New-York tribune., 1922-09-23
Backs
Legion's Aims
With Ballots
American Federation Will
Support the Veterans in
Political Field, Says
Speak er at Syracuse
Big Welcome for Pershing
General Praises Work for
Disabled Veterans; Lam
dis Boosts for The Bonus
By Walter J. Fenton


SYRACUSE, N. Y, Sept. 90 As n
representative Of the American Fed
GRAFTON OF Labor In this state. Peter
Brady, this morning told the state con
vention Of the American Legion that
the two organizations should stand
shoulder TO shoulder. lie declared that
so long as the Legion had determined 10
stay out OF politics the Federation
would aid In the selection OF the
Legion's friends and the defeat Of It's
enemies. He announced that the doors
OF the Federation were open TO the
Legioa in its membership drive and
that every effort would be made TO
have workers not already IN the Legion
enlist at once.
His remarks were greeted by the
delegates with applause he was the
first speaker az the morning session.
After the gathering had completed
some minor business. General John J.
Pcrshing appeared In civilian clothes
For several minutes the convention was
IN an uproar OF welcome.
General per5hing, In acknowledging
the greeting, referred 10 the reception
given him on the streets by Legion
naires who called him Jack" Boss"
and "Old Top" He said that so long
a. he remained here these salutations
would be most welcome. He said
that he did not come here as the
commRnder-in-chicf Of the army, but
as one interested In tfe welfare of
his former comrades.
Il hesitated in giving up n few days
vacation 20 come here, but next year
II | am invited will not hesitate"
said General Pcrshing while our
relations abroad were not always like
a stroll down Fifth Avenue, there was
always n spirit Of devotion. Each man
felt that his own individual work would
result either in the success or failure
OF the event. II IL hadn't been for that
spirit the war would not have ended
so soon. We entered the conflict in
a terrible state. | can say. and many
Of you know. that men were sent into
IL who didn't know the front from the
rear Of a gun. But II We had not en-
tered Il when We did the brunt OF the
war would have fallen on US in 1919.
trust that the Legion will, and is.
standing behind a national program Of
defense. Much credit is due your state
commander for the success in caring
for those disabled veterans. Due TO
the efforts OF the Legion there are
at present few mtn without occupa-
ton"
Admiral Robert ccontZ, in address
ing the convention, declared: The
Legion must stick 10 the main show,
shaping its course carefully and surely.
The Legion Is going to be a mighty
factor in the affairs Of the United
States within the next fifty years
Major General Wendell Neville, OF
the Marine Corps, devoted his address
20 the telling Of stories Of the Marine
Corps.
Former Judge Kenesaw Mountain
lands won the appreciation OF the
convention when he advocated the
bonus and suggested: III politician
comes TO you for an office who looks
upon the bonus as a raid on the Treas
ury. swat him one for me-
National Commander lianford Mac
Nider Of the Legion referred to the
work OF State Commander Deegan IN
his fight for the disabled veterans. He
declared that the Legion was not going
into politics. and followed this with
the announcement that in the next
Congress House bill No. would be
compensation, and that the same sub
ject would occupy Senate bill No. !.
Just before adjournment for the day,
State Commander Deegan, announced
that the Knights OF Columbus on No
yember / would turn over 70 Charles
Pope Caldwell, Of the veterans
Mountain Camp. a certified cheek Tor
$4,000
The most important public event OF
the entire convention took place this
afternoon. when thousands OF veteran =
paraded through the streets. headed by
General Pcrshing and the other guests
10 the stadium az Syracuse University
whore an athletic meet was held. In
the line were fifteen bands, and from
the start TO the finish Of the para-c
there was continuous cheering
Perhaps the most impressive incl
dent occurred In front Of the DIVERSITY
NJ +. Church, when General Pershing
held up the marehers Tor eighteen
minutes while he shook hands with
sixty gold star mothers.
Delegates are looking forward TO to-
morrow. which promises 10 be the
busiest day Of the threc-day session.
There ere many resolutions 10 be con
sidered, reports Of committees TO be
heard. and finally. the election Of state
officers for the coming year. The at
event has been the subject OF consider
able discussion. There are two eandi'
date. for commander In the field. Al
bert s. CAllan, OF Chatham, the pres
emit viee-eommander, has the indorse-
ment Of several counties. Edward n;
Seheiberling. Of Albany, judicial
/ district chairman, also has some There
are several counties unplcdged. and the
possibility OF n dark horse has caused
considerable speculation.
Mrs. Florence +. Knapp. dean OF the
College OF Home Economics at Syra-
euse, told tho auxiliary convention,
that the women "will not stand against
anything that will protect our eoun.
try, a great army. and navy 70 pIo'Ses
the ideals for which We fought, tho
great American republic Of which we
.ra a mart"