The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1921-05-03

WELCOME QUIZ
Soldier League Head Slams
Antagonists They
Have Interior Motives.

Criticism Of the National Disabled
Soldiers League last Saturday in the
House Of Representatives by Con-
gresham Royal C. johnson Is an
swered in q statement issued today
by James w. Mellen, national vice
commander Of the organization.
WELCOME INVESTIGATION.
Declaring that some misapprshsn.
sion has arisen In Congress ~ to the
project and activities OF the league.
Commander Mellen makes clear to
both critics and the public that any
investisation OF the organiSation
would be welcomed.
The National Disabled Soldierw
League was conceived primarily tor
the purpose of aiding any and all
members of the national army who
became incapacitated In the servics.~
he declared.
tits signal success In the line OF
achievement since it's inception has
,een sufficiently notable to attract
nationwide attention, but II has also
developed antagonists. who, from ul-
terror motives. sought to destroy. its
usefulness"
According to Mr.. Mellen the lea.,us
has worked solely in the interest of
wounded men in the belief that those
who suffered most should be recon-
pensed first and fully in accordance
with the pre-war promises Of Con-
gress.
1T was at the personal solicitation
OF omcers OF the National Disabled
Soldiers League that President Hard
ing took the first definite step to CO.
ordinate and centralize the work of
al f.f IL - =
appointment of the Dawes commit-
tee" said Mr.. Mellen.
Meilen points out that through tire
leagues legislative committee IT led
the fight to maintain the present
standard of 800 for soldiers in voca-
tional training against the plan to
reduce the compensation to $50 por
month. He states that the league
caused the Investigation OF various
hospitals and Institutions which care
for disabled soldiers as q result Of
which reforms are being Instituted.
MELLEN EXPLAINS POSITION.
ut has been advocated and 10 now
working for preferential Legislation
for the disabled veterans. and IT has
persistentiy opposed a national cash
bonus for all until the needs of the
disabled men have been entirely metz
said Mr.. Meilen. @"It 10 this policy that
has inspired much OF the opposition of
other soldier organisations"
He. states that the league hxs
never asked nor received penny
for any service rendered q disabled
veteran other than the nomination
fee Of 81 for membership, and 1t has
handled more cases for those who
have been unable to pay this sum,
than those who have become active
members. The majority of the ma
tional officers, he states, have not
only given their services gratis, but
have contributed the bulk OF the
money they have received as compen-
sstion from the Government.
The league has never been in poll
ties, he said. and it's sole political ac-
tivity has been to advocate In Con-
gress and in various State IeGisia-
lures measures benenting disabled
veterans.
There has never been the slightest
effort to conceal its finances and the
books are open for investigation to
any duly authorized committee of
Congress for a complete audit" he
said.
The criticism voiced is predicatsd
upon belief that the National Dis
abled Soldiers League should CO.
operate or merge with some Of the
other veteran organizations. To such
criticism through it's accredited OFF,
GERS and personnel the league re-
spends that 1t is engaged In but one
mission-the betterment of the condi-
ton of the disabled veterans. 1t has
not up to date, nor does 1t proposed
to dissipate its energies in social
functions. politics, empty honoys and
impractical effort. while there is q
single thing remaining to be done by
the Government in granting full repa-
ration to those who are suffering"