Evening star., 1940-08-03
D. {. Legion lndorses
Universal Service,
Registry Of Firearms
Gruyson, Arrested at
Anti-Conscription Rally,
Is AppIouded at Session

Strongly indorsing resolutions
pertaining to national defense and
conscription of the Nations man
power, the 22nd annual convention
of the Department of the District
OF Columbia, American Legion, last
night presented united front for
American preparedness in a ses-
sion lasting until l2;45 am.
Unanimous approval was voiced
for the following measures:
l. Universal military service for
all persons of military age and
physical fitness.
2. Speedy enactment by Congress
OF the pending Selective Training
and Service Act providing trained
and seasoned defense forces.
3. Legislation requiring Nation
wide registration of all firearms as
curb on possible subversive ac-
tivities of foreign agents.
Convention Ends Tonight.
Approximately 500 Legionnaires
and their ladies crowded into the
ag-draped ballroom of the May
flower Hotel to thunder their ap-
proval of these measures which,
spokesmen said, the organization
has long advocated. Last nights
session was the second of a three
day convention, ending tonight.
The Resolutions Committee re-
port, read by James F. Kehoe, urged
the anti-conscription group of Sem
ators opposing the measure ito re-
gard realistically the present situa-
ton of European nations that were
unprepared and to reflect upon the
fate of this Nation, also made
ouately prepared " 3" at the hands
of ruthless and powerful totalitarian
nations of Europe and Asia" should
the European conflict reach these
shores.
Resolution No 81 favored immedi-
ate registration of the country's
man power now available for ma
tional defense and that "selective
service CONSUMPTION be used to draw
therefrom sufficient number of
men for training in active service
and to provide a reserve for
use in an emergency as an auxiliary
force or replacements"
More Police, Firemen Asked.
Among other resolutions adopted
were those calling for increases in
the city's police and fire depart
ment personnel to strengths recon-
mended by Maj Ernest w. Brown
and Chief Stephen Porter, respec-
tive department heads, and a slum
clearance program for the District
and retention and expansion of all
State and Federal programs of that
nature.
A note of humor was injected
into resolutions proceedings when
the committee asked the conven-
ton to approve the views expressed
by Edley H. Grayson. a, an ex-
Army sergeant in the World War,
who Thursday night interrupted an
anti-conscription rally to question
Senator Holt, Democrat, of West
Virginia about his criticism of the
Army camp at Plattsburg, N. Y.
Mr.. Graysn1. who made his way
to the speakers~stand while Sena tor
Holt was talking, was arrested fok
lowing a scuff1e and charged with
disorderly conduct. The former
sergeant forfeited IS collateral on
the charge The convention gave
Mr.. Grayson and the resolution
loud applause.
Siding Asks Support.
The speaking program was brief.
most OF the evening being devoted
to business matters.
George Siding, past commander
OF the New York State department
of the Legion, solicited the Dis
tricts support of his candidacy for
national commander at the ma
tional convention to be held in
Boston September 1926. He out
lined action taken by the New York
Legion groups in combating sub
verslve activities and pledged con-
tlnuance OF that campaign if
elected. The national. candidate
was introduced by George Meade,
commander of the New York State
department of the Legion.
Department Comdr. William T.
Slattery conducted the session fol-
lowing the advance of colors by the
national guard of honor. The in
vocation and benediction was given
by Department Chaplain Howard E.
Snyder, Several musical numbers
were played by the James Reese
Europe Post Drum and Trumpet
Corps and the James f. Walker
Post Band.
Trophies Awarded.
Prior to the report of the Reso-
lutlons Committee departmental
and convention parade trophies
were awarded by Paul McGahan
and Robert l.. Duvall
Nomination of officers for the
1901 year ran the session into
the early morning William H. Har-
grave, commander of Fort Stevens
Post, No. 2, was selected depart
ment commander without opposi-
taon, succeeding Mr.. Slattery. Other
unanimous nominations were Pat
rlck j. Fltzgibbons, commander of
Victory Post, No. 4. as senior vice
commander and Basil F. McAllister.
welfare officer of the Police and
Fire Post, No. %. as third vice COM
mander.
Joseph j. Malloy. present national
executive committeeman, was re-
named to that post for another
term. The only office to be con-
tested in tonight's formal election
Is the post of second vice COM
mander. Nominees for that Office
are Edna p Smith, commander of
the U. S. S. Jacob Jones Post, No. 2,
Ind AlnvorIar