The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1920-11-07

further action. The legion has not
rejected the action of the posts in
Georgia and Oklahoma. but it has
reaffirmed with more force than ever
before its determination to be above
the slightest suspicion Of taking part
in party politics.
AT the national convention the ma
jority report of the committee on con-
stitutional amendments. and 1t was
committee, contained resolution
favoring the interpreting of the con-
stitution to permit the inquiring OF
political candidates by questionnaires
as to their views on matters OF in
terest to the legion. The convention,
however, in q most convincing man
ner rejected, by unanimous vote, this
majority report and adopted the min
ority report which opposed changing
the constitution in any way or any
interpretative resolution. Exactly what
does this mean?
There has been n very great ten
dency to confuse political education
with political action and public af-
fairs with politics, in its narrow
meaning as it is generally construed.
The national convention through its
vote prevents the legion from ever
becoming involved in political action
but it does not in any way prohibit
the political education of the members.
Its action keeps the legion out OF
politics but does not prevent an active
interest, on non-partisan basis, in
affairs of public interest. 1t Is the
primary duty Of every legionnaire
as of every citizen, to be at all times
correctly and fully informed on every
matter pertaining to the stability
try. ~
The American Legion should be
and | believe sincerely that it is. the
greatest organization in the world to-
day for training in good CITIZENSHIP
and for teaching good government
and / am unable to find anything in
the constitution nor in the action OF
our last national convention to hinder
or limit this function in any way.
From the members of the smallest
post in the most remote part of our
country to the members of the larg'
est post in the most densely popu
lated city it is the duty Of ever!
legionnaire TO be fully and completely
informed as to the qualifications ant
worthiness Of the men who seek pub
lie office whether it be that of county
clerk, governor or senator There
is nothing to prevent legionnaire!
from being so informed and there is
nothing to prevent them, as individ
uals from taking a most active ant
intelligent interest in the politica
affairs of their community, state OF
nation. 1t is their duty to do so ant
membership in the legion virtually re
quires their participation in civic ac
tivities.
National Commander Galbraith ha!
stated that as long as he is nationa
commander Of the legion the spiri
and letter Of the non-political clause
in the constitution will be observed
every minute. AS department com
mander of the Oklahoma department
being subordinate to the national com
mander, I will see that his policies
are carried out literally in every man
ner. No legion post will be permitted
to support any candidate for public
office or be allowed to bring the name
of the legion into politics.
The members Of every post in this
state will be expected to find ou
the fitness of every candidate for of
flee. Is he 100 per cent Americani