Deming graphic. (Deming, N.M.) 1903-1948, 1920-04-27
LEGION SEEKS DEFINITION OF
THE TERM "AsfERICANISM'

Members OF the American Legion
throughout thee ountry have been cal
led upon by Arthur Woods, chairman
II the National Americanism Commits
sion of the American Legion, to sub
nit u definition OF "Americanism.'
"In order TO be strong and help
full as possible, this definition should
embody the ideas OF a broad and rep
group Of members to Of the
Legion" said Mr.. Woods. IAN effort
On the part OF our million members 10
define the term 100 per cent Ameri-
can would greatly help in adopting
such n definition.
AT the recent meeting Of the com,
mission in indianapolis II was decided
that the commission should try 10 de-
fine the term 81 as TO makec lear both !,
to members Of the Legion and to others
exactly what it Is that the American
Legion has pledged itself to defend and
support. We feel that great deal OF
good might be accomplished generally
IL we can adopt q definition Of this
term.
"The Americanism work OF the com
mission as well as that Of the Legion !
posts in many places has been carried
ON nose effectively. One post has Sc
cured the active cooperation of the 10
cal labor unions In the Americanism
work being undertaken by the Legion.
BY outlining to the labor leaders the
Legions American program not only
was their active support secured but n
better understanding of each other re-
suited among members of the two or
CARNATIONS, who found that they were
working in entire accord. Another post
has effected an organization of most
OF the patriotic men and women of
the community as n sort Of auxiliary
to the Legion In its Americanism work.
Persons familiar with conditions tell
MS that one OF the greatest American
ism problems exists in thes mall mining
are congregatcd In order to learn
how conditions can he improved, it Is
necessary to make careful study Of
these town, and no organization Is bet
ter able to do this than the American
Legion.
The commission has sent out ques-
tiOnnires 10 posts in the mining towns
and where no posts exists some eX-scr-
vice men will be asked to help sup
ply the information. Among the ques-
lions asked are the following:
what local organizations are doing
work among the foreign born? In
what ways do they work and with
what success? What opportunitie,
have the foreign born to learn about
America, its opportunities for cduca
ton. learning trades and bettering con
ditions? Does anyone explain to then
the advantages Of becoming natural
p lied citizens? Are there any nigh
schools where adults can learn En-
: glish? What opportunities do the for
eign born have to meet native Amer
leans? Where ~ they meet to ge
acquainted outside Of the job; DO TN
mine owners or the churches provide
any meeting places, such rs communt,
houses or parish halls? What Kim
Of u deal have the foreign born in you
| town had since they have been In Amer
lea? How do they feel about America
| What can be done to give them bet
| ter II they have not received goo
/ one? DO the working and living col
| ditions discriminate against the f"l
] eigner and make him receptive to tn
preachers Of violence? Housing an
Ineighborhood conditions should be Stul
= led before answering the question:
| In what way do you think the Amer
| can Legion can best promote American
| ism work among the foreign born?
| Sand Storm Smile