The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1921-05-12

$50 long as man shall love home
and fireside.
SO long MS man shall remember
the glories and traditions of
America,
So long as man shall have rever.
ence for the old flag.
And the last tottering veteran OF
the great war shall survive the
battle OF the fittest,
SO long will the American Legion
live!"
c. l.. Dawson, member Of the organi-
zation division of the national head
quarters staff of the American Legion,
who addressed members of the Ard
more, Madill Marietta, Sulphur and
other posts at the rooms of the Ard
more Chamber Of Commerce Wednes.'
day night.
Mr.. Dawson spoke in q very able
manner. giving a brief history Of the
organization Of the American Legion,
from the time II was first thought Of
at Paris, France. to the present day.
He stated that the American Legion
was organized for two purposes, chief
Of which IL for service to comrades
and service to country. Chief Of the
service to comrades, he explained, was
to see to II that the wounded and sick
resultant Of the great war, were taken
proper care of. Mr.. Dawson spoke Of
many deplorable conditions which exist
in hospitals throughout the country
.,,L. nnnftpo1
and stated that the legion is now max.
ing every endeavor to have proper leg.
islation enacted which would provide
adequate and sanitary places for treat
ment Of sick and disabled soldiers.
One of the most important bills
which have been passed for the bene'
fit Of the ex-servicc men. said Mr.. Daw'
son, was the Sweet bill. which provid-
ed for proper compensation, ETC., foi
the wounded and sick.
Mr.. Dawson read the preamble OF
the constitution of the American Le-
gion, explaining as he read the mean
ing Of each phrase. ITO uphold and
defend the Constitution of the United
States OF America" read Mr.. Dawson,
ito maintain law and order; to foster
and perpetuate a one hundred per cent
Americanism-all of which was carried
out by members of the legion" Mr.,
Dawson said, when, after several Of
their comrades had been shot down
while parading at Centralia, Washing
ton, on Armistice Day, members OF
the Legion acted as guard for the mur-
derers at time when the citizens
were in arms prepared to lynch the
assailants.
Mr.. Dawson read further, ito pre-
serve the memories and incidents OF
our association in the Great War; to
inculcate sense Of individual obliga.
ton to the community. state and ma
ton; to combat the autocracy Of both
the classes and the masses; to make
right the master Of might; to promote
peace and good will on earth: to safe
guard and transmit to posterity the
principles of justice. freedom and dem
ocracy; to consecrate and sanctify our
comradeship by our devotion and mu-
tual helpfulness."
Mr.. Dawson announced that on the
Saturday preceding Memorial Day
poppies will be sold on streets Of cities
throughout the country and that oi
the proceeds, IS per cent will 20 Ia
the support OF French war orphans
The poppies, explained Mr.. Dawson
come from the Franco-American So
ciety, Of France.
That as many delegates as will be
able to attend go to the national con
vention OF the American Legion al
Kansas City. Mo-, on October 30, 81
and November 1, was the plea OF Mr
Dawson, who stated that 1t may b'
ten years before another convention
might be held In this section OF the
country.
Mr.. Dawson spoke Of n fraternif,
connected with the American Legion
known as the 80 hommes. Chaveaux
which he claimed would be the life
OF the convention this year. The fra
ternity. said Mr.. Dawson. Is the play
ground OF the legion. Members II The
go hommes. s Chaveaux," who reside
In Philadelphia, will make the trip tt
Kansas City In box cars.
Mr.. Dawson was introduced by STATE