New-York tribune., 1919-09-12
General Lndorses Organi-
zation and Urges 1t to
Become the Nations
School of Patriotism
Leaves City To-day
For the Capital
Visit to Mrs. Roosevelt
Occupies Earlier Hours
of Visitors Busy Day

General persh,ng last night rounded
the city by Offering his enthusiastic
support to the membership drive Of the
American Legion, composed of the men
who helped him smash the German
lines in France. His offer was made at
reception given him by the legion in
Madison Square Garden.
This morning the general Will bid
farewell TO the city. He will leave at 8
o'clock from the Pennsylvania Station
for Washington, where he will be the
guest OF the capital during the review
of the list Division there and the period
consumed in personally reporting to
the Federal government his activities
in France.
The fighting men-and the service
striped women as well-who make up
the membership of the legion cheered
themselves hoarse when the commander
of the A. Z. F. strode into Madison
Square Garden and made his way to
his place upon the pla tform.
Fired the First Gun
General Pershing was introduced by
Henry D. Lindsey, representing the
legion, rs the man who would fire the
first gun in the membership drive of
the organization. The applause that
greeted the commander prevented him
from speaking for several minutes.
The general made it plain at the
outset that he was opposed to the use
OF the legion as political machine
he said he felt its duty was to be-
come a school of patriotsm-to teach
the American people to remember the
lessons of the war and to foster Ameri-
can ideals. He said:
Gentlemen of the Committee, Eel
low Soldiers, Ladies and Gentlemen
am very glad to have an opportunity
so soon after my return from abroad
OF saying a word to those who partici-
pated in the great achievements that
are to-day to the credit of the Ameri-
can army in Europe. While YOU were
IN the army you had an opportunity to
learn something of disc ipllne, to learn
Of the Importance of self-control and
OF obedience to order
These things seem to come natural
y to the we'll raised American boy
lhere has been in our army in Europe
ine exercise Of discipline which be-
neve Is unknown to other armies.
thls has made it easier for your Of
heers, those giving direction in mill
tary movements. to make their calcu-
latlons as 90 the outcome, but YOU
could not have undergone this expert
ehce without having received from it
material benefit
New Qualities Developed
In the exercise of sclf-control YOU
nave as consequence been given
uuties varying in their responsibilities
Mnich IN turn have developed new dual :
us LIES OF character. perchance leader
ssnp' that better fit you to- day for the
ssulies OF citizenship than you were be-
Iore you entered into the service of our
country abroad.
Ihese things, however. place upon
Svul w"oh sh9Gders new responsibilities
.1a Ia.h more is expected of you to-day
aIah when you left America for service
abroad Why? Because of your ac-
sonpilsnments, your achievements, be-
aus" ToSuse OF your experience, and Justly so.
hue S cannot pass through, one cannot
m;, nase 'he privilege of those experiences,
h.shvut forever thereafter having a
SaUauer sa.;r outlook on life and a more
bties. ''' 'o'po''i-
,.ihe me organization which has been
iiauhcned, known as the American
tSss tSsvn' possesses great advantages for
sa sae display or for the exercise of the
is"e isa" patriotism with which you have
shrao Sra imbued during your service
son s,0au' % and 1t Is the hope of all that
ibs Will VIII enter upon your duties with
Tho same integrity OF purpose and with
I.s IL same resolute patriotism with
tNaeh you conducted yourselves O.:
s aoa'tlehelds of France
.s purs Is d country of laws and not
men, and it should be the purpose OF
hia's organization to stand for law.
ca Ceu upon the sound principles of the
constitution.
Political Angle Deprecated
was should a ,deplore it if l felt there
Iss; any chance of the American
d. becoming a political tool ir
Ill nanos OF political aspirants.
t.s.'' .he organization bias an oppor.
sry H.. 70 90 great seoa in INC coun-
il ,,v, Devoming school of patriotism
wb;e.'a VIII, by fostering those things
hav;,s are dear and near to us a.
fathers. |'''e a0wn TO rs from our fore
TO tbo-. glad to give announcement
stan%e ae American Legion as long as il
as II ior true Americanism. As long
from Keeps It's skirts clean and free
unda, petty obolitics. and with tha,
eourana eoura,ssandlng | shall be glad to en-
Of ts ss II IN every way in the increase
teach ttdheahloership, tha aud in aiding it to
Of natr;". s"e country, if you will, more
var. r" than it had before the
America put it into one sentence, the
s-eesNdn Legion rLa.II