservice, who had not had their rights, privileges, and benefits underthe War Risk Insurance Act fully explained to them, and these men, therefore, are losing daily, such rights, privileges, and benefits, which may never again be restored, and, "WHEREAS, it is desirable that every means be pursued to acquaint themen of their full rights, privileges, and benefits under the said act, and to prevent the loss of the said rights, benefits, and privileges, therefore, "BE IT RESOLVED: That this caucus pledges its most energetic supportto a campaign of sound education and widespread activity, to the endthat the rights, privileges, and benefits under the War Risk InsuranceAct be conserved and that the men discharged from the service be madeto realize what are their rights under this act; and that theExecutive Committee be empowered and directed to confer with the WarRisk Insurance Bureau, that it may carry out the purposes hereinexpressed and, "BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That it is the sense of this caucus that theWar Risk Insurance Act be amended to provide that the insured, underthe act, may be allowed to elect whether his insurance, upon maturity, shall be paid as an annuity, or in one payment; and that he may selecthis beneficiaries regardless of family relationship. "

At the time of the caucus, Colonel Lindsley was director of the WarRisk Insurance Bureau in Washington. In speaking to the motion to passthe foregoing resolution, he said that more than a year ago he andother officers in France felt that if there were no other reasons foran organization such as the Legion, it would be more than worth whileto create one even though its sole function was to let those whoserved in the war know their rights about government insurance and ifit saw to it that the general scheme was perpetuated. 

"I am speaking particularly of the insurance phase of the situation, "he said in part. "The United States Government to-day is the greatestinsurance institution on earth. Thirty-nine billions of dollars ofapplications have poured in from over four millions of men; an averageof practically $9000 per man is held throughout the United States andabroad, and over 90% of these men are insured. That insurance is thebest in the world, because the greatest and the best and the richestGovernment on earth says, 'I promise to pay. ' It is the cheapestinsurance in the world and always will be because the Government says, 'As part of our contribution, we, the people of the United States, inthis war, as a legitimate expense, will pay all cost of administeringthis Bureau. ' So that the men who have this insurance now and thosewho have it hereafter will pay only the net cost. If there is anysavings, they get it. So that for all time to come they have got theinsurance cheaper than any other country except the United States cangive them. I say that without any improper comparison with thesplendid, properly organized institutions in the United States. It issimply this: That the people of the United States pay this cost ofadministration. By June 1st the policies of conversion will be readyto be delivered to those who want them. You will be able to cease terminsurance, if you wish, and have ordinary life, limited payment life, or endowment insurance. You can have any kind you please, but the bigthing, my comrades, is this: To retain every single dollar of thisinsurance that you can afford to carry. Don't be in any particularhurry about conversion. If your income isn't good--carry this messageback to the boys throughout the United States--if their income at thistime doesn't justify carrying higher priced insurance, retain thatwhich they have got and throughout this country tell the men thatthose who have lapsed their insurance because they didn't understandits value, because it wasn't properly presented to them at the periodof demobilization by the Government, for it was not, tell them theyare going to have every right of reinstatement without physicalexamination. 

"There is going to be no snap judgment on any man who served in thiswar who, because he was not able when he went out or didn't have theinformation or because he was careless or for any other reason didn'tcarry on his insurance. I ask you, my friends, and I think it is oneof the important functions of this great American Legion that is bornhere in St. Louis at this time, to see that the fullest possibleamount of this government insurance is maintained. Every man thatholds a government policy is a part of the Government more than everbefore. I ask you to bear this in mind and it is going to be withinyour power to say yes and no to many of the great problems of theUnited States. 

"I ask you to see that this great bureau is kept out of politics andthat it is administered, in the years to come in the interests ofthose for whom this law was enacted, those who served as soldiers, sailors, and marines in this war and their dependents. I thank you forthis opportunity of presenting this matter to you. "

"... It is going to be within your power to say yes or no to many ofthe great problems of the United States. "

The service men know this but coming from a man like Colonel Lindsleyit is especially important. How are they going to use this power? Whatsort of a legislative program will the Legion have? The answer isn'thard to find by a perusal of the resolutions which were passed and byremembering that most important one which did not pass, viz. : the paygrab. 

The next resolution occupying the attention of the caucus was that onerelating to disability of soldiers, sailors, and marines. It reads:

"BE IT RESOLVED: That the delegates from the several States shallinstruct their respective organizations to see that every disabledsoldier, sailor, and marine be brought into contact with theRehabilitation Department of the Federal Board at Washington, D. C. , and, "BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That the secretaries of the various states beinstructed to write to the Federal Board for literature as to what itoffers to disabled men, and that the members of the Legion beinstructed to distribute this literature and to aid the woundedsoldiers, sailors, and marines to take advantage of governmentalassistance, and that every effort be made by the American Legion inthe several States to stop any attempt to pauperize disabled men. "

The whole work of the Legion as outlined at the caucus is constructiveand therefore inspiring. The reader will note from the lastresolution that members of the Legion are to be instructed todistribute the literature of the Rehabilitation Department amongwounded soldiers, sailors, and marines and to show them how to takeadvantage of governmental assistance; and also that every effort willbe made by the American Legion to stop any attempt to pauperizedisabled men. 

A higher-minded, more gentle resolve than that, can hardly beimagined. All of us remember the host of begging cripples who weregoing the rounds of the country even so long as thirty-five or fortyyears after the Civil War. This last resolution means that such willnot be the case after this war. I think that it would be safe to saythat in nine cases out of ten, after the Legion gets thoroughlystarted, crippled beggars who pretend to have been wounded in theservice of their country will be fakers. Mr. Mott of Illinois, in thediscussion on this question, brought out the fact that there wereapproximately sixty thousand soldiers, sailors, and marinespermanently disabled as a result of wounds, accidents, and diseaseincurred in the war, while approximately one hundred and fortythousand discharged men were only more or less disabled. 

The final resolution was that copies of all resolutions passed by thecaucus were to be forwarded to every member of the United StatesSenate and each representative in Congress. 

Louis A. Frothingham, chairman of the Resolutions Committee, made anaddress in which he thanked the people of St. Louis for theirhospitality and the War Camp Community Service for its aid. The WarCamp Community Service sent special men to St. Louis under thedirection of Mr. Frank L. Jones to cooperate with its St. Louisleaders in helping to make the delegates comfortable. Arrangementswere made whereby delegates of small means could get lodging fortwenty-five cents a night and meals at the same price. 

Mr. Foss of Ohio introduced the following resolution of thanks whichwas passed standing:

"RESOLVED: That a standing vote of thanks be tendered to the War CampCommunity Service for its active hospitality to the delegates to thisSt. Louis Caucus of the American Legion, which is in keeping with itssplendid work through the war in extending community service to ourAmerican soldiers, sailors, and marines, and, "BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That an engrossed copy of this resolution beforwarded to the national secretary of the War Camp CommunityService. "

In this connection it might be well to digress a bit and to say thatWar Camp Community Service functioned splendidly for the young men ofour Army, Navy, and Marine Corps during the war, and as "CommunityService, Inc. " intends to continue caring for not only the doughboysand gobs it served so well but for an enlarged patronage. During theconflict, War Camp Community Service organized the social andrecreational resources of six hundred communities which were adjacentto training camps, army bases, and naval stations, and also developedthe same resources in thirty large communities dominated by great warindustries, of which the industrial centers at Bethlehem, Chester, andErie, Pennsylvania, are types. 

I believe it is well worth while for every member of the AmericanLegion to know something about War Camp accomplishment, and CommunityService possibilities for each has a similar aim and goal which may berealized by harmonious effort on the part of community servicebranches and legion posts throughout the entire country. 

The idea of War Camp Community Service, like all successfulexperiments, was based on sound truth and simple theory and proved tobe far reaching in results. Communities were not told what to do;there was no cut and dried program, but rather each community receivedspecial treatment suited to its particular needs, temperament, andphysical characteristics. The basic idea underlying this activity isto allow each one to express himself. No person or community has thesame thoughts, manner of living or thinking, and entire communities, like individuals, are affected by their environment and the life whichcircumstances compel them to lead. An iron monger's stalwart frame mayconceal a poetic-soul, while the frail body of an obscure clerk mayenclose the spirit of a Cromwell. War Camp has helped a great manysuch men to find themselves. Community Service promises to do the samething, for the war has given ample proof of the need of just this kindof service. 

With the war gone, with thousands of young men thrown upon their owninitiative and resources for both work and play, there is going to bea great need of proper guidance, companionship, and comradeship, unless a great many are to be overtaken by some madness likeBolshevism or in a lesser degree--constant and broodingdissatisfaction. The American Legion post, with its leaders, is goingto fill a great need here. It will be some place to go where a man canmeet his fellows of the better type, and, not only indulge in thepleasure of discussing former days but, better still, take an interestin present-day movements affecting his country. 

Also, I feel that Community Service will have a great place in thissame scheme: that it can take the former service man, lonely andseeking expression, just where the Legion leaves off and, with Legionideals on Americanism and the duties of citizenship as a basis, canround him off in the softer, more intimate molds of life, so thatbetween the two he may not be only an honor to his country, but to hisfamily and to his God as well. Therefore, I believe Community Servicewill fall heir to the goodwill created by War Camp throughout thenation, that it will retain the best of the latter's tenets and willtake its place as one of the great powers for good in the communitylife of this country. 

At the final session, Major Caspar G. Bacon was elected treasurer ofthe Legion to serve until November 11th. Delegations appointed Statechairmen and secretaries to carry on the work of further organizationfor the November convention. 

During luncheon time of the last day there had been some fearexpressed among certain of the delegates that the loyal foreign-bornelement in the United States might not thoroughly understand the AlienSlackers Resolution. In order to make that perfectly clear ChaplainInzer, during the last hours of the caucus, called for a cheer forevery foreign-born citizen who gave loyal service to the UnitedStates. A rousing one was given. 

Then came the unanimous report of the Committee on Constitution andBy-Laws and declaration of principles. It was passed upon, section bysection. You will find it printed elsewhere in this volume, and youmust read it if you would get a true view of the principles underlyingthe Legion. It is as plain as a lesson in a school reader. Any commenton it from me would be editorial tautology, so I don't want to sayanything more than that its framing was one of the cleverest and mostcomprehensive bits of work done since the very beginning of theLegion. 

On the question of eligibility of Americans who had served in otherarmies, Mr. Palmen of California, announced as a bit of informationthat an Act approved by Congress on October 15, 1918, provided thatsuch men must repatriate themselves. "We must go before a judgequalified to give citizenship back, taking with us our honorabledischarge and credentials to show that we were American citizens atthe time we enlisted, " Mr. Palmen declared. Mr. Palmen was with theCanadian Army for three and a half years. "This question has beendebated and the public at large is much confused about it, " hecontinued. "I am told all that I must do is to go before a judge andthat I will immediately be made a citizen again with all the rightsand privileges which that implies. "

There was no "hero stuff" at all at this caucus, no names of heroes, as such, were mentioned. The name of the President of the UnitedStates was not called nor any member of his Cabinet nor was anyreference made to them either direct or indirect. This was done toavoid the appearance of politics. General Pershing's name wasmentioned once and that was during the discussion of the sixth sectionof the constitution which provides that "no Post may be named for anyliving person. "

Major Leonard of the District of Columbia delegation obtained thefloor and said that his delegation was in an embarrassing positionbecause they had already organized a post and named it "Pershing PostNo. 1. " Major Wickersham of New York, stated that a number of postswere already in the process of organization in his State and that thenames of living men had been adopted by them. 

After all why not call these posts after living men?

Delegate Harder, of Oklahoma, offered the answer:

"With all due respect to the gentlemen who have already named theirposts they are subjected, as are we to the action of this caucus, " hesaid. "We know positively that in due course of time those names willbe used, at least to a certain extent, politically. Let us find someother way to honor these men and make it impossible for the people ofthis country to get the idea that this is a political organization. "

There you have it, the real reason. Delegate Harder was only one ofthe hundreds who not only wanted to keep the Legion out of politicsnow but for all time to come. 

Mr. McGrath of New Jersey also took an amusing fling at article six. As originally drawn it stipulated that the local unit should be termeda billet. "I object to the word billet, " he said. "It has too manyunpleasant associations as those men who slept in them in France willtestify. A billet meant some place where you lay down and slept aslong as certain little animals would let you, and the American Legionisn't going to do that. "

Just about this time the afternoon was drawing to a close. Everybodyrealized that a monumental task had been performed. Sleepless nightsand nerve-wracking days had been endured. Many pocketbooks wererunning low. Everybody felt it was time to go home. 

General Hoffman of Oklahoma obtained recognition from the chair assome of the delegates already were rising to leave the theater. "Imove, Mr. Chairman, " shouted the General, "that we extend a vote ofthanks to Colonel Roosevelt and Colonel Clark and other gentlemen whohave been associated with them and to the chairman of this associationand his able assistants who have brought this convention to such ahappy and successful close. "

At the mention of Colonel Roosevelt's name departing delegates tarriedand when Mr. Weinman of Louisiana moved adjournment, the house stoodand with one accord began to cry, "We want Teddy, " "We want Teddy. "

Colonel Roosevelt walked to the center of the stage and raised bothhands seeking silence. 

"I want to say just one thing, " he said. "I have never been so muchimpressed in my life as I have been by the actions of this caucus, actions of the various committees and in the way this caucus thoughtfor itself and acted for itself. For instance it would receiveresolutions from the Resolutions Committee, would think them over, would re-decide on them and would re-decide them right. I want to sayin closing that the only thing I regret is that my father could nothave been alive at this moment to see the actions of this body ofAmericans. "

Mr. Healey of the New York delegation obtained the attention of thechair. "I make a motion, " stated Mr. Healey, "that before this greatcaucus adjourns we should remain standing in one minute's silence as atribute to the greatest statesman that this nation has everproduced--THEODORE ROOSEVELT. "

CHAPTER XIII

WHY THE AMERICAN LEGION?

As I glance back over these pages I am impressed with the fact thatonly the preface of "The Story of the American Legion" has beenwritten here. When the reaches of the years shall gather to themselvesthe last of the men of the army, navy, and marine corps of the UnitedStates during its war against Germany that story may then befaithfully told. So the truth of the matter now is that history is inthe writing so far as the American Legion in its relation to theUnited States of America is concerned. That statement isn't in realityas platitudinous as it seems at first thought. 

We have arrived at world importance in history. We have come to thatas the result of our part in the world war. Our isolation is over. Weare the cynosure of all eyes. Uncle Sam is the dominant world figure;his hands control the reins that are driving the world. He has theenemies which all the successful have. There are those who had, andhaven't, and there are those who never had, and want; all desiring, all envying the power of the United States of America. This greatpower and position was gained primarily by one motive--unselfishness. Just so long as it is our dominant trait will we retain what we havegained. Just so long as we remain true to our innate principles, tothe tenets of our constitution, will we retain world importance andworld influence. 

There is a wolf at the gates of civilized Europe. If he gets insidenothing can stop him from ravishing us. This war has bound us soclosely to Europe that we are, in a sense, one and the same. He whostrikes our brother strikes us, even though he be so far away that thedistance is measured by an ocean. We must get over the idea thatdistance makes a difference. The Atlantic ocean has just been crossedin sixteen hours. Remember, thought travels even faster. 

The wolf that I mentioned is a Mad Thought. He is Bolshevism. He hasthe madness because of hunger, a hunger not only of body but of mind;the century-long hunger of the Russian peoples for Freedom. Russia hasrun in a circle. From the autocracy of the classes it has arrived atthe autocracy of the masses. 

Then, too, all our European brothers are war worn; tired, tired nearlyto death with struggle and sacrifice, and this is not a frame of mindcalculated to help reseat reason in the world. 

Why the American Legion?

One of our great bankers recently returned from an intimate study ofaffairs abroad. His name is Frank A. Vanderlip. In an address beforethe Economic Club in New York City he said that Europe is paralyzedand that our task is to save. 

I give the introduction to his address as it appeared in the New York_Times_:

"Frank A. Vanderlip, who spoke last night at the Hotel Astor, at adinner of the Economic Club, which was held for the purpose of hearinghis story of conditions in Europe, whence he has recently returned, said that England was on the verge of a revolution, which was narrowlyaverted in February, when he was there, and the conditions on theContinent of Europe are appalling beyond anything dreamed of in thiscountry. 

"He said that the food conditions in Europe would be worse instead ofbetter for a year ahead, because of the dislocation of labor and thedestruction of farm animals, and that the industrial and economicoutlook, generally, points to a period after the war, which willequal, if not exceed the war period in suffering and misery. 

"He said that Italy was afraid to disband her army, because she couldnot employ the men and was afraid of idleness. He said that thedifferential, which had kept England preëminent in internationaltrade, was the underpayment of labor, and that this differential wasnow being wiped out, forcing England to face tremendously seriousproblems for the future. He quoted a British minister as saying thatmeans would have to be found to send six or seven millions ofEnglishmen out of the British Isles and closer to the sources of foodproduction, if continental conditions continued long as at present. 

"He said that the best printing presses in the world to-day, exceptthose in Washington, were at Petrograd, and that they were turning outmasses of counterfeited pounds, francs, marks, lira, and pesetas, soskillfully made that detection was almost impossible. He said thatthese counterfeits were being spent largely by Germans to fomentBolshevist propaganda. 

"Spain would, he said, be the most promising country in Europe exceptfor the labor situation there, which had brought it to the verge ofBolshevism. He said that the most perfect laboratory of Bolshevism inEurope outside of Russia was in Barcelona, Spain, which he said wasruled absolutely by a mysterious secret council, which had censoredand fined the newspapers until they quit publication and had enforcedits will in all matters by assassinations, which no one dared topunish. 

"He said that America alone could save Europe and that its aid must beextended to all countries equally. He said that this was necessary, not only to save Europe, but to prevent an invasion of America by theforces threatening the social overthrow of Europe. "

Why the American Legion?

There, at least, is one great reason. 

Our men of the army, navy, and marine corps got a schooling in thepractical Americanism which our military establishment naturallyteaches. Those who were aliens by birth and those native sons withinadequate educational advantages learned a great deal by associationwith men of better types and by travel. These men can and will stemthe insidious guile of the wolf, and, to aid them in so doing, theLegion has an active speakers' bureau under Captain Osborn teachingAmericanism in every section of the country. These speakers, inhelping to organize the Legion along the right lines, teach theConstitution of the United States and preach that remedial changes inthis government can be brought about in only one way, and that is, constitutionally. 

Why the American Legion?

America is safe from any real danger if she can keep everybody busy. Less than two weeks after the caucus, the national executive committeehad in process of formation a practicable scheme to aid in solving thereëmployment problem. As time goes on this department of Legionactivity will become more and more efficient. 

Here is another answer to the question. 

All through these pages the reader has found references to thisquestion of reëmployment; to anti-Bolshevism; the protection of theuniform; the non-partisan and non-political nature of the Legion;unselfishness; disability pay for the reserve forces; war riskinsurance; allotments and back pay; the care of disabled service men;one hundred per cent. Americanism, and the deportation of those alienswho "bit the hand that fed them. " The story has dealt almost entirelywith these questions because primarily and fundamentally they are TheAmerican Legion. This program is the most important in the UnitedStates to-day. It means the betterment of the most stable forces inour community life, not only of to-day but for the next forty or fiftyyears. It means the proper extension of the influence of the mostpowerful factor for patriotism in our country--the onetime serviceman. It does not mean patriotism bounded on one side by a brass bandand on the other by a dressy uniform and a reunion banner. It meansreal patriotism in its broadest sense--a clean body politic; a cleannational soul and a clean international conscience. 

This is the final answer to the question which serves as the title forthis concluding chapter. 

THE AMERICAN LEGION

LIST OF STATE OFFICERS

ALABAMA: Chairman: Bibb Graves, Montgomery. Secretary: Leroy Jacobs, Care Jacobs Furniture Co. , Birmingham. 

ARIZONA: Chairman: E. Power Conway, Noll Bldg. , Phoenix. Secretary: Fred B. Townsend, Natl. Bk. , Arizona Bldg. , Phoenix. 

ARKANSAS: Chairman: J. J. Harrison, Little Rock. Secretary: Granville Burrow, Little Rock. 

CALIFORNIA: Chairman: Henry G. Mathewson, Flood Bldg. , San Francisco. Secretary: E. E. Bohlen, 926 Flood Bldg. , San Francisco. 

COLORADO: Chairman: H. A. Saidy, Colorado Springs. Secretary: Morton M. David, 401 Empire Bldg. , Denver. 

