The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1931-09-18
LEGION FORCES
MAY PUSH DRY
ISSUE To FORE
0'NeiI Keeps Stand Masked,
but Trouble Looms
for Convention.
MICHIGAN BLOC PERIL
State Group May Appeal to
Chair If Commander
Opposes Debate.
By United Press

By United Press
DETROIT, Sept. 18.-The posi-
ton of National Commander Ralph
7. ONeil on the question of pro-
hibition, the bonus and unemploy-
ment remained in doubt today as
the high chief of the legionnaires
prepared for the American Legion
national convention next week.
O'Neil would commit himself on
none of the issues today.
IT can't say what action I shall
take on any proposal regarding the
prohibition law" he said. "I'll meet
the problem when it arises"
The commander has power to rule
out of order any issues which he
deems outside the scope of Legion
activities. Last year when a pro-
hibition-reform proposal was made
the commander ruled the discus
sion off the floor.
Michigan Bloc Feared
There is widespread talk this
year of Michigan delegates making
an appeal to the chair if O'Neil
receives scheduled prohibition
moves with such a ruling.
O'Neil arrived Thursday and i'm
mediately plunged into the work of
completing his years report, which
must be printed for the convention
opening.
Unemployment, he told inter
viewers, is vital question before
the convention, but care of disabled
veterans always must be the legion'S
first concern.
ST can not commit myself in re-
gard to the bonus question:" he
said, Except to say that do not
believe the government should make
a profit off interest on veterans
bonus loans. In connection with
unemployment, I am, of course, OPP
posed to any form of the dole"
Large Groups Arrive
While the commander worked on
his report, preparations for the con-
vention which will open Monday in
Olympia arena went forward rapid
ly, and delegates began to arrive in
larger numbers.
One of those most warmly re-
ceived was Robert Kelley, delegate
from Alaska, who made the long
trip from the Arctic by bus and
steamer.
The advance guard of the Boston
delegation arrived in special car
Thursday, led by Dennis Haverty,
Massachusetts, state adjutant; Ste
phen G. Clarity, state commander,
and William H. Doyle, past COM
mander.
1t was announced Thursday night
that Floyd Gibbons, famous war
correspondent, who lost an eye at
Chateau Thierry, will broadcast
daily description of the convention
over the radio.
Entertainment of the legionnaires
will not be confined to Detroit.
Windsor, just across the river in
Ontario, also is ready for the for
mer American soldiers.
In the government liquor stores
of Windsor and it's suburbs large
supplies of liquors, wines and beers
have been provided: Additional help
has been arranged and the stores
will keep open later in the evening
than usual.
Can Drink in Pullmans
For the second time in the his
tory of the Ontario liquor law
Pullman cars will be designated le-
gal residences. Delegates housed in
Pullmans in Canada thus may OBJ
tain liquor permits the same as
those staying at hotels
Windsor breweries have provided
amply for the convention, and as
surances were given today there will
be no shortage of supplies.
In Detroit, of course. there is no
open advertising of the matter of
liquor supplies and prices, but it is
understood there will be no drought.
Those who have thirsts will be
shown where to slake them. But
on the whole, those delegates housed
in Windsor will have the edge. The |
prices there are standard and rea-
sonable; the product is government |
supervised and uncut.