Smyrna times., 1932-08-03
7. w. MILLER is
LEGION HEAD
Wins 27 to 25 in Spirited Con-
test Over Sussex County
Man at Convention

Man at Convention
AUXILIARY OFFICERS
The City of Wilmington which
has not had a Commander of the
Department of Delaware, Ameri-
can Legion, for II years, now en-
joys that distinction again, follow
ing a spirited clash at the 14th an
nual convention of the organization
in Rehoboth between the delegates
from Wilmington and Sussex Coun-
ty over the rotation rule, which
finally resulted in a victory for
Wilmington when Colonel Thomas
w. Miller was elected. When the
ballot was taken Colonel Miller de-
i feated the Sussex County nominee,
Anthony Summers, of Milford, by
a majority of only two votes,
count being 27 to 25. There was
no personality involved, Sussex
County delegates objecting only on
i the ground that Colonel Miller's
election would be in violation of
the well understood rotation rule.
which this year gave to that coun-
ty the privilege of naming the new
State department commander.
Other Officers Named
The other officers who were
elected unanimously are ]. r. Fad
er, Newark, vice-commander; the
Rev. Park w. Huntington, Will
mington, chaplain; George Pusey,
i ergeant-at-arms; Ira S. Brinser,
historian; ]. ]. Dugan, national
committeeman; w. E. Matthews,
Jr., alternate. Colonel Miller and
Clarence NJ. Dillon, Wilmington,
were named delegates to the ma
tional convention. Edward Null
rooney and Robert Jackson, Will
mington, were named alternates.
County delegates are; New Castle,
S. Naylor; alternate, James Tay-
lor, Kent county, ]. Henry Hazel.
Sussex, Fisher Fax; alternate, DR..
Richard Beebe; delegate-at-large.
Fred Manion; alternate, Howard
Emmett, Wilmington.
Resolution Adopted
A feature of the convention pro-
gram was the adoption of num-
Der of resolutions, the most inter
esting of which defended the Leg
ion as "unjustly held responsible
by the public for abuses sponsored
often by other veteran organiza-
tions, by politicians, or by individ-
uals, thoughtless, sentimental or
self-seeking," and defined clearly
the attitude of the Legion toward
veteran compensation, as follows:
That the Delaware Department of
the American Legion in Conven-
ton assembled, declares itself in
favor of return to the strict pol
icy of liberal and just compensa-
ton to the actual dependents of
those who lost their lives as di-
rect result of their war service, and
compensation and care for those
who were in fact, disabled thereby:
and declares itself opposed to all
legislation giving special privileges,
disqualification, and compensation
to veterans or their dependents for
death and disabilities not so incur
red, and to the exploitation of war
services for class gain" A reso-
luton providing for the develop
ment of plans in Delaware for the
education of the children of those
who Sacrificed their lives for their
country during the World War;"
also was adopted.
Women's League Condemned
Disapprobation of the Women's
International League for Peace and
Freedom" and all other un-Ameri-
can organizations" termed in the
resolution, mot only insidious en-
emies of the American Legion, but
of all veterans of the armed forces
of the United States" was express
ed by the resolution committee, and
adopted by the convention. Legis-
lation requiring "the oath of alleg-
ience for all teachers and educators
in the public schools, colleges and
universities of our State, similar
to that required of all public OFF,
cials," was urged.
Retiring Official Makes Report
Retiring State Department Com
mander Herman II. Hanson, of Do