Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1919-11-06

ferClNui W. Clement. governor OF Yer
mont. undoubtedly found himself Thurs
lay afternoon i'll Tho most uncomfortable
position of his public career. when. sitting
before the entire representative delega lion
OF the Vermont branch of the American
Legion assembled in the armOry for the
first Vermont state convention of that
organization, the governor was called up
on in no uncertain terms by the ex-sol-
diers of his state To ain Il certain
letter bearing his signature in which were
statements considered by the legion rep
resentat ives as highly insulting TO men
who wore the uniform of the United
states army in the recent world war
Seated on the platform facing the con-
Nention. Governor Cement was called up
ON by II. Nelson jackson of Burlington
who has headed the Vermont branch as
temporary chairman since its organiza-
ion. to retract the statements conveyed
PIN this letter described. a storm of ap-
plause from the floor of the convention
greeted the action of Major Jackson
while not voice was raised in defence
of the governor
Governor Clement had already address,
ed. the convention, before any mention
had been made of the letter in question
I'm a voice which shook with emotion
Standing before the hostile eyes of the
eX-service mon Of the Green Mountain
State, the governor tried to explain his
Syuation. His explanation seemed not
very satisfactory to the convention until
at the direct question Of Major Jackson
governor Clement said that he would
write another letter denying any intent
n the first letter to place Il sur upon
ermont soldiers or any other legitimate
Ir-. e
States.
The correspondence which caused all
ne trouble is given below.
The National Committee for Mental Hy-
giene,
50 Union Square, New York City
Oct. %, 1919.
Etr. Joseph a. Fountain.
1888 Colchester Avenue,
Burlington, Vermont;
Dear Sir:
AS secretary of the American Legion
or the State Of Vermont. | am taking
he liberty Of sending You n COPY of letter
ecently received from your governor In
eply to the inclosed letter which was
ent to every governor in the Union.
The reply Of Governor Clement, which
,as distinctly different from those re-
eived from any other State in the Union
nd so unsympathetic TO any suggestions
nat might aid in the restoration of the
Zen who have given their best to the
ervice, leads me to forward copies of our
correspondence for the consideration of
our chapteer.
Very truly yours
tSigned) d. A. THOM.
War Work
onorable Percival w. Clement
Montpelier Vermont.
(ear Sir:
Among it's other activities the national
pmmittee for mental hygiene is cooper
ing with the United States Public Health
crvice and the American Red Cross in
blowing up the three thousand cases
hich We're sent to Base Hospital III, A.
F., during the war. These men are all
ises OF what Is known as war neurosis
"shell shock" They are now back home.
any Of them having been discharged
ithout receiving any disability. As a,
foup, they prefer employment to any
prt of governmental compensation.
In reply to letters which we are send-
ug them we find that they are having
ficulty in readjustng themselves to
cir old civilian occupations. If their for
ctories or mills where there is consid-
able noise, the men now simply cannot
turn to it successfully. They become
eak and tired, are easily unnerved and,
the whole, suffer great hardshps Many
them, because of their war experiences.
e unable TO support themselves I'm their
rmer occupations. These men are in
sense insane nor even queer" but
nply tired out, almost permanently tired
t. They are writing daily asking If they
II find outdoor work. such as oversee
3. inspecting, light farming, driving and
like
am writing to inquire if there are any
Enjoyment agencies in your State which
build be interested in finding work for
csc men. 1t is, of course. rather an i'm
rtant point to make that the sort of
Prk desired by a man from % to 80 years
whereabouts, implies "A good salary, es-
cially during these days when the cost
living is so high. Further If there be
such organization in your State. does
eir policy include the payment Of rail-
Rd fares and expenses incurred by the
Pn n going to these positions? And
Il. would they be sufficiently interested
ex-soldiers to assist men from other
htes in finding employment in your
hte'
shall greatly appreciate any courtesy
may show me in this matter.
Respectfully yours.
ID. A. THOM,
ychiatrist in Charge of Reconstruction
War Work.
State of Vermont,
Executive Department,
Montpelier, Oct. TO- 1919.
Douglas A. Thorn, Psychiatrst,
charge of Reconstruction War Work,
National Committee for Mental Hy-
giene,
Union Square, New York city.
ar Sir: