The courier-index., 1921-02-11
American Legion News


 The people of the United States are in sympathy with efforts of vet erans to obtain the passage of the Fordney bonus bill, according to Lemuel Bolles, National Adjutant of the American Legion, who bases his opinion on reports from North Dakota, Oregon, Minnesota, Illinois, and other states. The legislatures of the first three states have passed reslutions urging the United States Senate to pass the bill and plebls- cite of Legion members in illinois showed an overwhelming sentiment in favor of the national bonus. Ninety-nine per cent of the Illinois Legionaires also expressed them selves in favor of a state bonus.
 In spite of the unemployment situation, which tends to increase the need of veterans for ready mon- ey, forty-six per cent of the Illinois Legion members preferred some form of compensation other than cash.
 The American Legion reached the ten thousand post mark January 10, when Foss Post of Foss, Oklahoma, was chartered in a membership cam paign. A total of 10,144 posts was achieved the week ending January 21, which registered gain of 20 posts. The departments of Illinois and Indiana led the lists the last two weeks. Extensive activity Tn establishing new posts is indicated from southern departments of the Legion. Georgia is in the midst of a strenuous campaign; Louisiana seeks 10000 members before the next state convention and Florida will start a drive for members soon.
 Scores of letters have been receiv- ed by the editor of the American Legion Weekly urging that the American Legion request the state department to obtain the release of the two Americans, who were cap tured in Germany during an attempt to arrest Grover Cleveland Berg doll, Americas most notorious draft dodger
 Ninety new units of the Women's Auxiliary of the American Legion were chartered in the last two weeks raising the total number to 1,823. Iowa led with thirteen, followed by Indiana. eleven, New York, ten, and Minnesota, nine. The latest sched- uled convention of the Auxiliary will be held in the Department of Wash ington at Tacoma, February IT, Is and 19. This will be the tenth state convention of the women's or ganization.
 American Legion members in Lawrence, Mass, stood behind eleven veterans, employees of the depart ment of public property and parks, who were dismissed by a newly elected commissioner The issue raised probably will test the validity of the Massachusetts Act giving civil service preference to veterans in the courts. The commissioner was fore ed to apologize for disparaging re- marks about ex-service men.
 Alabama American Legion mem bers are willing to resume 0. D. to effect the release of Captain Elm nett Kilpatrick a Red Cross worker held prisoner by the Bolsheviki in Russia, according to a resolution passed by the Legion's state exc cutive committee. The resolution, which was sent to President Wilson, demands that Captain Fitzpatrick, an Alabaman, be set free "even though it takes an army of ten million of us to do it."
 Fifty men have agreed to join a proposed aero unit of the Indiana National Guard at meeting or Wabash, Ind, Post of the American Legion. The Legionnaires hope to practice with ten airplanes soon.
 A new clubhouse, patterned af- ter the style of military barracks or armory will be constructed by Homer Jl Ball Post of the American Legion at Emperia, Kas. It will cost $1O,000.
 New York ex-service men who have been "bled" by loan sharks will be protected, if a state legis- lature bill backed by the American Legion is passed. Legion officials charge that sharks lend money to veterans on their discharge certifi- eates at. exorbitant rates of interest In the expectation of receiving their Principal when the state bonus IS paid. The bill supported by the Legion would make it illegal for any bonus to be assigned to other than the soldier himself with the