DIGEST OF MINUTES National Executive Committee Meeting National Headquarters, The American Legion Indianapolis, Indiana November 23 and 24, 1939

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Thursday Morning Session Friday Morning Session November 23, 1939 November 24, 1939 3 Call to Order Address by Honorable Paul V. McNutt 46 3 Invocation Presentation of Past National Commander Drain 48 3 Roll Call Presentation of Past National Commanders 48 3 Address of National Commander Contests Supervisory Committee 48 3 Appointment of Subcommittees National Defense Committee Greetings from Forty and Eight 4 Warren H. Atherton, Chairman 50 Appointment of National Officers 4 National Emblem Committee Election of National Adjutant 4 Roy L. Cook, Chairman 51 Address of Past National Commander Johnson 4 National Legislative Program Committee Greetings of American Legion Auxiliary 4 I. A. Jennings, Chairman 51 National Legislative Committee Constitution and By-Laws and Uniform Code of Procedure Frank L. Pinola, Chairman 5 Harry Benoit 52 John Thomas Taylor, Director 6 National Child Welfare Committee National Rehabilitation Committee Glen R. Hillis, Chairman 53 Wm. F. Smith, Chairman, by Paul G. Armstrong, Vice- Liaison with Child Welfare Committee Chairman 25 James R. Favret, Chairman 56 Watson B. Miller, Director 26 Legion Publishing and Publicity Commission Liaison with National Rehabilitation Committee Thomas W. McCaw, Vice-Chairman 57 Leo J. Duster, Chairman 31 Final Report of The American Legion 1939 Convention Corpora- Board of Directors, Endowment Fund Corporation tion of Chicago, and Report of National Convention E. M. Stayton, President 31 Liaison Committee James P. Ringley 58 Law and Order Committee Richard Hartshorne, Chairman 32 Veterans’ Employment Committee Jack Crowley, Chairman 58 Introduction of Guests 34 Report of National Judge Advocate Ralph B. Gregg 60 Thursday Afternoon Session Report of Resolutions Subcommittee November 23, 1939 George D. Levy, Chairman Disapproved Resolutions 61 Sons of The American Legion Referred Resolutions 62 34 T. C. Kasper, Chairman “Token of Peace and Union” Memorial at Andersonville, Veterans’ Preference- Committee Georgia 62 35 Frank A. Mathews, Jr., Chairman Publicity Concerning Convention Committee Reports 62 Report of 1940 Boston Convention Plans Amending Rules for National Contests 63 Harold P. Redden, Executive Vice-President 37 Appointment of Special National Committee to Study Or- National Americanism Commission ganization, Administration, etc., of The Sons of the Jeremiah F. Cross, Chairman 38 American Legion 63 Community House Project 40 Direction to the Emblem Division to Secure and Carry in National Finance Committee Stock a Regulation Department Commander’s Button. . 63 Sam W. Reynolds, Chairman 40 Provision for Making Burial Flags Available at Post Head- Resolutions Subcommittee (Partial Report) quarters Located in Foreign Countries 63 George D. Levy, Chairman Permanent Child Welfare Liaison Committee 42 Creation of a Standing Committee on Constitution and By- Foreign Relations Committee 43 Laws 63 National Coordinating Committee 43 To Define a General Policy with Reference to our Pacific Area to Best Serve our National Defense, our Com- Additional Personnel of Rehabilitation Committee 43 merce, and our General Interest 63 Pep-Talks by National Vice-Commanders: Carter D. Stamper 63 Charles Q. Kelley, Arkansas 44 A. D. Harkins 64 H. Elwyn Davis, Colorado 44 Mrs. Eliza London Shepard 64 Matthew J. Murphy, Illinois 44 Committee on Committees Leo E. Ray, New Hampshire 44 David V. Addy, Chairman 64 James B. Fitzgerald, Maryland 44 Cancellation of Post Charters 68 National Aeronautics Commission 44 Cancellation of Squadron Charters 69 Report of National Historian Introductions 69 Thomas M. Owen, Jr 44 Closing 59 Eligibility of National Officers 46

DIGEST OF MINUTES National Executive Committee Meeting National Headquarters, The American Legion Indianapolis, Indiana November 23 and 24, 1939

THURSDAY MORNING SESSION the Legion can take the lead in all of these endeavors and have the support of many organizations and important people of in- November 23, 1939 fluence in America. For the past few months, following the authorization by the The opening session of the regular November meeting of May meeting of this committee, there has been functioning a j - the National Executive Committee, The American Legion, subcommittee of Americanism known as the National Coordinating i; held at National Headquarters, Indianapolis, Indiana, No- Committee. This Committee has compiled numerous statistics. ) vember 23-24, 1939, convened at 10 o’clock, the morning of They have written to other organizations having Americanism pro- 1 grams and have letters from, I think, some 70 or 80 of these or- Thursday, November 23, National Commander Raymond J. ganizations, stating their willingness to support The American Le- L Kelly presiding as chairman; National Adjutant Frank E. gion program in combating subversive influences in our country, ; i Samuel, acting as secretary. and I think there is a positive need at this time