CONNECTICUT: Chairman: Jas. B. Moody, Jr. , 202 Phoenix Bk. Bldg. , Hartford. Secretary: Alfred A. Phillips, Jr. , 110 Glenbrook Rd. , Stamford. 

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA: Chairman: E. Lester Jones, 833 Southern Bldg. , Washington. Secretary: Howard Fisk, 833 Southern Bldg. , Washington. 

DELAWARE: Chairman: Geo. N. Davis, 909 Market St. , Wilmington. Secretary: L. K. Carpenter, Du Pont Bldg. , Wilmington. 

FLORIDA: Chairman: S. L. Lowry, Jr. , Citizens Bk. Bldg. , Tampa. Secretary: J. T. Wiggington, 818--15th St. , Miami. 

GEORGIA: Chairman: Trammell Scott, 97 E. Merrits Ave. , Atlanta. Secretary: Louis H. Bell, c/o Service Record, 208 Flatiron Bldg. , Atlanta. 

HAWAII: Chairman: Lawrence Judd, c/o T. H. Davies & Co. , Ltd. , Honolulu. Secretary: J. P. Morgan, Box 188, Honolulu. 

IDAHO: Chairman: C. M. Booth, Pocatello. Secretary: Laverne Collier, Pocatello. 

ILLINOIS: Chairman: George G. Seaman, Taylorville. Secretary: Myron E. Adams, 205 Marquette Bldg. , 140 S. Dearborn St. , Chicago. 

INDIANA: Chairman: Raymond S. Springer, Connersville. Secretary: L. Russell Newgent, 518 Hume Monsur Bldg. , Indianapolis. 

IOWA: Chairman: Matthew A. Tinley, Council Bluffs. Secretary: John MacVicar, 336 Hubbell Bldg. , Des Moines. 

KANSAS: Chairman: A. Phares, 519 Sweiter Bldg. , Wichita. Secretary: Ike Lambert, Emporia. 

KENTUCKY: Chairman: Henry DeHaven Moorman, Hardinsburgh. Secretary: D. A. Sachs, Louisville. 

LOUISIANA: Chairman: Allison Owen, 1237 State St. , New Orleans. Secretary: T. H. H. Pratt, 721 Hibernia Bank, New Orleans. 

MAINE: Chairman: A. L. Robinson, 85 Exchange St. , Portland. Secretary: James L. Boyle, 184 Water St. , Augusta. 

MARYLAND: Chairman: Jas. A. Gary, Jr. , Equitable Bldg. , Baltimore. Secretary: Alex. Randall, 12 West Chase St. , Baltimore. 

MASSACHUSETTS: Chairman: John F. J. Herbert, 749 Pleasant St. , Worcester. Secretary: George P. Gilbody, 3 Van Winkle St. , Boston. 

MICHIGAN: Chairman: Geo. C. Waldo, Detroit. Secretary: Ryle D. Tabor, 312 Moffatt Bldg. , Detroit. 

MINNESOTA: Chairman: Harrison Fuller, c/o St. Paul Dispatch, St. Paul. Secretary: George G. Chapin, 603 Guardian Life Bldg. , St. Paul. 

MISSISSIPPI. Chairman: Alex Fitzhugh, Vicksburgh. Secretary: John M. Alexander, Jackson. 

MISSOURI: Chairman: Secretary:

MONTANA: Chairman: Chas. L. Sheridan, Bozeman. Secretary: Ben. W. Barnett, Helena. 

NEBRASKA: Chairman: John G. Maher, Lincoln. Secretary: Allan A. Tukey, 1st Natl. Bank Bldg. , Omaha. 

NEVADA: Chairman: E. L. Malsbary, Reno. Secretary: J. D. Salter, Winnimucca. 

NEW HAMPSHIRE: Chairman: Frank Knox, Manchester. Secretary: Frank J. Abbott, Manchester. 

NEW JERSEY: Chairman: Hobart Brown, c/o Fireman's Insurance Co. , Broad and Market Sts. , Newark. Secretary: George W. C. McCarter, 765 Broad St. , Newark. 

NEW MEXICO: Chairman: Charles M. DeBremon, Roswell. Secretary: Harry Howard Dorman, Santa Fé. 

NEW YORK: Chairman: C. W. Wickersham, 140 Nassau St. , New York City. Secretary: Wade H. Hayes, 140 Nassau St. , New York City. 

NORTH CAROLINA: Chairman: C. K. Burgess, 107 Commercial Bank Bldg. , Raleigh. Secretary: Charles N. Hulvey, A. &E. College, Raleigh. 

NORTH DAKOTA: Chairman: R. H. Treacy, Bismarck. Secretary: Ed. E. Gearey, Fargo. 

OHIO: Chairman: P. C. Galbraith, Cincinnati. Secretary: Chalmers R. Wilson, Adj. Gen. Office, State House, Columbus. 

OKLAHOMA: Chairman: Ross N. Lillard, Oklahoma City. Secretary: F. W. Fisher, Oklahoma City. 

OREGON: Chairman: E. J. Eivers, 444-1/2 Larrabee St. , Portland. Secretary: Dow V. Walker, Care Multnomah Club, Portland. 

PENNSYLVANIA: Chairman and Secretary: George F. Tyler, 121 S. 5th St. , Philadelphia. 

RHODE ISLAND: Chairman: Alexander H. Johnson, City Hall, Providence. Secretary: James E. Cummiskey, Crompton. 

SOUTH CAROLINA: Chairman: John D. Smyser, M. D. , 423 South Gargan St. , Florence. Secretary: Ben. D. Fulton, 32 West Evans St. , Florence. 

SOUTH DAKOTA: Chairman: T. R. Johnson, Sioux Falls. Secretary: J. C. Denison, Vermillion. 

TENNESSEE: Chairman: Roan Waring, Bank of Commerce and Trust Co. Bldg. , Memphis. Secretary: W. R. Craig, Nat. Life and Accident Co. , Nashville, Tenn. 

TEXAS: Chairman: Claude B. Birkhead, San Antonio. Secretary: J. A. Belzer, Austin. 

UTAH: Chairman: Harold R. Smoot, Salt Lake City. Secretary: Baldwin Robertson, 409 Ten Boston Bldg. , Salt Lake City. 

VIRGINIA: Chairman: Andrew D. Christian, c/o Ruy & Power Bldg. , Richmond. Secretary: R. G. M. Ross, 508 1st Nat'l. Bank Bldg. Newport News. 

VERMONT: Chairman: H. Nelson Jackson, Burlington. Secretary: Joseph H. Fountain, 138 Colchester Ave. , Burlington. 

WASHINGTON. Chairman: Harvey A. Moss, Seattle. Secretary: George R. Drever, c/o Adj. Gen. Office, Armory, Seattle. 

WEST VIRGINIA: Chairman: Jackson Arnold, 111 Court Ave. , Weston. Secretary: Chas. McCamic, 904 Nat'l. Bank of West Virginia Bldg. , Wheeling. 

WISCONSIN: Chairman: E. F. Ackley, 226 First Nat'l. Bk. Bldg. , Milwaukee. Secretary: R. N. Gibson, Grand Rapids. 

WYOMING: Chairman: A. H. Beach, Lusk. Secretary: R. H. Nichols, Casper. 

CONSTITUTION OF THE AMERICAN LEGIONAS ADOPTED BYTHE ST. LOUIS CAUCUS

May 10, 1919

PREAMBLE

For God and Country we associate ourselves together for the followingpurposes:

To uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America;to maintain law and order; to foster and perpetuate a one hundred percent. Americanism; to preserve the memories and incidents of ourassociation in the Great War; to inculcate a sense of individualobligation to the community, state, and nation; to combat theautocracy of both the classes and the masses; to make right the masterof might; to promote peace and good will on earth; to safeguard andtransmit to posterity the principles of justice, freedom, anddemocracy; to consecrate and sanctify our comradeship by our devotionto mutual helpfulness. 

ARTICLE I

_Name_

The name of this organization shall be THE AMERICAN LEGION. 

ARTICLE II

_Membership_

All persons shall be eligible to membership in this organization whowere in the military or naval service of the United States during theperiod between April 6, 1917, and November 11, 1918, both datesinclusive, and all persons who served in the military or navalservices of any of the governments associated with the United Statesduring the World War, provided that they were citizens of the UnitedStates at the time of their enlistment, and are again citizens at thetime of application, except those persons who separated from theservice under terms amounting to dishonorable discharge and exceptalso those persons who refused to perform their military duties on theground of conscientious or political obligation. 

ARTICLE III

_Nature_

While requiring that every member of the organization perform his fullduty as a citizen according to his own conscience and understanding, the organization shall be absolutely non-partisan, and shall not beused for the dissemination of partisan principles, or for thepromotion of the candidacy of any person seeking public office orpreferment. 

ARTICLE IV

_Administration_

I. The Legislative Body of the organization shall be a nationalconvention, to be held annually at a place and time to be fixed byvote of the preceding convention, or in the event that the precedingconvention does not fix a time and place, then such time and placeshall be fixed by the Executive Committee, hereinafter provided for. 

2. The annual convention shall be composed of delegates and alternatesfrom each state, the District of Columbia, and each territory andterritorial possession of the United States, each of which shall beentitled to four delegates and four alternates, and to one additionaldelegate and alternate for each one thousand memberships paid upthirty days prior to the date of the national convention. The vote ofeach state, of the District of Columbia, and of each territory orterritorial possession of the United States shall be equal to thetotal number of delegates to which that state, district, territory, orterritorial possession is entitled. 

3. The delegates to the national convention shall be chosen by eachstate in the manner hereinafter prescribed. 

4. The executive power shall be vested in a National ExecutiveCommittee to be composed of two representatives from each state, theDistrict of Columbia, territory and territorial possessions of theUnited States and such other ex-officio members as may be elected bythe Caucus. The National Executive Committee shall have authority tofill any vacancies in its membership. 

ARTICLE V

_State Organization_

The state organization shall consist of that organization in eachstate, territory, or the District of Columbia whose delegates havebeen seated in the St. Louis Caucus. In those states which are atpresent unorganized the state organization shall consist of anExecutive Committee to be chosen by a state convention and such otherofficers and committees as said convention may prescribe. The stateconvention in the latter case shall be called by the two members ofthe National Executive Committee in that state, territory, and theDistrict of Columbia, and shall choose the delegates to the nationalconvention, providing a fair representation for all sections of thestate or territory. Each state organization shall receive a charterfrom the National Executive Committee. 

The officers of the state organization shall be as follows:

 One State Commander. One State Vice Commander. One State Adjutant. One State Finance Officer. One State Historian. One State Master-at-Arms. One State Chaplain. 

ARTICLE VI

_The Local Unit_

The local unit shall be termed the Post, which shall have a minimummembership of fifteen. No Post shall be received into thisorganization until it shall have received a charter. A Post desiring acharter shall apply to the State Organization and the charter shall beissued by the National Executive Committee whenever recommended by theState Organization. The National Executive Committee shall not issue acharter in the name of any living person. 

The officers of the local organization shall be as follows:

 One Post Commander. One Post Vice Commander. One Post Adjutant. One Post Finance Officer. One Post Historian. One Post Chaplain. 

and such appointive officers as may be provided by the StateOrganization. 

ARTICLE VII

_Dues_

Each state organization shall pay to the National Executive Committeeor such officer as said committee may designate therefor, the sum oftwenty-five cents annually, for each individual member in thatparticular state, District of Columbia, territory, or territorialpossession. 

ARTICLE VIII

_Quorum_

A quorum shall exist at a national convention when there are presenttwenty-five or more states and territories partially or whollyrepresented as herein-before provided. 

ARTICLE IX

_Rules_

The rules of procedure at the national convention shall be those setforth in Roberts' Rules of Order. 

ARTICLE X

_Amendment_

This Constitution is to be in force until the November Convention, when it will be ratified or amended by that Convention. 

RESOLUTIONSPASSED BYTHE ST. LOUIS CAUCUS, AMERICAN LEGION

May 10, 1919. 

_1. Endorsement of the Victory Liberty Loan. _

WHEREAS, the Government of the United States has appealed to thecountry for financial support in order to provide the funds forexpenditures made necessary in the prosecution of the war and toreestablish the country upon a Peace basis; therefore, be it

RESOLVED: That this caucus emphatically endorses the Victory LibertyLoan and urges all Americans to promote the success of the Loan inevery manner possible. 

_2. Conscientious Objectors. _

RESOLVED: That this caucus go on record as condemning the action ofthose responsible for protecting the men who refused full militaryservice to the United States, in accordance with the Act of Congressof May 18, 1917, and who were tried by General Court Martial, sentenced to prison, and later fully pardoned, restored to duty, andhonorably discharged, with all back pay and allowances given them;and as condemning further the I. W. W. 's, International Socialists, andAnarchists in their efforts to secure the release of these men alreadypardoned, and those still in prison, serving sentence, and, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That this caucus demand full and completeinvestigation by Congress, of the trial and conviction of theseparties, and their subsequent pardon. 

_3. Protection of the Uniform. _

WHEREAS, it is recognized that the uniform of the United States is asmuch a symbol as the flag itself, and thereby entitled to fittingrespect, and, Whereas, certain unscrupulous firms and individuals havetaken nefarious advantage of popular sentiment by utilizing men inuniforms as peddlers and sales-agents, and, WHEREAS, certain discharged men have so far forgotten the respect duethe uniform they wear, as to use it as an aid in peddling goods;therefore, BE IT RESOLVED: That this national caucus go on record as beingunalterably opposed to such practices, and, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That each state and local organization hererepresented be urged to do all in its power to put an end to thismisuse of the uniform, which has always been worn with honor and fornoble purposes. 

_4. Reclamation of Arid, Swamp, and Cut-Over Timber Lands. _

WHEREAS, the reclamation of arid, swamp, and cut-over timber lands isone of the great constructive problems of immediate interest to thenation; and, WHEREAS, one of the questions for immediate consideration is that ofpresenting to discharged soldiers and sailors an opportunity toestablish homes and create for themselves a place in the field ofconstructive effort; and, WHEREAS, one of the purposes for which the formation of the AmericanLegion is contemplated is to take an energetic interest in allconstructive measures designed to promote the happiness andcontentment of the people, and to actively encourage all propermovements of a general nature to assist the men of the Army and Navyin solving the problems of wholesome existence; and, WHEREAS, the Department of the Interior and the Reclamation Servicehave been engaged in formulating and presenting to the country broad, constructive plans for the reclamation of arid, swamp and cut-overtimber lands;

Now, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: By the caucus of delegates of theAmerican Legion in Convention assembled, in the City of Saint Louis, Missouri, that we endorse the efforts heretofore made for thereclamation of lands, and we respectfully urge upon the Congress ofthe United States the adoption at an early date of broad andcomprehensive legislation for economic reclamation of all landssusceptible of reclamation and production. 

_5. Reëmployment of Ex-Service Men. _

WHEREAS, one of the most important questions of Readjustment andReconstruction, is the question of employment of the returning andreturned soldiers and sailors, and, WHEREAS, no principle is more sound than that growing out of thegeneral patriotic attitude toward the returning soldier vouchsafingto him return to his former employment, or a better job;

BE IT RESOLVED, That the American Legion in national caucus assembled, declares to the people of the United States that no act can be moreunpatriotic in these most serious days of Readjustment andReconstruction than the violation of the principle announced, whichpledges immediate reëmployment to the returned soldier; and, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That the American Legion in its NationalCaucus assembled does hereby declare itself as supporting in everyproper way, the efforts of the ex-service men to secure reëmployment, and recommends that simple patriotism requires that ex-soldiers, sailors, or marines be given preference whenever additional men are tobe employed in any private or public enterprise; and, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That the American Legion recommends toCongress the prompt enactment of a program for internal improvement, having in view the necessity therefor, and as an incident theabsorption of the surplus labor of the country, giving preference todischarged ex-service men. 

_6. Disability Pay. _

Whereas, under the provisions of the existing law an obvious injusticeis done to the civilian who entered the military service, and as anincident to that service is disabled; therefore, BE IT RESOLVED: That this Caucus urge upon Congress the enactment oflegislation, which will place upon an equal basis as to retirement fordisability incurred in active service during the War with the CentralPowers of Europe, all officers and enlisted men who served in theMilitary and Naval forces of the United States during the War, irrespective of whether they happened to serve in the Regular Army, orin the National Guard or National Army. 

_7. War Risk Insurance. _

WHEREAS, one of the purposes of this organization is: "To protect, assist, and promote the general welfare of all persons in the Militaryand Naval service of the United States, and those dependent uponthem, " and, WHEREAS, owing to the speedy demobilization of the men in the service, who have not had their rights, privileges and benefits under the WarRisk Insurance Act fully explained to them, and these men, therefore, are losing daily, such rights, privileges and benefits, which maynever again be restored; and, WHEREAS, it is desirable that every means be pursued to acquaint themen of their full rights, privileges, and benefits under the said Act, and to prevent the loss of the said rights, benefits and privileges;therefore, BE IT RESOLVED: That the American Legion pledges its most energeticsupport to a campaign of sound education and widespread activity, tothe end that the rights, privileges and benefits under the War RiskInsurance Act be conserved, and that the men discharged from theservice, be made to realize what are their rights under this act; andthat the Executive Committee be empowered and directed to confer withthe War Risk Insurance Bureau, that it may carry out the purposesherein expressed; and, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That it is the sense of this Caucus that theWar Risk Insurance Act be amended to provide that the insured, underthe Act, may be allowed to elect whether his insurance, upon maturity, shall be paid as an annuity, or in one payment; and that he mayselect his beneficiaries regardless of family relationship. 

_8. Alien Slackers. _

WHEREAS, there was a law passed by the Congress of these United Statesin July, 1918, known as an Amendment to Selective Service Act, givingpersons within the draft age, who had taken out first papers forAmerican citizenship, the privilege of turning in said first papers totheir local exemption board and thereby become exempt from service, and, WHEREAS, thousands of men within draft age who had been in thiscountry for many years and had signified their intention to becomecitizens, took advantage of this law and thereby became exempted frommilitary service, or were discharged from military service by reasonthereof, and have taken lucrative positions in the mills, shipyardsand factories; and, WHEREAS, in the great world war for democracy the rank and file of thebest of our American manhood have suffered and sacrificed itself inorder to uphold the principles upon which this country was founded, and for which they were willing to give up their life's blood; and, WHEREAS, these counterfeit Americans who revoked their citizenship inour opinion would contaminate the 100 per cent. True American soldier, sailor, or marine who will shortly return to again engage in thegainful pursuits of life; therefore, be it

RESOLVED: That we, the American Legion, do demand the Congress ofthese United States to immediately enact a law to send these aliens, who withdrew their first papers, back to the country from which theycame. The country in which we live, and for which we are willing tofight is good enough for us; but this country in which they have livedand prospered, yet for which they were unwilling to fight, is toogood for them, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That we demand the immediate deportation ofevery alien enemy who was interned during the war, whether the saidalien enemy be now interned or has been paroled. 

_9. Disabled Soldiers, Sailors, and Marines. _

BE IT RESOLVED: That the delegates from the several states shallinstruct their respective organizations to see that every disabledsoldier, sailor and marine be brought into contact with theRehabilitation Department of the Federal Board at Washington, D. C. , and, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That the secretaries of the various states beinstructed to write to the Federal Board for literature as to what itoffers to disabled men, and that the members of the Legion beinstructed to distribute this literature and to aid the woundedsoldiers, sailors and marines, to take advantage of governmentalassistance and that every effort be made by the American Legion in theseveral states to stop any attempt to pauperize disabled men. 

_10. Espionage Act. _

RESOLVED: That every naturalized citizen convicted under the EspionageAct shall have his citizenship papers vacated, and when they shallhave served their sentence they shall be deported to the country fromwhich they came. 

_11. Resolutions. _

BE IT RESOLVED: That copies of these resolutions be forwarded to everymember of the United States Senate and to each Representative inCongress. 

LEGION FACTS

What has gone before is the story of the American Legion in themaking. Now it is a going, growing institution. 

Because it will be of vital interest and importance to every one ofthe four million Americans who wore the uniform, the followinginformation concerning the American Legion, in the form of questionsand answers, is here given, as follows:

 (1) _What is the American Legion_?

 (a) It is the organization of American veterans of the World War. 

 (2) _Who is eligible_?

 (a) Any soldier, sailor or marine who served honorably between April 6, 1917, and November 11, 1918. 

 (3) _Are women eligible_?

 (a) Yes, those who were regularly enlisted or commissioned in the army, navy or marine corps. 

