davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
New-York tribune., 1922-06-11
Weekly Reports Show Gains
OF Legion in n. Y. Counties

State headquarters OF the American
Legion now sends weekly 10 all county
ofheers throughout the state list Of
the counties, showing their member
snip IN 1921 and the present member.
ship for 1922. The counties are ar
Hanged according TO their percentage
OF 1922 members compared TO 1921
members.
Tho list for June shows Cayuga
County in the lead. with A percentages
Of lao, while Tompkins County. for.
merly in the lead, ranks second with
l-S4. Washington County is third and
Seneca County is fourth. both counties
having passed the 1921 mark already.
Considerable rivalry is being caused
By the desire OF number OF counties
10 20 70 the state convention In Syra-
cue with the highest percentages Of
membership.
New-York tribune., 1922-06-11

and in this manner has become known
20 the Legionnaires as "Bill' Deegan.
Bill" Dcegan is a good fighter. He
has faced big odds in some tasks IA
voring disabled men and has always
pulled through successfully. He did
not care for praise or for personal
gain, but he did care for the disabled
veterans He placed their welfare
above everything else in the Legion.
Even during his administration as
county commander Of the Bronx he
fought for their benefit He believes
that no Legion leader representing the
ox-servicc men should hold public Of
fec. because he feels that no man can
serve two masters.
On ono occasion Commander Deegan
made a personal visit to the tubercular
men az Liberty He had heard that
the government intended 10 transfer
these men to Fox Hills They protest
Cd lie assured them that the Legion
would stand behind them. and within
n few hours the order was rescinded.
This is typical OF "Bill Doogan.' and
those who are anxious 10 see him as
national commander have several
staunch supporters in New York State.
New-York tribune., 1922-06-11
Two Ex-SOldier
Suicides a Day,
Legion Reveals
Almost Always Veterans of
Battle Lines i'm France
Who Have Been Dismissed
by Army Doctors as Well
Help for Mental Cases
New Hospitals and Exten-
sion of War Injury Limit
TO Aid Worst Sufferers

The worst casualties suffered by
American soldiers during the World war
arc just beginning to show themselves.
, Troops wounded on the battlehelds are
lucky compared with the greatly in
creased casualties Of to-day. according
TO c. ]. Harris. an official of the
American Legion's national headquar-
ters in indianapolis. in charge Of eS-
soldier claims against the government
There is an average Of two ex-soldier
suicides n day, Mr.. Harris declares fol-
lowing a study Of reports. These men,
Mr. Harris finds, almost without excep-
ton we're in the battle lines in France.
These soldiers. the Legion official con-
tends, were discharged by army doc
tors as normal. Since the war how
ever. these sufferers, struggling for
living. have undergone mental anguish
that their war-rackod nerves could not
withstand.
Two Methods OF Relief
There arc two ways in which the
Legion hopes 10 minister 10 these men,
tai cases and to prevent their increase,
Mr. Harris points out. The Langly bill,
now law. provides Sl7,0000OO for the
construction Of new hospitals. The
larger portion Of this money Is TO be
spent in creating facilities for treat
ing the ncuro-psychiatrics, mental pa
tients. The Legion is also preparing
20 petition Congress TO liberallze the
present Sweet bill. This bill now
makes il impossible for an cx-soldier
20 obtain government treatment TOT
war injuries which appear more than
two years after discharge from service.
The Legion contends that II might
easily be FIVE years after discharge be-
fore injurious physical and mental ell
fects of his service would appear.
Mr.. Harris further charges that the
United States Veterans Bureau, IN
charge Of tie treatment and rehabilita-
tion Of the Worlds War disabled, is in
error concerning the gravity OF the
neuro-psychiatric sufferers. A recent
veterans bureau report shows that the
bureaus total capacity for treatment
Of neuro-psychiatric cases is 6,O99
beds. Mr.. Harris says he has reports
each OF the bureaus fourteen regional
districts 70 show that in four o. the
Il, rteen districts alone there are 24,5O6
mental cases on record. These four
districts include West Virginia, Dis
trict o. Columbia, Virginia, Tennessee,
North Carolina, South Carolina, Mary
land, Florida. Georgia. Nebraska, Iowa,
Kansas. Missouri, Washington. Oregon
and Idaho. OF the number 2,l19 are
being treated in government hospitals
and 995 in contract institutions.
Bureau Finds 4,62s Patients
The veterans bureau reports but
1923 service men in the entire United
States undergoing treatment for men
tai disorder in government institutions.
The Legion is asking the eo-opera-
tion Of the public in its efforts properly
to protect post-bellum shell-sh /ck
cases Mr.. Harris says that friends
and relatives should be quick TO report
an ex-soldier who shows signs OF men
tai disorder and 10 induce him TO sub
nit to an examination and treatment.
New-York tribune., 1922-06-11
RYAN Succeeds Skinner

Bernard Ryan. OF Syracuse. has been
named to succeed Theodore II. Skinner.
Of Kenwood. as chairman Of the state
athletic committee. Mr.. Skinner finding
il necessary 10 resign because Of his
heavy work as chairman Of the 5th
District. Mr.. Ryan has established
headquarters at 327 Montgomery Street,
Syracuse. and invites correspondence
from al lpost and county officers Of the
legion relative TO the gigantic athletic
meet 70 be held by the legion in the
Arehbold Stadium Of Syracuse Uni
versity, on Friday afternoon, September
%
New-York tribune., 1922-06-11
Deegan TO See Harding
On Needs of Suffering
Senator Wadsworth, Col. Wick
ersham and Col. Day Also at
White House on FRIDAY

Stdte Commander William F. Dee
gan. accompanied by Senator Wads-
worth. Colonel c. w. Wickersham and
Colonel Z. Garnett Day, will visit Pres
ident Harding at the White House
Friday. The visit has been arranged
so that the delegation may provide the
President with first hand information
on the care and treatment Of disabled
and tubercular men in this state.
Commander Deegan, who has worked
untiringly in behalf Of the disabled
veterans Of the state, will not only
discuss the treatment Of the disabled,
but will dwell on the insane and re-
habilitation and on the United States
Veterans Bureau. When he first took
Office Commander Deegan outlined
program to be pursued in behalf of
the disabled, and IL Is in keeping with
this plan that the visit has been ar
ranged.
Colonel Wiekersham has given much
of his time 10 the study OF the situa-
tion as II pertains to the disabled vet
Grams, and Colonel Day is district
chairman Of the hospitaiization COM
mittee. The three Legionnaires have
prepared a large amount Of data, and
they expect to have favorable reports
70 bring back.
New-York tribune., 1922-06-11
Col. Roosevelt
Heads Legion's
State Reunion
Commander Deegan Issues
Call TO the Veterans TO
Bivouac at Syracuse Dur
ing Convention i'm Sept.
Pres. Expected to Speak
General Pershing and Admi.
raj Sims to Lead Parade;
Athletic Meet Is Planned

Every ex-service man and woman In
tho state was invited yesterday by
William F. Deegsn. state commander
Of the American Legion, 20 attend a
gigantic reunion 10 be held simultane-
ously with the American Legion state
convention in Syracuse. September 2l
% and %. This invitation was issued
through the American Legion posts IN
New York State. Not only are all Le-
gionaires invited, but also any man
who wore the uniform Of the army,
navy and Marine Corps.
Colonel Theodore Roosevelt Assist
ant Secretary Of the Navy has been
appointed chairman Of the state re-
union committee.
"This gathering will be the first real
reunion Of all the ox-seryice men OF
the state" commander Deegan said.
1--WE plan 20 have during the three
days AZ Syracuse a grand parade led
bv General Pershing and Admiral sims,
and on one Of the days 20 have Presi-
dent Harding make US speech.
THE afternoon Of the second day will
be devoted 10 amateur athletics, and
all Of the New York divisions, 27th,
77th, 18th, etc, will be asked 70 send
competing teams. We arc all TO nave
a grand. good time and the entertain
ment committee Of the city OF Syra.
cuse has promised 10 take care OF an
Of US. IL necessary on hunks in the
State Fair Ground buildings CT IN tents
loaned By the National Guard"
Roosevelt Urges Attendance
"This reunion idea Is one which
should appeal 10 all OF US who were IN
tho service" Colonel Roosevelt said.
ave intend 20 get a lot OF good fellows
together. forget all about the serious
side ~ life for three days and have
inst n bully good time. Each veteran
sbould come. FOR he will meet there
lot OF old friends whom he hasn't seen
since the war"
The 1922 reunion committee Is com
nosed OF Charles G. Blakeslee, Bing-
bamton; Thomas F. Ward ir, New
York: j. A. S. Mundy, New York, J.
Noble Braden. New York; Brigadier
General Robert Alexander, Camp Lewis,
Washington: J. VI. Wainwright, Wash
ington. ID. c.; J. Leslie Kineaid. Albany;
John b. Marsh. New York; Chester u.
Fuller. Syracuse; Merrill +, Gates, New
York: Wade II Hays. New York; G. W.
New YORK. klehard DeioS'
New York.
VIM. J. Donovan, Buffalo; II. A, Her
rick. New York: Harold r. Schwab'
New York; Henry Buxton. New York;
Major General John +. Organ, New
York; Charles Hahn, New York. Col
onel William c. Hayward. New York;
W. R. Pooley. Buffalo; Sidney Gum
pcrtz. New York. Thomas J. Brady,
New York: John J. Bennett ir, New
York; Bert Briggs, jamestown.
Thomas a. Turner, Amsterdam;
Robert c. Booth. Plattsburg; Frank G.
Hines, New York; James Blackwell,
Sew York; General George 4. wingate'
New York; Dr.. J. W. Harrington,
Poughkeepsie; Ogden Mills. New
York; and George II. Harris, New
York.
George S. Wheat. West Thirty
fourth Street. is secretary Of the COM
mittee and any information concerning
II may be obtained from him, Comman-
der Deegan said.
New-York tribune., 1922-06-11
National Legion Notes

