The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1921-09-17
AMERICAN LEGION NEWS

Many Kansas ex-service men have
either applied by mail or have gone
in person to take advantage of the
Wyo., by, the department of the in
terror. While the land was opened
on September 9, there will be sixty
days in which ex-service men may
exercise preferential rights over all
other corners. 1t is anticipated that
by September 20 there will be ap-
proximately 5000 ex-service men in
Powell for the drawing.
In view of the fact that the North
western fair will be in progress at that
time, the commander of the Hughes
Pittinger Post No. 26 of the American
Legion has offered to procure billets
in, churches, schools and other public
buildings and halls, providing all ap-
plicants bring their own bedding.
For the drawing at Torrington,
Wyo., the chamber of commerce of
Scottsbluff, Neb., has offered to aid
the ex-service men in finding billets
and filling out all necessary papers.
Everything possible is being done by
the people of Wyoming and Nebraska,
as they realize that most of the vet
very desirable citizens after settling
on their new claims.
"Have you Joined the Legion?" If
not, do it nowi"
Thus writes Dr. F. A. Cogswell of
Leona, Kan, in a letter addressed to
department headquarters of h e
American Legion. The doctor is the
father of a Legionaire and one of the
best friends of the Kansas ex-service
men.
From the standpoint of self inter-
oct hn &c ~ to-
for you-s5OO to 500 worth of COM
pensation money very likely-and
you're not Stacker enough to stay out
and let your Legion buddies do all
the pushing while you sit back and
enjoy the benefits. Then think of the
good times at post meetings. But all
this self interest is small compared
to the big work the Legion is doing
Tor present and future national well
fare. 1t is already modestly but
wisely and firmly tackling our big ma
tiona1 problems. A few days ago I
senator say. The hope of our coun-
try's future lies with the ex-serv.ce
men. Join the Legion, unite your
forces. read every word in the Legion
Weekly and get into the camel ;"
This expression of opinion on the
part of those not directly connected
with the American Legion is typical
of messages constantly being received
at department headquarters. With
only one American out of twenty ELI
gible to join the Legion, the other
nineteen arevery generous with their
admission that the privilege is a rich
and coveted one.
The bodies of thousands of Annerf-
can soldiers killed during the world
war and returned from overseas are
occupying unmarked graves in thfs
country with n
the condition. according to reports of
the national legislative committee and
service division of the American
Legion here.
Hundreds of letter from gold star
parents reciting the, governments fail
ure to furnish gravemarkers as prom
ised and as required have been re-
ceived by the legion organizations
Congress, however, has failed to ap-
propriate sufficient funds to carry out
the law which provides uniform gov
eminent headstones for the countrv's
military and naval dead
TT has been months and months
since we wrote the quartermaster gen.
eral of the army asking for q govern
ment stone for our boys grave; we
have had no reply" is the tenor of
the letters. Between fifteen and
reposing in the files of the cemeterial
division Of the quartermaster generals
office. with an average of 100 Of them
coming in daily.
Funds available for the purchase of
the required marble headstones per-
init the ordering by the war depart
ment of about 5000 which, even when
they are ready. will take care of less
than one-tenth of the graves in this
country. The legion's legislative com
mittee announces its intention of
pressing the military affairs commit
tees of both houses of congress for suf-
ficient appropriations to mark all
graves as soon as the body reconvenes
the last of this month
Mime. Curie's gran Of radium has the
bulk OF a peanut.