The Daily Alaska empire., 1936-09-03
Bonus Paid


 Bonus Paid
 In this year, under the guidance Of National Commander Murphy, we have been particularly fortunate in carrying forward our program. The full payment of the Adjusted Servce Certificates has been accom- plished, and thus we have put be- hind us a most controversial queS- tion Our national defense program has been approved by Congress to a highly substantial degree. And we have met success elsewhere in the legislative field. In the mean time. we have moved rapidly and consistently to the fore with our great child welfare, Americanism and other activities which require little or no legislative action.
 The traditional readiness of The American Legion for service in time of disaster was put to severe test during the early spring, and was not found wanting. Floods of un- precedented proportions swept a dozen states, while in at least six more. twisting tornadoes cut wide paths of destruction. In every state, The American Legion was the first organization to be on the scene, making rescues, providing shelters for the homeless, feeding the hun gry, and extending relief wherever it was needed. This is but another instance of the kind of work The American Legion is accomplishing
 Strong American Program
 What our program shall be in the Legion year which begins as the Cleveland Convention ends, is entirely in your hands and the hands of the other departments. The mandates you adopt will form the basis for the actions of the Ma tional Convention, which is the supreme legislative body of The American Legion. do not know what your decisions may be, but of this I am sure: they will be sound and proper, maintaining the high standard which las made ours the greatest of all organizations of war veterans. Thus, we look forward confidently to another fine, strong, American Legion program.
 Your part in the work that is ahead will not end, however, with the adoption of your department mandates and the development of the final structure in Cleveland. If the success which has attended our efforts this year, and in previous years, is to be continued in the com ing year, it is essential that we have a strong, united membership, unSel- fishly and devotedly supporting the program you will adopt. The great ness of The American Legion is not made by one man, or any small group; it is made and maintained by some 100000 World War veterans, working together with the same spirit that carried us to victory in 1918
 Membership Growing
 Our membership for the current year is progressing at a rate which indicates that we may establish a new high record by the time the books close in December. Whether we do reach unprecedented heights, or only approach them, it is still not enough. There are many thou sands of World War veterans who are eligible to be members of The. American Legion, but who are not members. When our splendid, un- selfish, progressive program is made known to them, am confident that they will become valuable members. So, as you enter upon the impor- tant duties of your department con- vention, I ask you to keep these things in mind: That it is you who are fashioning the future of our American Legion and that fhouoh