Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1920-09-30
f. ". GALbRA|TH
new LEGION HEAD
Cincinnati Man Elected Com
mander on Second Ballot-Le-
gion Goes on Record Against
japanese immigration to U. S.

=
Cleveland, Ohio, Sept. 2e-F w. Gal
braith, Jr,, of Cincinnati, was unanimous
ly elected national commander Of the
American Legion here to-day at the clos
ing session OF its second annual conven-
tlon. Galbraith received the majority nee
essary FOR choice on the second ballot his
closest opponents being IIanford McNder
Of Iowa and J. w. r. Herbert of Massa-
chusetts. Upon motion of McNider, sec
onded by Herbert the selection Of Gal
braith then was declared unanimous
passing of a resolution which puts
the American Legion on record as being
In favor O. the rigorous exclusion of Jap
anesa as immigrants, cancellation Of the
so-called "gentlemen's agreement" with
Jaran, the exclusion of picture brides
and the dec sion Of t-e convention to con-
tinue it's policy of "stric. neutrality" in
regard to political questions were the pre-
dominating questions acted upon.
DEBATE ON JAPANESE QUESTION.
The resolutions relating to the Japanese
quest on was adopted as read but 1t ere
ated the stormiest debate of the session.
arms and mis- assistants to quell the dele
gates several times. The strongest oppo-
stion came from New York ana it was not
until motion for vote was called for
that debate was shut off.
On recommendation of tire Amer
icanization committee the convention
voted that the National Americanisn1
commission be adequately financed.
, that Its activities be concentrated on
a nation wide. educational Ameri-
canization and pro-Ar1erican work
and propaganda, adequately finances
and that it's office be moved from New
York to legion headquarters at In
dianapolis.
SOME RECOMMENDATIONS
Other outstanding features of the re-
port adopted by the convention were:
Urging congressional study Of
labor needs of Hawaii in view of the
need for adequate supply with Jap
anese immigration cut off
Commencing the work Of the de-
partment Of Hawaii in securing pref
erence for American citizens in en-
ployment and demanding citizen labor
on federal work.
Urging that colleges give entrance
for work in American history and
civil government and that these sub
jects be taught in elementary and
high schools and required for grad
uation.
Urging legion posts to see that all
members of the legion qualify for >and
exercise the right of suffrage.
Favoring many Americanism activities
including work for and among imni-
grants for school children and among
aliens within the United States.
TO KEEP OUT OF POLITICS
The fight during the afternoon came
on the question of political restriction.
When the committee on constitutional
amendments made it's report, 1t sug-
gested a few amendments TO certain
articles Of the constitution, the 0~'Nci-
pal one being that no person shall be
eligible for reelection to the othce of
national commander or national vice
commander. It did not mention politics.
However, as explained by Chairman
Eric Fisher Wood, Pennsylvania, be ause
of the discussion on the question of
political restrictions. II was decided by
the committee as a whole that a majority
report and a minority report should be
presented. The report of the majority.
which carried 80 to in committee, recon-
mended that the legion through its or
ganization has the right under its char
ter and constitution to ascertain for the
information of its members the attitude
of candidates for public Office towards
such policies and principles"
The minority report merely recon-
: mended that the report of the majority
be defeated"
The debate which followed was almost
as stormy as that which followed the
presentation of he japanese question.
a motion for a roll call was finally made
and the vote stood 96S voting against The
majority report; AZ voting for it, 5 not
voting. AS the matter stands, the leg on
will pursue its past attitude in reEa I'd
to political restrictions-"strict neutral
ity"
OTHER REPORTS ADOPTED
Other reports adopted were those on
disabled soldiers and Insurance. depart
mental organization; publicity. The pub
licity report asked the co-opera ton OF the
press In not featuring as class the name
of ex-service men in connection with
crime.
a message of "affectionate gratitude,
; best regards and admiration" was re-
, ceived from The mayor of Chateau
Thierry. The message was answered
by the national commander
, The convention was addressed by Ma.
, jor Humber Isaac, vice-president Union
, Nationale Des Combattauts and Captain
Z. De Senechal president Comrades peS
, Combats, the organizations of France
which corresponds TO the American Le-
, gion.
James A. Flaherty, Supreme Grand
Knight of the Knights of Columbus
presented to the legion in the name Of
the mayor of Chateau Thierry 3oo'
= pound stone, properly engraved,
Thomas ]. Goldingay Newark, y, J,
was among the vice commanders
, elected
John W. Inzer, of Montgomery, Ala,
was elected national chaplain, afte,
which the convention adjourned.