Of Eden post American Legionaires
IN Turkey now number PIG
When Stilwell. Okla. was struck Nv
a black smallpox epidemic, a guard Of
leo American Legion men kept the
town quarantined by guarding all roads
and railroads day and night for three
weeks.
The first building built by Uncle
sam at Fort Wrangell. Alaska. when
mat country was first occupied by the
united states in 1867. has been re-
modeled and presented 20 the Alaska
American Legion as a clubhouse.
All nuts are not 10 be fostered. but
IN order that the pecan nut may con-
tinue 70 be one Of Texass foremost
products. the American Legion Of the
state has pledged itself TO plant groves
Of nut trees. see that they are properly
transplanted and care for them when
they are developed.
While waiting with his outfit 70 be
called up 10 the froR in 1918. a Pea
body, Mass. soldier fell out Of a hay
loft and suffered permanent injuries 20
his back. He has just now obtained
government compensation, however.
following the American Legion's direct
appeal to President Harding.
Despite the fact that New Orleans.
La. has been chosen as its 1922 con-
vention city, the American Legion has
received a 100000 offer from Kansas
City, Mo, which would be host TO the
ex-soldiers this year as IL was in 1921.
The offer followed questions by the
New Orleans chamber Of commerce, in
quiring Of Kansas City IL the service
mems gathering was commercial
asset.
New-York tribune., 1922-06-11
40 Farmers OH One
Tract Represent All
Big Battles of War
Some One of Disabled Vet.
eran Students RecIaiming
? SEQ tcrcs FoJ2hl ir
Each Engagement of L. S.

MGRATH. MINI, June l0.--Every
major engagement Of the American Ex-
peditionary Forces in the World War
is represented by forty-six former
fighters, who. disabled apd receiving
government training. are engaged in
retaining a tract Of $500 acres Of
land enar here, title to which has been
placed in the veterans names.
II is the first project OF its kind in
the states. The tract has been plotted
into forty and eighty acre farms. II
has been suggested that the sites be
named after some OF the important
battle scenes OF the war. such as
Chateau Thirty, Belleau Woods. St.
Mihicl. tho Argonne and others. How
ever, some fighters object that their
various wounds and ailments are suf-
ficicnt reminders Of their experiences
The men settled here late in April,
coming from the University Of Mime
sofa agricultural school, where they
were studying under government su-
pervision. In fact they still are being
paid for vocational training. as their
courses stipulate that a certain period
be devoted TO practical application Of
their schooling.
The men, some Of whom have fam
lilies, are being housed in large COM
munity buildings until separate houses
can be built. II is planned 90 build a
school, store and church on the prop
orty when the farmers become settled.
When the tract had been plotted the
veterans were groupd in units 20 begin
clearing the land. The units work on
each mans farm one week.
The new farmers present a unique
assembly Of all nationalities. Some
were gassed, others shell-shocked.
others wounded by bullets. Then
is "Frenchy," who had a bayonet
thrust through his stomach. but is
now clearing land and looking bright
ly toward the future.
New-York tribune., 1922-06-11
State Legion Annual"
Is Ready for the Press
Copies of Year Book Will Be
Distributed TO Posts; Adver.
fisiuU Coyara Co.,.

