New Britain herald., 1927-09-22

shows, he was in command Of a de- stroyer which torpoedoed and sank German U-boat, saved the life of member of the crew of the old cruiser Washington, now the Seattle. after the man was swept overheard during gale off Cape Hatteras.
 In the days which followed the signing of the armistice Spaford was a member of the American Le- zion. He fought the use of that or ganization as a political tool and in 1923 was instrumental in bringing about the improvement Of the American cemetery at Belleau Wood He campaigned for passage of the bonus legislation and in sev- eral speeches he attacked the Mellon tax reduction plan of 1924 as class legislation.
 Fight Interest
 Palais Du Trocadero. Paris. Sept 9 tPl-As the American Legion convention opened today for its clos Hi S'SSioII NiIt iHtSlio4l tfn lo !" lio the new commander of the Legion should be and the outcome Of to- nights Dempsey -Tunney battle di- vided the conversations Of the dele gates, with the commander having q large edge.
 There was q well-deflned current for Edward E. Spafford of New York. many delegates claiming that the New Workers had enough votes pledged to determine the election within three or four ballots, perhaps fewer.
 The convention must be conclud- cd today. the delegates sitting through without luncheon or even dinner if necessary. and without re- cesses until Taps" The meeting began at 9:2o.
 Colonel Doherty, chairman Of the rehabilitation committee, advocated further hospital construction.
 The law should assure every vet eran all the needed succor, includ- ing hospitalization," he said.
 California was awarded first prize for the greatest number of miles travelled to reach this convention.
 A resolution asking transfer of the National Soldiers Home 10 the cen tral national veterans bureau and another removing all time limits for compensation were adopted.
 Count De Jean of the French for eign office, who arranged for the re- ception Of the Legionnaires and their families in France, was award ed the distinguished service medal of the Legion by unanimous vote amid applause.
 Jay Ward, a year old, Of Penn sylvania, chosen as mascot for his state from among a thousand can- didates, was presented to the con- vention by Commander Savage as "a typical American boy" He made brave show, dressed in pure white with a blue cap and the distinguish cd service cross on his breast. Jay was chosen national mascot of the Legion. on motion of the New York delegation, seconded by Alabama. Frank Schoeder. Jr., of Chicago, blinded in the Argonne. was pre- scented by Commander Savage.
 T only served as the others did,' the veteran said in a voice that shook with feeling. T am glad of this hor~ GIisrlse I know it is not meant4n lso o, rsonally but for the thousag5 a -,abled not only back l in the )12 i. States but in other countries. Bay name means noth- ! ing"
 A resolution recommending that the president be authorized to su- spend Immigration from any coun- try when circumstances warrant and that foreigners who illegally enter the United States be liable to inn mediate deportation caused a furry in the convention.
 A Chicago man from the Polish quarter of the west side objected to increasing the presidents power. This is not in line with the demo- cracy which has thus far animated American institutions he said. Tt gives the president too much auto cratic authority.
 "A Pennsylvania delegate shout ed: Don't forget that the Legion 1 numbers among it's members sons Of Italy, Poland and many other countries providing immigration to America who fought side by side with us"
 Delegate Watkins of Illinois per sisted In an effort to have the report tabled without a final vote on 1t,
 Such drastic power is proposed in this resolution" he said, that 1 cannot believe the committee real ized the bearing of it." He moved that the resolution be referred back to the committee for revision.
 Delegate Dougherty of Arizona shouted: This resolution was drawn up to prevent just such manifesto tions as that at the last convention, and such manifestations in the United States as occurred recently at the Unknown Soldiers tomb in