Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-11-12
AMERICANS PRAISE
HOOVER PEACE PLEA
Messages of Generalization
on ArmiStiCe Address Pour
Into Capital.
Continued From First Page)


that he visited the Presidents of the
South American republics and that this
was why he welcomed the visit of the
British prime minister TO the United
States.
I'VE have thought out loud together
as men cannot think in diplomatic
notes." he said. I'VE made no COM
mitments. We drove no discussion to
areas of possible constructive action
and possible controversy. We examined
the pitfalls of international relations
frankly and openly.
Better Able to Work.
with this wider understanding of
mutual difficulties and aspirations we
can each in our own sphere better
contribute to broaden good will, to as
sist those forces which make for peace
in the world to curb those forces which
make for diStrust
THAT is why have endeavored to
meet the leaders of these nations, for
I have no fear that we are not able to
impress every country with the single
minded good will which lies in the
heart of the American people"
AS another and immediate step in the
direction Of world peace, Mr.. Hoover
said the United States would reduce it's
naval strength in proportion to any
other nation and added amid burst
of applause that the others could not
go too low for us"
In making his appeal for peace, Mr..
Hoover made 1t clear that he was not
unmindful of the difficulties along that
road. He said this road requires pre-
paredness for defense as well as pre-
paredneSs for peace
On the side of defense he said, amid
enthusiastic applause, that he was "for
adequate preparedness as a guaranty
that no foreign soldier shall ever step
upon the soil of our country"
OF peace. he warned that it was not
"a static thing; that Ito maintain
peace Is as dynamic in its requirements
as the conduct of war"
Bodenhamer Praises Plea.
President Hoover's appeal for peace
and preparedness was commended by
Mai. o. L. Bodenhamer, national COM
mander of the American Legion, the
only other speaker Peace and pre-
paredness go hand in hand" the vet
eran declared. Veterans of the war
want peace, but they also want pre-
parednesss The experience Of this Ma
ton in past wars has shown us the
folly of unpreparedness."
The Legion commander asserted that
preparedness does not indicate war
like attitude on the part Of a nation
If it merely provides an adequate ma
national defense in time of peace. He
decried the practice of describing per-
sons in favor of adequate national de-
Tense as militarists.
Mai. Bodenhamer said the American
Legion was opposed to militarism be-
cause it did not insure national security
and because it had proven futile as q
national policy. He warned that ma
ture arises from a condition of pre-
paredness insufficient to provide ample
security.
The speakers presentation OF the ma
tional policy of his organization also
included approval of a program for re-
duction of ornaments. However, he
pointed out that the Legion expects
such reduction to be within safe linn
itations.
Universal Draft Law Is Urged.
He made a strong appeal for universal
service in time of war. declaring that
the Legion would make every effort to
bring about the enactment of legislation
with this object in view. He stated that
the Legion is satisfied that there is jus
tice and equity in universal service and
is convinced that 1t would prevent
profiteering during wartime. No one
has the right to roll in the lap Of luxury
and grow rich on war" he stated,
while others roll in the mud and mire
of the battlefield. Selective service
would not only take the profit out oil
war, but would greatly reduce the cost
of war and would strengthen the armed
force of the Nation by drafting every
man, every resource, into the service
of the country, and, most important, II
would distribute equally the burden OF
war. 49,. No.,
In conclusion, he thanked the Presl-
dent on behalf of every member OF
the Legion for the honor he had palo
their organization by attending the
ceremonies and congratulated him upon
his address.
Mrs. Hoover on Stage.
Mrs Hoover occupied seat IN the
front row on the stage. Others on the
stage included members OF the PreSl-
dents cabinet, high ranking GoVern-
ment officers and officers OF the Arnerl-
can Legion In the audience were many
notables of the Capital, including Sena-
tors and Representatives and members
of the foreign diplomatic corps.
The ceremonies we're opened by MAJ.
I, r. Atkins. department commander
of the District of Columbia American
Legion. Paul V. McNutt, retiring Ma
tional commander, presided and intro
duced the President and Maj. boden-
hamer.
The music for the occasion was FUR
nished by the United States Army Band.
Herman Fakler sang two selections.