Evening star., 1939-09-24
Graver Legion Move,
Into Position 10
Fight War
Vigorous Expansion
In Neutrality and
Defense Expected

| BY the Associated Press.
CHICAGO, Sept. 23.-The Amer
ican Legion moved into position to-
day for what may be its greatest
offensive against war.
Graver of cast in its preliminaries
than the preludes to previous ma
tional conventions, the 21st gather
ing of the veterans started dealing
Immediately with the crucial ques-
tions of United States neutrality
and strengthening the Nations de-
fense.
Many of the hundreds of depart
mental resolutions were concerned
with those issues. Building on the
resolutions, the national organiza-
ton was expected to shape a Wig
orous and unified expression, which
probably will reach the convention
floor Wednesday or Thursday.
The tense atmosphere of the
world, in which the Legion meets
this year, evoking a conspicuous So
ber-mindedness among the veterans,
has by no means destroyed the ira
ditional play spirit. however. Visit
ing Chicago for the first time since
1888, the Legion has brought an
officially estimated 250,0OO or more
to the city.
Legionnaires have infused gusty
fraternalism into the manifold af-
fairs of downtown Chicago. All the
wonted panoply is international
colors flying, the regulation blue
uniforms blending with multi, roll
ing of the drums, riotously be-
decked automobiles of antiquated
manufacture, the clang of 40 and 8
engine bells.
More Realistic Opinion.
Certain observers discerned in the
hum and hurly of the day some-
thing analogous to the taut and
serious state of mind in 1917 and
1918. The difference, they accentu-
ated, was in a more realistic pub
lie opinion today and a lessened
susceptibility to war psychoses.
Questions other than neutrality
and national defense likewise en-
gagged the attention of the Legion.
Judge Richard Hartshorne of
Newark, N. j., chairman of the Ma
tional Law and Order Committee,
said the Legion had made important
contributions to the fight against
crime. He asked. in his annual ac-
counting, that all citizens join the
Legion in a drive next year for the
prevention Of juvenile delinquency,
which he termed the root of all
crime.
Glen r. Hills of Kokomo, Ind,
national child welfare chairman, re-
ported the Legion spent $3,641,73l in
direct emergency financial relief for
442 ,489 in 1889. Most of the money,
he said. was used for food, cloth
ing and medical aid. His commit
tee helped form 1874 co-ordinated
community councils in 80 States to
curb juvenile delinquency.
S3,338,857 in Benefits.
A total of $3,338, ,857 so in Govern
ment benefits was recovered for
World War veterans in 1899 through
services of the Legion, National Re-
habilitation Director Watson B.
Miller made known.
John Thomas Taylor, national
legislative director, said only 2 of
every 81, or fewer than 10 per cent
of ali United States World War
veterans now living were receiving
compensation of any kind from the
Federal Government.
He reported governmental officials
estimaed that as of June 80, 1898,
surviving World War veterans num-
bered 4.026, ,480, and of these, 1885,
656, or 9.58 per cent, were getting
disability compensation, pensions or
retirement pay. Since then, he said,
veterans have been dying at an
estimated rate of 100 a day. Ap-
proximately 100000 of the 4,697 1894
men mustered by the Nation in all
its armed forces have died.
Opening with an Executive Com
mittee meeting and an open-air re-
ligious service tomorrow, the con-
vention proper will get under way
Monday morning. The annual pa
rade will be on Tuesday.