 (4) _When was the Legion started_?

 (a) It was first organized in Paris, March 15 to 17, 1919, by a thousand officers and men, delegates from all the units of the American Expeditionary Force to an organization caucus meeting, which adopted a tentative constitution and selected the name "American Legion. "

 (5) _What has been done in America regarding it_?

 (a) The action of the Paris meeting was confirmed and endorsed by a similar meeting held in St. Louis, May 8 to 10, 1919, when the Legion was formally recognized by the troops who served in the United States. 

 (6) _Are the organizations in France and America separate_?

 (a) No. The Paris caucus appointed an Executive Committee of seventeen officers and men to represent the troops in France in the conduct of the Legion. The St. Louis caucus appointed a similar Committee of Seventeen. These two Executive Committees have amalgamated and are now the governing body of the Legion. 

 (7) _Who are the officers of this national governing body_?

 (a) Henry D. Lindsley, Texas, Chairman; Bennett C. Clark, Missouri, Vice-Chairman; Eric Fisher Wood, Pennsylvania, Secretary; Gaspar G. Bacon, Massachusetts, Treasurer. 

 (8) _Where are the temporary National Headquarters of the Legion_?

 (a) At 19 West 44th Street, New York City. 

 (9) _When will the final step in the organization of the Legion take place_?

 (a) November 10, 11 and 12, at Minneapolis, Minn. , when a great National Convention will be held. 

 (10) _Why were those dates selected_?

 (a) Because by that time practically all of the men of the A. E. F. Will be at home and will have been able to participate in the election of their delegates to the Convention. 

 (11) _Who were some of the men who initiated the formation of the Legion_?

 (a) Lt. Col. Theodore Roosevelt, of the First Division; Col. Henry D. Lindsley, formerly Mayor of Dallas, Texas; Sgt. "Jack" Sullivan, of Seattle; Lt. Col. Franklin D'Olier, of Philadelphia; Ex-Senator Luke Lea, of Tennessee; Lt. Col. Frederick Huedekoper, of Washington, D. C. ; Major Redmond C. Stewart, of Baltimore; Wagoner Dale Shaw, of Iowa; Lt. Col. George A. White, of Oregon; "Bill" Donovan, of the "Fighting 69th"; Major Thomas R. Gowenlock, of Illinois; Sgt. Alvin C. York, of Tennessee; Colonel John Price Jackson, of the S. O. S. ; Lt. Col. "Jack" Greenway, of Arizona; Sgt. Roy C. Haines, of Maine; George Edward Buxton, of Rhode Island; Eric Fisher Wood, of Pennsylvania; Chaplain John W. Inzer, of Alabama; Lt. Col. David M. Goodrich, of Akron; Chief Petty Officer B. J. Goldberg, of Chicago; "Tom" Miller, of Delaware; Major Alex. Laughlin, Jr. , of Pittsburgh; Major Henry Leonard, of the Marine Corps; Dwight J. Davis, of the 35th Division; Corporal Charles S. Pew, of Montana; General William G. Price, of the 28th Division; Bishop Charles S. Brent, Senior Chaplain of the A. E. F. ; General O'Ryan, of the 27th Division; Stewart Edward White, of California; Private Jesus M. Baca, of New Mexico; General Charles H. Cole, of the 26th Division; Sgt. E. L. Malsbary, of Nevada; Lt. Samuel Gompers, Jr. , of New York; Col. Henry L. Stimpson, Ex-Secretary of War; Lt. Col. Charles W. Whittlesey, Commander of the "Lost Battalion"; Leroy Hoffman, of Oklahoma; Lt. Col. A. Piatt Andrew, of the American Ambulance in France; General Harvey J. Moss, of the State of Washington; John MacVicar, Mayor of Des Moines before the War; Sgt. George H. H. Pratt, of New Orleans; Col. F. C. Galbraith, of Cincinnati; Corporal Joseph H. Fountain, of Vermont; Devereux Milburn, of the 78th Division; Lt. Col. Wilbur Smith, of the 89th Division; Sgt. Theodore Myers, of Pennsylvania; Col. Bennett C. Clark, son of Champ Clark; Robert Bacon, Ex-Secretary of State. 

 (12) _What did the Legion, do at its St. Louis caucus_?

 (a) It demanded investigation of the pardon and subsequent honorable discharge by the War Department of convicted conscientious objectors. 

 (b) It condemned the action of the I. W. Ws. , the Anarchists, and the International Socialists. 

 (c) It protested against certain nefarious business concerns who are employing men in uniform to peddle their wares. 

 (d) It recommended that Congress should take steps to reclaim arid, swamp and cut over timber lands and give the work of doing this to ex-service men, and give the land to them when it had been made available for farming purposes. 

 (e) It demanded of Congress the same disability pay for men of the National Guard and National Army as now pertains to those in the Regular establishment. 

 (f) It initiated a campaign to secure to service men their rights and privileges under the War Risk Insurance Act. 

 (g) It demanded that Congress should deport to their own countries those aliens who refused to join the colors at the outbreak of the war, and pleaded their citizenship in other countries to escape the draft. 

 (h) It undertook to see that disabled soldiers, sailors and marines should be brought into contact with the Rehabilitation Department of the Government, which department helps them to learn and gain lucrative occupations. 

 (i) It authorized the appointment of a competent legislative committee to see that the above recommendations were effectively acted upon by Congress, and that committee has been appointed and is now at work. 

 (j) It authorized the establishment of a bureau to aid service men to get re-employment; and of a legal bureau to help them get from the Government their overdue pay and allotments. These two bureaus are being organized at the National Headquarters of the Legion and will be in active operation by July 1st. 

 (13) _What else did the St. Louis caucus do_?

 (a) It endorsed all steps taken by the Paris caucus, and adopted a temporary constitution which conformed to the tentative constitution adopted in Paris. 

 (14) _What does this Constitution stand for_?

 (a) The preamble answers that question; it reads: "For God and Country we associate ourselves together for the following purposes: To uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America; to maintain law and order; to foster and perpetuate a one hundred per cent. Americanism; to preserve the memories and incidents of our association in the Great War; to inculcate a sense of individual obligations to the community, state and nation; to combat the autocracy of both the classes and the masses; to make right the master of might; to promote peace and good will on earth; to safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles of justice, freedom and democracy; to consecrate and sanctify our comradeship by our devotion to mutual helpfulness. "

 (15) _How does the Legion govern itself_?

 (a) The Constitution provides that the legislative body of the organization shall be a national convention, to be held annually ... Composed of delegates and alternates from each state, from the District of Columbia and from each territory and territorial possession of the United States. 

 (16) _How is the Legion organized_?

 (a) It is composed of State Branches, and these in turn are made up of Local Posts. 

 (17) _What is a Local Post_?

 (a) The Constitution states that a Local Post shall have a minimum membership of fifteen. No Post shall be received into the Legion until it has received a charter. A Post desiring a charter shall apply for it to the State Branch, and the charter will be issued, upon recommendation of this State Branch, by the National Executive Committee. No Post may be named after any living person. 

 (18) _How can I join the American Legion_?

 (a) By filling out the Enrollment Blank on the last page of this booklet and mailing it to the State Secretary of your home state, whose name is listed below. If there is a Local Post in your home town, your name and address will be sent to the Post Commander. If there is no Post in your home town, START ONE, write your State Secretary for the necessary particulars. The State Secretaries are:

 ALABAMA. --Leroy Jacobs, care Jacobs Furniture Co. , Birmingham. 

 ARIZONA. --Fred B. Townsend, National Bank, Arizona Bldg. , Phoenix. 

 ARKANSAS. --Granville Burrow, Little Rock. 

 CALIFORNIA. --E. E. Bohlen, 926 Flood Bldg. , San Francisco. 

 COLORADO. --Morton M. David, 401 Empire Bldg. , Denver. 

 CONNECTICUT. --Alfred A. Phillips, Jr. , 110 Glenbrook Rd. , Stamford. 

 DELAWARE. --L. K. Carpenter, Du Pont Bldg. , Wilmington. 

 DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. --Howard Fisk, 833 Southern Bldg. , Washington. 

 FLORIDA. --J. T. Wiggington, 818 15th St. , Miami. 

 GEORGIA. --Louis H. Bell, care of Service Record, 208 Flatiron Bldg. , Atlanta. 

 HAWAII. --J. P. Morgan, Box 188, Honolulu. 

 IDAHO. --Laverne Collier, Pocatello. 

 ILLINOIS. --Name not received yet. 

 INDIANA. --L. Russell Newgent, 518 Hume Monsur Bldg. , Indianapolis. 

 IOWA. --John MacVicar, 336 Hubbell Bldg. , Des Moines. 

 KANSAS. --Ike Lambert, Emporia. 

 KENTUCKY. --D. A. Sachs, Louisville. 

 LOUISIANA. --T. H. H. Pratt, 721 Hibernia Bank, New Orleans. 

 MAINE. --James L. Boyle, 184 Water St. , Augusta. 

 MARYLAND. --Alex. Randall, 12 West Chase St. , Baltimore. 

 MASSACHUSETTS. --George F. Gilbody, 3 Van Winkle St. , Boston. 

 MICHIGAN. --Ryle D. Tabor, 312 Moffatt Bldg. , Detroit. 

 MINNESOTA. --Merle E. Eaton, care of Lee & Lewis Grain Co. , 200 Corn Exchange Bldg. , Minneapolis. 

 MISSISSIPPI. --John M. Alexander, Jackson. 

 MISSOURI. --Ed. J. Cahill, Service Commission, Jefferson City. 

 MONTANA. --Ben W. Barnett, Helena. 

 NEBRASKA. --Allan A. Tukey, 1st National Bank Bldg. , Omaha. 

 NEVADA. --J. D. Salter, Winnimucca. 

 NEW HAMPSHIRE. --Frank J. Abbott, Manchester. 

 NEW JERSEY. --George W. C. McCarter, 765 Broad St. , Newark. 

 NEW MEXICO. --Harry Howard Dorman, Santa Fé. 

 NEW YORK. --Wade H. Hayes, 140 Nassau St. 

 NORTH CAROLINA. --Charles N. Hulvey, A. & E. College, Raleigh. 

 NORTH DAKOTA. --Ed. E. Gearey, Fargo. 

 OHIO. --Chalmers R. Wilson, Adj. Gen. Office, State House, Columbus. 

 OKLAHOMA. --F. W. Fisher, Oklahoma City. 

 OREGON. --Dow V. Walker, care Multnomah Club, Portland. 

 PENNSYLVANIA. --George F. Tyler, 121 S. 5th St. , Philadelphia. 

 RHODE ISLAND. --James E. Cummiskey, Crompton. 

 SOUTH CAROLINA. --Ben. D. Fulton, 32 West Evans St. , Florence. 

 SOUTH DAKOTA. --J. C. Denison, Vermillion. 

 TENNESSEE. --W. R. Craig, Nat. Life and Accident Co. , Nashville. 

 TEXAS. --J. A. Belzer, Austin. 

 UTAH. --Baldwin Robertson, 409 Ten Boston Bldg. , Salt Lake City. 

 VERMONT. --Joseph H. Fountain, 138 Colchester Ave. , Burlington. 

 VIRGINIA. --R. G. M. Ross, 508 First National Bank Bldg. , Newport News. 

 WASHINGTON. --George R. Drever, care Adj. Gen. Office, Armory, Seattle. 

 WEST VIRGINIA. --Chas. McCamic, 904 National Bank of West Virginia Bldg. , Wheeling. 

 WISCONSIN. --R. N. Gibson, Grand Rapids. 

 WYOMING. --R. H. Nichols, Casper. 

WHAT THE PUBLIC PRESS THINKS

It is interesting to know what the press of the United States thinksof the American Legion. Practically every newspaper in the countryhonored the Legion with comment. In almost every instance it wasfavorable. Selection has been made of some of this comment--as much asis feasible to give here. It is of two kinds: first, what the pressthought of the _idea_ of the Legion, and second, what opinion it hadof the Legion after it was launched at St. Louis. The first type ofcomment was made prior to the caucus in this country and the second, afterwards. Comment on both types was generally favorable. 

Lest insincerity be charged let it be said here that there _was_ someunfavorable comment. One New England paper was surprised thatsoldiers, sailors and marines were not clever enough to know that theAmerican people would perceive their attempt, through thisorganization, to "drive a six mule team through the Treasury" and getpension and pay grabs. One Southern paper pictured Colonel Rooseveltreturning from the St. Louis caucus, a defeated candidate for thechairmanship, with all hope of the future blasted, while one in Ohiosaid with equal accuracy and solemnity that "there is no need of suchan organization at this time, now that the country is entering the eraof peace. "

But here is the comment. It comes from north, east, south, and west, and it is typical:

 _New York Times_, April 10, 1919. --... It is a pleasure to know that Lieutenant Colonel Theodore Roosevelt, the worthy inheritor of a beloved American name, has called a meeting of soldiers and sailors at St. Louis. Lieutenant Colonel Bennett Clark, son of Mr. Champ Clark, is an associate of Lieutenant Colonel Roosevelt, in the plan for an organization of all our soldiers and sailors as the American Legion. These two gentlemen, associated in a patriotic movement, indicate by their names its common national purpose, apart from politics and partisanship. "A nonpartisan and non-political association is to be formed, " says Lieutenant Colonel Roosevelt, "an association which will keep alive the principles of justice, freedom, and democracy for which these veterans fought. " Justice, freedom, and democracy, without partisanship! The idea is noble. It should prevail. 

 _Leavenworth_ (Kansas) _Post_, April 30, 1919. --... The character of the men of the American Army who are promoting it [the Legion] and the high ideals which it professes and proposes to maintain are a guaranty that it will be a power for helpful service in the common family of the nation. 

 The plan of organization sprang from the desire of serious and able men in the American Army to maintain the high ideals for which all of them have fought, to preserve the soldier comradeship and carry it over into civilian life as an element of broad helpfulness while keeping the record of the army free from the taint of selfish aims. It was also wisely intended to forestall by the creation of one big genuinely representative, nonpartisan and democratic body, the formation of numerous smaller organizations in various places by men intent on exploiting the soldier sentiment and the soldier vote for other than patriotic purposes. 

 _New York Sun_, April 11, 1919. --... The American Legion will do an indispensable service. We, who have lived up to the past few years in an agitation of protest against the pension grab must now make our minds over sufficiently to realize that in the new situation we run immediately into danger not of over-pensioning the veterans of to-day but of neglecting them. 

 The new organization must of course be nonpartisan and non-political. Precedent enough exists in the career of the Grand Army to make that clear. It should include and enjoy the guidance of the most influential military men. Politicians it will have at its service so long as it is well run and organized from within. Despite its proper political limitations, it should serve as the most salutary means to influence returned soldiers to cling to plain old Americanism, shed their martial acquirements and return to plain, praiseworthy citizenship. 

 _Washington Star_, April 10, 1919. --... The American Legion is to be welcomed as an agency for the promotion of the best in our national life. It will represent, with other things, the majesty of numbers. A great many men will be eligible to membership; and they will be young, and full of hope and purpose. And when they act together in matters within the scope of their organization they will represent a force to be reckoned with in the formulating of public policies. 

 _Brooklyn Eagle_, April 11, 1919. --Organization of "The American Legion" is going on rapidily in every State in the Union. Vast as was the mass of eligibles on which the Grand Army of the Republic could draw after the Civil War, it did not compare with the Legion's bulk of raw material. There will be a formal caucus on May 8th, at St. Louis, of a real representative character, in which it is said the enlisted men of the army and navy will have a majority. Lieutenant Colonel Henry L. Stimson, once Secretary of War, outlines the plan. He believes that this country's future hereafter is in the hands of the men below thirty years of age who fought this war. He trusts that the lesson in practical democracy afforded by military experience and the ideals of democracy emphasized by military enthusiasm may be kept permanently alive. 

 That this is the main hope of the more active organizers we have no doubt. Men like Major General O'Ryan, General Charles I. Debevoise, and Colonel Theodore Roosevelt and Colonel Robert Bacon would never think of making such a body a lever for pension legislation or an agency of politics. Yet the temptation to a divergence from the higher ideals is strong, and the rank and file may not be inclined to resist it. 

 _St. Louis Globe-Democrat, _ April II, 1919. --... Such societies, it has been proved, are never partisan. They are invariably exponents of broad-gauge patriotism. That they have great political influence in a high national sense is true, but they have never misused it nor ever viewed their mission in a narrow spirit. They preserve the touch of the elbow throughout life, but only as thorough Americans, devoted first, last, and always to our common country. 

 St. Louis is proud to be selected as the place for the inauguration of this admirable and undoubtedly perpetual society. All wars are represented by societies formed by their veterans, and all alike have been truly and broadly patriotic. It will be the same with the new order, whose membership will, on the strength of numbers called to the colors, far exceed any former parallel. This event will be a datemark in our patriotic annals and in the progress of the nation. 

 _Syracuse_ (N. Y. ) _Herald_, April 13, 1919. --It has been earnestly stated, as might have been expected, that the American Legion will be strictly nonpartisan. That much might be inferred from the circumstance that one of the leading associates of Roosevelt in organizing the Legion is Lieutenant Colonel Bennett Clark, son of the late Democratic Speaker of the House of Representatives. Colonel Roosevelt is sufficient authority for the assurance that the movement is neither partisan nor political. He calls it "an association which will keep alive the principles of justice, freedom and democracy for which these veterans fought. " Viewed in that sentimental, ethical and patriotic light, it is a commendable undertaking. The American people will wish it well, and be glad to see it flourish.... 

 _Norfolk_ (Va. ) _Dispatch_, April 9, 1919. --If the American Legion now in process of organization by young Colonel Roosevelt and his associates, clings to the principles of foundation and holds by the purposes proclaimed by its founders, it may become a mighty force for good in the land. It will be composed of several millions of comparatively youthful Americans, a large percentage of whom will be voters, while virtually all will have demonstrated their readiness to fight their country's battles with weapons far deadlier than bullets.... This assumes the legion will fulfill the part it has undertaken to play in the country's life. If it should degenerate into a selfish protective body, it will be worse than useless. But there is little reason to fear it will fall so far below its ideals while there is every reason to hope it will be a powerful factor in helping the country to find itself again. 

 _New Orleans Item_, April 14, 1919. --The American Legion through the tremendous influence and mighty power of 3, 000, 000 organized fighting men, is certain to shape and control the destinies of the nation in years to come to an extent of which the wise will refrain from even suggesting a limit. With the announcement by Lieutenant Colonel Theodore Roosevelt that the "Legion will be interested in policies, but not in politics, " the opinion may safely be hazarded that the great political parties of the country are due to have new mentors, from whom they may be forced to look anxiously for their cues. 

 Primarily among the announced purposes of the Legion is the perpetuating of those principles of justice, freedom and democracy for which its members either fought or stood ready to fight. On the field in France or in the training camps at home, the millions of America's best manhood have learned intimately and well a new lesson of individual and national responsibility. Such lessons, at the cost they were obtained, are not to be forgotten or lost. The ideals of the fighting men of the states, producing the valor and the power which made the American Army irresistible, and the revelations by fire of new realizations and brotherhood and of world and national citizenship are surely to be felt in the calm, happier times of peace. 

 _Philadelphia Record_, April 10, 1919. --... If, as Colonel Roosevelt predicts, the membership shall eventually comprise 4, 000, 000 men who were in the military and naval service of the United States in the late war, it will have possibilities of power that must be reckoned with. But if, in the long life before it, the American Legion shall have no more to its discredit than is summed up in the history of the G. A. R. Whose ranks are now so pathetically thin, it will have been a worthy follower of its fathers. 

 _Paterson_ (N. J. ) _Evening News_, May 7, 1919. --... The new organization starts its career deserving and receiving the good wishes of the entire country. The character of the men of the American army who are promoting it and the high ideals which it professes and proposes to maintain are a guaranty that it will be a power for helpful service in the common family of the nation. 

 _Duluth_ (Minn. ) _Herald_, May 24, 1919. --There is a great field for the American Legion, the organization of American veterans of the World War, and judging by the spirit of the recent convention and by the expressions of the returning delegates as reported in the press of the country, it is going to fill that field. 

 And the field that awaits it, and that it seems to intend to fill, is a field of a vigorous and aggressive effort to demand and enforce a strong and coherent and consistent Americanism. 

 Not the swashbuckling kind of Americanism--the chip-on-the-shoulder kind--the we-can-lick-the-world kind. These lads of ours are the last in the world to preach that fool kind of Americanism. For they--or at least those of them who crossed the seas and fought for liberty and peace on the other side--have seen in the case of Germany what that kind of nationalism comes to, and they are against it. 

