The Grangeville globe. [volume] (Grangeville, Idaho) 1907-1922, 1919-07-31
APPROVES MONDELL BILL.
Urge Congress I'm Resolutions to Pass
Measure for Soldiers

lishment OF soldiers community set
Elements through reclamation of cut
over timberlands and wet lands Of the
southern states, irrigation of arid
lands In the west and development of
other unutilized lands throughout the
country, as contemplated in the Mon
dell bill, is endorsed by the American
Legion, the great organization of
world war veterans Of this country,
for membership in which 100000 men
are eligible
At joint meeting In New York last
week of the executive committee of
the Paris and st. Louis caucuses of
the American Legion, the Mondell bill
was approved in principle. This ac-
ton was predicated in part upon a
resolution adopted by the st. Louis
caucus, which was as follows:
Resolution Adopted.
Whereas, the reclamation of
arid, swamp and cut-over timber
lands is one Of the great constructive
problems of immediate interest to the
nation; and
Whereas, one of the questions
for immediate consideration is that of
presenting to discharged soldiers and
sailors an opportunity to establish
homes and create for themselves
place in the field of constructive eff
fort; and
Whereas, one of the purposes
for which the formation of the Ameri-
can Legion is contemplated is to take
an energetic interest in all construc-
tive measures designed to promote the
happiness and contentment of the
people, and to actively encourage all
proper movements of general ma.
ture to assist the men of the army
and navy in solving the problems of
wholesome existence; and
Whereas, the department of the
interior and the reclamation service
have been engaged i'm formulating and
presenting TO the country broad, Gin
strutive plans for the reclamation of
arid, swamp and cut-over timber
lands,
"Now, Therefore, Be 1t Resolved /:
BY the caucus Of delegates OF the
American Legion in convention as
Miss. that we endorse the efforts
heretofore made for the reclamation
:. Of lands, and we respectfully urge
upon the congress of the Uunited States
the adoption at an early date of broad
and comprehensive legislation for eco
nomic reclamation of all lands sus-
ceptible of reclamation and produc-
tion."
Reports Encouraging.
BY authority of the New York meet
ing legislative representatives Of the
American Legion are in Washington
to do what they can to further the en-
actment of the legislation. The leg
islative committee of the legion is
made up of Colonel Luke Lea, for
merly United States senator from
Tennessee, who is reported to have
headed a raiding party into Holland in
an attempt to get the kaiser, and Col
onel T. w. Miller Of the ordnance de-
partment, who was formerly q mem.
Der OF the house Of representatives
from Delaware.
Conferences have been held with
leaders in congress in the interest of
the Mondell bill and the prospects for
the measure are considered bright. 1t
is making good progress in the house
committee on public lands, which has
been sitting daily considering amend
ments proposed to the bill.
| 1t is authoritatively stated that the
American Legion is opposed to all prop
ositions for a cash bonus to soldiers
Legislative representatives of the Leg
ion believe such a plan to be unwise,
unnecessary and not desired generally
by the soldiers.
That there are large areas of cutover
and wet lands m the south suitable for
development by soldiers is recognized
by well informed officers Of the legion.
who also say they know of lands in
Indiana and other states Of the mid
die west and In the east that are
available for community settlement
projects for soldiers.
They believe that the Mondell bill If
enacted into a law would result in pro-
viding employment and homes for
same time would aid in developing the
country. promoting the movement of