New-York tribune., 1922-06-11

In the discussion OF a national con-
vention few names have been men
toned. However, the most frequently
heard in neighboring states is that Of
William F. Deegan. From states other
than New York delegations Of Legion
naires have expressed the hope that
the New York commander would come
out for the national nomination lie
has declined TO admit that he will be
a candidate for that Office, saying that
the "voice Of the convention delegates
is the voice Of the Legion, and it must
be respected"
With conventions the byword Of Leg
ionnaires the country over and admin
istrations drawing TO a close a review
Of the accomplishments Of the State
Department at present would not seem
untimely.
After the jamestown convention the
new administration appointed Charles
Pope Caldwell as head Of a committee
10 establish n camp for Leglonnaires
either in the Adirondacks or the Cat
skills. After months Of hard work the
eamp is a reality. The Barbour site at
Big Upper Lake, IN the Saranac re-
gion has been purchased by the state
Department.
The Women's Auxiliary was sepa-
rated from the state Legions admins.
tration and from a membership OF
5000 has grown rapidly. II had az
that time 23g units. To-day the auXil-
iarv has more than 3zl units. Miss
That's Magrane the state president,
has worked untiringly in her eTo:ts TO
furnish an organization that would CO.
operate with the Legion in all under
takngs.
During The last session Of the Leeis-
ature much legislation Of benefit 20
veterans Of this state was enforced.
Through samuel Aronowitz. chairman
Of the lcgis alton committee. the
Brundage bill. which appropriated si,-
100000 for the immediate relief OF the
disabled unemployed ex-scrvico men
was passed. Thousands OF veterans
are to-day enjoying the fruits Of this
bill
Commander Deegan has made the
fight for the disabled his own fight.
He has given freely Of his time and
energy. lie has fought for the relief
of these men and has been instrumental
in the closing Of Fox Hi Hospital.
For two years he has fought for the
esfab ishmont Of a hospital for tuber-
cular men and another for mental
cases. both 10 be under government
supervision. Colonel c. W. Wicker
sham. chairman Of the disqualification
committee Of this state, is to-day per-
haps the best informed man in the
country on the conditions Of the dis
abled veterans. He was instrument
IN formulating a plan whereby every
disabled man had buddy" who was
assigned 90 the care of that veteran.
Employment bureaus were opened in
The various counties Of tho state in
an effort 10 relieve the situation among
the former veterans. Much has been
done for the unemployed by the State
Department Of the Legion. Albert s.
Callan. first vice commander. received
from the state Commissioner Of High
ways the assurance that preference
would be given 20 the eX-service men on
highway work.
Conditions in the L. s. Veterans
bureau have been remedied. Through
Commander Deegan the practice Of
women holding positions there while
their husbands were also on the pay
roll. was stopped.
During his year in Office Commander
Deegan has made an effort to visit as
many Of the 999 posts in this state as
possible. He has covered every county