Evening star., 1920-02-29

per mile heretofore enjoyed by men
on furlough will be revoked. and
this is causing serious concern at
Walter Reed Hospital and other
places where service men are being
held for treatment.
The question Of paying full fare is
a serious one to many convalescent
soldiers whose condition has allowed
their homes, and several members of
Congress have promised to give the
matter their immediate attention,
with view to passing legislation
continuing the low fare in such in
stances. A reduced rate has been ex-
tended to discharged soldiers going
home, which will be made imperative
with the passing of government con-
troll of the roads. but this situation
is not so acute as that of the partly
disabled men.
The current issue Of the Come Back.
published by the Walter Reed pa
tients, says in this regard:
There are at present a total OF ap-
proximateiy Is. 900 men in Army hos
pitfalls throughout the country. This is
the number of men who, in addition
to those under treatment in the
Navy's hospitals. will be deprived OF
the furlough rate under the provi-
sions Of the railroad bill and Tor
whose benefit the movement is no"
being launched which will enable
them to visit their homes with the
same frequency as is now possible
by reason of the low rates OF trans
portation which are now placed at
their disposal"
Surgeon General Ireland's Comment.
Replying to the mother of a wound
ed soldier who asked that something
he done TO prevent this blow from
falling on those who already have
suffered so much" Surgeon General
Ireland of the Army recently wrote:
Il will say that the discontinuance
of this privilege of the wounded men
is brought about by action over which
have no control. 1t is a congress
sional matter entirely.
IT admit that the possibility of the
curtailment Of this privilege might
prove a serious blow to the morale of
the wounded men undergoing treat
ment in Army hospitals, and possibly
in some cases .retard the recovery of
those men. I can assure you that this
department will do everything. and
has done everything possible in the
past, in the care and treatment of the
wounded men while they are in
charge OF the medical department in
Army hospitals"
Department Chatfmen to Meet.
,Chairmen of all standing depart
mental committees of the District of
Columbia American Legion will meet
with Department Commander e. Les
ter Jones at legion headquarters, S23
18th street. this afternoon at
o'slHk.
charge of the recent circus, held at
Liberty Hut for the benefit of the To-
haan tod
but 1t is understood that substan-
tial sum was raised for the organ
ization here.
Claims Oldest and Youngest Members.
The oldest and the youngest mem
bers of the American Legion in the
District of Columbia are claimed by
George Washington Post of this city.
William n. Williams, who served as a
lieutenant in the war with Germany,
first entered the service of his coun-
try on April 10. 1861, and served in
the Union Army throughout the civil
war. Later he fought trouble-making
Indians in the west and southwest
and in time was retired. On the out
break OF the war with Germany he
was recalled and served until the
armisfice. Mr.. Williams, whose home
is In Chevy Chase. Nd, is now eighty
three years old. but says he is ready
70 serve again II the country calls
8. F. Tillman. who enlisted in the
Army few days after he was fifteen
years old, is the youngest member of
the post. He served for time on
the border under command of Gen.
Pershing and later went overseas
The next meeting of George Wash
ington Post will be held at 91s 10th
street the evening Of March 2, where
a program will be announced for the
celebration of the posts first ami
versary on March Z. The entertain
ment committee Of the post is plan
ming a series of socials with members
Of the U. S. S. Jacob Jones Post at
the latter's clubhouse, 1919 K street.
Veterans OF Foreign Wars Organize.
The District of Columbia central
committee of the Veterans of FOREIGN
wars completed it's organization last
Friday evening and appointed a sub
committee to draft a constitution and
bylaws for the Veterans of Foreign
wars Building Association and to
take out articles of Incorporation
The central committee will push the
task OF financing suitable home for
the order in the District of Columbia,
several sites for which are now under
consideration. The committee also will
have full charge of the local arrange
ments for the national encampment
to be held here next September, and
for that purpose will hold q meeting
with the Washington Chamber Of
Commerce. this week. Senior Vice
Commander-in-C Chief J. ]. Singer and
Past Commander-in-Ch Fred Now
ell are expected to be in Washington
this week in connection with ar
rangements for the encampment
Many Attend Post Dance.
Men who served the flag in many
countries attended the invita- ton