 But there is a type of Americanism which is utterly free from the taint of militarism and jingoism, but that yet is even more dangerous to anybody at home or abroad who flaunts the spirit of America and defies its power. And unless the signs fail, the American Legion is going to express and embody and inculcate that type of Americanism. 

 _Anaconda_ (Mont. ) _Standard_, May 24, 1919. --... At St. Louis the members voted down all proposals for obtaining from Congress increases of pay for the soldiers and rejected all efforts to obtain canvasses of the members to ascertain their preference as to parties and as to presidential candidates. Everything was excluded which would tend to committ the organization to any particular party or any particular candidate. Young Colonel Roosevelt, son of the former republican president, and Colonel Bennett Clark, son of Champ Clark, former democratic speaker of the house, joined hands in the endeavor to keep partisanship and politics out of the organization. 

 _Collier's Weekly_, May 31, 1919. --A national convention of American soldiers and sailors in which no grievances were aired, no political axes ground, no special privileges or preferments demanded; where oratorical "bunk" was hooted down; where social discrimination was taboo and military rank counted not at all; where the past glories of war were subordinated to the future glories of peace and where the national interest was placed above all partisanship--that is something new under the sun. It was in such a convention held in St. Louis during the second week in May, that the new spirit of the American army and navy expressed itself articulately for the first time since the armistice was signed. The birth of the American Legion was attended by circumstances having a significance comparable with those surrounding the signing of a certain document in Philadelphia one hundred and forty-three years ago, come July 4th. 

 A brigadier general arises to "place in nomination the name of a man who--" and is cried down by doughboys with calls of "Name him! Who is he?" A proposal to give extra pay to enlisted men is unanimously defeated because, as Lieutenant Colonel Roosevelt put it, "we are not here to sandbag something out of the Government, but to put something into it. " The invitation to make Chicago the next meeting place of the Legion is refused because "American soldiers and sailors don't want to go to a city whose mayor would be ashamed to welcome such a convention. " A progressive Republican, son of a famous father, refuses the chairmanship to quiet suspicion of personal ambition, and the office goes to a Southern Democrat of whose party the gathering is in complete ignorance. 

 One of the convention stenographers said: "This is the funniest convention I have ever attended. " We have an idea that there was an element of prophecy in her homely remark--a body representing more than four million American soldiers and sailors that makes so little political noise is likely to be about as funny to the conventionally minded politician as a bombardment of gas shells. This language of restraint in the mouths of organized civilian youth may prove to be a natural companion to the famous battle slogan of the A. E. F. : "Let's go!"

 _New York Evening Post_, May 3, 1919. --... The true usefulness of a veterans' organization is not far to seek. Like the G. A. R. , the Legion should maintain and develop the comradeship bred by the war. It can assist the unfortunate in its ranks; it can take care of the widows and orphans of soldiers, in so far as any inadequacy of public provision seems to make care necessary. The Legion can preserve the fame of soldiers and commanders, by erecting monuments, by seeing that histories are written, and by proceedings of its regular reunions. It can foster such a public recollection of the great deeds of the war as well as broaden and deepen American patriotism. Sherman remarked in 1888 that there was some danger that a peace-loving generation in time of crises "would conclude that the wise man stays at home, and leaves the fools to take the buffets and kick of war. " This danger can best be met by just such an organization as the G. A. R. , with its campfires of song and story. Comradeship, charity and patriotism--these should be the Legion's watchwords. 

 _New Haven_ (Conn. ) _Union_, April 16, 1919. --... Its more immediate task, as its promoters see it, is to help the members and the families of members who maybe in need of assistance. No comrade of the great struggle is to feel that he is forgotten and forsaken by the comrades who served the same great cause. Its large and more permanent duty is to spread the sentiment of patriotism, to set an example of love of country, and unselfish service, to keep blooming always in the soldiers' bosom the flower of sacrifice that springs from every soldier's grave in France. 

 _Philadelphia Press_, April 10, 1919. --The organization of the soldiers of the late war into a permanent body is inevitable and entirely proper. 

 _Capper's Weekly_, May 24, 1919. --The American Legion organized at St. Louis is the new G. A. R. And through its platforms the views of the soldiers who fought in France will be heard. It is already apparent what the trend of that sentiment is. Whatever military system this nation sets up, if it meets the approval of the two million men who served the nation in the Great War, it will be democratic in spirit and as far as possible in form. It will be an army in which the self-respect of the common soldier will be recognized. The returning soldier has no use for anyone living here who is not wholly American, and is for expelling the unnaturalized alien wherever found. Loyalty to the Nation is fundamental in the soldiers' view. 

 The Nation must safeguard itself and make a distinction between citizens who offer themselves and their all, and citizens who, for whatever reason, withhold some part of their allegiance. Brutal treatment of conscientious objectors is neither civilized nor necessary, but a differentiation is created by such residents themselves, and there should be corresponding differentiation in rights and protection. This is one of the subjects that the returned soldiers have at heart. 

 _Post Intelligencer_, Seattle, Washington, May 21, 1919. --... The American Legion will be a political force in the nation as it has a perfect right to be. No organization of its character is to be held together by the cohesive power of reminiscence. Something more binding is required, and that something will be forthcoming whether anyone outside the Legion likes it or not.... 

 The American Legion will be made up of intelligent young men who will have a community interest and whose interest can only be furthered by united action. They will know that nothing is more transient than public gratitude, and they will assuredly not rely on it. 

 _Rochester_ (N. Y. ) _Times_, May 23, 1919. --At its first convention held recently in St. Louis, the American Legion unanimously voted down a proposal to seek increased bonus money for the soldiers. 

 At that same meeting, Theodore Roosevelt, Jr. , refused to accept official leadership of the organization because he desired to allow no ground for any charge that he wished to utilize it to further his political career. 

 Such action by the Legion and by one of its most prominent members warrant its organizers in working to enroll all the men who served during the great war. 

 If this path is followed the American Legion will be a force for good in the country's affairs as well as a bond of fellowship among those who were members of the largest army ever raised by this republic. 

 _Manchester_ (N. H). _Union_, May 27, 1919. --... In spite of all that has been written and said it appears there still remains some mistaken idea and prejudices concerning this organization. The purposes of the American Legion are:

 1. To uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America. 

 2. To maintain law and order. 

 3. To foster and perpetuate a one hundred per cent. Americanism. 

 4. To preserve the memories and incidents of our association in the Great War. 

 5. To inculcate a sense of individual obligation to the community, state and nation. 

 6. To combat the autocracy of both the classes and the masses. 

 7. To make right the master of might. 

 8. To promote peace and good will on earth. 

 9. To safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles of justice, freedom and democracy. 

 10. To consecrate and sanctify comradeship by devotion to mutual helpfulness. 

 This is the program and platform of the wonderful organization whose potential membership is the four million and more men who wore their country's uniform in the war. 

 It is big enough and broad enough to admit every man and woman who joined the colors. If, as has been intimated, there are some few ex-service men who think they see in this tremendous movement something personal and partisan, they should take the blinders off, forget their unworthy fears, and come out into the open with their comrades, determined, as every man is who has already joined, that the American Legion will never be made the vehicle of personal ambition nor the creature of partisan purpose; but will be conserved to foster and promote only those high purposes which are so nobly defined in the language which is quoted above, taken bodily from the constitution of the Legion. 

 PITTSBURGH, _Gazette-Times, _ May 29, 1919. --... In contrast with the Grand Army, the American Legion will embrace all sections of our land. Similarly it will be the private soldier's organization. Military honors will not count. Absolute Americanism is to be its dominating principle. With the dwindling ranks of the Grand Army there is need of such an organization. The Grand Army has long been a staunch bulwark of patriotism but time is doing its work. Others must soon take up where the veterans of the Civil War left off. Those of the new organization who saw service overseas possess a new vision of what America means. Because of their good fortune in going abroad they reaped an advantage over those who were denied the privilege, though entitled to no more credit. All who donned the uniform served. With an organization of such possibilities in numbers and all imbued with a patriotic fervor the safety of the Republic against the machinations of those who would tear down is assured. 

 _Burlington_ (Vt. ) _News_, May 29, 1919. --So far as actual results are concerned America gains little from the peace treaty. If, however, the American Legion measures up to the standard we believe it capable of, America will be the greatest gainer of all in the war. 

 _Bridgeport_ (Conn. ) _Standard_, May 28, 1919. --The statement that the American Legion is to let politics alone is good news to the people of this country who are looking toward this fine organization of American fighters to bring to our national life some of the spirit which chased the Fritzies back to the Rhine. The civilian public has a right to ask what are the aims of this new, and sure to be powerful, organization. Four million men are of its potential membership. These four million are to be found scattered in every city, village and hamlet in the country. They are to meet on terms of equality, officers and men. They know how to work together, how to undergo discipline for a worthy objective, and how to go over the top in action. It is good, then, to know that this new four million is not to be a political machine. We want no more of the mawkish of either fearing or catering to the "soldier-vote. "

 Only as a nonpartisan organization can the American Legion do its best work. Its able leaders know this. In a day when men are fast deserting unworthy party emblems to stand for what they think right, the soldier organization will have a wide influence. 

 We hail the Legion. 

 It had to come and it is coming strong and sure. 

 Good men are at the head of the column, and better men than those in the ranks exist nowhere in the country. 

 They are the pick of the best, physically best, in nerve and in courage, best in point of training, in discipline and best among all the nations who won the great victory. 

 There is still a fight in America. Democracy is never safe, only being made safe. Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty. Eternal vigilance without regard to fear or favor is to be the spirit of the American Legion. 

COMMITTEES

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

ALABAMA D. W. M. Jordan John W. Inzer

ALASKA Edgar T. Hawley

ARIZONA John C. Greenway E. P. Conway

ARKANSAS Joe S. Harris James J. Harrison

CALIFORNIA H. G. Mathewson C. E. Palmen

COLORADO H. A. Saidy E. R. Myers

CONNECTICUT H. C. Meserve A. M. Phillips, Jr. 

DELAWARE George N. Doris George L. Evans

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA N. C. Turnage E. Lester Jones

FLORIDA Davis Forster J. T. Wigginton

GEORGIA Louis H. Bell J. G. Juett

HAWAIIAN ISLANDS J. P. Morgan

IDAHO E. C. Booth Frank Esterbrook

ILLINOIS William R. McCauley Marshall Field

INDIANA Robert Morehead C. F. Strodel

IOWA H. H. Polk John MacVicar

KANSAS W. S. Metcalf Sidney Moss

KENTUCKY Henry D. Moorman D. A. Sachs, Jr. 

LOUISIANA Allison Owen Ralph Michel

MAINE Albert Greenlaw Arthur L. Robinson

MARYLAND H. F. French Wm. A. Huster

MASSACHUSETTS G. G. Bacon J. F. J. Herbert

MICHIGAN Frederick M. Alger A. C. Doyle

MINNESOTA Harrison Fuller A. M. Nelson

MISSISSIPPI Alex. Fitz-Hugh Fred Sullens

MISSOURI Court P. Allen H. Stattman

MONTANA H. L. Blomquist C. E. Pew

NEBRASKA John G. Maher Ed. P. McDermott

NEVADA E. L. Malsbary T. J. D. Salter

NEW HAMPSHIRE Frank Knox Mathew Mahoney

NEW JERSEY D. B. Muliken P. J. Ehrhardt

NEW MEXICO B. M. Cutting O. A. Larrizola, Jr. 

NEW YORK Theodore Roosevelt, Jr. Louis Burrill

NORTH CAROLINA

NORTH DAKOTA J. M. Hanley G. A. Fraser

OHIO J. L. Cochrun H. W. Snodgrass

OKLAHOMA Roy Hoffman Ralph H. Berry

OREGON E. J. Eivers W. B. Follett

PENNSYLVANIA Franklin D'Olier A. Laughlin, Jr. 

RHODE ISLAND A. Johnson R. B. Weeden

SOUTH CAROLINA H. B. Springs M. B. Berkley

SOUTH DAKOTA J. C. Denison Joseph S. Pfeiffer

TENNESSEE Luke Lea Harry S. Berry

TEXAS W. E. Jackson Rolland Bradley

UTAH Baldwin Robertson Royal Douglas

VERMONT H. Nelson Jackson Joseph Fountain

VIRGINIA C. Francis Cooke Andrew S. Christian

WASHINGTON L. L. Thompson Russ Simonton

WEST VIRGINIA John G. Bond Charles McCamic

WISCONSIN James Ackley G. W. Strampe

WYOMING C. M. June L. A. Miller

AMERICAN ARMY ASSOCIATION Hayward H. Hillyer William P. Norton

WORLD WAR VETERANS G. H. W. Rauschkolb John S. Siebert

RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE

ALABAMA Matthew H. Murphy

ALASKA James Hawley

ARIZONA Ed. M. Le Baron

ARKANSAS Fred N. Tillman

CALIFORNIA E. H. Dibble

COLORADO H. A. Saidy

CONNECTICUT F. W. Carroll

DELAWARE George N. Doris

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Charles E. Johnston

FLORIDA Carroll Ford

GEORGIA Eugene Sibert

HAWAII J. P. Morgan

IDAHO C. M. Booth

ILLINOIS Marshall Kearney

INDIANA A. C. Duddelston

IOWA H. H. Polk

KANSAS W. W. Hollaway

KENTUCKY M. K. Gordon

LOUISIANA John D. Ewing

MAINE Roger A. Greene

MARYLAND H. L. French

MASSACHUSETTS L. A. Frothingham

MICHIGAN Avery Gilleo

MINNESOTA S. S. Smith

MISSISSIPPI Alex. Fitz-Hugh

MISSOURI H. C. Clark

MONTANA Sam Abelstein

NEBRASKA Hird. Stryker

NEVADA E. L. Malsbary

NEW HAMPSHIRE Frank Knox

NEW JERSEY E. A. Tobin

NEW MEXICO Roy H. Flamm

NEW YORK Robert Marsh

NORTH DAKOTA J. R. Baker

OHIO E. J. Rummell

OKLAHOMA E. E. Atkins

OREGON B. E. Leonard

PENNSYLVANIA Fred Hill

PHILIPPINES Robert R. Landon

RHODE ISLAND W. P. Shunney

SOUTH CAROLINA

SOUTH DAKOTA William G. Buell

TENNESSEE G. P. Anderson

TEXAS Charles R. Tips

UTAH R. J. Douglas

VERMONT Guy Varnum

VIRGINIA John J. Wicker, Jr. 

WASHINGTON John J. Sullivan

WEST VIRGINIA John C. Vaughan

WISCONSIN Robert Cunningham

WYOMING L. A. Miller

AMERICAN ARMY ASSOCIATION Joseph P. McGlinn

WORLD WAR VETERANS Thomas H. Dempsey

CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS COMMITTEE

ALABAMA Bibb Graves

ALASKA James Hawley

ARIZONA John C. Greenway

ARKANSAS Burton S. Kinsworthy

CALIFORNIA H. G. Mathewson

COLORADO R. Dickson

CONNECTICUT W. J. Malone

DELAWARE George W. Davis

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA John Lewis Smith

FLORIDA J. T. Wigginton

GEORGIA L. H. Bell

HAWAIIAN ISLANDS J. P. Morgan

IDAHO C. M. Booth

ILLINOIS C. G. Seeman

INDIANA Scott R. Brewer

IOWA Fred M. Hudson

KANSAS P. R. Johnson

KENTUCKY H. D. Haven Moorman

LOUISIANA Gus Blanchard

MAINE Roy C. Haines

MARYLAND Wm. A. Huster

MASSACHUSETTS W. H. Howard

MICHIGAN Howard Brink

MINNESOTA E. D. McCarthy

MISSISSIPPI Fred Sullens

MISSOURI Bennet Clark

MONTANA C. E. Pew

NEBRASKA L. J. McGuire

NEVADA J. D. Salter

NEW HAMPSHIRE Frank J. Abbott

NEW JERSEY Harlan Besson

NEW MEXICO D. H. Wyatt

NEW YORK Hamilton Fish

NORTH CAROLINA

NORTH DAKOTA H. Y. Semling

OHIO J. F. Koons

OKLAHOMA Horace H. Hagan

OREGON Roderick D. Grant

PENNSYLVANIA D. G. Foster

RHODE ISLAND Percy Cantwell

SOUTH CAROLINA

SOUTH DAKOTA Wm. G. Buell

TENNESSEE Ed. Palmer

TEXAS Claud Birkhead

UTAH R. S. McCarthy

VERMONT J. Watson Webb

VIRGINIA Wm. A Stuart

WASHINGTON L. L. Thompson

WEST VIRGINIA Charles W. McCamic

WISCONSIN Elmer Owens

WYOMING R. L. Powers

AMERICAN ARMY ASSOCIATION Haywood W. Hillyer

ORGANIZATION COMMITTEE

ALABAMA Cecil Gaston

ALASKA James Hawley

ARIZONA Alexander B. Baker

ARKANSAS Ross Mathis

CALIFORNIA E. E. Bohlen

COLORADO E. R. Meyer

CONNECTICUT P. C. Calhoun

DELAWARE Irving Warner

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Henry Leonard

FLORIDA A. H. Blanding

GEORGIA R. L. Wilson, Jr. 

HAWAII J. P. Morgan

IDAHO Taylor Cummings

ILLINOIS Frank Harrison

INDIANA J. A. Umpleby

IOWA Maris B. De Wolfe

KANSAS P. C. Stamford

KENTUCKY J. G. Wheeler

LOUISIANA Louis Ginella

MAINE James U. Boyle

MARYLAND Wm. B. Wilmer

MASSACHUSETTS G. C. Cutler

MICHIGAN J. F. Young

MINNESOTA Paul McMichael

MISSISSIPPI George Hoskin

MISSOURI F. L. Smith

MONTANA C. E. Pew

NEBRASKA Geo. H. Holveman

NEVADA T. J. D. Salter

NEW HAMPSHIRE George V. Fiske

NEW JERSEY R. P. Schenck

NEW MEXICO Don. L. Blevins

NEW YORK Parton Swift

NORTH CAROLINA

NORTH DAKOTA J. P. Williams

OHIO L. J. Campbell

OKLAHOMA Hugh Haughery

OREGON J. L. May

PENNSYLVANIA G. A. Rick

RHODE ISLAND Alex. Johnson

SOUTH CAROLINA

SOUTH DAKOTA T. R. Johnston

TENNESSEE W. A. Shadow

TEXAS Arch C. Allen

UTAH D. E. Rhivers

VERMONT Leonard Nason

VIRGINIA C. Brook Bollard

WASHINGTON Fred Redinger

WEST VIRGINIA M. V. Godfrey

WISCONSIN J. C. Davis

WYOMING Wm. Shortell

AMERICAN ARMY ASSOCIATION Scott W. Lucas

WORLD WAR VETERANS Charles S. Watkins

CREDENTIAL COMMITTEE

ALABAMA Joseph Yates

ALASKA James Hawley

ARIZONA F. P. Bernard

ARKANSAS Ivie Herschel

CALIFORNIA B. W. Herhart

COLORADO J. W. Gwin

CONNECTICUT F. S. Butterworth

DELAWARE George L. Evans

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA S. P. Knut

FLORIDA Davis Forster

GEORGIA J. G. Juett

HAWAIIAN ISLANDS J. P. Morgan

IDAHO Paul Peterson

ILLINOIS Roger Young

INDIANA J. W. Todd

IOWA P. M. Soper

KANSAS I. E. Lambert

KENTUCKY Richard H. Slack

LOUISIANA G. H. H. Pratt

MAINE Albert Greenlaw

MARYLAND J. S. Davis

MASSACHUSETTS G. F. Gilbody

MICHIGAN H. A. O'Dell

MINNESOTA George Chapin

MISSISSIPPI John M. Alexander

MISSOURI D. W. Cronkite

MONTANA Doug. McCallum

NEBRASKA Orlando H. Kearney

NEVADA T. J. D. Salter

NEW HAMPSHIRE John Santor

NEW JERSEY C. S. Brady

NEW MEXICO Jesus M. Baca

NEW YORK J. P. Goerke

NORTH DAKOTA J. P. Williams

OHIO H. L. Bimm

OKLAHOMA F. W. Fisher

OREGON C. L. Mullen

PENNSYLVANIA E. J. Pennell

RHODE ISLAND F. B. Thurber

SOUTH DAKOTA T. R. Johnson

TENNESSEE J. D. Robertson

TEXAS John S. Hoover

UTAH J. G. Wooley

VERMONT Alexander Smith

VIRGINIA G. R. Poole

WASHINGTON Fred Fein

WEST VIRGINIA W. J. Simmons

WISCONSIN M. A. Chybowski

WYOMING D. C. McCarthy

WORLD WAR VETERANS John S. Seibert

AMERICAN ARMY ASSOCIATION H. W. Hillyer

COMMITTEE ON PERMANENT HEADQUARTERS

ALABAMA Beach Chenoweth

ALASKA James Hawley

ARIZONA Alex. B. Baker

ARKANSAS Wm. Dougherty

CALIFORNIA B. L. Shuman

COLORADO D. J. Sparr

CONNECTICUT B. R. Mathies

DELAWARE E. H. Kane

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA L. Clarkson Hines

FLORIDA A. H. Blanding

GEORGIA Eugene Sibert

HAWAIIAN ISLANDS J. P. Morgan

IDAHO R. R. Wilson

ILLINOIS Charles Wham

INDIANA M. H. Thomas

IOWA Thompson L. Brookhart

KANSAS W. A. Phares

KENTUCKY E. H. Marriner

LOUISIANA L. P. Beard

MAINE Roger A. Greene

MARYLAND F. A. Young

MASSACHUSETTS W. H. Dolan

MICHIGAN Wm. King

MINNESOTA D. R. St. Julian

MISSISSIPPI Robt. Burnett

MISSOURI A. Field

MONTANA Ben W. Barnett

NEBRASKA Geo. Gilligan

NEVADA E. L. Malsbary

NEW HAMPSHIRE Arthur Trufant

NEW JERSEY R. F. Ritter

NEW MEXICO O. A. Lorizolla, Jr. 

