Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-05-08

Colonel Albert Beliveau of Rumford,
State commander of the American Lee
gion, and G. Douglas Clark, State chief
OF the Forty and Eight the inner
degree OF the Legion, were the special
guests and speakers at the meeting of
the James Fitzgerald Post held at Lee
gion hall Thursday evening with an
especially large attendance of mem
bers.
The department. commander spoke on
the Importance Of membership in the
local units and departments and ex-
planned the national campaign for the
$5,000,000 fund for the disabled and or
phans, which is soon to be conducted
in this department. The quota for the
State of Maine has been set at $4,000
and of this amount the city of Au-
gusta has been asked to contribute
$a4s2.A The State Legion head declared
that this endowment fund promises to
be one of the most notable and popu-
lar opportunities for the citizens to
render real service which has ever
been presented to them.
Col. Beliveau told the Legionaires of
the $4,000 orphans of service men who
are being cared for by the American
Legion; OF the billets where these
children are put into wholesome and
healthful surroundings until real
homes can be found for them: of the
work for the sick and disabled. which
Is intended to augment the provisions
of the federal government, or to pro-
vide In case Of dire need until the
governmental agencies can function.
The campaign has already been car
fied through to completion in three
states; ana in each one Of these the
citizens have responded enthusiasts.
tically, exceeding the quotas assigned
to those states.
Mr.. Douglas addressed the members
of the local post on the organization
and purpose of the Quarante Hommes
ct HUT Chevaux, or "Forty and Eight,
and explained something of the plans
for the organization of unit or vol
ture" in this city in the near future.
Following the talks by the Two
heads of the Legion organizations,
the officers of the James Fitzgerald
Post exemplified the full ritual OIL IN
itiation on a class of seven ne"
members. Those who became menu
bers of the James Fitzgerald Post at
the ceremony last evening were J. NJ.
Edgar Hart. d. Ekemsk, Joseph u.
Pelletier, r. A. Bagley. Austin j.
Quirion, and Edwin j. Kelley.
Through the courtesy of Comrade
George r. Weber. refreshments OF
fruit layer cake. harlequin ice cream
and coffee were served at the con-
clusion of the initiation ceremony,
and then after short smoker, the
regular business meeting Of the post
was held.
Ruel Soule, chairman Of the Lee
gion committee on the entertain
ment and dance which Is to be held
Jointly with the Auxiliary on next
Thursday evening, May IA. reported
on the arrangements for that AFFAIR.
The music will be furnished By
Douglas orchestra and refreshments
will be served. Invitations may be
secured from the members of the
post and auxiliary.
George A. j. Froberger reported
that the representatives of the post
had entered a team In the City Twi-
light Baseball League. and also sug-
gested that in the absence Of any or
ganized baseball in Augusta this
summer an effort should be made
to schedule games with Legion
teams from other cities for the Sat
urday half holidays and for special
dates. 1t is believed that the James
Fitzgerald Post will be able to pre-
sent satisfactory schedule OF
baseball attractions for the season,
which should have the patronage of
the real fans in this city and vicinity.
The matter Of the local posts part
in the Legion Endowment Fund cam
paign was presented most compre-
hensively by Commander Arthur s.
Merrill, and was further explained by
Gen. Albert Greenlaw. national
committeeman from Maine. The
members entered into an enthusiast
tic discussion OF the methods of con-
Quoting the drive In this city. and
after Tie preliminary organization
work, which will be carried on DIR
ing the next four or FIVE weeks, it is
expected that the actual drive will be
completed in one week the middle or
latter part Of Jtine.