New-York tribune., 1916-12-26
American Legion, with
24,000 Trained Men,
Discouraged
NO REASON GIVEN
FOR OPPOSITION
Leader Ignored on His
Many Trips to
Capital.

The American Legion, which was in
corporated in March, 1915, TO discover
and organize the men capable OF giving
and willing to give specialized services
TO the government in the event of war,
will disincorporate on January |. At
the direction OF Newton u. Baker, Sec
retary Of War. its records, which in
clude the names OF 24.000 trained, ad-
yenturous men, have been turned over
TO the Council OF National Defence.
1--WE must .disband,' said DR.. John +.
Hausmsnn, secretary OF the organiza-
tion, last night. because We have been
unable to obtain governmental recog-
milton. Don't ask me why we couldn't
get il, for | haven't the slightest idea.
I have made countless trips to Wash
ington for that purpose and, although
army and navy men favored our plan,
could get no satisfaction from the
Secretary OF War,
with governmental recognition We
could get 100000 men, each trained in
some particular work that would rer-
der him valuable for military service.
Without it We have $4,000. ] sincerely
hope that some use is going to be made
by the government Of those names. but
fear that they will be pigeonholed.
No Reason for Opposition
at first thought that the opposi-
tion of the administration was based
on political reasons because William
u. Taft, Theodore Roosevelt and men
who had served in their cabinets, were
members of our council. But there is
neither political nor religious signif-
cance in this body. II is purely pa
triotic. and can conceive Of no reason
why our work should be halted"
In the announcement issued yester-
day it was said that although all mem
bers were released from obligation Of
promise Of service or payment Of dues,
the Secretary of War had been request
ed 10 communicate with each that his
services might he utilized by the Offi-
GERS Reserve Corps or similar bodies.
Volunteering as aids to the Red Cross
is suggested to those who wish to rem
der further individual service"
The $4,000 members were divided
into more than eighty classfcations.
There we're wireless operators, chauf-
feurs. surgeons. cooks. telegraphers,
electricians, interpreters and host OF
others. DR.. Hausmann estimated that
30 or 40 per cent could qualify as COM
missioned officers.
Men Trained and Patriotic
They arc not only trained men, nc
said. "but they are patriotic, eager ano
sdverturous Some have served IN the
European war or are serving there now
o,hers in the Boer war, and others, en-
o;neors or members of exploring
narties. have penetrated wildernesses
Every one Of them would JOIN the
colors AT the drop Of the hat. We got
numerous queries BY telegraph. Wnen
Tho Guard was ordered 70 the border
froro members Vho wanted 10 voluh-
teer." ~
The membership dues were % cents
n wear and their aggregate was ii'suI
6cent by far 10 meet tle necessary eA.
penscs Of the organization. Inc denel'
mas beer &c: - N Individual not q
director in the league, who mas re-
named Gnonyrer--
In the council OF the League were
Theodore Roosevelt, William howard
Taft. Elihu Root, Jacob VI. Dickinson
Henry L. Stimson. George Won l.. Meyer
Truman II. Nevberry and Charles ).
Bonsparte. Alexander NJ. White, OF
Now York. was president and Roy ~
Iones. of Boston, vice-president. The
directors were l.. Ormonde Power
Theodore Roosevelt. jr., A. 5. Hoffman,
Henry c. Walsh. Frederick Trevor Hill,
Henry Rogers Winthrop, Courtlsnd
Smith. ". T. Hornadsy, Regis Henri
Post. Charles II. Frost and Samuel
Wesley Long.
Many Pacifsts Protested
Soon after the league was formed the
American League 20 Limit Armaments
began 20 send protests BY wire TO
Washington. IL members objected TO
the activity Of General Leonard Wood
and CAPTAIN Johnston in behalf Of the
American Legion. Bishop Greer and
DIR. Stephen s. Wise we're among those
VINO called the Presidents attention 10
General Woods actions.
In response 70 message send by
Rishop Greer. who admitted that the
.ource Of information was "the press,
General " ood sent a sharp message eX-