NEW YORK Thos. John Conway

NORTH CAROLINA

NORTH DAKOTA G. A. Fraser

OHIO J. L. Hall

OKLAHOMA Earl McNally

OREGON W. P. Follett

PENNSYLVANIA C. A. Buettner

PHILIPPINE ISLANDS. Robert Landon

RHODE ISLAND Walter Sharkey

SOUTH DAKOTA W. G. Buell

TENNESSEE Ed. Buford

TEXAS Roy A. Jamison

UTAH J. C. Kundson

VERMONT L. H. Nason

VIRGINIA Robt. P. Wallace

WASHINGTON C. B. McDonald

WEST VIRGINIA Geo. S. Houston

WISCONSIN James Pfeil

WYOMING C. M. June

AMERICAN ARMY ASSOCIATION H. W. Hillyer

WORLD WAR VETERANS R. A. Thompson

COMMITTEE ON PUBLICATION

ALABAMA LeRoy Jacobs

ALASKA James Hawley

ARIZONA M. E. Cassidy

ARKANSAS Roy Penix

CALIFORNIA Clair Woolwine

COLORADO W. E. Swink

CONNECTICUT R. C. Vance

DELAWARE Irving Warner

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Donald McGregor

FLORIDA Conrad Ford

GEORGIA L. H. Bell

HAWAIIAN ISLANDS J. P. Morgan

IDAHO Paul Peterson

ILLINOIS Richard M. O'Connell

INDIANA Robt. Clee

IOWA H. D. Lemley

KANSAS M. B. Musselman

KENTUCKY James G. Juett

LOUISIANA Rudolph Wienan

MAINE Roy C. Haines

MARYLAND A. R. Hagner, Jr. 

MASSACHUSETTS Donald Green

MICHIGAN Chas. D. Kelley

MINNESOTA Jno. J. Ahern

MISSISSIPPI Chas. R. Dolbey

MISSOURI Robert Fullerton, Jr. 

MONTANA Ben W. Barnett

NEBRASKA A. L. Stuart

NEVADA E. L. Malsbary

NEW HAMPSHIRE C. Fred Maher

NEW JERSEY Allen L. Eggers

NEW MEXICO Jesus M. Baca

NEW YORK Geo. P. Putnam

NORTH DAKOTA Arthur Gorman

OHIO H. M. Bush

OKLAHOMA W. T. Burling

OREGON B. E. Leonard

PENNSYLVANIA Ammon Monroe Aurand, Jr. 

RHODE ISLAND Harry F. McKenna

SOUTH DAKOTA T. R. Johnson

TENNESSEE H. H. Corson, Jr. 

TEXAS John W. Young

UTAH Leo Meehan

VERMONT L. H. Nason

VIRGINIA D. D. Nei

WASHINGTON Russ Simonton

WEST VIRGINIA Geo. S. Houston

WISCONSIN C. M. Huntley

WYOMING Ralph L. Powers

AMERICAN ARMY ASSOCIATION H. W. Hillyer

WORLD WAR VETERANS C. P. Dimmitt

FINANCE COMMITTEE

ALABAMA B. F. Stoddard

ALASKA James Hawley

ARIZONA M. E. Cassidy

ARKANSAS Garland Hurt

CALIFORNIA E. H. Dibbley

COLORADO Ed. Krueger

CONNECTICUT James B. Moody

DELAWARE Irving Warner

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Howard F. Fiske

FLORIDA Davis Forster

GEORGIA

HAWAII J. P. Morgan

IDAHO John S. Green

ILLINOIS Albert A. Sprague

INDIANA Chester P. Wolfe

IOWA W. R. Hart

KANSAS J. B. Brickell

KENTUCKY R. Ewall

LOUISIANA Levering Moore

MAINE Waldemar P. Adams

MARYLAND Alexander Randall

MASSACHUSETTS J. Stewart

MICHIGAN George M. Kesl

MINNESOTA O. H. Baldwin

MISSISSIPPI Paul Chambers

MISSOURI D. G. Hubbard

MONTANA Arthur Barry

NEBRASKA William Richie

NEVADA T. J. D. Salter

NEW HAMPSHIRE William E. Sullivan

NEW JERSEY Paul De Voise

NEW MEXICO F. B. Humphrey

NEW YORK M. B. Murphy

NORTH DAKOTA G. A. Fraser

OHIO B. J. Hard

OKLAHOMA William Viuer

OREGON C. L. Muffin

PENNSYLVANIA James W. Gary

RHODE ISLAND Jas. Elinniskey

SOUTH CAROLINA

SOUTH DAKOTA J. C. Denison

TENNESSEE Charles R. Bowman

TEXAS C. C. Beavens

UTAH Harold R. Smoot

VERMONT Pearl T. Clapp

VIRGINIA J. T. Wyatt

WASHINGTON C. S. Sapp

WEST VIRGINIA Clarence Jones

WISCONSIN P. R. Minnahan

WYOMING N. V. Swensen

AMERICAN ARMY ASSOCIATION Louis R. Florin

WORLD WAR VETERANS G. H. W. Rauschkolb

COMMITTEE ON NAME

ALABAMA Norman J. Reiss

ALASKA James Hawley

ARIZONA Fred B. Townsend

ARKANSAS Roy W. Wood

CALIFORNIA Clair Woolwine

COLORADO Robt. G. Allen

CONNECTICUT P. L. Sampsell

DELAWARE E. H. Kane

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA J. Bentley Mulford

FLORIDA J. T. Wigginton

GEORGIA J. G. Juett

HAWAIIAN ISLANDS J. P. Morgan

IDAHO T. A. Feeney

ILLINOIS Thos. Harwood

INDIANA Augustus B. Wilson

IOWA Jackson R. Day

KANSAS P. K. Cubbison

KENTUCKY W. O. Sayers

LOUISIANA Davis McCutcheon

MAINE Waldemar P. Adams

MARYLAND G. H. Tieman

MASSACHUSETTS J. P. McGrath

MICHIGAN B. B. Bellows

MINNESOTA W. R. Sturtz

MISSISSIPPI Arthur B. Clark

MISSOURI H. W. Holcomb

MONTANA H. L. Blomquist

NEBRASKA Frank F. Fischer

NEVADA T. J. D. Salter

NEW HAMPSHIRE W. J. Murphy

NEW JERSEY G. H. Stratton

NEW MEXICO C. S. Caldwell

NEW YORK E. D. Bunn

NORTH CAROLINA

NORTH DAKOTA L. B. Merry

OHIO R. E. Shank

OKLAHOMA Robert B. Keenan

OREGON W. B. Follett

PENNSYLVANIA B. L. Houck

RHODE ISLAND Jos. San Soneitr

SOUTH DAKOTA T. R. Johnson

TENNESSEE Barton P. Brown

TEXAS Russ D. Langdon

UTAH L. J. Seeley

VERMONT Alexander Smith

VIRGINIA Robt. R. Wallace

WASHINGTON Rob. S. Gordon

WEST VIRGINIA Jas. M. Crockett

WISCONSIN John P. Szultek

WYOMING Maurice Dineen

AMERICAN ARMY ASSOCIATION H. W. Hillyer

SOLDIERS AND SAILORS COUNCIL S. H. Curtin

WORLD WAR VETERANS John S. Seibert

COMMITTEE ON EMBLEM

ALABAMA J. F. Gillem

ALASKA James Hawley

ARIZONA Fred B. Townsend

ARKANSAS Wendell Robertson

CALIFORNIA V. W. Gerhard

COLORADO M. C. Dameron

CONNECTICUT J. S. Hurley

DELAWARE E. H. Kane

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. W. G. Glenn

FLORIDA Mr. Bell

GEORGIA J. G. Juett

HAWAII J. P. Morgan

IDAHO Paul Davis

ILLINOIS W. C. Mundt

INDIANA N. J. Buskirk

IOWA A. M. Pond

KANSAS Foss Farar

KENTUCKY H. Reingold

LOUISIANA W. A. Coon

MAINE Frank M. Hume

MARYLAND T. H. Scaffe

MASSACHUSETTS H. H. Wheelock

MICHIGAN P. W. Nickel

MINNESOTA Conrad Veit

MISSISSIPPI W. T. Adams

MISSOURI U. P. Haw

MONTANA Worth C. Almon

NEBRASKA R. J. Webb

NEVADA T. J. D. Salter

NEW HAMPSHIRE Walter J. Hogan

NEW JERSEY J. M. Pancoast

NEW MEXICO F. B. Humphrey

NEW YORK F. W. Baldwin

NORTH DAKOTA Wm. Stern

OHIO E. L. King

OKLAHOMA P. A. Fox

OREGON R. D. Grant

PENNSYLVANIA L. L. Felts

RHODE ISLAND F. V. Thurber

SOUTH DAKOTA J. C. Denison

TENNESSEE W. R. Craig, Jr. 

TEXAS S. P. Boom

UTAH Charles Parsons

VERMONT Joseph Fontain

VIRGINIA W. R. Trotter

WASHINGTON Fred. J. Shaw

WEST VIRGINIA Sam. Solins

WISCONSIN L. J. Woodworth

WYOMING

WORLD WAR VETERANS Geo. E. Davis

AMERICAN ARMY ASSOCIATION T. R. Smith

COMMITTEE ON NEXT MEETING PLACE

ALABAMA F. M. Ladd

ALASKA James Hawley

ARIZONA Ed. M. LeBaron

ARKANSAS Wm. G. Edgar

CALIFORNIA B. O. Shuman

COLORADO T. H. Wiles

CONNECTICUT W. D. Copp

DELAWARE Geo. L. Evans

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Louis P. Clephane

FLORIDA Mr. Bell

GEORGIA R. L. Wilson, Jr. 

HAWAIIAN ISLANDS J. P. Morgan

IDAHO Frank Estabrook

ILLINOIS Grover Sexton

INDIANA J. B. Reynolds

IOWA B. R. Finch

KANSAS Charles I. Martin

KENTUCKY Frank Bernhaim

LOUISIANA Clifford Stem

MAINE James L. Boyle

MARYLAND A. C. Solomon

MASSACHUSETTS Marcus Maddern

MICHIGAN Frank J. Tobin

MINNESOTA Loren B. Roberts

MISSISSIPPI J. S. Fleming

MISSOURI L. C. Lozier

MONTANA Arthur Barry

NEBRASKA Allan Tukey

NEVADA E. L. Malsbary

NEW HAMPSHIRE H. L. Hereaux

NEW JERSEY A. S. Westcott

NEW MEXICO S. S. Caldwell

NEW YORK Fred Gallager

NORTH CAROLINA

NORTH DAKOTA Wm. Stern

OHIO Ralph Pearce

OKLAHOMA W. T. Butts

OREGON E. J. Eivers

PENNSYLVANIA A. I. McRae

RHODE ISLAND Walter Sharkey

SOUTH DAKOTA Wm. G. Buell

TENNESSEE G. C. Milligan

TEXAS L. Nicholson

UTAH Fred. Jurgensen

VERMONT J. Watson Webb

VIRGINIA G. R. Poole

WASHINGTON Albert Johnston

WEST VIRGINIA Joseph Jackson

WISCONSIN C. H. Foster

WYOMING Benj. Gregg

WORLD WAR VETERANS F. H. Rein

AMERICAN ARMY ASSOCIATION J. A. Bernard

ROSTER

ALABAMA

 CHENOWETH, BEACH MEAD, Birmingham. U. S. N. GASTON, CECIL D. , Birmingham. Med. Corps U. S. A. And A. E. F. GILLEM, JENNINGS F. , Birmingham. 320 M. G. Bn. GRAVES, BIBB, Montgomery. 117th F. A. INZER, J. W. , Mobile. 14th Inf. JACOBS, LEROY R. , Birmingham. 38th Inf. JORDAN, WM. M. , Birmingham. Evac. Hosp. No. 11. LADD, FRANK M. , JR. , Mobile. U. S. N. LONG, F. M. , Jasper. 7th Inf. 9th M. G. Bn. LUSSIER, RICHARD F. , Birmingham. M. I. D. Gen. Staff. MURPHY, MATTHEW H. , Birmingham, 117th F. A. REISS, NORMAN J. , Mobile. Q. M. C. STODDARD, B. S. , Mobile. 49th Inf. YATES, JOSEPH A. , Birmingham, 117th F. A. 

ALASKA

 HAWLEY, EDGAR T. , Boise, Idaho. U. S. A. 

ARKANSAS

 BURROW, G. M. , Little Rock. 18th Inf. DOHERTY, WILLIAM, Jonesboro. 153d Inf. EDGAR, WM. G. , El Dorado. 153d Inf. HAMILTON, SCOTT D. , Fayetteville. 346th Inf. HARRIS, JOE S. , Monticello. 153d Inf. HARRISON, J. J. , Little Rock. Care Pugh Printing Company. Instructor Tr. Camp. HERSCHEL, IVIE, Marion. 154th Inf. HURT, GARLAND, Newport. 162d Inf. JACKSON, THOMAS A. , Little Rock. 154th Inf. KINSWORTHY, B. S. , Little Rock. Off. Tr. Camps. LLOYD, T. H. , Paragould. I. C. O. T. S. MATHIS, Ross, Cotton Plant. 2d Inf. PENIX, WM. ROY, Jonesboro. Kelly Fld. , Tex. ROBERTSON, W. A. , Ft. Smith. 13th Aero Squad. SMITH, E. ROSS, Little Rock. 141 M. G. Bn. STAFFORD, JOHN L. , Springdale. 106th Am. Train 3 1st Div. TAYLOR, R. P. , Paragould. Aerial Ob. C. A. C. TILLMAN, FRED A. , Fayetteville, 12th F. A. WOOD, ROY W. , Little Rock. Naval Aviation. 

ARIZONA

 BAKER, ALEXANDER B. , Phoenix. 28th F. A. BERNARD, E. P. , Tucson. 47th M. G. Bn. CASSIDY, M. E. , Bisbee. Ad. Gen. Dep. GREENWAY, JOHN C. , Warren. 101st Inf. LEBARON, EDWIN M. , Mesa. 801st P. Inf. TOWNSEND, FRANK B. , Phoenix. F. A. C. O. T. S. 

CALIFORNIA

 BOHLEN, E. E. , San Francisco. 347th F. A. DIBBLEE, BENJ. H. , San Francisco. F. A. C. O. T. S. GEARHART, B. W. , Fresno. 609th Aero Sq. HAMMOND, LEONARD C. , San Francisco, 91st Aero. HOUGHTON, A. D. , Los Angeles. Am. Serv. League. KELLY, E. J. , Los Angeles. 64th U. S. Inf. MATHEWSON, H. G. , Alameda. C. A. C. PALMER, C. E. G. , Coalinga. Canadians. SHUMAN, BLAIR S. , San Francisco. 363d Inf. SLOW, ASHFIELD E. , San Francisco. 347th F. A. WOOLWINE, CLARE W. , Los Angeles. 8th Inf. Gen. St. 

COLORADO

 ALLEN, ROBT. G. , Denver. 305th Inf. DAMERON, M. C. , Pueblo. Camp Med. Supp. Depot. DAVID, MORTON M. , Denver. 20th Inf. DICKSON, RAY, Ft. Collins. 30th Serv. Co. GWIN, JNO. W. , Pueblo. 158th Inf. KRUEGER, EDW. , JR. , Buena Vista. Air Serv. LAWRENCE, C. W. , Pueblo. U. S. N. MALONEY, B. F. , Pueblo. 815th Pioneer. MYER, E. R. , Boulder. 356th Inf. SAIDY, H. A. , Colorado Springs. 341st F. A. SPARR, D. J. , Denver. 157th Inf. STUBBS, ALBERT L. , La Junta. Medical Corps. SWINK, WALTER E. , Rocky Ford. U. S. N. WILES, THOS H. , Denver. Chaplain. 

CONNECTICUT

 BUTTERWORTH, DR. S. , New Haven. Chem. War Serv. CALHOUN, PHILO C. , Bridgeport. U. S. M. C. CARROLL, FRANCIS W. , Waterbury. Presidential Gd. U. S. A. COPP, WEBSTER D. , Norwich, 301st M. G. Bn. HURLEY, JAS. S. , Waterbury. 73rd Inf. MALONE, WM. J. , Bristol. A. S. (A). MATTHIES, BERNARD H. , Seymour. 105th Spruce Squad. MESERVO, HARRY C. , Stamford. 68th C. A. C. MOODY, JAS. B. , JR. , Hartford. 301st Supply Train. PHILLIPS, ALFRED N. , JR. , Stamford. 55th F. A. SAMPSELL, P. L. , New London. U. S. N. TILEY, MORTON C. , Essex. U. S. A. A. S. 

DELAWARE

 DORIS, GEO. N. , Wilmington. 364th Inf. EVANS, GEO. L. , Wilmington. U. S. N. WARNER, IRVING, Wilmington. Cement Mill Co. No. 8. 

DISTRICT COLUMBIA

 CLEPHANE, LEWIS P. , Washington. U. S. N. CONNOLLY, FRANK A. , Washington. 312th F. A. FISK, HOWARD S. , Washington. U. S. N. GLENN, WM. G. , Washington. 103d M. O. R. S. HINES, L. C. , Washington. F. H. 165-117. JOHNSTON, CHAS. E. , Washington. U. S. Coast Gd. JONES, E. LESTER, Washington. Sig. Corps. KRUIT, PRENTISS, Washington. U. S. N. LEONARD, H. , Washington. U. S. M. C. MACGREGOR, DONALD, Washington. Sig. Corps. MULFORD, J. B. Washington. 165th Field Hosp. Co. SMITH, JNO. L. , Washington. Mil. Intell. Div. TURNAGE, M. C. , Washington. P. M. G. O. 

FLORIDA

 FORSTER, DAVIS, New Smyrna. M. C. GIVENS, MORRIS M. , Tampa. 31st Div. LOWRY, S. L. , JR. , Tampa. 31st Div. MCGUCKEN, HAROLD, Tampa. 124th Inf. WIGGINTON, J. T. , Miami. 124th Inf. 

GEORGIA

 BELL, LOUIS H. , Atlanta. 20th M. G. Bn. HILLYER, HAYWOOD H. , Macon. 49 M. G. Bn. JUETT, J. G. , Atlanta. 122d. Inf. SIEBERT, EUGENE, Atlanta. 437th Det. Eng. Corp. STOCKBRIDGE, BASIL, Atlanta. 122d. Inf. WILSON, ROBT. L. , JR. , Atlanta. 122d Inf. 

HAWAIIAN ISLANDS

 MORGAN, JAS. P. , Hawaii. Inf. Replac. Troops Camp Grant, Ill. 

