Imperial Valley press., 1923-10-16
by United Press Leased Wire

600 for the year.
The "lane of the allies echoed
today the tramp of the American
Legion s Fifth hundred thousand"
Up Market street from the ferry
building to the civic center where
the legion is holding its fifth an
nual convention, between walls of
humanity three miles long, under
flags of every nation, marched the
legionnaires.
The uniform Of each country on
the side of the allies during the
world war could be seen in the line
of march from the dull trench khaki
and tin helmet of the doughboy to
the kits of the lads from hell''
and the exotic blue of the Alpine
Blue Devils.
SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 16.-The
next national commander of the
American Legion will hold a posi-
tion in national affairs far more i'm
portant than that held heretofore
by the head of this organization,
according to indications as the fifth
annual convention proceeds with
the business of its second day ses-
sion.
This convention is regarded as
the turning point i'll legion policy.
Up to this time disqualification, re-
habi,itation, adjusted compensation
problems peculiar to the ex-ser-
vice man-have held the center of
legion stage.
Hundreds of delegates here be-
lieve that the legion can now better
devote the bulk of its time and ac-
tivity to helping solve the immigra,
tion problem and in Americaniza-
ton work.
Charles Kendrick of California,
past national vice commander, has
announced that he favors Il national
legion policy which would do more
to enhance the welfare of the coun-
try at large, rather than of the ex.
service man in particular, although
at the same time not forgetting to
keep friendly eve on less fortunate
"buddies. -
Makes, Loses Friends
Kendrick has been mentioned as
a contender for the post of national
commander. He believes he has
blasted his chances by his outspoker
attitude. Some delegates agree
with him. A still greater majority
do not.
SO far he is the only candidate tc
advance Il definite "policy. -
The contenders already in the
\ field for the high post are numer
Gus and powerful, all with gooC
backing. The race will be close and
the fight worth watching.
New England is forming behin(
Clarence Edwards, former com
mander of the Goth division. Ed
wards is from Westwood, Mass, anC
is Massachusetts department com
mander.
Many Candidates
The central western delegations
are laying the chief weight of thei
favor behind Wilder S. Metcalf o.
Lawrence, Kansas. Gilbert Bettman
past commander of Ohio, claims ;
large following from that section
The Middle Atlantic states are Civ
ing James A. Drain of Washington
ID. c., considerable encouragement
Pennsylvania has come out openly
and solidly in support of William b
Healey of Wilkesbarre, past depart
ment commander. The Great Lake
section is advancing John r. Nc
Quigg of Cleveland, past commando
and present member of the nationa
finance committee. The pacifi
northwest has candidate in tn
person of Thomas Swale of Wash
ington.
What city will get the next con
vention also is an important matte
to be settled. The legion s polic.
is to gather in various section
from year to year and there
strong sentiment this year in favo
of Ohio. Cincinnati has put in
strong bid for the 1924 conclavt
Victoria. B. c., wants the next cor
vention badly and has bid strongly
Boston, Atlantic City, and Loui: