Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1922-10-21
ONSLEY, Of TEXAS,
IS NAMED AMERICAN
LEGION COMMANDER
Overwhelming Vote Is Reg
istered for Texan at EIec-
ton Held by New Orleans
Convention

CONVENTION HALL, NEW OR
LEANS, Oct. 20.-By the Associated
Press.)-Alvin M. Owsley, Of Texas,
was elected national commander Of
the American Legion at the close of
it's fourth annual convention here
today. The vote was overwhelming.
Owsley was carried on the Shout
Glers of Texas legionnaires to place
on the platform beside the retiring
commander, MacNider, who grasped
his hand and then turned to the
assembly. The Texas band broke
loose.
While MacNider jerked the gong
violently, "Bill' Deegan, Of New
York, led in the capitulation of de-
feated candidates. Deegan moved
the vote be made unanimous. The
vote was announced as:
Owsley, STA; Deegan, 251; Thomp'
SON, 2O5; Mccormick, II.
Alvin Owsley was introduced by
Commander MacNider.
please accept my heartfelt graft
tude," he said, ''for the greatest
honor that could come to one who
served in the World war.
1--WE pledged to America in the
World war that we were her de-
tenders. We must now pledge ever
greater service.
''There are four great principles
on which we rest:
"Hospitalization:
Rehabilitation:
adjusted compensation;
characterization.
ct pledge the best energies Of my
manhood and my sacred honor"
With Judge Kennesaw M. Lands
between them, the new and old conf
rades of the legion posed on the
platform for a photograph.
Prizes Awarded
Sessions opened this morning
with the awarding of prizes in con-
tests by National Commander Mac
Nider. Sioux City, Iowa, band was
granted the first prize in the band
contest, and Eanford post, also of
Iowa, was given second prize. The
department of Louisiana was award
ed the athletic meet prize, and the
department Of New York the track
meet trophy.
First prize in the rife meet went
to the department of Georgia, with
Byrd, the highest individal scorer.
The Georgia department also took
first pace in the tennis doubles and
singles.
Removal Of Brigadier General
Charles E. Sawyer, president Har-
ding's personal physician, charged
with blocking the American Legion
disqualification program, was de-
manded Thursday by a vote of COL to
375.
PRESIDENT TO STAND BY
GENERAL C. e. SAWYER
WASHINGTON, Oct. 20.-Presi-
dent Harding will not grant for the
resent at least the demand of the
American Legion for the removal of
his personal physician, Brigadier
General c. E. Sawyer, head Of
the federal disqualification board, it
was learned here today from sources
close to the executive.
The president is known to feel
that DR.. Sawyer was unjustly criti-
cized by the Legion, and that while
the hospital construction program
has been delayed, the doctors han
ding of the matter will De justified
in the end.
1t is expected that the president
will discu the matter with Colonel
Thomas w. Miller, alien property
custodian, who is attending the
Legion convention, but it was en-
phas:zed that the executive would
do. nothing to embarrass DR.. Saw
yer because of the long standing
friendship between the Sawyer and
tie Harding families.
DR.. Sawyer today declined to
rake any comment on the Legion's
demand other than to state he was
surprised at the action. He said
he might issue a statement later.