Evening star., 1939-09-25
Legion Speakers Urge
Peace Setup Based
On Strong Defense
Ford Makes Dromotic
Entry; Other NotobIes
Attend Session

Entry; Other NotobIes
Attend Session
By the Associated Press.
CHICAGO, Sept. 25.-American
Legionnaires cheered an impressive
array Of speakers who beseeched the
United States to build its peace
structure upon invulnerable defense
forces at the opening session today
Of the 21st annual convention.
An estimated attendance of II 900
Legion members and women Of the
auxiliary filled the Coliseum, which
was lavishly draped with the ma
tional colors.
A long line of distinguished guests
were introduced, among the visitors
being Henry Ford. who made dra-
matte entry fianked by the personnel
of Ford Mortor Car Post of Detroit
Appearing at the convention as
a special guest of National Comdr
Stephen F. Chadwick, Mr. Ford
stepped to the microphone and said
simply, Il think it is my greatest
honor to be here with you today"
He was saluted with volleys of ap-
plause and shouting.
Mary Pickford at Session.
Other famous personalities min
Cling with high Legion omcers on the
stage and responding to the vet
erans' accolades were Mary Pickford,
Gen. Frank T. Hines, head Of the
United States Veterans Administra-
ton: j. Monroe johnson, Assistant
Secretary of Commerce; Paul Nc
Mutt, head of the Security Admins
tration and himself an outstanding
Legionnaire, and Josephus Daniels,
United States Ambassador to Mex
leo.
Mr.. Daniels advised the Legion to
"Close your ears to dangerous prop
aganda." He reported the confer
ence of Representatives of North and
South American nations at Panama
epitomiZed continental solidarity
In the Western hemisphere"
1t was announced the convention
turnout this year was one of the
largest since formation of the Le-
gion.
Unequivocal neutrality and a
staunch preparedness were the
themes Of the days address.
The views Of Secretary of War
Harry H. Woodring. scheduled as
one of three speakers interpreting
the Legion's three-fold service to
community, State and Nation. were
presented by his representative,
Brig. Gen. Frank M. Andrews.
Gov. Leverett Saltonstall of Mas
sachusetts, discussing in his pre-
pared address the Legionnaire's serv-
ice to the State, declared that al
though the United States cannot
live alone, no matter how self f-suf-
flcient it may be materially or in
| spirit we will not be
shaken in seeking a goal of peace" Z"
National Comdr. Stephen F. Chad
wick expressed belief in his pre-
pared report that "our country can
be kept from involvement in other
peoples strife" and said I'VE pro-
pose, out of our experience, TO coun-
sci and advise the citizenry of
America to the end that America
may keep the peace and by example
afford to other nations the, hope
that through democracy and demo-
cratic institutions the world may
some day reach the goal of peace. {"
From Otis N. Brown of Green's
boro, N. c., commander in chief of
the Veterans of Foreign Wars. the
Legion received an invitation to
consider proposed coalition
among all major veteran organiza-
tions for the promotion of security
for America. security for American
citizens and security for America s
veterans and their dependents
Through q coalition of such
groups, he said, I'VE can demon
strate with dramatic emphasis the
importance of national unity"
Darrell T. Lane of Washington
and Salt Lake City, chairman of
the Foreign Relations Committee,
told newsmen, however. the Legion
doubtless would be offered a choice
OF supporting President Roosevelt, S
desire to remove the arms embargo
or Of favoring continuation OF the
present Neutrality Act in toto, which
prohibits the sale of war equipment
to belligerents.
Bishop Freeman Speaks.
Such counsel was voiced by Gov.
Lloyd c. Stark of Missouri, the Right
Rev. James E. Freeman, Episco-
pal Bishop of Washington, D. c.,
and National Comdr. Chadwick.
In a sermon delivered to thou
sands massed in Grant Park for
religious and patriotic services,
Bishop Freeman declared some
part of this earth must te kept
free from the bloody shambles Of
war" so that the ideals of orderly
living" may be preserved.
Citizens of the United States, he
said, have a trusteeship for what
we hold Of justice and right in all
human relations that we will not
sacrifice or abandon. We refuse to
~ Ss~JSASA Va SCu Wy kAAC
ions Of those who are not Of our
ways Of our thinking and living.
We may by every reasonable and
consistent means give our strong
moral and, if need be, our material
wealth to set forward the cause Of
democracy. Once peace is restored
we shall be the better prepared to
lend our aid in rebuilding the or
derly ways of life If we maintain
unimpaired the standards and ideals
of our national Life"
Violations Of Trust.
@ Bishop Freeman termed the vio-
lation of q trust one of the most
despicable crimes and said even
aroused public opinion and sweep
ing condemnation do not stay the
evils that spring from it."
"The assumptions of proud iso-
lation,'" he continued, cannot, and
do not afford security to peace
loving peoples when confidence is