Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1954-08-29
U.S.Workers Get Half DoyOff
tuesday, to See Legion Parade;
Capital Welcomes Veterans
Convention to Heur
Eisenhower Talk at
Armory Tomorrow
By John v. Horner

The American Legion. whose
members have served the Nation
in three long wars, takes over
Washington today for its seth
annual convention with enthus-
iasm heightened by assurance
that Government workers here
will get a partial holiday Tues
day for their grand parade.
The administration decided at
the last minute to grant half
day off. beginning at l pm.
Tuesday, for Federal employees
in the Washington area.
The announcement came from
Philip Young. chairman OF the
Civil Service Commission and
personnel adviser to President
Eisenhower. He said he had re-
considered an earlier decision
against the partial holiday after
comforting on Friday with the
Legion's National Commander,
Arthur j. Connell.
Mr.. Young said he was con-
yinced that the Legion's first ma
tional convention in the Federal
city is an unprecedented occa-
sion warranting an exception to
the traditional policy Of granting
time off to Government workers
only for welcomes to visiting
heads Of state.
Hear President Tomorrow
Thousands of Legionnaires and
members OF their women's auxil-
larry already, had arrived here in
hopes of combining good fellow
ship with a worthwhile contri-
button to the study Of serious
problems confronting the Gov
eminent.
The veterans have drafted an
impressive business program
which opens tomorrow morning
in National Guard Armory with
a major address by their most
illustrious comrade, President
Eisenhower.
The President will return from
his working vacation in Colorado
for the occasion.
Weather prospects for the
four-day gathering appeared last
night to be generally favorable.
Intermittent showers and thun-
derstorins are forecast but fair
skies are expected. most Of the
time. It was predicted that tenn
peratures will not be excessive.
The Legionnaires rolled into
town all day yesterday and last
night in ever-increasing num-
bers. Many others are due to-
day. Some are bringing their
families for a sightseeing tour
Of the Capitals great shrines.
An indication Of the crowd
picture was given by Legion
headquarters. Spokesman said
they had provided housing ac-
commodations for more than
$4,000 persons for the duration
of the convention.
Parade Due Tuesday.
Countless others made their
own arrangements for hotel
space and visits to the homes Of
friends in the Metropolitan area.
The Legion stuck by an early
estimate of 100000 different
members coming into the city at
some time during the big con-
clave. They said, $4,000 persons
will participate in the huge
Legion parade scheduled to start
at 2 pm. Tuesday.
When Commander Connell
was informed of the decision to
give United States workers the
Tuesday holiday he expressed
elation over the change in policy
and extended thanks both to
President Eisenhower and Mr..
Young. He urged the Govern
ment employees who benefit from
the decision to work q little
\ harder in the next week or so"
in order to make UP for the time
gwen them.
District government workers
will benefit. too, because the
Commissioners have said they
will follow the Federal lead in
this matter.
Several hundred thousand
public servants are affected by
the new ruling.
While the parade on the Sec
ond convention day is spectacle
to capture general attention. the
Legion will devote its business
sessions tomorrow. Wednesday
and Thursday to a study of many
complex subjects. High on the
agenda, in addition to Presi-
dent Eisenhower's speech. will be