Keowee courier. [volume] (Pickens Court House, S.C.) 1849-current, 1920-04-14
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!. THE AMERICAN LEGION. j.

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April 9th, 1920, was the third an
niversary OF the entrance Of the Uni
ted States into the great World War.
4 Three years ago the young. men Of
the nation were called uponS'to make
their first sacrifice upon the affairs
Of patriotism. All those who had the
"amor patriae" in their hearts re-
sponded nobly to the call. Their ac-
COMPLIMENTS in the great war are
now a part Of history. These same
young men are 10 banded together
to carry on the duties of peace with
the same high ideals and the same
efficiency with which they carried on
the duties Of war.
Thus 1t was that April 9Th, 1920,
found the members of the Oconee
Post Of the American Legion assem-
bled to discuss ways and means Of
furthering their own interests and
those Of their country.
There was q large attendance of
,~Legionnaires al this meeting, and
many important matters were taken
up for consideration. Chief among
these was the Inauguration Of a cam
paign to increase the membership Of
the local post. There are approx
mately twelve hundred ex-service
men in the county, and there should
be approximately that many men be-
longing to the American Legion.
The local post feels sure that all for
mer service men who have their own
interest and the interest of their
county, State and nation at heart
will avail themselves. of the oppor-
tunity Of Joining the Legion.
The American Lagoon ia the On1y
organization of World War veterans
to receive the official recognition of
h United States government by act
of Congress, and its power for good,
both for Its members and for the
nation, cannot be doubted when we
consider that it already has q men,
bership Of over a million.
Another matter Of interest decided
upon at this meeting was a plan to
have a banquet in the Legion hall
on or about the 7th Of May. Baylis
w. Harrison, Clyde Brown and Guy
Cox were appointed to arrange for
the banquet. Tickets will be sold to
members Of the Legion, for them
selves and friends, at rs cents per
plate.
One of the most interesting events
Of the meeting was an interview with
Supervisor e. N. Foster. Mr.. Foster
{. had taken exception to, an article on
the chain gang, appearing in the
county paper owe the signature of
the American Legion. This article
was written by the commander of
the local post at the instigation of
many members of the Legion, as we'll
as numerous citizens throughout the
county. Mr.. Foster doubted the u D
port Of the Legion members in en-
dorsement Of Mr.. Hughs's article.
Mr.. Hughs very considerably va
Gated the chair for Mr.. Foster to
place his complaint, the vice COM
mander taking the chair. In answer
to-Mr. Foster numerous statements,
all backed up by absolute proof, were
made by members Of the Legion as
to the management Cor rather what
pts considered mismanagement)' Of
the chain gang, and the condition Of
the roads. A resolution supporting
: Mr.. Hughs's right to write the arti-
Gle under discussion, and assuming
full authority and responsibility for
the same, was unanimously adopted.
1t Is to be regretted that there was
some i'll feeling created in the dis
cussion Of this smatter. But in JUS
tice to those members Of the Legion
guilty Of this in~discretion it must
be admitted that they were greatly
provoked by the. bitter (and often
insulting) replies made by Mr.. Eos
ter to questions asked him.
However, as proof that the Legion
was sincere and fair In it's efforts to
bring about better roads for Oconee,
a resolution was adopted, depending
upon the acceptance of Mr.. Foster,)
pledging the cooperation Of the Lee
gion with Mr.. Foster in an effort to
secure better roads for Oconee, this
to be accomplished by keeping Mr..
Foster informed as to the condition
of the roads throughout the county,
and by Offering suggestions for keep
ing them up.
Mr.. Foster expressed his willing
ness to accept the resolution of the
Legion. 1t is now up to the members
of the Legion to help Mr.. Foster in
his difficult task, and likewise it is
up, to Mr.. Foster to use the aid of
the Legion and try to better the con-
dition OF the public roads and to
make the chain gang what it Is in
tended to be-a place of punishment
instead Of a lazy mans refuge.
. A. D. Harkins,
,, Post Adjutant.