The Seattle star. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 1899-1947, 1922-01-27

Some days ago you published a
letter from Mr.. David r. wallbom
asking a number OF questions re-
Earding the American Legion. II
would be hard 70 answer all these
questions In fun without extensive
Inquiry. but | should like to discuss
In general way some OF the points
hr raises.
As to whether the meeting IN Paris
where the idea of the Legion was
first conceived was attended by en-.
listed men or not l know that Frank.
I'm DOher and Theodore Roosevelt
Jr.. both officerA were among the
leading spirits. However. II would
not be to the diScredit OF the Legion
n II was started entirely by officers
n the enlisted men have cone freely
into membership and taken a prcmi.
ncnt part in Its activities.
With regard to the source from
which the Legion received it's origi
nal funds. | suggest that Mr. Wall
BON make his question more specific.
l do not recall seeing any statement
tn the Stars and Stripes to the effect
that the Legion ever received any
funds from a source not creditAbie
20 H.
To answer the question whether
the Legion has offered 20 help Sena-
tor Watson collect evidence regard.
ing brutality towards enlisted men Il
would be necessary 10 make inquiry
among several thousand posts. but
the presumption Is that II trust
worthy information has come 10 the
notice OF any post that post has
helped to place II AZ the disposal OF
Senator Watson
Mr.. waiibom's intrnation that the
American Legion Is opposed to ths
soldiers bonus Is hard to understand
He mus, know IL he reads the
papers. that for two years or more
the Legion has been fighting with
every resource at It's command for
the enactment OF both state and ma
fional bonus laws. II now begins to
hook as II the fight for the national
hw would Be won.
with regard to disputes between
capital and labor. my observation has
bren that the American Legion has
xcalousiy endcavored to avoid even
the appearance Of taking sides In
dividuaIs may az times have taken
action favcring one side or the other.
but the great aim Of the organization
has been to merit and gain the con-
fidence Of and cultivate the friend
hest relations with organized labor.
Mr.. Berry. the national vicc-corn-
mander. receiving the highest mum
b~r OF votes among five elected AZ the
Kansas city convention. Is a promi-
nent member Of organized labor.
As to taking part in politics. In the
American Legion and in all other
veteran organizations. this subject
has been excluded at all times with
the utmost severity. The fact that
4 large proportion OF the veterans as
hdividuais may at times spontane-
ously support a particular candidate
IL only natural. especially the can
didase Is himself veteran. There is
In this rSate q club organized for
political purposes and made Up Of
ugeterans In fact. think there are
two or three such. but they have no
affiliation with tn. American Legion
or any other veteran organization.
In closing let me ask Mr.. Wallbom
whether he has ever visited a sick
or disabled ex.seryice man or visited
any hospital where he could find
numbers OF them longing for an occa-
sional visit7 Has he ever attended
the funeral of a service man and
done his part In bringing consolation
70 the family Of some one who gave
his life for his country Has he
helped any comrade or other veteran
20 obtain his disability compensation,
vocational training. war risk insur-
snce. or a tob7 Has he contributed
70 any veterans relief fund.- What
has he himself done TO bring about
. revision Of the manual of courts
martial? What has he done TO aid
In the passage OF the soldiers bonus,
either In the state Legislature or In
congressg What has he done TO help
incuicate love and respect for the
flag Of his country
Ny suggestion TO Mr.. Wailbom IL
that he join some veteran organiza,
ton and do his part in seeing that