IDAHO

 BOOM, EUGENE C. , Moscow. 18th Eng. BOOTH, C. M. , Pocatello. 44th Inf. COLLIER, L. R. , Pocatello. 163d Inf. CUMMINS, TAYLOR, Twin Falls. Coast Art. DAVIS, PAUL, Boisé. I. C. O. T. S. ESTABROOK, FRANK, Nampa. 146th M. G. Bn. FEENEY, THOS. A. , Lewiston. GREEN, JNO. S. , Twin Falls, 1st St. Inf. PETERSON, PAUL T. , Idaho Falls. 75th Inf. WILSON, ALBERT H. , Clarks Fork. Q. M. C. WILSON, R. R. , Pocatello. Inf. (unassigned). 

ILLINOIS

 ADAMS, M. E. , Chicago. Q. M. C. ADLER, MORRIS, Quincy. 1st O. T. Sch. ALLEN, ROYAL B. , Marseilles. Q. M. C. ARNOLD, B. J. , Chicago. Air Serv. AYRES, LESTER G. , Oak Park. C. A. School. BOLIN, JAS. R. , Paris. 2d Div. BOOSE, JOS. I. , Chicago. U. S. N. R. F. BURNETT, GEO. , Shelbyville. 130th Inf. BURNS, J. H. , Carrollton. 337th F. A. BUSCH, A. H. , Cicero. 117th M. G. Bn. CAVE, ROBT. R. , Chicago. Q. M. C. COLLINS, W. H. , Decatur. 119th Inf. CUMMINGS, JNO. P. , Chicago. Tank Corps. CURRIER, C. L. , La Grange. 25th Eng. DICKERSON, EARL B. , Chicago. 365th Inf. DUTCHER, EVERETT C. , Dixon. 342d Inf. EISENBERG, SAM J. , Chicago. 332d F. A. ENGLE, ROBT. H. , Freeport. 41st Inf. EVERSON, CHAS. W. , Chicago. A. S. Sig. R. C. FAYART, L. E. , Springfield, 9th F. A. FIELD, MARSHALL, Chicago. F. A. FLANNERY, FRANK B. , Chicago, Beach Hotel, 221st F. Sig. Bn. FLORY, ROGER, Chicago. U. S. N. R. F. FLOYD, JNO. A. , Chicago. 6th Cav. FORMAN, HAROLD, Chicago. 72d F. A. FREID, SAM'L L. , Chicago. 50th Inf. GOLDBERG, B. L. , Chicago. U. S. N. R. F. GOREY, THOS. V. , Joliet. Q. M. C. GOWENLOCK, THOS. R. , Chicago. 1st Div. GREENE, JNO. J. , Chicago. C. M. G. O. T. S. HANA, LEO G. , Peoria. 341st Inf. HARDWOOD, THOS. F. , Bloomington. 343d Inf. HARRISON, F. J. , Streator. 1st C. O. T. S. HARTFORD, C. E. , Marseilles. Ordnance. HARTRICK, GUY R. , Urbana. Ordnance. HELFRICH, GEO. R. , Chicago. 17th Inf. HINDERT, GEO. C. , Minonk. U. S. N. HIPPLER, S. H. , Canton. 5th Reg. HIRSTEIN, A. K. , Fairbury. 129th Inf. HUGHES, JNO. E. , Chicago. A. S. ICKES, FAY, Springfield, 310th F. Sig. Bn. JEFFERSON, E. A. , Chicago. 604th Eng. JENKINS, NEWTON, Chicago. 5th Reg. KEARNEY, MARSHALL V. , Chicago. 303d Bn. Tank Corps. KELLEY, W. L. , Shelbyville. Chem. War Serv. KENDRICK, J. E. , Lincoln. 161st Dep. Br. KINGSTON, RAY, Shelbyville. 119th Inf. KRAATZ, C. F. , Carbondale. 161st D. B. LAUER, ROBT. J. , Chicago. 344th Inf. LEE, HARRY V. , Chicago. Signal Corps. LING, WALTER, Evansville. 115th Inf. LYNDE, CORNELIUS, Chicago. U. S. N. R. F. MACAULAY, IRWIN, Quincy. Ordnance. MARKLEY, H. G. , Watseka. 116th Eng. MARSH, A. F. , Chicago. Const. Div. MARSHALL, THOS. H. , Chicago. Inf. MCCAULEY, W. R. , Olney. 308th Bn. Tank Corps. MEIERHOFER, EDW. H. , Minonk. 68th Art. MERRICK, MARLOWE M. , Chicago. Sig. Corps. MIDDLETON, A. B. , Pontiac. M. C. , 90th Div. MILES, GRANT M. , Pontiac. 339th Inf. MILLER, JNO. S. , JR. , Winnetka. 33d F. A. MILLER, THOS. , Chicago. 49th Inf. MOCK, HARRY E. , Chicago. Med. Corps. MUNDT, WM. C. , Fairbury. Radio School. O'CONNELL, R. M. , Bloomington. U. S. N. R. F. OPPENHEIMER, J. , Chicago. 333d F. A. ORR, PONCE B. , Joliet. 1st Inf. PACKWOOD, LAWRENCE, Chicago. 521st M. T. C. PADDOCK, GEO. A. , Evanston. 342d Inf. PARKER, HOWARD K. , Taylorville. 106th F. A. PESAVENTO, A. J. , Joliet. R. S. And C. O. T. S. PIETRZAK, MICHAEL, Oglesby. A. S. A. P. 9th Dt. POWELL, WM. J. , Chicago. 365th Inf. REED, F. N. , Evanston. 10th F. A. REEDER, RUSSEL, Canton, 1st Co. C. A. C. RHODES, BEN. S. , Bloomington. 345th Inf. ROMINGER, W. E. , Shelbyville. 14th M. G. SAYRE, C. B. , Canton. 326th F. A. SEAMAN, GEO. G. , Taylorville. 17th F. A. SEARCY, EARL B. , Springfield. 311th Inf. SEDWEAK, C. E. , Chicago. Q. M. C. SEXTON, GROVER F. , Chicago. 108th Mil. Pol. Train. SIMONS, J. E. , Glen Ellyn. U. S. M. C. SIMPSON, SIDNEY E. , Carrollton. 164th Inf. SKUBIC, EDW. P. , Chicago. C. O. T. S. SPENCER, R. V. , Chicago. 160th D. B. SPRAGUE, A. A. , Lake Forest. 341st Inf. STELLO, JNO. H. , McLeansboro. 115th M. G. Bn. TAPP, H. F. , Quincy. U. S. N. R. F. WALSH, MARTIN, Chicago. 1st Repl. Reg. WEBBER, R. W. , Urbana. 210th Aero Sq. WERCKMAN, JNO. C. , Minonk. 6th Repl. Reg. WERNER, R. L. , Peoria. U. S. N. R. F. WHAM, CHAS. , Centralia. F. A. C. O. T. S. YOUNG, R. , Joliet. 41st Inf. ZERWEKH, PAUL W. , Alton. Aviation. 

INDIANA

 ASCH, A. L. , Indianapolis. Q. M. C. BREWER, SCOTT R. , Indianapolis. Air Serv. BUSKIRK, N. J. , Bloomington. 111th Inf. CASTER, SOLON J. , Indianapolis, 150th F. A. CLEE, ROBT. E. , Kokimo. 69th F. A. DAVIS, PAUL Y. , Bloomfield. 335th Inf. DUDDLESTON, A. C. , Terre Haute, 151st Inf. HOGAN, H. G. , Ft. Wayne. M. T. C. JOHNSON, F. B. , Indianapolis. Adv. Gen. LEVI, MORRIS R. , Evansville. 42d and 32d Div. LONN, A. E. , Laporte. 167th Brg. MCDONALD, T. M. , Princeton. F. A. Repl. Tr. MOORHEAD, R. L. , Indianapolis. 139th F. A. NEWGENT, L. R. , Indianapolis. U. S. N. PUTT, GEO. , Indianapolis. Motor Trans. Corp. REYNOLDS, JNO. B. , Indianapolis. Air Serv. ROYER, S. D. , Terre Haute. 349th Inf. ROYZE, JNO. A. , Indianapolis. M. T. C. STRODEL, C. F. , Huntington. Inf. THOMAS, MARK H. , Huntington. Q. M. C. TIMKO, JOS. J. , Brazil. TODD, JOE W. , Hammond. Air Serv. UMPLEBY, JAY A. , Gary. 139th F. A. WALTZ, RALPH H. , Noblesville. F. A. C. O. T. S. WATTS, ALBERT H. , E. Chicago, 139th F. A. WILSON, A. B. , Indianapolis. 87th Div. WOLFE, C. P. , Indianapolis. U. S. N. R. F. ZIISEL, FRANK F. , Elkhart. 159th D. Br. 

IOWA

 BERGER, P. F. , Carroll. 163d Disch. Off. BROOKHART, S. W. , Washington. Inf. BROOKHART, T. L. , Washington. M. T. C. COLE, J. F. , Oelwein. 161st Depot Brig. COOK, DON C. , Cedar Rapids. U. S. M. C. CIRCE, WM. L. , Bloomfield. 1st Eng. CRONIN, EDW. P. , Victor. U. S. N. DAY, J. R. , Council Bluffs, 19th Div. DEWOLF, M. E. , Spencer, 5th Inf. DORAN, LUCIEN S. , Beaver. 339th F. A. FINCH, BUDD R. , West Union. 126th F. A. HAHN, F. K. , Cedar Rapids. 126th F. A. HAM, Jos. P. , Dubuque. 168th Inf. HARKER, FRANK C. , Ottumwa. 168th Inf. HART, W. R. , Iowa City, 305th B. Tank Corp. HUDSON, FRED M. , Pocahontas. 79th A. A. Bn. HUNGERFORD, JNO. , JR. , Carroll. Air Serv. KELLY, J. H. , Sioux City, 99th Inf. KINS, WILL L. , Hubbard. 159th Dept. Br. LEMLEY, H. D. , Melrose. 109th Eng. MACVICAR, JNO. , Des Moines. Q. M. C. MALCOMB, EARL, Laurens. 12th Inf. METZGER, T. M. , Council Bluffs. 168th Inf. NEUSTRAND, OSCAR, Red Oak. U. S. N. R. F. NEWELL, FLOYD, Ottumwa. M. C. PATTEE, L. C. , Pocahontas. Sig. Corp. PEASE, LIBERTY, Farragut. 168th Inf. PLAISTER, R. M. , Dubuque. 163d Inf. POLK, HARRY H. , Des Moines. 176th Inf. POND, ALANSON M. , Dubuque. Med. Corps. PUSEY, MCGEE, Council Bluffs. 11th Bal. Co. SCHULTZ, E. R. , Sioux City. Nav. Res. Fly. Corps. SHAW, ROBT. J. , Hayesville. 40th Inf. SMITH, R. A. , Council Bluffs. 163d D. B. SOPER, B. M. , Nevada. Q. M. C. STROTZ, ROY R. , Des Moines. 16th Inf. THOMAS, LEE A. , Mondamin. 3d Con. Bn. WELCH, C. J. , Denison. 4th Repl. Reg. 16th Co. C. O. T. S. 

KANSAS

 BARCLAY, JAS. F. , Kansas City, 110th Eng. BLY, WM. D. , Leavenworth. 365th Inf. BRANAMAN, H. A. , Ottawa. 137th Inf. BRICKELL, J. B. , Emporia. Med. Corps. BURNETT, R. H. , Dodge City. Zone Sup. Of. N. Y. C. CLAUSEN, E. W. , Atchison. U. S. N. A. S. CUBBISON, P. K. , Kansas City. 354th Inf. EATON, L. R. , Neodesha. 8th Eng. ELIAS, C. R. , La Crosse. U. S. N. R. F. FARRAR, FOSS, Arkansas City. I. C. O. T. S. FOULSTON, S. L. , Wichita, 91st Div. GRIEVES, LOREN C. , Ft. Leavenworth. G. S. Reg. A. HANTLA, JNO. P. , Spearville. 137th Inf. HASTY, LEWIS A. , Wichita. 342d Inf. HOLDEN, HARLEY E. , Neodesha. P. O. Dept. HOLLOWAY, W. W. , Kansas City. P. M. G. O. JOHNSON, PAUL R. , Independence. U. S. N. KURTZ, W. P. , Columbus. 158th D. B. LAMBERT, I. E. , Emporia. Air Serv. LEE, THOS. A. , Topeka. 26th Inf. LEEKLEY, R. M. , Arkansas City. 338th F. A. MADDEN, JNO. , SR. , Wichita. Air Serv. MARTIN, CHAS. I. , Topeka. 70th Inf. Br. METCALF, W. S. , Lawrence. 77th Brig. MOSS, SIDNEY A. , Wichita. 125th F. A. MUSSELMAN, N. B. , Arkansas City. R. M. A. O'REILLY, H. C. , Strong City. 164th Depot Br. ORTMEYER, H. A. , Wichita. 326th M. G. Bn. PHAREN, W. A. , Wichita. 360th Inf. SNYDER, HARRY E. , Council Grove. Med. Det. SPARKS, KEITH L. , Greensburg. Med. Dep. STANFORD, F. C. , Independence. A. S. S. C. WALKER, H. Jos. , La Crosse. 418th Eng. WEED, M. S. , Lawrence. 137th Inf. WILLIAMS, JNO. W. , Ottawa. Air Serv. WOODS, JAS. A. , Arkansas City. 101st Fld. Sig. B. WOODSIDE, L. N. , Council Grove. 13th Cav. 

KENTUCKY

 BEARD, B. F. , Hardensburg. 138th F. A. BELL, ULRIC J. , Louisville. Inf. BERNHEIM, FR. D. , Louisville. 159th D. B. BRONAUGH, ROBT. L. , Nicholasville. 164th Inf. EVANS, LYNN B. , Lebanon. U. S. N. R. F. EWALL, GEO. R. , Louisville. 159th D. B. FISCHER, A. T. , Louisville. A. S. R. C. FRASER, V. C. , Wickliffe. 6th Inf. GORDON, M. K. , Madisonville. I. G. D. HALL, HERMAN H. , Viper. 327th F. A. HILL, J. MURRAY, Bowling Green. U. S. N. R. F. JUETT, J. G. , Wickliffe. 18th Inf. MARRINER, E. H. , Dayton. 131st Inf. MOORMAN, H. D. , Hardinsburg. 10th F. A. MUIR, EDMUND A. , Nicholsville. 22d Ret. Co. G. S. RINGGOLD, J. H. , JR. , Russellville. Air Sq. 260. SACHS, D. A. , JR. , Louisville. U. S. N. R. F. SLACK, R. H. , Owensboro. 1st O. T. S. SOSNIN, M. L. , Louisville. Base Hosp. Camp Crane, Luxemberg, Fr. SOYARS, WM. O. , Hopkinsville. U. S. M. C. STEWART, PHIL. H. , Paducah. M. R. C. WHEELER, JAS. G. , Paducah. 159th D. B. YOUNG, JNO. S. , Glasgow. Med. Corps. 

LOUISIANA

 BEARD, L. P. , New Orleans. U. S. N. R. F. BLANCAND, GUS, New Orleans. Co. 10. COON, WM. A. , New Orleans. 73d F. A. DAVIS, EDW. , New Orleans, 1st Reg. F. A. R. D. GINELLA, Louis, New Orleans. M. C. MICHEL, F. RALPH, New Orleans. 46th F. A. MOORE, LEVERING, New Orleans. Q. M. C. OWEN, ALLISON, New Orleans. 141st F. A. PRATT, GEO. H. H. , New Orleans. Air Serv. STEM, C. H. , New Orleans. 2d Eng. WEINMANN, R. J. , New Orleans, 151st F. A. 

MAINE

 ADAMS, W. P. , Portland. 54th Ar. C. A. C. BOYLE, JAS. L. , Augusta, 101st San. Tr. GREENE, ROGER A. , Lewiston. 101st Trench Mort. Bn. GREENLAW, ALBERT, Eastport. Hdq. 26th Div. HAINES, ROY C. , Ellsworth. 334th Tank Corps. HUMER, FRANK M. , Houlton. 103d U. S. Inf. MILLIKEN, CARL E. , Augusta. NORTON, W. P. , Portland. 72d Art. C. A. C. PRESSON, GEO. MCG. , Augusta. Adj. Gen. ROBINSON, A. L. , Portland. 7th A. A. Bn. 

MARYLAND

 FRENCH, FINDLAY H. , Baltimore. S. O. Camp, Greenleaf, Ga. GOOD, STUART S. , Baltimore. 110th F. A. HUSTER, WM. A. , Cumberland. 113th Inf. JOHNSON, WILLARD J. , Baltimore. 351st F. A. KNAPP, RALEIGH T. , Baltimore, 110th F. A. RANDALL, A. , Baltimore. 110th F. A. SCAFFE, HAROLD, Baltimore. 14th F. A. SOLOMON, ADOLPH C. , Baltimore. U. S. M. C. STEWART, DAVIS G. , Baltimore. 351st F. A. TIEMAN, GEORGE H. , Baltimore. Air Service. WILMER, WILLIAM B. , Baltimore. Tank Corps. YOUNG, FRANK A. , Cumberland, 115th Inf. YOUNG, HARVEY W. , Baltimore. 351st F. A. 

MASSACHUSETTS

 BACON, G. G. , Jamaica Plains. 316th F. A. BALDWIN, H. L. , Malden. BURT, C. E. , New Bedford. 121st F. A. CLEARY, JAS. P. , Boston. Personnel Off. Camp Upton. CUTLER, GEO. C. , Jr. , Boston. U. S. N. DALTON, EDWARD P. , Boston. A. G. D. DOLAN, W. H. , Fitchburg. 26th Div. FOY, F. H. , Quincy. 82d Div. Inf. FROTHINGHAM, L. A. , N. Easton. Adj. Gen. GERMAIN, CHAS. F. , Wollaston. 234th Eng. GILBODY, GEO. F. , Boston. GREEN, DONALD R. , Holyoke. 28th F. A. HERBERT, J. P. J. , Worcester. 102d F. A. HOWARD, W. J. , Whitman. 113th Eng. JACKSON, L. P. , Athol. 74th Inf. MADDEN, MARCUS E. , 64 N. Beacon St. , 71 Art. C. A. C. MANIFF, HARRY, Revere. U. S. N. MARLEY, THOS. J. , E. Boston. 104th Inf. MCGRATH, JAS. P. , Roslindale. Hdq. 26th Div. MCINNIS, VICTOR A. , Roxbury. 301st Inf. MOYNIHAN, NEIL P. , Haverhill. C. O. T. S. , Camp Lee, Va. NOLAN, DAVID J. , Worcester. 52d Inf. O'ROURKE, JNO. J. , Lowell, 101st Sup. Tr. PAGE, KENNETH B. , Longmeadow. 104th Inf. PEABODY, J. C. R. , Boston. Asst. To Dept. Insp. , N. E. Dept. I. G. 5th Div. A. E. F. PRYOR, J. H. , West Newton 372d Inf. ROSENFELD, JAY C. , Pittsfield. 359th Inf. SAFFORD, RALPH K. , Springfield. 104th Inf. SCOTT, H. J. , Roxbury. 26th Div. SHINNICK, WM. T. , Brockton. 55th Reg. C. A. C. SPILLANE, LEO A. , Chelsea. Hdq. N. E. Dept. STEWART, H. J. , Camp Devens. 36th Mis. Inf. STRANDQUIST, H. W. , Newton. 102d M. G. Bn. THOMAS, H. C. , Allston. 101st Eng. WHEELOCK, H. H. , Fitchburg. 101st Sup. Tr. WILLIAMS, HARRY R. , Boston. 101st Am. Tr. 

