Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1920-12-18


and the spirit of Portland toward the
organization. He recalled that the
first State convention Of the Legion in
Bangor showed posts with men,
bership of 1000. while the last con-
vention in Portland in July showed
116 posts with an enrolment of near
ly 10000. He said that he was in favor
of having large posts take care of sur.
rounding localities, inasmuch as posts
in every little community could not
develop enough interest to keep them
alive. and he said that at least 40
members should be on the roll Of
every one. I'VE must Danish the idea
that the Legion is just formed to bene-
fit its members he said. although of
course we are looking after our mem
bers. and we must go outside of the
post and do actual good for the com
munity." AS to the State bonus he
thought that all who had applied for
the 500 would receive it by New
Years, as the machinery of the adju-
tant generals Office was working at
full capacity to accomplish this.
Speaking Of the Federal bonus, he
said that some of the finest lawyers in
the country were on the Legislative
committee of the Legion now in Wash
ington trying to work out a way for
the bonus. along with the finance
committee of Congress, and he stated
that opposition offered by Senator
Smoot Tuesday was not against the
bonus but was merely a desire to be
shown where the money was coming
from to pay it. This spirit of willing
ness to be shown pervades the Sen.
ate, according to the commander, and
he thought there was splendid chance
Tor passage when financial affairs
were worked out. He declared that
Names two senators, Frederick Hale
and Bert NJ. Fernald, were not op-
posed to the matter. The commander
pointed out that the principal objec-
ton to compensation by opponents of
the scheme was that 80 per cent of ex-
service men would ask for the bonus
provision. but he was of the opinion
that only about so per cent would de-
mapd it. as the rest would prefer
some of the other three plans as offer
ing greater benefits to them.
Commander Greenlaw came out in
favor Of universal military training
saying that he believed not in training
the army, but that every young man
physically fit should be prepared for
time of war. and he thought that mas
much as the National Guard was the
only big army the country would ever
have in time Of peace. that was the
place to get training. Schools and coll
leges should also help to educate the
youth of the country in military tao
tics. The Womens Auxiliary was
praised for it's efforts and results &C.
complished by its work, there being 40
units in Maine at present. American
ism as in the program Of the Legion
was also told Of. and Commander
Greenlaw announced that he had ap-
pointed Robert Hale Of Portland to the
important position Of chairman of the
committee in charge of this work.
State Adjutant Boyle delivered a par
ticularly eloquent speech in which he
made direct appeal for aid Of those
service men now in hospitals through
out the State. stating that they had
been neglected. He declared that the
main idea Of the Legion was not what
the members were to get out Of It, but
what they were going to put in and
that its program was nationwide in
scope of doing good. In regard to
Americanism. Adjutant Boyle came out
strongly in favor OF having school
children taught all rudiments Of Ameri-
can history. so that they would know
and realize the struggles Of the first
years and the reasons behind every |
historical happening. He told OF the
method in use in Waterville by the Lee
gion post there stating that they ,
formed children into sort of scout or
ganization and allowed them use Of |
the hall. with gymnasium fixtures. One !
day in the week there Is lecture on |
American history. and attendance is .
more than $50.
The business meeting which proceed |
ed talks by the guests was featured by !,
the presentation to the post Of set |
of furniture from Walter g. and Clin- /
ton w. Davis valued at $1,000. this be-
ing part Of the estate Of the late 1
Walter G. Davis. ST.. president Of the I
Portland Packing Co. The set includes
large table. a billiard table. leather +
couch. three leather chairs and I'VE
smaller chairs. A vote OF thanks was
extended Messrs. Davis. both members !
Of the post, for this splendid gift. It |
was announced that nearly $1,000 had
been subscribed to the building fund /
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