New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-03-12
ARMY OFFICERS
MUST QUIT LEGION
Garrison Writes Wood
They Are Not to Join
Such Organizations.
Iron The Tribune Bureau !

Washington, March 1l.--Army Of
to have any connection with organiza-
tions outside the War Department
which are dealing or contemplating
dealing with the subjects embraced by
the American Legion.
$50 far as nave been able TO
gather" Mr. Garrison wrote. "the pur-
pose of this organization Is TO list,
classify and keep track o. non OF
suitable age who nave mad previous
ficers must sever all connection with
the organization Of the American
Legion. This information was conveyed
to General Wood to-day by Secretary
Garrison who said that ne considered
il undesirable for officers of the army
military training or possess special
qualifications 50 that in the event OF
the need of such il would be easy TO
locate them and avail Of their services
where required.
"The desirability OF the War Depart
ment having such information and be
ing in a position 20 avail itself IN time
OF need Of the services OF such per
sons has been recognized. and the most
efficient way TO accomplish TINS pur-
pose has been and is being STUDIED Dy
il.
Until the War Department has com
Melted lis consideration Of the mat
Ter and has determined on the way 10
deal most effectively Herewith, ! con-
slider that it is undesirable for officers
of the army to have any connection
with organizations outside Of the W ar
Department which are dealing, or CON
template dealing, with the same SUD
ject matter.
much Of the public comment con
corning this particular organization
seems 10 be based upon o mlsconcep-
ton Of its purpose and object, but
that fact merely serves TO emphasize
what / have said above concerning the
inadvisability Of those connected with
the national military establishment
having to do with organizations not
under its jurisdiction and with when
II has no Official connection
Secretary Garrison's letter was an
answer to q report from General Nood
regarding tho promoters OF the Ameri-
can Legion. which read as follows:
"Tbev IMPRESSED me as sincere, ear
nest and actuated by a desi-e to be Of
Aal assistance TO the government, and
| believe the work which they have
undertaken will be Of such assistance,
as men of previous military experience
or special qualifications are already
applying for membership in great num-
bcrs. During the interview IN ques-
ton they asked my advice concerning
the method Of grouping and Classifying
mer with special qua 'itcatons.
~ told them that had not time 90
60 into this matter, but that | was
sure Captair Gordon Johnston. nay aid.
would be glad 70 ash t, and he gave
them such assistance in the prepare
ton of the blanks as he was able 20
do. captain Johnston has continued
aiding the committee with such advice
and assistance as he could properly
furnish"
The first meeting of the board Of di-
rectors of the American Legion, In
corporated, held Yesterday for pur-
poses of organization, resulted IN the
creation of an advisory council OF nine
members, to consult with the board on
all matters of importance. Jacob VI.
Dickinson. Theodore Roosevelt, George
Won L. Never. Truman j. Newbcrry.
Elihu Root, Henry /. StimSon and
Luke +. Wright have accepted invita-
tions TO serve as members Of Ne -
visory council II was decided to limit
advisory membership in the legion 70
$50. TO represent all parts q the
country.
The board Of directors elected f..
Ormonde Power. president; Julien T..
Davies. ir.. vicc-prcsident; Henry
Rogers Winthrop. treasurer, and DR..