MICHIGAN

 ALGER, FREDERICK M. , Detroit. 310th Amun. Tr. ALLEN, CARLOS R. , Detroit. 125th Inf. BALDWIN, PAUL R. , Manistique. Air Service. BELLOWS, BENJ. B. , Highland Park. Ordnance. BERSEY, JOHN S. , Lansing. Adjt. Gen. , Michigan. BOWDEN, ISAAC, Port Huron. Base Hosp. No. 73. BRINK, HOWARD C. , Grand Rapids. 126th Inf. BURGESS, FRANK, Grand Rapids. 126th Inf. CHRISTIE, J. T. C. , U. S. A. Gen. Hop. , No. 36, Detroit. Q. M. C. CONWAY, BERTRAM, 33 Cardoma St. , Detroit. 367th Inf. DOYLE, A. G. , Grand Rapids. 126th Inf. ENGLISH, RAND P. , Detroit. 125th Inf. EVANS, LYNN B. , University Club, Detroit. U. S. N. R. F. FEHRENBOCHER, CHRISS, 271 Harrison St. , Gary, Ind. 10th Inf. GILDERSLEEVE, HOWARD, Grand Rapids. U. S. N. R. F. GILLEO, AVERY C. , Grand Rapids. 126th Inf. GUELFF, JOHN J. , Marquette. 328th F. A. HALL, WILLIAM D. , Kalamazoo. 126th Inf. HANSEN, MYRON J. , Laurium. S. A. T. C. HARRIS, H. H. , Detroit. A. S. S. C. Aviation Training. HENRY, D. D. , Grand Rapids. U. S. N. R. F. HULLFISH, HENRY G. , Washington, D. C. Medical Dept. KELLEY, CHARLES D. , West Detroit. 32d Div. KESL, G. M. , Port Huron. M. D. KILMER, EDWARD H. , Grand Rapids. 10th Inf. KING, WILLIAM, Detroit. 125th Inf. LARSON, WERNER R. , Ironwood. Sanitary Squad No. 58. LAWSON, OTTO EMIL C. Y. , Detroit. U. S. N. R. F. LOCKHART, ARTHUR, Grand Rapids. U. S. N. R. F. MAINES, GEORGE H. , Battle Creek. 338th Inf. MCKEE, MARK T. , Mt. Clemens. Chemical Warfare. MCMAHAN, F. V. , 322 E. Grand Blvd. , Detroit. U. S. N. R. F. MOERISCH, E. L. , Escanaba. U. S. N. NICKEL, P. W. , Grand Rapids. U. S. N. R. F. NORTON, ALBERT H. , Detroit. 125th Inf. O'BRIEN, THOMAS, Grand Rapids. U. S. N. O'DELL, H. A. , Detroit. Hdg. Chief Engr. QUASIGROCH, LEE J. , Highland Park, Ill. , Camp Custer. SMITH, GEORGE L. , Detroit. 4th Tex. Inf. TABOR, LYLE D. , Detroit. U. S. N. R. F. TARPESTRA, GEORGE, Grand Rapids. 154th Aero Squad. TAYLOR, W. J. , Port Huron. Hdq. Det. 14th Div. TOBIN, FRANK J. , Jackson. 126th Inf. VELDMAR, EDWIN, Grand Rapids. 26th Inf. WEIR, ORVILLE H. , Detroit. 125th Inf. WILKIN, H. H. , Detroit. U. S. N. YOUNG, JAY P. , 706 Easterly Ave. , 125th Inf. 

MINNESOTA

 AHERN, JNO. J. , St. Paul. 88th Inf. ANDERSON, S. E. , Ruthton. 351st Inf. BALDWIN, C. H. , Redwood Falls. 87th Inf. CALDWELL, JNO. C. , Albert Lea. 127th F. A. CHAPIN, GEO. S. , St. Paul. 167th Inf. CLARK, GORDON M. , Duluth. 125th F. A. CLIPPER, GEO. A. , St. Paul. Q. M. C. COOK, PAUL B. , Lowrny Blg. , St. Paul. Med. Corp. EATON, M. E. , Minneapolis. 309th Fld. Sig. Bn. FOWLER, F. J. , St. Paul. Camp McArthur. FULLER, HARRISON, St. Paul. 163d F. A. HALL, LEVI M. , Minneapolis. 124th F. A. HENDERSON, R. L. , Minneapolis. C. A. KING, S. W. , Austin. Motor Mechanic. LEWIS, H. B. , Minneapolis. Dunwoody Tr. Det. LOWTHER, GEO. , Minneapolis. Sig. Corp. MACMICHAEL, P. R. , 119 N. 4th St. , Minneapolis. I. C. O. T. S. MAGNUSSON, C. W. , Hibbing. 85th F. A. MCCARTHY, E. D. , St. Paul. 313th Eng. NELSON, A. M. , Fairmont. 68th Inf. Br. NELSON, Roy, Minneapolis. M. G. S. NOLAN, M. C. , Grand Meadow. Q. M. C. PAGE, RALPH W. , Minneapolis. 303d Cav. PARKS, JNO. J. , St. Paul. 101 Aero Squad. PARTRIDGE, C. A. , Owatonna. 332d M. G. Bn. ROBERTS, LOREN B. , Little Falls. 187 Aero Sq. , A. E. F. ROGERS, M. J. , St. Paul. 74th Eng. SCHAUB, H. W. , St. Paul. 65th Pioneer Inf. SMITH, S. S. , Worthington. 164th D. Brig. STROMGREN, E. , Center City. Motor Amb. Sup. Dep. Louisville. STURTZ, WM. P. , Albert Lea. U. S. N. R. F. TOMELTY, JAS. C. , Little Falls. 337th F. A. USTRUCK, W. J. , Montevideo. 346th Inf. VANCMA, GEO. , Lakefield. 151st Aero Sq. VARNER, C. L. , St. Cloud. Naval Aviation. VEIT, CON. , 3733 Pleasant Ave. , Minneapolis. 70th Inf. WARNER, LEE F. , St. Paul. Chem. Warfare. WILLIAMS, W. A. , 621 Byron St. , Mankato. 2d Eng. 

MISSISSIPPI

 ADAMS, WM. T. , JR. , Corinth, 115th F. A. ALEXANDER, JNO. M. , Jackson. San. Corp. BURNETT, ROBT. , Vicksburg. 334th M. G. Bn. CHAMBERS, PAUL, Jackson. U. S. N. R. F. CLARK, ARTHUR B. , Indianola. 79th Div. DALBEY, CHAS. R. , Jackson, 115th Inf. DUNN, ARTHUR JNO. , Vicksburg. 162d Inf. FITZHUGH, ALEX. , 1403 Baum St. , Vicksburg. Comp Q. M. , Camp Hancock, Ga. FLEMING, JAS. S. , JR. , Natchez. 52d Ammun. Tr. HOSKINS, GEO. C. , Brookhaven. 162d Inf. SULLENS, FREDERICK, Jackson. Mil. Intell. Div. Gen. Staff. WHITING, JNO. S. , JR. , Farrell. 24th Co. C. O. T. S. 

MISSOURI

 ALBERT, WILFRED G. , St. Louis. 57th F. A. ALEXANDER, F. , St. Louis. 49th Inf. ALLEN, C. P. , Trenton. Field Ord. BARCO, A. U. , St. Louis. U. S. N. R. F. BENNETT, J. M. , Neosho. S. M. A. BERNARD, J. A. , St. Louis. 45th U. S. Inf. Medical Corps. BRADBURY, H. C. , Jefferson City. U. S. M. C. BRUGGERE, W. H. , St. Louis. 342d F. A. CAMBELL, C. W. , Sedalia. 314th Eng. CARTER, A. , Meadville. 18th Inf. CLARK, BENNETT, Bowling Green. 88th Div. CLARKE, HARVEY C. , Jefferson City. 35th Div. CRONKITE, D. W. , St. Joseph. Naval Aviation. DALLMEYER, PHIL. A. , Jefferson City. I. C. O. T. S. DALY, RICHARD L. , St. Louis. 12th F. A. DICKSON, J. T. , Warrensburg. U. S. N. R. F. DIMMITT, C. P. , St. Louis. Hosp. Guard. EGGER, E. R. , St. Louis. 6th Reg. F. A. R. D. FIELD, ANDREW, Macon. 160th D. B. FOSTER, DICK B. , Kansas City. 10th Div. FULLERTON, ROB. , Louis, 111. 5th Mo. Inf. GARRETT, RUBY D. , Kansas City. Signal Corps. GOOD, H. G. , Carthage. 116th Engrs. GRAY, L. H. , Carthage. 6th M. G. B. Marines. GREEN, FREDK. WM. , St. Louis. 12th Engrs. GRIMSLEY, CLYDE I. , Salina. 16th Inf. HAGNER, A. R. , Hagerstown. Casual Air Serv. HAW, U. P. , Benton. 90th Inf. HOLCOMB, H. W. , Moberly. Q. M. C. S. C. HUBBARD, DOUGLAS, G. , Versailles. 346th Inf. HUSTON, G. C. , Troy. U. S. N. HYDE, L. M. , Princeton. 338th Inf. JOHNSTON, GALE, Mexico. U. S. N. R. F. JOHNSTON, W. O. , St. Louis. Bat. No. 60 Arty. C. A. C. KEALY, PHILIP J. , Kansas City. 138th Inf. KLEMM, K. D. , Kansas City. 106th F. A. KRECHEL, HENRY, Floissant. 128th F. A. LAFAYETTE, D. LYTLE, St. Louis. 332d Inf. LAYTON, CHAS. O. , St. Louis. Naval Veteran Assn. LEACH, MERTON H. , Jefferson Barracks. Q. M. C. LONERGAN, WM. J. , St. Louis. 138th Inf. LOZIER, LUE C. , Carrollton. 164th D. B. MCKINLEY, C. A. , Clinton. 60th Pioneer Inf. MONOVILL, HAROLD P. , St. Louis. Naval Overseas Trans. Serv. MONTGOMERY, P. S. , St. Louis. 312th Inf. NEE, DAN M. , Springfield. O. T. S. NEVILLE, J. H. , Springfield. 41st Arty. RAUPP, WILLIAM, Pierce City. 2d Pioneer Inf. RAZOOSKY, JULIUS, St. Louis. Aero. Phot. ROBINETTE, P. J. , Hartville. U. S. M. C. ROGERS, GEORGE, Missouri Ath. Assn. A. S. 133d Det. ROSEMANN, HENRY, St. Louis. Tank Corps. ROYAL, THOMAS V. , St. Louis. SCHIELDS, GEO. , St. Louis. Adj. Gen. Dept. TUCKER, PAUL, Lamar. 112th Inf. WANCHTES, GEO. , St. Louis. WATKINS, CHARLES, St. Louis. Fort Sheridan. WHELESS, JOSEPH, St. Louis. Judge Adv. WHITE, J. M. , St. Louis. Eng. WOODS, JOE, St. Louis. 354th Inf. YOUNT, M. P. , Ironton. 3d O. T. L. 

MONTANA

 ALMON, WORTH C. , Helena. U. S. N. R. F. BARNETT, BEN W. , Helena. 163d D. B. BARRY, ARTHUR N. , Billings. A. S. Dept. BLOMQUIST, H. L. , Great Falls. MCCALLUM, D. S. , Helena. 163d Inf. PEW, CHAS. E. , Helena. 44th Inf. SHERIDAN, CHAS. L. , Bozeman. 49th Inf. 

NEBRASKA

 COAD, RALPH G. , Omaha. A. S. M. A. FISCHER, FRANK P. , Scotts Bluff. 164th D. B. FITZSIMMONS, L. L. , Fremont. M. O. T. C. GILLIGAN, GEO W. , Lincoln. 41st Inf. GOODRICH, E. S. , Fairbury. 305th Tank Corps. HOLDEMAN, GEO. H. , York. 125th F. A. HOWARD, BERT, Tecumseh. U. S. N. KEARNEY, ORLANDO H. , Morrill. 13th Inf. MCDERMOTT, ED. P. , Kearney. C. M. G. O. T. S. MCGUIRE, L. J. , Omaha. 3d Inf. MADDEN, RAY J. , Omaha, U. S. N. MAHER, JOHN G. , Lincoln. Chief Disb. Officer, Paris. MERSINGER, LEON, Plattsmouth. 222d Field Signal Bn. RADEMACHER, R. A. , York. Unassigned. RITCHIE, WM. , JR. , Omaha. 69th Inf. ROBERTSON, HUGH C. , Omaha. 356 San. Det. STIRCH, J. A. , Lincoln, 350th Inf. STRYKER, HIRD, Omaha. 338th F. A. STUART, A. L. , Fremont. 428 Eng. , 109 Eng. TUKEY, ALLAN A. , Omaha. 26th Inf. VANNESS, CLARENCE, Stanton. A. S. S. C. WEBB, ROBERT J. , Omaha. 164th Depot Brig. 

NEVADA

 MALSBARY, E. L. , Reno. 218th Eng. SALTER, J. D. , Winnemucca. 2d Co. , 3d Bn. I. C. O. T. S. 

NEW HAMPSHIRE

 ABBOTT, F. J. , Manchester. 103d F. A. DESCHEMS, HOMAR J. , East Jaffey. Motor Supply Train. FISKE, GEORGE V. , Manchester. 75th Div. San. Tr. HEUREUX, L'HERVE, Manchester. 103d Inf. HOGAN, WALTER J. , Manchester. 103d Inf. KNOX, FRANK, Manchester. 303d Amm. Tr. MAHER, CHARLES F. , 612 Main St. , Laconia. MAHONEY, MATTHEW J. , Manchester. 103d Inf. MURPHY, WM. , 49 Alfred St. , 103d Inf. SANTOR, JOHN, Manchester. 104th F. H. SULLIVAN, WM. E. , Nashua, 102d Inf. TRUFANT, ARTHUR, Hudson. 103d Inf. 

NEW JERSEY

 BESSON, HARLAN, Hoboken. 5th A. C. BRADY, CHARLES S. , Weehawken. 322d Sanitary Train. BROMLEY, HERBERT L. , 127 Clinton Ave. , Clifton. Camp Hdq. , Camp Dix. CANGEMI, ANGELO, Newark. U. S. Nitrate Plant, No. 1. DEBEVOISE, PAUL, Elizabeth. 312th Inf. EGGERS, ALAN L. , Summit. 107th Inf. EHRHARDT, PHILIP, Jersey City, 111th M. G. Bn. MCGRATH, EDWARD A. , Elizabeth. U. S. N. MULLIK, D. B. , Leonia. Eng. M. P. PANCOAST, JOHN M. , Hancock's Bridge. U. S. N. R. F. RITTER, RALPH F. , Rahway. Staff, Ft. Hancock. SCHENCK, R. P. , Jersey City. Q. M. C. STRATTON, GERVAS, Vineland. U. S. N. R. F. TISCHBECK, JOHN D. , Newark. 112th H. F. A. TOBIN, ED. A. , 27 Broadway, Camden. U. S. N. WEED, NEWELL P. , 65 Union, Montclair. 344th Ban. Tank Corps. WESCOAT, ABSALOM S. , Atlantic City. M. C. 

NEW MEXICO

 BACA, HERMAN G. , Belen. U. S. N. BACA, JESUS M. , Santa Fe. 115th Pv. Hq. BLEVINS, DONALD L. , Las Vegas. 82d F. A. CUTTING, B. M. , Santa Fe. Mil. Attaché, London. DILLARD, H. WYATT, Roswell. 358th Inf. DOLDWELL, C. S. , Albuquerque. Inf. (?) FLAMM, ROY H. , Alamogorda. 18th Eng. R. T. C. French Army. HUMPHREYS, FRED, B. , Dayton. U. S. N. 

NEW YORK

 ALLEN, FREEMAN C. , Rochester. Q. M. C. BALDWIN, FREDERIC W. , Brooklyn. 308th Inf. BALL, GROSVENOR LOWREY, Lawrence. 306th Inf. BARNHILL, GEORGE B. , New York. 820th Aero Squad. BARRETT, WALTER N. , Saratoga Springs. U. S. M. C. BARUCK, S. L. , New York. Q. M. C. BEERS, W. H. , New York. 601st Eng. BERRY, CHARLES W. , Brooklyn. 106th Inf. BLACK, JOHN, Brooklyn. Stars and Stripes Gen. Staff. BODAMER, HAROLD L. , Buffalo. U. S. N. R. F. BOECKEL, FRED. W. , Buffalo. 106th F. A. BOOTH, ROBERT C. , Plattsburg. 303d Inf. BOYCE, A. L. , New York. Q. M. C. BRADLEY, GOODYEAR, Buffalo. 106th Regt. BUNN, EARLE D. , Newburgh. Train, and Unassign. Duty. BURRILL, Louis D. , Syracuse. U. S. N. R. F. BUTLER, WILLIAM E. , Brooklyn. Ambulance Service. CHURCH, ELIHU C. , New York. 117th Eng. COMPTON, GEO. B. , New York. 153d Depot Bri. F. A. CONWAY, THOMAS J. , Ithaca. U. S. Marines. COOKE, JAMES P. , New York. 106th Inf. COSBY, ARTHUR P. , New York. A. G. O. DAGGETT, GEO. F. , Brooklyn. Military Intell. Div. DAVIES, JULIEN L. , New York. U. S. N. R. F. DEAN, CLARK M. , New York. 107th Inf. DECLUCQ, FLOYD L. , Cortland. 108th Inf. DECOURSEY, FALES, New York. U. S. N. R. F. DERBY, RICHARD, New York. 2d Div. DEYO, HARRISON, Yonkers. S. A. T. C. Columbia Univ. DRAPER, WM. H. , New York. Co. 2, N. Y. Reg. DUELL, CHARLES H. , New York. U. S. N. ECKERT, J. A. , New York. 105th F. A. ENGEL, NICHOLAS, New York. 107th Inf. FINELITE, A. C. , New York. Q. M. C. FISH, HAMILTON, JR. , New York. 369th Inf. FLOYD, CHAS. H. , New York. 107th Inf. FOX, E. E. , 58 W. 47th St. , New York. FRANK, EUGENE, New York. E. O. T. S. GALLAGHER, F. T. C. , Oswego. 108th Inf. GOERKE, JAMES P. , Brooklyn. U. S. N. HAYES, WADE H. , New York. 27th Div. HEALY, Jos. P. , New York. U. S. N. HELWIG, A. L. , 517 New York Eng. Corp. HUDSON, DONALD, New York. 27th Aero Squadron. HUNT, CLYDE R. , Woodhaven. 7th Bt. Hdqrs. INGRAM, LEE, Gloversville. 105th Inf. JAY, DELANCEY K. , Westbury. 307th Inf. JENNINGS, ALLEN D. , Brooklyn. U. S. N. R. F. KINCAID, J. LESLIE, Syracuse. 27th Div. KITCHEL, LLOYD, Bronxville. 12th F. A. KNOB, FREDERICK J. , New York. U. S. M. C. KRUMM, EDWARD DELOS, Rome. 10th Inf. LYONS, WILLIAM M. , Brooklyn. 114th Inf. MCADOO, WILLIAM GIBBS, JR. , New York. U. S. N. Air Service. MCALPIN, MILO F. , New York. 37th Art. MCILVAINE, TOMPKINS, New York. Intell. Service. MCKLAINE, OSCEALA E. , New York. 367th Inf. MARSH, ROBERT M. C. , New York. 351st F. A. MELA, HARRY F. , New York. 152d Depot Bdg. MILLER, LAWRENCE, New York, 305th F. A. MOSLE, C. FRED. , New York. 33d Inf. MULLIN, R. JEROME, Brooklyn. 308th Inf. MUNSKE, CHARLES R. , Brooklyn. 102d F. A. NICKERSON, HOFFMAN, New York. Ordnance. OKERLIND, MELIN A. , Jamestown. U. S. N. T. S. OSBORNE, FAIRFIELD, New York. 351st F. A. PERRY, FRANCIS W. , Brooklyn. 77th Div. PRESS, THOMAS C. , Bronx. 105th F. A. PUTNAM, G. P. , New York. F. A. C. O. T. S. RACKOFF, IRWIN IRA, New York. 152d Depot Brigade. REID, D. LINCOLN, New York. 369th Inf. RIDDER, JOSEPH E. , New York. M. T. C. RIFFE, JAMES, Elmira. 108th Inf. ROBINSON, Fordham Road and Valentine Ave. , New York. General Staff. ROBINSON, FRANCIS H. , New York. Q. M. C. ROOSEVELT, THEODORE, New York. 20th Inf. SCHMIDT, W. M. , Pleasantville. 7th Inf. SELIGMAN, J. L. , New York. 27th Div. SMITH, POWERS C. , Watertown. 307th F. A. SMITH, THOMAS R. , St. Louis. A. S. D. STONE, LAUE K. , New York. 34th Aero Squadron. SWIFT, PARTON, Buffalo, 151st F. A. Bri. TAYLOR, H. IRV. , New York. C. A. C. TOWNSON, K. C. , Rochester. F. A. C. O. T. S. VAN BUREN, J. N. , Dunkirk. Aviation. WELLS, JOHN, New York. 105th U. S. Inf. WHEAT, GEO. S. , New York. U. S. N. WICKERSHAM, C. W. , New York. 27th Div. WISEMAN, MARK H. , New York. 7th Regt. WOOD, ERIC P. , New York. 83d Div. WRIGHT, W. T. , New York. 105th F. A. 