for all organiza- Invocation by the National Chaplain, Reverend Patrick N. tions interested in preserving the fundamentals of our American way of life to join together in an effective coordinated effort to ; McDermott, Iowa. protect our institutions as a free people. Roll call by the National Adjutant showed the following We know that The American Legion has been a consistent leader ■ present: National Commander; National Chaplain; nine Past in the efforts to awaken the people of the United States to the k National Commanders; five National Vice-Commanders; and dangers which have been threatening our country. To prevent any possibility of aggression from foreign sources this organiza- :: fifty-eight Departments represented. There were also present tion of ours is going to continue to urge the need of a modernly t' other National Officers and visiting Legionnaires. A number up-to-date mechanized national defense system, and to obliterate t1 of Department Commanders and Department Adjutants were from our national life these internal forces which seek to destroy : in attendance as visitors. our liberty, which would turn our own liberal institutions against themselves in a class engendered orgy of self-destruction. The The reading of the minutes of the two preceding meetings Legion considered this menace to be a currently realistic menace, ’ was suspended. one which cannot be treated with indifference by the citizens of this country, so I urge this committee at this session to, if feasible, Address of National Commander take steps to take a united action movement by all typical fra- ternal, civic and patriotic groups, in order that the forces of evil, National Commander Raymond J. Kelly addressed the com- you might call them, of subversism, now existing in our country ( mittee as follows: might be forever wiped out of our national life. I think that is the important thing and that is the keynote message which I wish Members of this Committee, I think this would be an appro- to sound for this committee here today. [ priate time for your National Commander to say a few words, i maybe to sound briefly the keynote of this Legion year. I do not I know that you men are approaching this meeting with sin- i believe that ever in the history of The American Legion has our cerity, solemnity, and earnestness. I think there is a possibility : organization faced a more important period. I believe that the that history might be made at this meeting, and so I am happy ; eyes of the nation are upon The American Legion, because of our that we have such a good attendance and I do want to have some : service in the war and because of the conditions in the world at messages here to this committee that will sound further notes II large, the people of this country look to The American Legion along this line. ) for leadership. That is not a guess. That is a conclusion which ) comes from talking with folks all over this country in the past Appointment of Subcommittees i two months. From the letters which I have received from im- * portant business men, from presidents of large corporations, from The following subcommittees were appointed: i ordinary folks, as you might say, and I feel sure that you men in RESOLUTIONS: 1 this committee and the commanders and adjutants and the others 1. George D. Levy, South Carolina, Chairman. in positions of responsibility in The American Legion feel the 2. Ray O. Garber, Iowa. weight of responsibility that is ours. 3. J. Guy Griffith, Pennsylvania. I think there are two or three phases of our program that are outstanding and that must be emphasized. I think the first thing LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM (1939-40): is our position on neutrality, our vow to keep, as far as it is pos- 1. I. A. Jennings, Arizona, Chairman. i sible for us to do so, our country from involvement in this conflict 2. William G. McKinley, New Jersey. i which is raging overseas. I feel that our support of our national 3. Joseph S. Clark, Florida. defense program is vital and important and has the support at this i time, as never before, of the general public. I feel that our Amer- COMMITTEES : ) icanism program with special reference to the effort to be made 1. David V. Addy, Michigan, Chairman. against subversive influences in this country is vital. I think that 2. Maurice Devine, New Hampshire. 4 DIGEST OF MINUTES NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING

