The Bemidji daily pioneer. [volume] (Bemidji, Minn.) 1904-1971, 1919-11-10
(By United Press.

MluuedpOl1S, Mln0., NOV. w.
More than $500 delegates from
every state in the union, in addition
to ex-service men from Cuba, Hawaii,
Port Rica, Panama and Alaska, were
in attendance here today at the
opening session Of the first national
convention Of the America Legion,
With concerted determination to
render the nation a public service as
a memorial to their efforts in the
great war and a monument to their
fallen brothers-in-battle, the repre-
sentatives OF 100000 ev-service
men who have Joined the legion will
sit in convention today, the 18th and
the 18th to draft national policy
and outline work the state chapters
and local posts are to undertake.
Chief among the questions OF pol
icy to be decided at the convention
are: Affiilation with political part
les; granting bonuses to ex-service
men; size Of the standing army;
compulsory military training; teach
ing Of German in high schools; re-
placeent Of national guard units by
state constabulary; status Of Siber
Ian and overseas service; deportation
OF aliens who refused to accept war
service or who are present menaces
to the country; payment OF war risk
insurance and endorsement Of the
Mondell land bill.
Stand Has Been Taken.
Stand has been taken on most of
the questions by state branches.
Henry D. Lindsey, chairman of
the national executive committee,
and other officials and members
prominent in founding the legion,
were early arrivals. These put final
touches on arrangements for holding
the monster convention and for en-
tertaining the delegates and their
families.
Morris B. Mitchell, chairma Of the
committee, headed
the contingent that met incoming
delegates at the trains They escort
ed the visitors to hotels where ac-
comOdations had already been pro-
v1ded. Most Of the state delegations
in bodies. They carried ban
ners of their states and wore badges
made up OF state colors and state
flowers. There were scores Of wom-
en- in the various delegations. most
Of them wives, mothers or sweet
hearts Of the war veterans.
Entertainment Features.
Entertainment features will be
provided by the legion itself, it i'm
pressing on the delegates that they
are here for serious business and not
tor pleasure. The legion officials,
however, urged veterans to accept
the hospitality Of Minneapolis citi-
sens and welfare bodies and to enjoy
me varied social features provided.
A monster parade for tomorrow
las been planned. Veterans or other
vars will participate as will promin-
'nt Minneapolis and St. Paul citi-
ems. Governor Burnquist will well
'ome the members on behalf of Min
lesota and the Twin Cities. Speeches
|lso will be made by city officials.
Reduced Rail Rates.
reduced rates were given dele
'ates by the railroad administration.
teturn trips are good in some cases
lntil November "a and scores Of DEL
gates have expressed their intention
0 visit adjoining states and to 20 to |
st. Louis, Kansas City and
many other cities in the midwest |
orn and wheat belt
First business Of the convention.
fter examination of credentials, is
o take up states organization re-
'orts and to submit recommendatfons
nd resolutions Of state branches and
Individual posts. These many and
ar1ed suggestions of policy will be
boiled down" to a general report bv
he committee on resolutions and
VIII be voted on by the assembled
eiegates as the expression Of the
ointment of the convention.
Many Cities Active.
Various state and city delegations
ave already begun campaigns to
and the next national convention.
IAN Francisco's delegation will likely |
'e strong contenders. They have al |
eady drive to land the meeting.
among other cities that will ask for
he convention, and will make hot