The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1924-09-15
Chaplain PrayS for PacifiStS
Opening Session of Con-
vention of World War
VeteranS-ASkS Blessing
on President Coolidge,
THOUSANDS ON HAND
FOR ANNUAL GATHERING
Fight to Force Body Into
Politics Threatened by
Minority Delegations
Quinn Plans to Urge Ma
tionaI Conservation.

BIZ United Press
ST. PAUL, Mimi. Sept. 15.-Pray-
ing for the pacifsts that their
hearts might be as soft as their
heads" Ezra c. Clemons. chaplain,
today invoked the patience Of God"
upon them in opening the sixth ma
tional convention Of the American
Legion.
God knows" he said, I'VE do not
again want war. but we pray that
we shall be adequately prepared to
fight for God and country If we ever
need to be prepared"
The chaplain prayed the blessing
OF the Almighty upon President
Calvin Coolidge. who is our friend
now"
With advancement OF the colors
and the singing Of the Star -Spangled
Banner by Miss Alma Forker, the
conclave was under way.
Quinn Cheered
CALIFORNIA; s delegation stostned the
rostrum, planted the California ban
ner in the hands Of National Com
mander John r. Quinn. and, to the
raspy notes of a wheezy old portable
- organ. sang the praises of Quinn and
the State Of sunshine and roses. The
demonstration concluded with a
shower of confetti.
Leo NJ. Harlow. State commander
of Massachusetts. presented Com
mander Quinn with a gavel made
from the historic Washingtn elm.
where George Washington took com
mand Of the Federal armies.
Thousands Of World War ve-erans
are in St. Paul for the annual con-
vention. They came from all parts
of the country. rolling in by trains.
automobiles, wagons and coming on
foot.
Certain minority delegations are
ready to start a fight to force the
Legion into politics by demanding
expression Of opinion from the con-
vention on important issues Of the
presidential campaign
The Legion viii never get so far
away from its original purposes,
however. as to indorse candidates for
any office. nor maneuver its strength
TO the support of any one candi-
date or group Of candidates, leaders
insisted.
Commander John r. Quinn, how
ever. It was pointed out today, is
casting about for new fields of ac-
tivity for the Legion. In his annual
report he will depart from rehabili-
tation. disqualification. adjusted COM
pensation and child welfare for the
first time-to urge a Legion con-
servation policy. He will insist nat
uraI resources of the country be
protected from exploitation for pri-
vate gain.
This phase Of his address. viewed
politically and following as it does
the oil scandals of the past year.
had some significance in connection
with the presidential campaign.
Dynamite Feared
Taking the stand that these public
problems can at least be freely dis
cussed by the Legion. many delega-
tions are preparing for a few
sessions that will be full Of po-
litical dynamite. Leaders are worry
ing n bit about what may develop.
But most Of the ''buddies" here
for the opening Of the big conclave.
are worrying about nothing. but
ways and means of getting ahead Of
the other delegations in the noise
producing contest.
So far Iowa and Texas lead the
race. The rival delegations kept
throngs of interested spectators on
the streets until the wee hours this
morning, waiting for some new
spectacle of enthusiasm.
Two broad sOmbreroed Texans led
a parade, riding an eccentric flivver
that galloped like a merry-go-round
horse.
Broad-shouldered Texans in their
red flannel shirts. chaps and spa
cious sombreros formed a body
guard.
Iowa, 10000 strong, all wearing
caps resembling a huge ear Of corn.
won the noise contest,