New Britain herald., 1929-02-04


 Commander Pease, in . short re- sume of the life of the national commander. then presented him.
 Commander NcNutt delivered . measaxe on the American Legion to the meeting and his method of clear enunciation. his finished style of de- livery. made the measase one that will not soon be forgotten.
 He touched on the four most im- portant problems of the American Legion as | national organization. these being tho rehabilitation of disabled veterans. child welfare. Americanxm and national defense. War FoF Justjce Never Ea1ed ' Remarking that there is . peculiar bond between the Legion and the church. Commander McNutt said that the reason was obvious because of the fact that the Legion preamble explains that "For God and country we associate ourselves together" An- swering the question of why tho Le- zion exists as an organization. he said that the war l. not done. ''The war for justice is never dope," he said. He claimed tho Legion's first duty was justice for the disabled. the welfare of the orphans of de- ceased service men and justice for lall oppressed peoples.
 ''The definite program of the American Legion" he stated. lis adequate service to the disabled. It ia easy enough for tho crowds to cheer when . soldier is departing to offer his life to his nation. It is easy enough to cheer when the remnants come home weary and sick at heart. But the story of tho disabled is the story of Christ himself. crucified for the sake of his fellowman. Thus it is that the American Legion now exists under the banner of unselfish- ness because though all may forget. as long as the Legion lives as an or ganisation. 1t will never forget but will carry on for the men whose lives, though not snuffed out. have been shattered on tho fields of bat tie.
 He said that the Legion would al- ways work to give to the orphans of the deceased soldiers the same chances as others have. He said that the Legion wanted the children of those who have paid the supreme sacrifices to be living monuments to the fathers who gave everything to the nation.
 Americanizati0n-Better Citizenship
 Speaking of the Americanization work of the Legion. the national commander said that Americaniza- tion is nothing more than . move for better citizenship, . matter of public education. "The aim of the Legion, :" he said lis to make sure that the children will accept the responsibili- ties of citizenship upon reaching the age of maturity" He said that the Legion had adopted the Boy Scout movement, not because they wished to militarize the youth ot the coun- try as some have charged but be- cause the Legion believes that the Boy Scout plan tends to build up courageous men. Teach the child to play the game of life as . sports man, that's what life is." he said.
 "In brief" he stated. what the Legion is really trying to do Is to make the home town. yours one mine, the best place to live tn." He advocated the formation of emergen- cy relief units. not to supplant the American Red Cross. the Salvation Army or any others. but to work with them in times of disaster.
 He then launched into . defense of the Lesion's stand with regard to national defense. He said that some church people have accused the Le- zion wrongly of seeking to militarize the country. This Is entirely wrong because the Legion. above all others, seeks world peace and the difference of opinion is over the way in which this can be effected. He recalled the organization of the Fidac, numbering more than s.000.000 members in- cluding the veterans of the war from all the allied countries. This has been ' Ji Alu4 duu VIII CUhtthuo WI nIl6 for permanent peace.
 Sticks to Its Ideals
 The Legion is fighting for univer- sal service on the principle that both labor and capital should be utilized by the government in time of war. He said that was the req son that the Legion supported so strongly the Wainwright resolution which would establish a commission from all branches. industry, labor, the professions and such. for a com- plete study of the best method of drafting all into service and to draw up an act that would be acceptable to all. He warned that the Legion has never failed in the enactment of sound legislation which 1t supported and said that 1t would stick until the universal service bill was enacted into the laws of the land.
 The Legion urged that ratification of the multi lateral treaty because it believes that it is q step towards the securing of international peace. Treaties. however" he added. "are but a friendly gesture and cannot stop war. In the history of the world. most wars between nations have been started either directly or indirectly over tbhe violation of a treaty.
 Until the day of the millennium has arrived" he said. 'it is practical for nation to defend itself to pre- serve peace. You have policemen in your cities and towns to preserve