The Waterbury Democrat., 1941-07-24
-NEA Telephoto.

which State Police Commissioner Edward J. Hickey is chairman, re- ported that many steps are being taken to strengthen Connecticut's part in national defense. The re- port cited the work of the state defense council and of civilian defense groups. Protection of Con- necticut industry, water supply, utilities, etc., have been arranged, the report stated.
 Rep. Daniel J. Mahaney, a dele- gate from Corp. Coyle Post of this city, reported that the legislative committee of which he is chairman succeeded in securing the passage of considerable beneficial legisla- tion during the 1941 session of the General Assembly. He cited as a special example the bill providing a state appropriation for the print ing of a roster of all World War veterans, copies of which will go E, Legion Posts, libraries and other institutions and organizations.
 The membership committee re- ported that the state department now has a total of 12,619 paid-up members, the total being an in- crease over the 1940 membership and the national and state quotas.
 Smith, MalOney Praised
 The national defense committee, in its report, urged that additional Legionnaires join the aircraft warn- ing service. The committee praised the splendid legislative record, on national defense, of Comrade Sena- tor Francis Maloney and Congress man (J. Joseph) Smith.
 Numerous other committee and officers reports were submitted and accepted.
 It was announced that special memorial service will be held at Il a. m. tomorrow at Wilby, with Fa- ther Cassidy off1ciating and with buglers from Casper Davis post, Waterville, playing Taps. There is also scheduled for tomorrow a memorial service at the Honor Roll in Library park, with Father Cas- sidy and Rev. Roger B. T. Ander- son, rector of Trinity Episcopal N44u1NALB OAAANAbSAAASs
 Contests for Offices
 A keen contest Is underway for the office of senior vice-command- CT, a post being vacated by Arthur J. Connell of Middletown, who will be eletced state commander Satur- day. The candidates are Edward J. Kelly of Taftyille and Arthur E.. nalv of New Haven.
 Commander Feegel and Col. Ray mond J. Gates, director of the Vet erans' home at Rocky Hill, battling for the post of national executive committeeman, now held by J.. Fred Collins of Greenwich.
 A contest Is also underway for fl- nance officer for the second dis trict, with George Karnosky of this city opposing William A. Eaton of Ansonia.
 On the speaking program for to- day were Brigadier- General Regi- nald B. DeLacour and Col. Xavier F. Blauvelt, representing Gen. Fran cis B. Wilby of the first corps area headquarters at Boston, but their addresses were postponed to tomor- row.
 At the afternoon session today, announcement of the award of the 1941 American Legion scholarship was to be made. Winners of awards and trophies were also to be an- nounced.
 The auxiliary will entertain Le- gionnaires at a dinner and dance at The Elton at 6:30 tonight.
 Memorial Mass
 Tomorrow'S Legion convention pro- gram will open with memorial Mass at the Church of the Immac- ulate Conception at 8 o'clock. Rev. Henry F. Cassidy of Norfolk, de- partment chaplain, will be the cele- brant. Later in the day memorial services will be held at the Honor Roll in Library Park.
 Speakers tomorrow will be Con- gresSman J. Joseph Smith of this city, a ranking member of the House military affairs committee; Capt. Henry J. Reis Fl Bara, commanding officer of the Second Battalion, 208th Coast Artillery. Camp Ed- wards, Mass; and William P. Ben- nett, former assistant U. S. attor- ney-general and former assistant treasurer of the United States.
 The invocation opening the busi- ness session tomorrow will be de- liyered by Rev. Roger B. IT. Ander- son. Business Of the day will inc clude committee reports, including one from the national cemetery committee and nomination Of dele- gates and aiternates to the national convention.
 Ex.servlcewonlen Of the state will hold a reunion luncheon at Patsy Browns restaurant, 3el West Main street, at i2;s9 tomorrow. Mrg. May Dwyer of this city is in charge of arrangements.
 The auxillarys convention pro. gram tomorrow viii include blifinees saasions, reception of distinguished NlknMfM afAHNlnE RAasmllanM @4tG n lea