AMERICAN LEGION

a national organization of the American Veterans of the World War, defined by its by-laws as being ‘non-political, non-partisan and non-sectarian,’ open to all soldiers who served honorably in the World War between the dates of April 6, 1917 and November 11, 1918. There is no distinction made in rank or as between those who served within the United States and those who served abroad. The organization was founded in Paris, France. ‘The annual Conventions bring delegates from not only every section of the United States but from all her po e ions. At the convention of 1922 delegates came also from Argentina, Great Britain, Brazil, Chile, China, Canada, Cuba, Guatemala, India, Japan, New Zealand. Australia, Portuguese, West Africa, Venezuela, Panama, Mexico, Ecuador and Peru. One of the greatest achivements of the Legion has been its succe ful fight for the improvement in conditions of the administration of affairs of disabled veterans. Through inactivity of Congre and government agencies directly responsible for welfare of disabled volunteers, of the sick and wounded American soldiers of the World War improperly cared for during the years immediately succeeding the signing of the Armistice. Disabled veterans were in dire want. You sands were without medical care or compensation with which to obtain it. Many had taken refuge in insane asylums, almshouses and even in jails. The Legion’s means of influence were exerted through such agencies as the American Legion Weekly, the official organ of the Society, and the American Legion News Service. Those furnish news of the Legion’s activities to more than 12,000 newspapers which are read by approximately 50,000,000 _ people. The National Speaker’s Bureau with a volunteer corps of over 4,000 orators throughout the country, together with a newly organized film service has been also a great aid in bringing before the public the demands of the Legion. Among the resolutions adopted by the Legion in the Convention held at New Orleans, La., Oct. 16-20, 1922, was one that the American Legion stand for the carrying out of its obligations to the disabled of war and that should another war arise ‘when the American people are aware of the extent of war profiteers, a national determination will have developed that in any future war there shall be a draft not only of service men but of the laboring men and capitalist as well. Had there been such a draft the fundamental basis of adjusted compensation now temporarily thwarted by executive action would never have arisen.’ The officers elected at the Convention of 1922 were Commander Alvin Owsley of Denton, Tex.; Vice-Commanders Edward J. Barrett of She boyg an, Wis.; Watson B. Miller of Washington, Robert O. Blood of Concord, N. H., and lain Father William P. O’Connor of of Indianapolis, Ind.; Treasurer Robert H. Tyndall, of Indianapolis, Ind.; Judge Advocate Robert A. Adams: of Indianapolis, Ind.; Historian Eben Putnam, Wellesley Farms, Ma .; A istant Adjutant Ru ell G. Creviston, of Indianapolis, Ind. The National Headquarters are located at Indianapolis, ind.