The spectator., 1920-07-23
DUTY OF EX-SERVICE BOYS
Law and Order, Says National Adjutant.

For the benefit of the comparatively few isolated communities In which there Is noticeable tendency to give credence to transformation emanating chiefly from the ranks of alien agita- tors and other enemies of 100 per cent Americanism, 1t is deemed advisable to refer to an editorial In the Chren- icie. Cincinnati. O.. official organ of the Ohio Central Labor Council and Local voice of the American Federa- ton of Labor"
 In its Issue of May @, 1920. this publication quotes the preamble to the constitution of the American Legion, and adds:
 ''The above is the preamble to the constitution of the American Legion and to our minds 1t certainly sets forth principle that every true American. whether he be a world war veteran or not, can consistently subscribe to.
 Recently an international offices, re- turning from a state conference to Cincinnati gave vent to the expression that the members of his international union would not be allowed to join the American Legion. This to our mind Is baby play. The attitude of the Amer ican Legion toward organized labor in the state of Ohio. and locally as well. has been clearly defined and has been approved of by the Central Labor council. It is claimed that at least 40 per cent of the boys who went to France and across the water were trade anionistS If this is true, then the proper thing for them to do would he to join the American Legion, and If ever the occasion arose when there would be criticism of the labor movement. they could be of service by explaining our real purposes. thereby eliminating some of the antagonism to us which comes from misunderstand- ing only. There need be no fear by trade unionists of the American Le- zion. We believe they are right and that they are fair, especially their leaders, and as we said above, VIC would recommend to every trade unionist who is eligible to membership that he can best protect his interest and the wage earner by getting In line, and place himself where he properly belongs"
 In this connection, the following ex- cerpts from a recent letter of Frank lin D'Olier, the Legion's national com mander, to Thomas Goldingay. state adjutant of New Jersey, appear ar>- propriate:
 'srhe American Legion has taken a very positive stand that, as an organi zation. it should never take any def nite pe-. in any dispute between the employer and the employee, or between capital and labor. This policy should be adhered to strictly by the national organization, state organizations and by the posts as well.
 ''In any such controversy. the inter- est of the Legion is confined to that of the maintenance of law and order and without taking part on either side. in case the situation should arise where life and property are endangered, 1t is the duty of member of the American Legion to perform his full duty as a citizen, according to his own con- science and his own understanding. Because of his military service. the ex- service man has very keen sense of his responsibility as citizen. and am quite confident that he will always rA alive to this responsibility. There fore, in case of contingency as above outlined. 1t is his duty to assist in the maintenance of law and order by acting as an individual and offering his services to the duly constituted authority for the maintenance of law and order.
 "There Q nothing to prevent the in- AlviduAl uanbses ef the American L.