New-York tribune., 1915-03-02

y
eral veterans OF the Civil War are
anxious to join, and it IS probable
that a special class will be created Tor
capable men over age
Captain Lee McCalla telegraphed
from Chicago indorsing the purpose Of
the Legion and promising the support
Of an organization there of more than
1000 trained men. lie has been cata-
loruing the men in Chicago who are
fit for action.
Among kilograms received was one
from Richard Harding Davis, who asked
TO enroll.
I'VE have been completely swamped
with inquiries" said one Of the most
active workers. Captain Gordon John
ston. Of Major General Woods staff.
"Our present Offices have already
proved Inadequate, and tomorrow we
expect TO move to the Maritime Build
ing. 6s Broad Street. Our location
seems to imply to some people an
official connection with the govern
ment The Legion is absolutely ur-
official, entirely without government
affiliations. and we desire to discour-
age ell beliefs to the contrary"
Young Roosevelt in Background
Among the most earnest workers for
the Legion is Theodore Roosevelt, jr.
He will not occupy any leading posi-
tion. however, preferrins to remain
subordinate.
s. Stanwood Menkeu. founder and
head Of the National Security League,
l.. I
that will in large measure supplement
his efforts for armament and dofe0ces.
Further details Of the plans of the
American Legion were given out yes
terCay by DR. J. f.. Hausmann, its sec
retary. Il il TO be controlled by an
executive committee of four men, two
of who-l obably will be eX-Secrc'aries
of the Army and two eX-Secrt taries Of
the Navy. This committee will be an
nou.ced as soon as the fourth accept
ance has been received In co-opera-
tion will be an advisory board Of be
tween 'orty and fifty men, chosen from
all parts Of the country. Th.ir selec-
ton will probably be made in the first
instance by The executive committee,
who also will have charge of assigning
members TO their various ranks
Plans Will Develop.
at is too early to say just what ,he
system Of organization throughout the
country will be-" said Dr. Hausmann.
1--WE are satisfied to feel that the Le-
gion has started, and will develop our
plans more in detail later. The aSso-
citation will be voluntary and neceS-
sarily self-supporting The dues Of p
cents a year will pay all the expenses
OF he Legion. and il is TO be under
stood that all offers of money must be
refused. Several alreedy asserted their
willingness TO ntribute We have
thanked them and told them to keep
their money"
Captain Johnston pointed out that his
interest in the Legion was purely per-
sonal. and had nothing to do with his
official duties. II viii, be necessary 10
depend TO some extent on arm and
navy men. but this viii not make the
Legion dependent on the government
Naturally we expect some criticism
Of the Legion" said the captain. There
are too many people in this country
who are hostile to any degree Of pre-
paredness. We do not advocate in
creased armament, we do not want mill
taristic methods. We merely want to
know where the nation stands. and we
feel certain that we are meeting posi-
tive need that the people will rccog-
nize Later, If the government should
decide TO establish a line Of reserves,
we would be ready.
Not All Welcome.
A popular fallacy which has already
been built up around the Legion is that
we will take everybody and anybody
that applies This, Of course, is not so.
There are certain definite qualifications
which must be met"
"Most Of the applications received so
far Captain Johnston said, have been
i.om ralload engineers, chauTeurs and
other men, who will fit in special
classes. The five hundred members are
old military and naval men. Not "a
woman has applied as yet Trained
nurses are the only ones who Will be
included.
I'VE have already been disturbed by
those who misinterpret our purpose. 4
mn came in this moning calling Us
all kinds Of names. He was convinced
W. would drag the United States into
the war, and sc had great difficulty in
quieting him"
Buttons viii be ready for distributi d
within q few days. Made of gold and
enamel. they are about the size Of a
dime with d red band and blu. star
or a white surface. Their appearance
will mark the completion Of The pre-
llm!nary plans.
lFrm Tie Tribune B-resul
Washington, March Secretary OF
W Garrison to-day instructed Briga-
der General Scott, chief tar, 20
" rite Major Geneal Woo At New York,
asking for complete report of the
Am, rican Legion. Tho letter asks for