NORTH DAKOTA

 BAKER, JULIUS R. , Fargo. 6th Corps M. P. Co. FRASER, G. A. , Bismarck. Inf. P. M. G. O. GORMAN, ARTHUR, Fargo. 26th Inf. HANLEY, J. M. , Mandan. 148th M. G. Bn. MERRY, LYALL B. , W. Dickinson. 116th Supply Train. SEMLING, H. V. , Bismarck. 116th Tr. Hdqrs. STERN, WILLIAM, Fargo. Q. M. C. TREACY, ROBT. H. , Bismarck. 339th Inf. 160th Depot Brigade. WILLIAMS, J. P. , No. Fargo. 3d Eng. 

OHIO

 BABCOCK, VEARNE C. , Elyria. U. S. Naval Aviation. BETTMAN, GILBERT. 1114 Union Trust Bldg. , Military Intell. Div. BIMM, HARRY L. , Dayton. Air Service. BLACK, ROBERT L. , Cincinnati. 37th Div. Military Intell. BRUML, MAURICE W. , Cleveland. Air Serv. BUSH, H. M. , Briggsdale. 134th F. A. CAMPBELL, L. J. , Youngstown. 309th F. A. COBE, RALPH D. , Findlay. 145th Inf. CONKLIN, WM. H. , Columbus. Q. M. C. FESS, THOMAS L. , Yellow Springs. 394th M. G. Bri. FUNM, NORBERT E. , Sandusky. 147th Inf. GERLACK, F. C. , Wooster. 146th Inf. HALL, JOSEPH L. , Cincinnati, 5th Corps Artillery. HARD, DUDLEY J. , Cleveland. 135th F. A. HORRELL, OLNEY W. , Dayton. 134th F. A. HUSTON, C. H. , Mansfield, 112th Am. Train. KING, E. L. , Dayton. Air Service. KLINE, JOHN H. , Dayton. 62d F. A. KOONS, JACK F. , Cincinnati. 148th Inf. LEA, ANDREW B. , Cleveland. 112th Engrs. MACDOUGAL, HARRY O. , Akron. Ordn. MCGILL, DON. R. , Nelsonville. 308th Tr. M. Btry. MURRAY, CHAS. J. , Elyria. 42d Div. NICKLETT, A. P. , Toledo. U. S. N. R. F. PERRY, GEORGE W. , Youngstown. 1st Army, A. E. F. PHILLIPS, THOMAS A. , Dayton. 812th Pio. Inf. PRIDDY, JOHN E. , Findlay. F. A. C. O. T. S. RAMSEY, ANDREW M. , Cincinnati. 26th Div. SEGAL, BEN M. , Cleveland. 135th F. A. SONSLEY, HARRY J. , Ada. 62d F. A. TURNER, CYRIL B. , Columbus. 308th T. M. Btry. WILSON, CHALMERS, R. , Columbus, 112th Field Sig. Bn. 

OKLAHOMA

 ADKINS, E. S. , Muskogee. Hdq. 42d Div. BERRY, RALPH H. , Tulsa. 173d Inf. BURLING, WM. T. , Sapulpa. I. C. O. T. S. BUTTS, R. B. , Muskogee. 162d D. B. CHASE, VAL D. , Alva. U. S. N. FISCHER, F. W. , Oklahoma City. Q. M. C. FOX, PHILIP A. , Tulsa. 23d Engrs. GINGERICH, H. A. , Okmulgee. 358th Inf. HAUGHERTY, HUGH, Enid. E. J. B. T. S. HAGAN, HORACE H. , Tulsa. C. A. C. HOFFMAN, ROY, Oklahoma City. 93d Div. KEENAN, ROB. B. , Sapulpa. 308th Aero Squad. MCNALLY, EARL, Okemah. 111th Amm. Train. MEYER, HOWARD W. , U. S. S. Bank Bldg. , U. S. Slipping Bd. NILES, ALVA J. , Tulsa. 7th Div. NORWOOD, FRANK H. , Prague. Ft. Riley. SAMS, VERNETT E. , Wewoka. 49th Inf. SHEA, THOMAS J. , Buffalo, N. Y. 56th F. A. TAYLOR, MAX A. , Pryor. 330th Inf. THOMPSON, N. A. , 111 E. Latimer St. , Tulsa. 57th Inf. TULLY, B. L. , 83d F. A. VIUER, WM. , Tulsa. S. O. T. S. 

OREGON

 CRITCHLOW, HARRY, Portland. 363d Arab. Co. EIVERS, EDW. J. , Portland. 162d Inf. FOLLETT, WILL. B. , Eugene. 69th F. A. GRANT, RODERICK D. , Portland. Air Service. LEONARD, BARGE E. , Portland. 63d Inf. MAY, JOHN L. , North Portland. 162d Inf. MULLEN, C. L. , Portland. U. S. Marines. PARGON, JOSEPH A. , Portland. M. C. 

PENNSYLVANIA

 AURAND, AMMON M. , JR. , Beaver Springs. Q. M. C. BEAMAN, JOSEPH W. , Towanda. 140th Tank Corps. BECKER, H. M. , Pittsburgh. (?) BIDDLE, CHARLES J. , Philadelphia. Air Serv. BLANK, HARRY C. , Allentown. C. O. T. S. BODIN, F. S. , Wellsboro. B. E. F. BUCK, HOWARD, Philadelphia. 96 Aero Sq. BUETTNER, C. A. , Johnstown. Amb. Co. COLLINS, J. , East Pittsburgh. 371 Inf. DAVIS, SHANLEY, Pottsville. Aviation. DEARLOVE, CHAS. , Philadelphia. 109th Inf. DETRICH, A. , Philadelphia. School for A. R. & M. O. DIXON, F. E. , Elkins Park. 318th F. A. DOBSON, W. F. , 284 N. Main St. , Wilkes-Barre. U. S. N. R. F. D'OLIER, FRANKLIN, Philadelphia. Q. M. C. DUNKLE, RAY, Dry Runn. 4th D. B. DUNN, STEWART, Pittsburgh. 83d F. A. EGLOFF, JOHN, East Pittsburgh. 8th Trench Mort. Bat. FISCHER, ANDREW, Johnstown. 7th Eng. FLOOD, FRANK, Pittsburgh. Chem. War. Service. FORESTER, I. G.. Philadelphia. 46th Inf. FOSTER, DAVID, Carnegie, 305th Field Sig. Bn. GEARY, JOHN W. , Philadelphia. M. I. D. GENTZEL, PAUL, Bellefonte. 314th Inf. GREER, JOHN, New York City. Nat. Cath. War Council. HAUTH, M. L. , Meadville. 29th Eng. HECHT, CARL C. , c/o West Branch Knitting Co. , U. S. M. C. HERBINE, A. P. , Berwick. 314th Inf. HILL, FREDERICK, Pittsburgh, 90th Inf. HOEGER, ADELBERT, 1508 Sheffield St. , Pittsburgh. 209th Eng. HOOPES, E. S. , East End Ave. , Beaver. Casual Air Service. HOSACK, GEORGE, 1415 Park Blg. , Pittsburgh, 111th Inf. HOUCK, BYRON, Williamsport. 1st Reg. M. T. S. HUDOE, M. J. , Uniontown. 306th Tank Corp. HULINGS, NORMAN, Oil City. 22d Aero Sq. HUNSICKER, STANLEY, Collegeville. Q. M. C. IVONY, LEO, East Pittsburgh. I. C. O. T. S. JOHNS, ALEXANDER, Monessen. 2d Eng. Tran. Regiment. JOHNSON, J. E. , West Chester. 301st Tank Train. JOHNSON, MILLER A. , Lewisburg. 162d Inf. JONES, WARREL, Clearfield. 38th Inf. KATZ, EDWARD, Honesdale. M. T. C. KELLER, OLIVER, Lancaster. Air Service. KNOX, ANDREW, Philadelphia. Med. Corps. KRESALES, KENNETH, Easton. U. S. A. A. S. KRUMBHAAR, EDWARD, Chestnut Hill. Base Hos. No. 10. LAMOND, JAMES, Philadelphia. Avia. A. S. A. LAUGHLIN, ALEX. , JR. , Sewickley. 88th Div. MCCALL, JOSEPH, Merion. 311th. F. A. MCRAE, A. K. , Pittsburgh. M. T. C. T. S. METZ, BENJ. , Pittsburgh. 124th Eng. MORGANROTH, C. K. , Shamokin. 312th Inf. MUENCH, WILLIAM, JR. , Philadelphia. 606th Eng. NEWCOMER, ROBERT, Pittsburgh. 76th Div. NOFER, GEO. , 621 Belgrade St. 3d Div. Hdq. O'DONNEL, JAMES, Philadelphia. 315th Inf. PEARSON, ALFRED, JR. , Somerset. 6th E. T. R. PENNEL, EDRED J. , Norristown. 304th Ammun. Tr. PENNY, JOS. M. , Philadelphia. U. S. N. PHELPS, L. M. , Erie. 112th Inf. PUTLK, LAWHEND, Clearfield. Base Hosp. No. 4. REASA, THOMAS, Pottsville. 103d Eng. REHR, THOMAS, Pottsville. 103d Eng. Co. C. REIFSENDER, RUSSELL, Pottstown. 182d Aero Sq. RICK, GEO. , Reading. 302 Guard and Fire Co. RIGBY, HOWARD, Pittsburgh. O. T. C. SAMSEL, HUGH, Stroudsburg. U. S. N. SAXE, MICHAEL, Philadelphia. 54th Inf. SEMBOWER, GUY, Reading, 114th Ord. Co. SHOEFFER, CLINTON, Pottsville. 103d Eng. SIMONSON, E. G. , Philadelphia. 490 Aero Sq. SINGER, ROBERT, Stroudsburg. 109th Inf. SMYTH, WILLIAM, Philadelphia. Engrs. Adj. Gen. Dept. SPANGEL, LYELL, Williamsport. U. S. N. STEVENSON, RICHARD, Chester. Handley Page Training Dept. TYLER, GEORGE, Philadelphia, 311th F. A. WALSH, JOSEPH, Pittsburgh. 4th Eng. WEAR, BYRON, Hazleton. 146th Inf. 

PHILIPPINE ISLANDS

 LANDON, ROBERT R. , Manila. 111th Corps and 2d Army. 

RHODE ISLAND

 ANGELL, CARL H. , Providence. F. A. C. O. T. S. CANTWELL, PERCEY, Providence. 351st P. A. ELEONISKEY, JAMES, Main Crompton. Sig. Corps. JOHNSTON, ALEXANDER, Providence. C. A. C. MCKANNAH, F. , River Pt. Medical Corps. SAN SONEITR, JOS. , 4 Claremont Ave. , 103d F. A. SHARKEY, WALTER, Woonsocket. 151st D. B. SHUNNEY, WM. P. , Woonsocket. 103d P. A. STURGES, RUSH, Providence. Ord. THURBER, FRED B. , c/o Tilden Thurber Co. U. S. N. WEEDER, R. B. , Providence. 103d F. A. 

SOUTH CAROLINA

 FULTON, ROBERT, Florence. 105th Supply Tr. LACHICOTTE, N. S. , Florence. U. S. N. R. F. REED, CHARLES, Charleston. 365th Inf. SMYSER, JOHN, Florence. Med. Corps. 

SOUTH DAKOTA

 BUELL, WILLIAM, Rapid City. 335th Inf. DENNISON, JOHN, Vermillion. C. M. G. O. T. S. DOUD, F. R. , Mobridge. 13th Eng. JOHNSON, T. R. , Sioux Falls. 102d F. A. MALONEY, PAUL, Aberdeen. 163d F. A. PFEIFFER, JOSEPH, Rapid City. Ord. 

TENNESSEE

 ANDERSON, GLENN, Nashville. C. A. C. BERRY, HARRY, Hendersonville. 115th F. A. BOLLING, W. E. , Nashville. 114th F. A. BOWMAN, CHAS. , Nashville. 2d Div. BROWN, BARTON, Nashville. 114th F. A. BUCKNER, ED. , Thompson's Station. 114th F. A. BUFORD, NED, Nashville. Air Ser. CASON, WM. , Nashville. 114th F. A. CORSON, HERBERT, Nashville. U. S. N. GLEASON, JAMES, Knoxville. 114th F. A. GRIFFEN, EUGENE, Nashville, 114th F. A. HAGER, RICHARD, Nashville, 115th F. A. HANDLER, WALTER C. , Memphis. 55th P. A. Brig. HAYES, JOHN, Memphis. 114th F. A. KLEINE, KENNETH E. , Memphis. Unassigned. LASON, WILLIAM, Nashville, 114th F. A. LEA, LUKE, Nashville. 114th F. A. MERNT, HENRY, Jacksonville, 115th F. A. MILLIGAN, G. C. , Chattanooga. 156th Dept. Brig. MILLIKEN, Chattanooga. 81st Div. NAIVE, W. W. , Clarkville. U. S. N. OXE, HOWARD, Nashville, 114th F. A. PALMER, ED. , Nashville. 117th F. A. ROBERTSON, JOHN, Lebanon, 115th F. A. SHADOW, W. A. , Winchester. Air Ser. SPENCE, CAREY, Knoxville. 117th Inf. WARNING, ROME, Memphis. 33d Div. WATSON, LAWRENCE, Columbia. 114th F. A. WINFRY, DOUGLAS, Memphis. 

TEXAS

 ALLEN, ARCH C. , Dallas. 132d F. A. BACON, BENJAMIN, Wichita Falls. 360th Inf. BEAGLEY, JOHN, La Porte. Inf. BEAVENS, C. , Houston. 357th Inf. BIRKHEAD, CLAUDE, San Antonio, 131st F. A. BOON, S. P. , Brady, 111th Sup. Train. BRADLEY, ROLLAND, Houston. 132d F. A. CARREL, ALFRED, Austin. Air Ser. COHN, E. M. , Dallas. U. S. M. C. FOY, HUGH, Dallas. Army Tran. Service. GAINES, J. P. , Bay City. 26th Inf. GRUBBS, ROSCOE, Paris, 5th M. G. Bn. HOOVER, JOHN, Houston. 143d Inf. JACKSON, W. E. , Hillboro. 141st Inf. JOHNSON, W. W. , Galveston. U. S. N. KING, JOHN L. , Ft. Worth, 111th Am. Train. LANGDON, RUSSELL, Houston. U. S. N. LINDSLEY, HENRY, Dallas. Gen. Staff. NICHOLSON, LE ROY, Ballinger. U. S. N. SMITH, C. , Galveston. Inf. TIPS, CHAS. , Three Rivers, 90th Div. Inf. VAMESON, ROU A. , Marlin. 143d Inf. YOUNG, JOHN, Austin. C. A. C. 

UTAH

 DOUGLAS, ROYAL, Ogden. 81st Inf. JURGENSEN, FRED, Salt Lake City. Gen. KUNDSON, J. C. , Brigham City. 326th Inf. MCCARTY, RAY, Salt Lake City. U. S. N. MEEHAN, LEO, Salt Lake City. U. S. N. F. C. PARSONS, C. , Salt Lake City. Sant. Corps. RHIVERS, DONALD, Ogden. 18th Eng. ROBERTSON, BALDWIN, Salt Lake City. 362d Inf. SEELY, L. J. , Mt. Pleasant. 814th Aero Sq. SMOOT, H. R. , Salt Lake City. P. S. &T. WOOLEY, JAS. , Salt Lake City. U. S. M. C. 

VERMONT

 FOUNTAIN, JOSEPH HARRY, Burlington. 101st Am. Tr. NASON, LEONARD, Norwich University. 76th F. A. VARNUM, GUY, Barre. Ordnance. 

VIRGINIA

 COCKE, FRANCIS, Roanoke. 217th Aero Sq. ISAID, JAMES, Roanoke. 117th T. H. & M. P. NEI, D. D. , Norfolk. U. S. N. R. F. PALLARD, C. , Richmond. 30th Eng. POOL, GEORGE, Norfolk, 111th F. A. STUART, WM. A. , Big Stone Gap. 44th Art. Brig. THOMPSON, JOHN, Petersburg. 248th Aero Sq. TROTTER, WM. , Petersburg. U. S. N. R. F. WALLACE, R. R. , Hampton. 11th F. A. WICKER, JOHN, Richmond. 499th Aero Sq. 

WASHINGTON

 FEIN, FRED, 1131 Pleasant St. U. S. N. R. F. GORDON, R. S. , Spokane. 54th F. A. JOHNSON, ALBERT, Aberdeen. M. S. MCDONALD, C. B. Camp Lewis, Signal Corps. MOSS, HARVEY, Seattle. I. G. D. REDINGER, FRED, Aberdeen. U. S. N. R. F. SAPP, C. S. , Seattle. Ord. SHAW, FREDERICK, Tacoma. C. A. C. SIMENTON, RUSS, Seattle. U. S. N. R. F. SULLIVAN, JOHN, Seattle. M. I. B. THOMPSON, L. L. , Olympia. U. S. N. R. F. 

WEST VIRGINIA

 ALDERSON, FLEMING, Charleston. A. G. O. ARNOLD, JACKSON, Weston. 150th Inf. BOND, JOHN, 317 Michigan Ave. Gen. Staff 38th Div. CROCKETT, JOSEPH, Welch. 315th F. A. DAVIS, RICHARD, Morgantown. A. S. A. FERGUSON, G. E. , Charleston. 365th Inf. GODFREY, M. V. , Charleston. Med. Corps. JACKSON, JOSEPH, Charleston. 365th Inf. JONES, CLARENCE, Hinton. 8th Inf. MCCAMIC, CHARLES, Wheeling. Ordn. REASS, JOS. H. , Wheeling. Q. M. C. SHAW, HOUSTON GEO. , Wheeling. R. I. C. SIMMONS, W. J. , Hinton. 40th Inf. SOLINS, SAMUEL, Welch. M. C. 

WISCONSIN

 ACKLEY, JAMES, 417 Marston Ave. , 168th Inf. BELLIS, NEWMAN, Wausau. 18th Inf. CHYBOWSKI, M. A. , Milwaukee. M. O. T. C. CLARKE, ROBERT H. , La Crosse. Development Bn. CLOW, WM. K. , Milwaukee. U. S. N. CROSBY, H. S. , Rhinelander. CUNNINGHAM, ROB. , Janesville. Chemical Warfare. DAVIS, JOHN, Milwaukee. Train. Cp. DIETERIEN, W. H. , Milwaukee. 120th F. A. DUTSCHER, GEO. , Milwaukee. F. A. C. O. T. S. FERRIS, JOHN, Milwaukee. Gen. Staff. FOSTER, CARLTON, Oshkosh. 20th Eng. LACHENMAIER, FRED, 312 Caswel Blk. , 100th Div. LEE, WILBUR, Oconto. 127th Inf. LYSTUD, ANDY, N. Hudson. 330th Mach. Gun. MERKEL, GEO. , Appleton. 127th Inf. OWENS, ELMER, Milwaukee, 121st F. A. PFEIL, JAMES, Milwaukee. 340th Inf. PRANGE, HERBERT, Baraboo. 128th Inf. SALSMAN, JOHN, Madison. 32d Div. SMITH, B. L. , Neenah. 18th Inf. STRAMPE, GEORGE, Janesville. SZULTEK, JOHN, Milwaukee. 121st F. A. WITTERSTAFFER, WALTER, Milwaukee. 340th Inf. WOODWORTH, LEIGH, Janesville. 

WYOMING

 DINNEEN, M. A. , Cheyenne. 116th Amm. Tr. GREGG, BEN, Worland. 49th Reg. JUNE, C. M. , Cheyenne. 13th Div. MCCARTHY, D. C. M. Casper. U. S. N. MILLER, L. A. , Cheyenne. U. S. M. C. POWERS, RALPH, Tarrington. 40th Inf. SHORTELL, WILLIAM, Buffalo. 116th Am. Tr. SWENSON, NELSY, Douglas, 1st Inf. 

WORLD'S WAR VETERANS

 C. P. DIMMITT G. H. W. RAUSCHKOLB GEO. E. DAVID JOHN S. SEIBERT THOMAS H. DEMPSEY R. A. THOMPSON F. H. REIN CHARLES S. WATKINS

SOLDIERS' AND SAILORS' COUNCIL

 S. M. CURTIN

AMERICAN ARMY ASSOCIATION

 H. W. HILLYER, 1215 Nat. Bank, Conwell Bldg. , St. Louis, Co. B, 49 Mo. G. B. LOUIS R. FLORIN T. R. SMITH, 2848 Lyon St. , St. Louis, 11th Co. A. , S. D. , Garden City JOSEPH P. MCGLINN J. A. BERNARD, 706 Pearce Bldg. , St. Louis. 45 U. S. Inf. SCOTT W. LUCAS