The Legion Annual" the year book
OF the Legion in this state, will 20 TO
press within a few days. Copies bound
in blue and gold will be distributed 10
each post within the states as we'll a. TO
other posts. The book contains an ac.
count Of the years achievements, A his
tory Of the state commanders work.
full reports on the state disqualification
committees endeavors. an account Of
all laws passed Of interest 10 ex-sery-
ice men, articles on the service division.
the veterans mountain camp, the recep.
tion given the bodies Of the dead re-
turned from overseas. the Foch recep-
tion and many other stories DEALING
with the work Of the veterans bureau
and ex-service mems organizations. The
cost Of the book has been covered by
advertising.
Sydney G. Cumpertz, Of the S. Rankin
Drew Post, is editor Of the year book
and the publication committee com.
prises William F. Deegan, Robert NJ
Watkins, Hugh W. Robertson, Francis
K. Stoddsrd jr. and Corneltps W. Wick
ersham.
New-York tribune., 1922-06-11

National Commander Hanford Mac
Nider has designated July l as MEM
bership Day" To carry on the Le-
gion's comprehensive program for the
relief Of service men during the sum-
ner Commander MacNider has urged
united front and an all-inclusive mem
bership. By midnight Of July ! the
Legion chief has requested each post
shall have increased It's membership
by at least 20 per cent.
The absence Of the old pre-Volstead
corkscrew is not noted IN Frisco.
Jimmie FleXner. Of the American Le-
Cior Of San Francisco, couldn't find one
Of them when he wanted 10 open a bot
tie. He took a ife and al distance Of
] 1000 feet shot out the cork IN one try.
He now challenges the Pacific Coast.
The War Department has just writ
ten former Sergeant Jesse Kanady.
Falls City. Neb.. that he owes his
Uncle Sam 50. The w. d. alleges that
somebody overpaid kanaday - on
some pay day some time in the army.
In appealing 20 the American Legion
for advice the sergeant declares his
ueual Eooa HtHDAs A"tAo .'"'f %" ~
cannot recall ever having been over
paid while in the army.
One plank in the platform adopted
by the Republican State Convention Of
Indiana declares that I'VE acknowledge
our Indebtedness and gratitude 70 the
veterans Of all wars" and that I'VE
favor Federal adjusted compensation
for World War veterans"
Fifteen ex-soldiers have formed n
post Of the American Legion exactly
on a spot in Harpoot, Asia Minor, they
say. where Adam and Eve first kept
house. The unit was csYed the Garden
New-York tribune., 1922-06-11
Legion Discusses Men to Head
State and National Bodies
Commander Deegan, of New York, Frequently Men
toned for Highest Post; Conventions 10 be Held
During August, September and October
By Waiter J. Fenton
American Legion Editor

RoUGHoUT the entire country Legonnaries are discussing con-
posts Of the various counties are interested IN the
county departent conventions will be held August The
county with the convention Of the state de-
parmen which will September and the numerous state de-
anxousy awaiting the result of the national convention
which is % be held in October.
prominent Legonaes have been mentioned possibilities
the Office Of These include Albert s. Caan Of
Chatham the present first vcemmander Skinner Of SYRIA
Ralph Robinson Buffalo, Edward Schebeng Of Albany and
James Gavan From Of the upstate districts
demand has the reelection of William Dgan lie has
clnedto oenter tho field
New-York tribune., 1922-06-11

