The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1931-09-24

DEIKOII, Sept. "a. - The
American Legion today voted to
uphold President HOOver's plea
and make no demand for an inn
mediate cash bonus payment. The
official vote was 902 to 5O7.
BIZ United Press
DETROIT, Sept. 24.-By the mar
gin of 1908 to 1894, the American Le-
gion today called on congress for a
referendum on either repeal or
modification of the eighteenth
amendment.
Wild scenes of disorder, shouts,
and cheers, throwing of hats and
applause broke out when the wet
element gained the number of
votes that would insure victory for
the resolution which urges the refer
endum.
AS the resolution was declared
adopted, the convention went wild
anew.
During the roll call there had
been shouts of victory as the count
increased for the measure. But
when Commander Ralph P. O'Neil
announced the official count, the
cheering became deafening.
Catcalls Greet Drys
The dry votes were greeted with
boos and cat calls from the packed
galleries, while every vote against
prohibition received a cheer. A
Texas delegate, who arose and de-
manded a poll of his delegation
after the state was voted unani-
mously against the measure, re-
ceived a big hand
In lull after the voting, L. K.
Robb arose and invited the Legion
to Australia for "a good wet time"
That was signal for more cheer
ing and applause.
Most of the opposition to the
resolution appeared from the
southern delegates and those from
the middle western agricultural
belt.
Kansas, Arkansas, Mississippi,
Nebraska, Oklahoma, Tennessee.
Texas, Utah, and Wyoming cast
solid votes against. the resolution.
Vets Are Too Strong
The wet" element got its strength
from all sections of the country.
Twenty-one delegations split the
votes to cast part for and part
against the measure.
New York's ninety-two votes hap
pened to prove the number neces-
sary to insure passage of the reso-
luton.
Delegations voting solidly for the
resolution we're: Alabama. Alaska,
Arizora, California, Canada, Colo
RADIO, Connecticut, Delaware, Dis
trict of Columbia, France, Georgia,
Hawaii, Illinois, Italy, MaSsachu-
sets, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada,
New Mexico, New York, Pennsyl-
vania, Philippines, Porto Rico,
Rhode Island, Wisconsin, Havana
and London, England.
The noncontroversial portions Of
the legislative committees report
were adopted without discussion.
Mrs. Louise Williams of Tuckahoe.
N. Y, newly elected president of
the women's auxiliary, was present.
ed to the convention and the legion
naireS greeted her by singing THE
Sidewalks of New York"
Low Interest Rate Asked
A lower rate of interest on adj.
justed compensation was asked in
one resolution passed. The majority
report on the bonus opposing cash
payment was read.
The following is the resolution
passed on prohibition:
? Whereas, the eighteenth amend
ment to the Constitution of the
United States has created a con-
d1tion endangering respect for law
and the security of American in
Stitutions; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Ameri-
can Legion, In its thirteenth annual
convention assembled, favors the
submission by congress of the repeal
or modification of the present pro-
hibition laws, to the several states.
with request that each state sub
NIT this question to the voters
thereof"
Scenes of utmost confusion
reigned on the convention floor as
the delegations had brought before
them the resolution favoring the
referendum.
Drys Are Drowned Out
Efforts to introduce a minority
report were drowned out by the
shouts of wet" delegates who de-
manded an immediate vote.
Ever speakers favoring the resolu-
ton found greatest difhculty in adj
dressing the throng. Constant heck
ling, shouts. cheers and booes filed
the air as both sides gave vent 10
the high feeling running through
the convention.
Prolonged cheering followed the
reading of the resolution.
After nearly minute of applause
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