Greetings from the Forty and Eight your program. Think with me, if you will, for just a moment of the opportunity we have in your Auxiliary to serve. Think that Edward A. Mulrooney, Chef de Chemin de Fer, La So- there are 9,100 units of the American Legion Auxiliary, which ciete des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux, also a member means that we have 9,100 unit presidents, 9,100 child welfare chairmen, in addition to hundreds of district and department offi- of the National Executive Committee, addressed the commit- cers carrying on the program. tee as follows: It is quite terrifying to me, but I realize that it is my responsi- National Commander and Members of the National Executive bility as the National President to see that these women have a Committee: I want to assure you it is a pleasure and an honor direct purpose in mind during this coming year, and believing as to appear before you and extend to you the official greetings of I do, that our strength and success every year are based on the La Societe and to promise you, through your National Commander, accomplishments of the year before, I point very proudly to the the unqualified support of every voyageur in La Societe in the record of my predecessor, Amelia Morris, and the services to you coming year. The coming year will ,be an eventful one for The and to the nation last year. American Legion. The eyes of everyone are upon us, and with Just very briefly may I fire at you a few things that may have that I have promised you that La Societe will bring into The escaped your attention in the Legion’s share of the program? American Legion 200,000 Legion members, and I have called upon Last year in the American Legion Auxiliary, in our Child Wel- every chef to render to his Department Commander the support fare program, we were glad to cooperate with you and to supple- and cooperation to achieve that goal. ment your work, so that together our organizations contributed As you go back to your various Departments, after having spent nearly $4,000,000 worth of work in child welfare for America, but several days in National Headquarters, formulating our program in that $4,000,000 worth of work the American Legion Auxiliary’s for the coming year, I want each and every one of you to take with actual cash contributions in the departments were almost $1,989,000. you the thought and promise that every voyageur in your Depart- If you are curious, I ask you only to compare that figure with ment will be doing his utmost to carry out the program that you the Legion’s contribution within the departments, and I know then formulate here. you will be proud of the Auxiliary’s share in your service. In our Rehabilitation program within the past few years we Appointment of National Officers instituted something new. We, as women, are interested par- ticularly in Christmas and so a few years ago we instituted our Upon recommendation of the National Commander, and now famous Christmas program in the hospitals and we are proud motion seconded by Isadore E. Levine, Indiana, the follow- to bring to every veteran who is hospitalized at Christmas time ing National Officers were reappointed to serve for the year an individual Christmas gift from the American Legion Auxiliary. Last year we spent $236,000, which, after all, is a sizeable Christ- 1939-40: mas present in any man’s language. That $236,000 took care of National Treasurer, John Ruddick, Indiana. the individual gifts, parties at the hospitals, Christmas trees, and National Judge Advocate, Ralph B. Gregg, Indiana. decorations, as well as some assistance to the wives of the men National Historian, Thomas M. Owen, Jr., Alabama. who were at home while the husbands were hospitalized. We are grateful to you for the opportunity you have given us Election of National Adjutant for carrying on the poppy program, for I actually know the actual therapeutic value of the poppy work, and we know, of course, in Upon nomination of the National Commander, motion by practical terms of the finances, if we did not have our poppy Ralph T. O’Neil, Kansas, seconded by Louis Johnson, West program we could not carry out the welfare program throughout Virginia, Frank E. Samuel, Kansas, was re-elected National the departments. You are the executive body of this organization. With your National Commander you make certain policies. You Adjutant, to serve for the ensuing year. clarify others. In the American Legion Auxiliary in this coming year I promise you that we shall move very cautiously and care- Address by Past National Commander fully on all programs which deal with our national welfare and Louis Johnson, Past National Commandter, and at present safety. I have conferred with your National Commander from time to serving as the Assistant Secretary of War, addressed the time, so that we could, as members of the American Legion Aux- National Executive Committee off the record. iliary, talk to other women’s groups and know exactly what our position was on neutrality and on peace, and I hope that during Greetings of American Legion Auxiliary this coming year the American Legion Auxiliary will be able to send into women’s clubs, into church groups, into schools all over Mrs. William H. Corwith, National President of the Amer- the nation, our own members to tell how you feel, to speak for ican Legion Auxiliary, was escorted to the platform by rep- you and for the Auxiliary, on your desire for peace and safety in resentatives of the New York Department, and addressed the America. At our president’s and secretary’s conference the other day, and committee as follows: I think I will just say this in passing, there was an incident, be- Mr. Commander, Father McDermott, and Men of The American cause you may be interested in your own states; we discussed