Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1954-06-23
Legion Conventions
No Longer Rowdy,
Official Tells Civ

The American Legion, frankly
irritated with Police Chief Rob-
ert v. Murray, sought today to
give the public a favorable i'm
preston of its national conven-
tons.
Representatives of the vet
Grams organization planned a
conference with the Commission
ers and Chief Murray in the hope
of reaching full understanding
about their big 1854 convention
mere this summer.
Legion spokesman heatedly
protested the language used
when the city requested Congress
to appropriate $103,725 so the
police can maintain public or
der" during the convention, Au-
gust 80 through September 2.
Herbert j. jacob, president of
the Legion Convention Corp, la
beled this as IAN intimation" by
Chief Murray that Legionnaires
are a disorderly group.
Denial by Chief.
The chief entered a prompt
denial.
1.-THE language used in the ap-
preparation request is not police
language" he explained. 1T is
budget language. It is exactly
the same used in making re-
quests for extra police expense in
connection with presidential in
augurals.
Nothing in this language
could possibly be construed as
critical of the American Legion. 4"
Chief Murray pointed out it is
always necessary to provide ad-
ditional police protection when
large crowds gather in Washing
ton. For inauguralS, it has been
customary to augment the Met
ropolitan force by hiring addi-
tional policemen temporarily.
These are drawn from the States.
During the Legion convention
it is proposed to rearrange the
department schedule and assign
Metropolitan police to overtime
duty. Instead of the usual three
daily shifts of eight hours each,
the department will use two
shifts of IL hours each.
100000 Expected.
A visiting crowd of about
100000 persons is expected Au-
gust 81, the day of the Legion'S
parade.
Mr.. jacob, Washington pat
ent lawyer, considered the "im-
of the monetary re-
quest sufficiently serious to call
a press conference late yes
terday.
He accused Chief Murray OF
dating back his thinking 80
years." and added there had
been no rowdyism at Legion con-
ventions in the last Is years.
Mr.. jacob produced kilograms
from hotel men and police Of
ficialS in several cities where
Legion conventions have been
held recently. All attested the
good conduct Of Legionnaires.
Some, like New York, said con-
ventions had necessitated no ad-
ditional policing.
Mr.. jacob called attention to
a statement by Senator DirkSen,
Republican, of Illinois, suggest
ing that the language of the
request might be
changed from maintain public
order" to "for additional traffic
and policing service" Mr.. Dirk
sen, a Legionnaire, is chairman
of the Senate Appropriations
Committee.
Mr.. jacob told reporters Le-
gion conventions are conducted
seriously. He said it is customary
to have a special service COM
mittee of members assigned to
help keep order wherever Le-
gather. In Washing
ton this group of from 800 to
800 will be composed of men,
bers from the District. Maryland
and Virginia. Many will be re-
tired policemen and firemen.
Parade Plan Disputed.
The convention corporation
president also expressed concern
over Chief Murray'S recommen-
dalton for a change in parade
plans. The Chief has recon-
mended to the Commissioners
that the parade begin in the
morning rather than at 2 pm,