The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1919-05-08
GUARDSMEN and
.RECUL AIRS CLASH
/. AT LEGION MEET
National Guard Troops Seek
to Control Organization
Service Men.
(By Associated Press)


ST. LOUIS, Mo-, May S.-The
American Legion composed Of men In
the military or naval service of the
government during the war, opened
three-day session here today with more
than a thousand delegates represent
ing practically every state in the union
present. Lieut.. Col Theodore Roose-
welt of New York presided Though
little was accomplished at today's ses-
sions. save the formal opening of the
convention and examination of Gre
dentials Of the delegates, there were
indications that the caucus will not be
an entirely peaceful one.
The sessions of the various temper
ary committees during the past two
days have brought to light many diff
ferences OF opinion. Foremost among
these Is the dissention between the
National guard and the regular army.
An effort is being made on the part
Of national guardsmen to exclude reg
ular army men from the legion, al
though the temporary executive COM
mittee has voted to open the member
ship to all men and women who saw
service in the war. Col Bennett Clark
Of Missouri who few days ago told
the national guard convention here
| that "the regular army must be smash
ed" now is the leader of the forces
fighting for recognition of the regular
army in the legion.
Politics Charge Denied
In addition to the regular army-na.
tional guard affair, many delegates to
day reiterated previous complaints
that the legion would be IAN officers
club and that politics was being play
ed in its organization. These charges
were denied by Lieut.. Col. Roosevelt
temporary chairman, and Col. Clark
temporary vice chairman of the execu
tive committee In opening addresses
today. The proposed rule to limit tht
enlisted men to fifty percent of tn,
membership has been stricken out a
the recommendation of Lieut.. Col
Roosevelt and substitute will be pre-
sented, probably tomorrow.
Another question which was brougn
up today was that Of admitting ne
groes to membership. A group O
southern delegates, headed by Ala
bamians, is lobbying against the ao
mission Of negroes proposing that the
should be allowed to form an auxiliar
organization.
Greed Adopted
The report Of the committee o
creed, which has been adopted by tn
temporary executive committee an
placed before the convention state
that the American legion has the 70
lowing definite purposes:
Ito inculcate the duty and obi
: CATION of citizenship.
: ITO preserve the history and .
cidents OF our participation in thi
war.
3-To cement the ties Of comrad'
ship formed in service.
ito protect, assist and promot
the general welfare OF all soldier
sailors and marines.
, 5-To encourage the maintenance
individual and national efficiency
the end that the American peopl
shall never fail in their obligation I
humanity.
6-To maintain the sacred doctrir
!, Of undivided and uncompromisin
+ loyalty.
/ The caucus will appoint an exec
tive committee to govern the orga
ization until convention can be hel
some time in November, when perm
nent organization will be effected.
; Voting is on the basis of congre
= sional representation of states, eae
state being entitled to twice as mar
, votes as it has congressional repr
sentatiyes.