this Legion: May I first, Mr. Commander, express my personal thanks move which seems to be growing throughout the nation, for the to you for the privilege you gave me just now to hear Mr. John- establishment of peace groups among women. Now they have all son. I shall carry in my mind and in my heart the message he kinds of names. There was called to my attention the other day gave to you and I know that it will strengthen my determination and placed on my desk a clipping from an eastern newspaper to interest the women in the American Legion Auxiliary in our giving the title of an organization as the Legion Mothers for program of national defense and neutrality. Peace. I resent very much the use of the name “Legion” and I I feel very privileged to come to you this morning with the wonder if you can do something about that. It has been called greetings of what I hope will be 500,000 members of the American to my attention. But this is the statement I made to the women, Legion Auxiliary this year. We know that the American Legion and I made it after conference with the National Commander. I Auxiliary occupies a unique position in this nation. By your tell you because you are the legislative body for this great organ- authority we are a separate organization with our own officers and ization and it may come to your attention through the women’s our own constitutional prerogatives, but also by your confidence organizations when you go back home. We have instructed our we have the great privilege of following your program and co- department presidents and secretaries that if they are requested operating so that our strength adds strength to you. to join forces with these various peace groups to invite those peace I like to think that the word “Auxiliary” has a particular sig- groups to join with us. We know that their intent is good, they nificance, that word which you have so fittingly given to us, for do not want the country to be involved in war, they do not want an “auxiliary” is a supplementary aid, and if we are a supple- their boys to fight overseas, but we place above all that the safety mentary aid to The American Legion we only serve to back up of America and so our program is slightly different from theirs. DIGEST OF MINUTES NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING 5

All these are mushroom organizations and we have instructed our what I have to say. Won’t you come down to see me in my office department presidents not to join in alliance with these groups on the second floor, so I may in some1 small measure return the but to invite these groups to join with us, so that we can, in our courtesy which you have shown me this morning? I look forward communities throughout the nation, strengthen the program of with much anticipation to my visits in your departments, and it The American Legion, and make our people more conscious of its will be pleasant if I may have the privilege of shaking your hand value and force. and knowing you before I come into your state boundaries. Thank There is one more thing I want to say, Mr. Commander, and you again, and may I express the hope that this meeting will bring that is in regard to membership. When I visited your command- more peace and more satisfaction and more success for The Amer- ers’ and adjutants’ conference the other day, I learned a great ican Legion and for America. Thank you. many things. We had our roll call at our presidents’ and secre- taries’ conference and I was very proud to find out at its con- National Legislative Committee clusion that the American Legion Auxiliary not only maintained its record this year but far exceeded its previous year’s record The following advance and supplemental reports were sub- as of that date. In fact, we are very proud to report to you that mitted by Frank L. Pinola, Pennsylvania, chairman, National your American Legion Auxiliary has 65 per cent of its national Legislative Committee: quota paid today. I am not going to give you any comparative That the Chicago Convention Committees did a great deal of figure, because I feel quite ashamed that our membership is only work is apparent from the fact that from their deliberations there 313,000 against your almost 600,000, or perhaps it is 600,000 today, resulted 176 resolutions calling for legislation during the next but I do want to ask you to do this and to think of this with me session of Congress. for the year: Our sole purpose is to strengthen your program. We know that we can proceed just so far as your confidence in We will leave it to the National Director to go into detail with us allows us to proceed. We know that the strength of the reference to those resolutions concerning which he believes that American Legion Auxiliary in the respective departments depends you should have such information. We desire, however, to present on your belief in them in the departments, and we know, there- a summary of the program which confronts us so that you may fore, that our membership can grow only as you allow it to grow. fully realize not only the broad front along which the Legislative May I urge