Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1922-11-21
COL. GREENLAW
Continued from PAGE One)

ton and that they were caused by
the Legionaires themselves. He said
that conditions in the city at that
time were indeed outrageous and that
no one realized that any better than
himself but that he did not believe
that the men in attendance at the
convention were responsible. He
told of going to the best hotel in the
city one night just to look into this
matter, and said that although the
conditions were bad he did not see
legion members in any way taking
part. the trouble being that a con-
vention such as this always brings
out the worst element of the city to
prey upon the delegates.
Convention Orderly
Speaking of the manner in which
the convention was conducted he
said that it was one Of the most
orderly and business like conven-
tons that he had ever attended. He
spoke Of the matter which has caused
much discussion, in which some pa
pers said that the legionaires had
Kissed the President. Col. McNider
explained that this action was mis-
understood. He then went on to ex-
plain the matters leading up to the
trouble and to explain the trouble
itself.
The Kissing Incident
1t seems that there had been quite
a discussion between a DR.. Sawyer
and the rehabilitation committee over
some question of hospitals and after
bitter war DR.. Sawyer acknoWl-
edged that he was wrong and asked
this committee to give him a chance
to make amends. When the ques-
ton of the action of the legion came
up everything was going all right,
a motion was before the meeting
asking that he be censured but in
some one tackled on clause that the
American Legion went On record as
asking for his removal. Several dele
gates, including the ones from Maine
believed that this should not be done
and they argued against the last
clause. One man in making speech
against this amendment spoke of the
fact that President Harding placed
confidence enough in DR.. Sawyer to
place his wifes case in the doctors
hands and gave this as one reason
why DR.. Sawyer should have an
other chance. 1t was the doctors
sanctions which were Kissed at this
Compensation Bill
He also spoke of the bill for adj
justed compensation which was
again favored by the legion after
the bill had gone through both
Houses and been vetoed by the
President. He spoke Of the action
by which it was decided to favor the
bill as he was chairman Of the conf
mittee which had this question in
charge. He also spoke shortly of
Judge Landis' speech before the
meeting.
Col. Greenlaw said that he placed
great confidence in the new National
Commander Owlsey and thought
that he would be even better than
McNider had been. He said that
Maine as usual voted right when it
came to electing the commander.
Legion Not Slipping
The speaker then touched on the
matter Of membership. He stated
that some people felt that the Leg
ion was losing ground and that he
felt that every thing was coming fine.
and that soon many of those who had
held themselves aloof from the crowd
would get into the game.
A committee was appointed at
this time to make arrangements for
the election Of officers Of the local
post at the meeting which Is to be
held the first Monday in December.
This committee will act az a nomi-
mating committee. In response to