Deming graphic., 1919-12-23
WHAT THE AMERICAN
LEGION STANDS FOR

steps Is 1t taking to lessen the burden
OF returned, disabled soldiers aud sail
ors? These and thousand other |
questions are now In circulation re- |
garding the Legion. A full, complete |
and comprehensive answer to all OF
these questions Is impossible In one e.
dition OF the Liberal II the editor as
signed the whole sheet TO such a task.
Nay, twenty weekly editions would
not be sufficient. To give the reader,
however, a slight hint Of the work the
legion Is attempting, quite successful
ly too, the following report Of the A.
merican Legion legislative committee
submitted at last months national
convention at Minneapolis is signifi-
cant. The American Legion maintains
constantly at Washington, ID. c., at lis
own expense, n committee whose duty
II is to represent the American Leg
ion," with authority TO establish a
Washington bureau for the purpose Of
using all legitimate means for further
ing and promoting an American Legion
legislative program. The committees
report follows:
The first work Of this committee
was to obtain from congress an act
incorporating the American Legion as
national corporation. Such a meas
ure was introduced on June q, 1919,
and became law September 10, 1919.
The rapid passage Of this measure
through both houses OF congress Is
significant Of the strength Of the A.
merican Legion among national legis-
lators.
To carry out the recommendations
of the st. Louis caucus on the subject
Of alien slackers, proper measures
were introduced and pushed by your
committee. A bill providing for the
deportation of naturalized citizens and
or aliens convicted under the espionage
act has already passed the house and
fnvorably reported by senate com
mittee. Concerning those slackers who
withdrew their first papers when cal
led upon to serve the country, a meas
ure was introduced and properly adj
voeated through public hearings, but
due to purporting infringement u
treaty rights the state department has
oposed the enactment OF 1t.
The bill amending the war risk in
surance act in the manner advocated
by the Legion has passed the hous'
and Is now pending before thes enat'
committee OH finance.
The Ieglons in the treatment o
disabled soldiers and the deplorabl
condition existing in connection witt
this matter has received the attention
with a view Of an early bettering o
the condition Of disabled men.
Yc., committee has coopernted wit
the congressional committee invest
p1ting the conduct of the war with
view to the speedy justice to officer
and men who were responsible for tn
, dinbolical treatment meted out to ou
soldiers In prison camps abroad and
this country. an for future inyestig'
Il tion Herewith.
III The American Legion has obtaine
/ amendments to the proper bills whic
proyide that civil service preferen'
be given to honorably discharged sc
dIers. sailors and marines in feder
positions throughout the country.
The American Legion desires tn
Officers and enlisted personnel wi
SERVED In this war and who we
disabled retire under the same CO
ditions as the men under the regul
establishment, and have been advoc
ting through the Legislative commit
apropriate legislation Of this chara
or.
There has been close cooperation
tween the Legion representatives n
the war department In the matter
unemployment of ex-service men.
There are numerous other matte
with which the legislative commit
has delt in Washington, but In VIII
ever work thee ommittee Is engas
It has only reflected the will OF
individual members oft he Americ
Legion as expressed Through the &c
porary national and state organi
= tons.
Respectfully submitted,
Thomas W. Miller Of Delaware Chi
man
Newton Jenkens of Illinois, Secrets
DAYS OF DIZZINESS
.LHL