you men who are leaders in your departments to give Committee must work, but the extent to which its work must go. confidence to your American Legion Auxiliary groups, to see that Disabled and Dependents the women in your families belong to the American Legion Aux- iliary. May I tell you a little story which will communicate to We had 70 resolutions dealing with the disabled program, 35 you without any deliberations, without any on my part, the story of them being requests for new hospital construction or additions of the little boy and girl having a little difficulty as they were and repairs to existing facilities. The others deal with compensa- playing. tion claims and procedure, all to the end that our disabled may receive more compensation and be more adequately protected in The mother of the little girl came along and stood for a moment their compensation. and watched them. The little boy stood with a kind of a hang- dog expression and was trying to get in a word once in a while. With reference to widows and orphans, we have a resolution The little girl argued and stamped her feet and started in to calling for continuation of our policy of government protection claw and was having a fine time and putting on a scene. “Just for widows and orphans of the World War. Four resolutions were a minute, Mary. Here’s Johnnie being so very quiet and nice. adopted calling for aid for mothers and dependent children, the Why should you go into such a tantrum as this?” principal one being a request that the Federal Government match “Well,” little Mary said, “you don’t understand the game we are the provisions of the several states. There are two resolutions playing.” dealing with the education of World War orphans. “Well, I can’t imagine,” said the mother, “what kind of a game Veterans you are playing doing such as this.” “It is easy. We are making believe and I am making believe I am Three resolutions deal with adjusted compensation, one calling you and Johnnie is daddy coming home late from a Legion meeting.” for extension of the time for filing applications, one calling for I hope the point is clear to you that if the women in your lump sum payments and another to make the amount payable families know and appreciate the program of the American Legion to the estate of the veteran where he has not filed application be- Auxiliary they will be so much more sympathetic to all your fore death and does not leave a dependent within the limited class activities. provided for by the present law. May I express to you my appreciation for the opportunity which Again we have a resolution calling for the review and correc- you have given me to serve with your National Commander? I tion of dishonorable discharges. know that in the two months in which he has had the privilege We also have five resolutions dealing with employment. of being your national leader he has brought to this nation a Under Civil Service, we have five resolutions—one calling for keener understanding of the program of The American Legion and a change in the bill which we had up at the last session insisting as a result greater appreciation. He will give to you during this upon the five and ten points being given before the passing grade year leadership based on experience, on integrity, on honesty and is obtained; one calling for preference in employment on the friendliness, and with those characteristics your National Com- census; one calling for a law to compel the Postmaster General mander should be able to report to you at the conclusion of the to waive the age limit for inspectors and another to eliminate the year a record of outstanding achievement. relative needs clause in WPA and to give preference to wives and I recognize the responsibility which is mine as the National widows of veterans. President of the American Legion Auxiliary, with an anticipated As heretofore, we have two resolutions dealing with the disabled membership of over 500,000 for this coming year. I recognize my emergency officers. responsibility to speak for those women and on occasion to repre- sent both The American Legion and the American Legion Aux- Universal Service and War Referendum iliary, and I pledge to you as this executive body my sincerest Strange as it may seem, not a single resolution came to the con- efforts, every ability which I may possess, so to speak and so vention on the subject of Universal Service and it became neces- to act that it will always reflect credit upon The American Legion, sary for the Convention Committee to present such a resolution. the parent organization, and during this year I shall exert every This goes to show that our program is soon forgotten unless we effort, I shall move so carefully, in order that we may follow constantly press it. your precepts and your instructions. We know every day that With reference to the War Referendum, we had but one reso- we are your Auxiliary, and that we are here to serve you, and lution. by serving you, to serve America. My personal thanks to you, Mr. National Defense Commander, for the privilege of coming here this morning and my appreciation to all of you for your very courteous attention. We have 41 resolutions dealing with National Defense; we have It is nice to have the opportunity to have a group of men this size the resolution on Neutrality and another opposing the National and of this importance before one woman, to have you listen to Labor Relations Act. 6 DIGEST OF MINUTES NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING

