The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1922-10-16
NEW ORLEANS is



year.
But their Zip" and ego" were in no
way abated. They were youth incar-
nate, ready to enjoy a holiday ana
what they conceive their rights and
proper dues from the country for
which they went to war in 1917. Z
A declaration that the American
legion regarded the interests OF the
disabled service men as. it's first re-
sponsibility, and that with regard to
the adjusted compensation act, We've
just started to Tight" were outstand-
ing points in the address of Hanford
MacNider, national commander, de-
livered before the fourth annual con-
vention of the legion at its opening
session here today.
DISTINGUISHED soldiers of seven ma
tions, bearing visible evidences OF the
sacrifices they had made in behalf OF
their countries were on the platform
as the legion's guests. They were the
delegates to the convention of the in
terallied veterans federation, for two
days has been in session here and
which today is scheduled to conclude
it's deliberations and hold an open ses-
sion for the purpose OF forwarding
world peace
with regard to adjusted compen-
sation legislation" the report declared,
we've only just started to fight. we
know it is Highland right always
prevails in America. a great, Well
financed attack by interests which we
can not help but feel are sordid and
selfish, has given US one little setback.
THE legion is recognized as the
voice of the men and women who
served with the colors during the
great war-a whole generation. 1t
must be our duty to so build it that
its tremendous power may be directed
to the highest service--to our God
and to our country
Greatest Force in National Life.
Never before in the history of
America has such great force in our
national life appeared-never has such
power and prestige been granted. L
quote to you the words OF one OF the
greatest soldiers of modern times
the American legion is the cradle for
the whole future Of America.
This year started auspiciously. The
receptions for our distinguished guests
at Kansas City and all over the United
States constituted a tremendous un-
Foch tour as a public service not only
to our country but to our allies
gripped and held the public mind.
Starting a year of membership
during one of the greatest industrial
depreSSions America has experienced
the American legion has grown in
membership. Its posts active and func-
tioning in forty-nine departments in
this country and twenty-three others
scattered over the globe number
eleven thousand two hundred odd.
ct am aware that the definite stand
which has been taken in carrying out
your commands has not aided in re-
cruiting OF holding those who place
are not willing, as good Americans to
forget their personal pre1udices to
help serve the whole. These men
have lost the best thing the service
ever gave-the conception of their
duty to serve those who served with
them-to stick with the lad who had
not had their advantage, who 1abors
under an unfair handicap. He was
the finest man under adversely and
hardship that God ever created-just
| man.
Forty per cent of the legion's
membership is in towns of under
2.50o-the highest type of American
citizenship.
81 feel personally that tremendous
results for the betterment of the dis
| abled veterans-our first duty always
have been attained the national re-
Mobilization committee is now formed
On permanent basis.
Starting the day before Christmas
| with a successful appeal for bedside
decisions, to save the lives of men
harassed with every worry and chok-
ing with red tape, this committee has
built up a tremendous record of con-
structive service. You, by your mem
bershfp, have given the legion the
power and prestige to carry on this
work.
Red Cross Is Praised.
Let me acknowledge the financial
assistance of the American Red Cross,
which has made possible the mainte-
| nance of our liaison representatives in
every veterans bureau district.
THE military affairs committee
has had a particularly active year. Kou
have heard and read of its many acs
mplishments, but you will be par
ticularly interested in that part of its
work which covered your recommen-
cations for an universal draft system
| in time of war.
The report of the committee on
naval affairs was not completed be-
| fore our whole naval program was en-
dangered. We went to congress ask
| ing that, adequate defense be main
tanned. Our support has been ac-
iknowledged as of Importance in the
| final outcome by the administration.
THE national legislative committee
presents to you this year record I'M
surpassed by any organiza ton in the
history of the nation. 1t has estab-
| .ished the union as the greatest force
for constructive legislation for the ma
ton and for the returned service m en-. =,