Attention Of all posts within the
state has been called by Commander
Deegan 70 the ruling from national
headquarters that member who is
delinduent in his dues 10 one post is
not eligible to transfer membership to
another post until he has paid up his
back dues TO his former post. This is
a strict ruling Of national headquar-
ters and all posts are requested TO con-
form.
Posts may obtain from state head
quarters copies OF the booklet, How
to Take Out Your First Papers" and
a similar booklet on second papers for
citizenship. The booklets have been
furnished through the courtesy Of the
Metropolitan Life Insurance Company.
Raymond Spickerman Post, 202, Of
Hobart. has been officially transferred
10 Bloomville, a short distance from
Hobart Both are in Delaware County.
The reason for the transfer lay in the
fact that Spiekerman, for whom the
post.wAs named. was Bloomville boy,
and the Hobart members were willing
20 grant the transfer and throw in
their strength with the Stanford Post.
Through cooperation with the State
Commissioner Of Education, booklets
giving full details for the etiquette OF
Flag bay and the proper treatment Of
the flag have been forwarded all posts
within the state. The work was under
taken by John L. Riley, Of Albany, sec
retary Of the Legion's Americsnitation
committee in this state.
Many posts neglected until just be-
fore Memorial Day to place their requi-
sitions with state headquarters for
rifles for firing squads or to order
their post banners from national head
quarters for the parades. As con.
sequence some posts we're disappointed
In these two respects and state head
quarters has called attention TO this
fact In an endeavor 10 have all posts
not so equipped to place their orders
now.
During the mast month Commander
New-York tribune., 1922-06-11
- MAMERICANLEGION PAGEG
W Official Publication Department of New 0rk, N2
Legion Continues to Fill Jobs
Despite Dwindling of Its Fund,
Employment Committee Has Money TO Carry It Alo,,
Only Nine Weeks More; Interviews Being
Granted at Rate of About 20 Each Day
nth funds 70 earry for only nine wees more te L.

w nth funds carry IL for only nine weeks more the An
w Legion Employment Committee Of New York County
tnuing place in suitable positions. The work
carried on at 42 Thryhird Street Each day brings
Der Of applicants Interviews being conducted at
eny day. The bureau has the patronage Of approximately
Many features provided The fortunate ezNrt m
have been liberal in their contributions Of clothing that ygs i
need Of may presentabe appearance commits. 49,
by Phelps Phelps Of the Greenwich Village Post receives appa, o.
benefits Of the Brundage from who disabled via
been Of employment for fourteen days The former service ~
pay fee
New-York tribune., 1922-06-11
State Post Activities

Deegan visited and spoke AZ Cha,sal,' Chs.,
Coney Island, Riverdale. Oswego, "a
Hammondsport. Wayland, sosin"
ton, Port Jeryis and Morrisyilie ~
New York City he covered the io,s-
ing posts; Columbia University A'ss
ropoiitan. Seaman Horwig, villas - :
Irwin, 5. $. L., National Saeee....
Artists. as well as the state eonfeia',.. y.
OF the Knights Of columbus ana ~
local meeting Of the Disabled AnleI...
Veterans Of the World War. Conl.s.aI ..I.
der Deegan also has appointments "a. -
month 10 cover Saratoga springs !,
per Lake. where an inspection ". 49,.
made OF the site Of the veterans 49, -.
tain Camp. Syracuse. and seFefsi W.
state county conventions
Suffolk County claims the disns a,..
tion OF leading the down-staie ~. ~.
ties in the percentage Of Us msHssi ~.
shin for 1922 as compared 70 iszi; =
AZ also stands ninth IN the ~ ~,
sixty.two counties throughou' 'hs
in this respect.
Details on the formation Of n,
voitures, the play organization ,s..lrd ~
American Legion, may DC 0.~s,,t
from state headquarters upon 'sS,r, ',sS,,sr,
Many counties are forming one 'V.,ss .c.ss
in which members Of the yarious, r,ly re,ly
are eligible. The association ~ ia
affords considerable pleasure ,s,t,
brings together the various .rsrsl
throughout the country IN sma
discussion Of the Legion's pro0''
Copies Of the "oaicial Hand D'.' :. ,is
the American Legion" as wen d.
manual OF Ceremonies, may .,,,hosi
tanned from state headquarters
charge upon request.
Considerable space Is given Nay " q,
issue Of the American Legion pasta,
OF June Q 20 an article BY james ssahsvsn
past commander Of the sss noss de
Post No. lis. OF Queen. So.hS1 So.hs1 vsf
scribing the method by which W.. AZ 10
raised money for the pursns.'r row his
club houses. woodhayen Pos. nga N ths
one Of the finest club house, ,As " ~.
state and is properly pro1d o. 2, sytich
as indicated by the Weekly
New-York tribune., 1922-06-11
Day Heads Committee

Lee Carnett Day, OF l65 Hudson
Street, has been named as chairman OF
the Rehabilitation Committee Of the
American Legion in the Second District.
comprising the states Of New York, New
Jersey and Connecticut Mr. Day will
represent the national commander in
this district in ell matters affecting
capitalization and will work in close
cooperation with c. W. Wiekersham,
the chairman Of the State Hospitaliza-
tion Committee.