Americanism that means for the Legislative Committee and what extensive work must be done by the limited number of people we have in Wash- Americanism is out in front. We have many resolutions. They ington, I want to ask you in future conventions to do what the deal with American Flag Importation; improper use of the Flag; Legislative Committee did at Chicago, scrap half of the resolutions. Anti-lynching; Foreign Spies; Coordination of Government Police We are not a branch of Congress. We do have objectives and we Agencies; Fingerprinting; Purchase of Mt. Vernon; Registration do have purposes, and we ought to try to confine our resolutions of German Citizens; opposition to Child Refugee bill; Deny Ad- to those objectives, and to those purposes. mission to Certain Aliens; Deportation; Naturalization of Filipino Veterans; Registration of all Aliens; Total Restriction of Immi- In connection with the program for the coming year, we will gration; opposition to the Communist Party; Extension of the come to widows’ and orphans’ opposition, and that is a very vital Dies Committee; Control of Foreign Propaganda; Forbidding Gov- matter, the last of the four-point program, in which we have ernment Contracts to Aliens; opposition to the LaFollette Labor dedicated ourselves, namely, governmental protection of widows Bill; opposition to the change in the date for Thanksgiving Day; and orphans. You don’t realize the seriousness of the problem and a score of others. that confronts The American Legion in that connection. Widows General and orphans of disabled veterans who died from their disabilities are taken care of. Widows and orphans of disabled veterans who Three resolutions were passed dealing with the CCC, one calling did not, however, die from their disabilities are not taken care of. for the establishment of a veterans camp in Puerto Rico and an- The question confronts The American Legion squarely now, do you other to increase the number from 25,000 to 50,000 veterans, and want Congress to provide pensions—absolute pensions—for widows the third, requiring military training for the enrollees. and orphans of deceased veterans, who were not disabled during We have a resolution dealing with grave markers, another the last war? That is the opening wedge of pensions for every- calling for an appropriation to complete the historical documents body. You must consider that seriously and I call it to your of the World War and once more we have a resolution dealing attention because of the seriousness of the problem. with Alaskan Fisheries. In connection with the national defense, I believe we need say Recommendations nothing, because a few words of the Assistant Secretary of War express our belief in the fact that we are going to get all the In our opinion, under the present world conditions, the next national defense that America needs. We do have one proposi- session of Congress will be devoted largely to the National Defense tion to which I want to refer, and that is universal service. That and to regular departmental appropriation bills, so that we will has been our baby for many years past. We did not do much in have considerable difficulty with reference to our own program. Congress this last year, purposely, because we deferred to the The more involved the war situation becomes, the greater will be wishes of the War Department. We had several sessions with the difficulty which we will experience. However, if the Dies the officers of the War Department, and we deferred to their Committee makes appreciable headway, we ought to be able wishes, to get their program through Congress, before we brought to procure the enactment of much of our legislation dealing with it up, but you see what happened. Much to the amazement of the aliens. convention committee at Chicago, on legislation, there wasn’t a The difficulties which lie ahead should not and will not deter single resolution from any department, or any Legionnaire, asking us in our efforts. As soon as you select the major program, the that universal service be again brought to the front, not one committee, with the Director and his staff, will go to work. word. What has happened to the Legionnaires? What has hap- We believe that the time is most opportune for the presenta- pened to the public? Well, I received in the mail, on Monday tion of the Universal Service Bill. As you know, out of deference morning, this clipping from the New York Journal of Sunday, and to the wishes of the War Department, we took no steps in this they say, ‘‘Why has the Legion gone back on universal service?” connection at the last session. With the possibility of involvement Here is a subtitle in an article prepared by Stephen Chadwick, of