The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1922-08-25
MEET me- ON LEVEE
q Slogan of Legionnaires
Going to New Orleans.
Many NOtabIes, Including
Harding, To Be Present.
(By the Associated Press.l

Crescent City, is preparing to enter
tain the largest gathering in its his
tory when 10000 members OF the
American Legion and other visitors
come to the legion's national conven-
ton here. October 1920.
With the tentative acceptance of the
convention invitation by President
Harding and General Pershing, and
the definite acceptance of Maj Gen.
John A Lejeune. coTnmandant of the
United States marine corps: Samuel
Gompers. president of the American
Federation of Labor and Kenesaw
Mountain Lands. commissioner OF
baseball. the legion meeting will as
sumo national Importance Conven-
. ffon officials also expect to entertain
a famous marshal of France and
other world war notabies. Prominent
among the distinguished guests will be
twenty-five wearers of the congress
sfonaI medal of honor. the highest
award for bravery made by the
President Harding has written con-
vention headquarters that he will
come to New Orleans If the pressure
OF public affairs does not interfere,
and a similar message has been re-
ceived from General Pershing, who
Ted the legion men in France, and VINO
was a guest at their national gather
ing in Kansas City last year The
visit of General Lejeune will be of es-
q pecial interest to legionnaires since the
marine corps leader is a native of
popular commanding generals in the
American expeditionary Torces. The
presence of Mr.. Gompers at the con-
vention is expected to develop closer
relations between the legion ana or
Eanlzed labor. Judge Lands is the ia
Their of a former service man and has
spoken at legion gatherings in all
parts of the country.
In preparation for the visit Of the
thousands of former service men, the
convention committee has prepared
an elaborate program of entertain
ment. Convention sessions viii be
held only in the mornings, enabling
delegates and visitors TO participate in
the festivities the remainder of the
day.
Hold Olympic Meet.
The first American Legion national
Olympic meet will be held at the con-
vention. Legion athletes from every |
state will compete for national cham
pionships in track and field events, |
aquatic sports, amateur boxing ana
wrestling, golf and tennis. There also |
will be a national craftsmanship con-
test and tournament of professional
boxers. A decision bout between Bob
Martin, who won the heavyweight
championship at the tournament
staged by A. E. F. fighters after the !
arrnistice. and Captain Roper, heavy
weight champion of the service men
who remained in America viii be one
uG the leading features of the boxing
card The Legion bantamweight /
cham pionship will be settled when /
T1hnny Buff and Pal Moore meet in
the convention ring.
Ranking with the athletic meet VIII
be a naval show in the port of New |
c-1eaus and on Lake Ponchartrain-
Dreadnaughts. cruisers, submarines
and sub-chasers from all the great
naval powers are to be on exhibit
tfon. Legion national officers are now
making arrangements for sff4ps 70
come from England, France, Italy and
4 number of South American coun-
trsrs. In addition there will be
fIotiila of yachts and small pleasure
crafts on Lake Ponchartrain- 4
The United States navy viii send
number of seaplanes from Pensacola
EIa On one of the convention nights
these planes will fly over the business
district dropping flares and lights IN
Imitation of the bombing raids made
by the Germans over the American
trenches and billets.
= Memories of days in France Will be
reyived by a number of New Orleans
Societies. which will combine in the
presentation of a French carnival
French signs and the picturesque garo
OF Brittany. Normandy and other
French provinces will be mingled with
the khaki. blue and green of the vet
Grams. Downtown streets VIII be IL
Nominated by $4,000 electric bulbs ana
Nc1l be decorated with flags OF allied
unlvers. state seals and legion banners
former comrades Will meet in i'm
pr-ornptu reunions under divisional in
genial flags to be hung over the streets.
Fifty Thousand To Parade.
Fifty thousand marchers and one
hundred bands are expected to par
tfcipate in the convention parade The
lpeionnafres will march by states in
the order of membership increase dur
ing the last year. To stimulate the at
tendance of bands from all states
$3.50 in prizes will be awarded to
the finest legion bands in the parade
and $3.50 will go to the best drum
corps
az police of New Orleans. has an
r.nunced that 1000 uniformed legion
naires will assist his police force in
regulating the large crowds throng1ng
the convention parade streets and that
the legionnaires will serve as provost
guards in the business district. l.
The grant of rate of one fare for
railroads will augment the convention
crowds. according to local legion Of
ffcials-
Housing Arrangements are being UNI
certaken with view of accommodate
ing 10000 visitors. A special rate
OF s1.5o n day without bath and $3.50
a day with bath, has been granted by
the leading hotels Pullman cities,
rra&dern hotel, will be established by
three large railroads to house approx
uately 1000 legionnaires- The hous-
ing committee also is considering the
cfea don of a tent city and the placing
OF cots in halls and business prop
critics. Thousands of visitors will be
entertained in New Orleans homes.
Meet me on the levee." win be the
slogan. The convention sessions win
be held on the banks of the Mississippi
river. A large covered pfer-nearIy
1000 feet long and 400 feet wide
astride the levee and parallel to the
IF -vrrfl 70 ha N
of the national convention delibera-
tfons.