Arizona republican., 1919-02-20
They're off

IheN TO orr. Without a dissenting voice. with sinrlcness Of purpose and of ideals as Dlcan and manly and American as were tho ideals ot the country that took them. into its service. the returned sol- Iiers. sailors and marines of Phoenix met at their new cluhrooms last night md laid the foundations for an or- csnization of veterans of the great war that is undoubtedly destined to bread not only over the state cf Arizona, but the entire United States
 They were an there. colonels and privates captains and noncoms. sail 0rs and marines men rom every walk uf civil life. men of every political belief and faith. all bound together by fhc common tie of service. an patriots and real Americans Nearly l50 of them. croWdng the new cluhroome almost Co tho limit. took an cuthusias- tIc part in the organizing of Inc first unt of what will. beyond doubt be- come tho greatest force for the per pctuatiou of American ideals in thc history of this country.
 lu the language of the resolution adopted. "The purpose of this meeting
 Is tG promote and assist in n'rpetuatins the ideals of true Ameri- 'anism. and To keep alive the spirit "f comradcshiu born and fostered in Ihc service of their country"
 Claude Decatur Jones chairman Of the preliminary committee. called the meeting Co order briefly stated the objects. and was unanimously chosen to act as chairman until such time Hs the constitution and bylaws should have been worked ont and adopted and the first regular election held. Out or defereuce to the hundreds of 'rizoua boys who have not yet re- turned from overseas. and in order hat they may participate in the first annual election. it is probable that mporary officers win serve The or -a rizatiou for tine time being
 Claude Thompson. city cmployt uad returned service man. was chosen temporary secretary. his services hay ing been donated for the time being 1 behalf of the city. by City Manager Thompson.
 Forrest Betts and numerous others made short talks on he aims objects and hopes or the organization. a1 lristling with tho determination that Tho soldiers and sailors orgar ization should bc representative. in the broad ost sense. of an that is best and stand for tho same ideals of democracy for which they fought or stood ready to fight One speaE'- urged that they r"ud broadcast ar appeal +o thew brothers m arms not Co allow the names soldiers and sailors" Co bc ased in thc titles of such organiza- tons as have recently met iu this city.
 Captain Alexander of the Spanish War veterans invited the members of tho new organization to attend their next camNfire. in the Elks hall. next Tuesday February 25. and also read a h'l he has prepared and had intro Cuced m the legislature giving prefer auce Co returned service men in state employment. and cmbodying legal means Of enforcing tho prefoIlnce.
 Attorney General Wiley Jones spoke briefly. congratulating the boys on their new organization. and predicting hat it would be Of real force i'm com- batting thc force now attempting the disorganization of our established gov ernment.
 The motion 10 form a permanent or ganization. put by A. F. Barker. was -arried unanimously. and further mo- ton was carried to extend the cour- tcsies and facilities Of the club Co men stn in the service and Co the returned aoldiers of our allies. Chairmen of committees. who will be the temporary executive committee. were. program and entertainment T.. M. Mckinley: constitution and bylaw. X. B. Baker: membership. Forrest Betts: employ rtont, Sergeant Bert: house committee. e. D. McArthur: the chairman of the I.a
 No Interference
 The meeting then adjourned to the Red Cross tea room. where sand~iches and coffee were served while the meet ing carried On." Colonel McCHntock. chairman of the citizens committee. was called upon. and in a short but brilliant talk made it abundantly plain that the committee in no way proposed to meddle but were abundantly willing and anxious to help. Dwight E. Heard dropped in at the close of the meeting. and when called upon, congratulated the boys on their organization, pre- dicted that the idea would sweep the entire country. and pledged the sup port and cooperation Of the business men of the community.
 Entertainers Wanted
 tA M. Mckinley, 2lO Noll building the chairman of the entertainment committee. went into session with him self and immediately planned a series of entertalnents for the club in their new quarters. and issued a call to mu. firians, entertainers. monologists anc others who can do stunts to sent their names to him SO that he can ar. range programs at once.
 The Quarters
 Where only bare walls and floor, were showing the day before were tw, rooms, fully furnished Navajo rugs il profusion, dozens of comfOrtabl, chairs. reading tables scattered witl hc latest and best magazines. a piano a desk for the secretary. games. every thing seems to have appeared as if b, magic Members of the committee wh' were present last night need no fur thcr evidence Of appreciation.
 Books Will Aid,
 With the idea Of forming the nucleu of a library for the club. Lew Head who conducts the literary columns O