The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1919-11-10
ABOUT $4,000 MEN
GATHER IN MINNEAPOLIS
For the First National Convention of
the American Legion, Which Will
Last Through Nov. IL.

Minneapolis, Mimi, Nov, l0.--Twen-
ty-five thousand delegates and alter
mates, representing practically 100000
former soldiers, sailors and marines in
every state and territory of the United
States, are in this city or on their way
here TO attend the first national con-
vention of the American Legion, which
will open here to-day. The convention
viii be in session for three days, con.
Guiding Nov. IL. The delegates will
join with thousands Of visitors and
with residents Of this city in a parade
and celebration of armistice day on
Tuesday, Nov. II.
Officers of the legion feel that this
convention will be. Of vital interest not
only to former service men and women
but to the country at large Delegates
confront the task of defining the policy
of the legion with regard to national
issues in which the welfare Of the co,m-
try and of its veterans of the great
war are intermingled. Important ques.
tions TO be submitted for decision by
the convention include determination
of the attitude of the legion toward
the future military policy Of the Unit
ed States, and vocational education
for war veterans, soldier land legisla-
ton and the future of war risk insur
ance.
Suggestion has been made by Frank
lin D'0lier Of the state organization
section, that in forming It's committees,
the convention should appoint one ito
determine the exact limitation, if any,
upon officers and committee members
Of national, state and post organiza.
tions with reference to their political
activities, to maintain absolutely the
nonpolitical character Of the American
Legion"
Permanent officers of the legion are
to be elected for the ensuing year. The
location Of national headquarters Is to
be chosen.
A policy OF organization through
state branches and local posts will be
submitted for decision and the names
of post state and national Offices are
to be determined
Twenty thousand persons are ex-
pected to participate in the parade in
observance Of armistiee day on Tues
day. War camp community girls sta
toned along the line of march will
sing as the parade Is passing. Ad-
dresses will be delivered at the conclu-
sion Of the parade. The election Of
officers, selection Of permanent nation
al headquarters and place of the next
annual convention are not expected TO
be completed until Wednesday, the last
day of the convention.
Minneapolis has been working for
weeks TO become the choice of the con.
vention for permanent national head
quarters but that honor is sought also
by many other large cities There is
much competition also for selection of
the meeting place for the 1920 conyen-
ton
Minneapolis and ST. Paul have pre-
pared extensive programs Of entertain
ments for the former service men and
women outside Of convention hours. A
theatre party and boxing exhibition
have been arranged in this city for to-
night. A ball will be given for the vis-
itors Tuesday night
Although every delegate to the con-
vention has served with the armed
forces of the United States in the
world war, it is understood that no
uniforms are to be worn in the conyen-
tion. There is to be no distinction Of
rank, Priyates, generals, seamen, ma
val officers and officers and men of the
marine corps will mingle indiscrimin-
ately The convention is to be com
posed not entirely of men, as number
of women delegates win represent posts
of army nurses.