The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1922-10-18

that the American Legion regarded
the interests of the disabled service
men as its first -'aalArsihility. and that
with regard to the adjusted compen-
sation act, we've just started to fight"
were outstanding points in the report
of 'HaDford MacNider, national COM
maEder, delivered before the fourth
annual convention Of tic legion at it's
opening session here today.
with regard to adjusted compcnsa-
ton legislation" the report declared
we've only Just started to fight. The
adjusted compensation legislation is
rlght-we know it is right-and right
always prevails in America. A great
well-linanced attack by interests
which we cannot help but feel are sor-
did and selfish has given us one lit
tie setback. But those who represent
the people in Washington are with us
by great majorities. No one man, un-
touched by the war, without kith or
kin, those who served-no one group
financial or otherwise can stand be-
tween the wishes of the American peo-
pie and the fulfillment OF what they
believe to be just obligation.
Has Tremendous Power
The American Legion is gathered
here in convention, assembled to build
from it's four years of experiences it's
platform for the legion year which
lies ahead. 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 it's
tremendous powers and possibilities
may be directed that it shall be as it
was dedicated, to the highest service
to our God and to our country.
Every eligible man and woman
must be made to realize that, IL their
best effort Is not in the legion, they
are just as much slackers as those
who hid when the country's life was
at stake. TO avoid that duty is to be-
tray. our, Gight o.:eitizenship.
Never before in the history of Am
erica has such great force in our ma
tional life ppearaed-neyer has such
power and prestige been granted. 1
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
'In relating here some of the en-
deayors and acts OF the national or
ganization, there is not thought Of
personal pride in accomplishment
What has been accomplished, you
have accomplished.
Forty per cent Of the legion's mem
bership Is in towns Of under 1890
the highest type Of American citizen
ship.
Our efforts in national way well
covered in the report Of the National
Americanism Commission National
Education Week, our activities in the
Boy Scout movement and the National
Essay Contest.
Far-Reaching Achievements
THE reports Of the chairmen Of
the various national committees will
cover their respective achievements.
They have been far reaching
crete evidence Of real accomplish
ments, in carrying out the commands
you gave them in your last conven-
tion.
II feel personally that tremendous
results for the betterment of the dis
abled veterans-our first duty always
have been attained. The national
rehabilitation committee Is now form
ed on q permanent basis. 1t has Is
members, a chairman and the repre-
sentatives chosen by the states, which
make UP the Ia veterans bureau dis
trlcts. They can be changed as the
departments see fit. They can be re-
tanned as long as the departments
choose. Informs representative
body, each member vested with the
power to speak for the several de-
partments he represents. This COM
mittee make up forms permanent
foundation for all our future work
for the disabled man. What Is more,
it means that he Is going to receive
a square deal from the country he
fought for. 1t is my hope that the
semi-permanentc character Of the COM
mittee may be provided with no other
Thought than n real service To the men