our own Nation in international affairs, we have the best reason Past National Commander, and with reference to universal service for asking the immediate enactment into law of one of the oldest says: “Fears conscription may cost liberty.” Do we really feel policies of the Legion. Manufacturers are trying to convince the that we are ready to throw off universal conscription? Have we public that they do not want excessive profits. They can show been wrong all these years? That is for you to decide in this practically their adherence to that proposal by cooperating with meeting. I still believe in universal services right and principle. us in the enactment of a law which will make sure that there All of us couldn’t have been wrong all these years, and I want to shall be no special profit for anyone. That there will be con- urge this committee to make universal service No. 1 on the pro- siderable opposition on the ground that such a bill would estab- gram, so that when Congress convenes again in January, that Le- lish a dictatorship is not only to be expected from the past opposi- gion principle to which we have dedicated the efforts of many tion of the pacifists and labor groups, but also from the present years will be brought to the attention of Congress, and to the at- criticism of the mobilization program of the War Department. We tention of the American people. Let’s tighten our belts and go never flinched in the face of the enemy; I know we will not now. to town. Thank you, Mr. Commander. Year after year we have insisted upon Universal Service; now let’s tighten our belts and fight for it. Considering the state of the Nation, we recommend the following National Legislative Committee major program for this year: The following report, submitted by John Thomas Taylor, 1. Universal Service; National Legislative Director, was duly accepted and ap- 2. Adequate National Defense; proved : 3. Protection by the National Government of widows and de- Lady and Gentlemen of the Executive Committee: Inasmuch pendent children of deceased veterans; as the special session of the 76th Congress, summoned into being 4. Veterans’ employment and veterans’ preference. on September 21, 1939, and which adjourned November 3, 1939, was limited solely and entirely to consideration of revision of the Neu- Supplemental Report trality law, your National Legislative Committee reports no fur- ther legislative progress since its last report, made to the Chicago The following supplemental report, by Mr. Pinola, was duly National Convention. Under the language of our Neutrality reso- accepted and approved: lution there was no action we should have taken concerning the Mr. Commander, Members of the Executive Committee: The Neutrality legislation, as such; but it was necessary, under the reso- report which we sent to you ought to serve as an index, or key, lution, to call to the attention of the leaders our recommendations to the very exhaustive and elaborate report which Jack Taylor that Congress remain in session during the present crisis, and that prepared, covering 46 pages of detailed information, in connection our armed forces be strengthened to maintain our neutrality. It was with the various resolutions passed by the Chicago convention. also necessary to be on the alert for any amendments that might Once more, I want to call your attention to the fact that out of be offered to the Neutrality bill, such as the War Referendum pro- that convention there came a host of resolutions. One hundred posal. seventy-six of them. To realize what a comprehensive program The Senate, on October 27, by a vote of 63 to 30, passed the Neu- DIGEST OF MINUTES NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING 7 trality measure, H. J. Res. 306, which was termed the “Adminis- $50 due them, 15,000 veterans with less than $50 due them, 60,000 tration’s Neutrality Bill.” The House, during the first session of dependents of deceased veterans entitled to quarterly payments of this Congress, had passed a much different measure under the same a sum involving more than $50, and 15,000 dependents entitled to number; its action at that time being to retain the arms embargo. less than $50. However, the House concurred in the Senate action in retaining A report of the Veterans’ Administration shows that as of Sep- the embargo on November 2; the bill was sent to conference; and tember 30, 1939, 4,156,620 applications for the adjusted compensa- both Houses accepted their conferees’ reports on November 3. tion had been received. This same report shows that it had acted Shortly thereafter the special session adjourned sine die. Con- upon 4,116,197, representing a maturity value of $3,765,016,767.24, gressional action on the subject is covered in detail in this report and that of the number filed there had been certified for payment under the title “NEUTRALITY.” 3,496,726 applications representing a maturity value of $3,425,894,389. With regard to remaining in session, the majority of the Senate The manpower raised for the armed forces of the United States was opposed to an extended session. On October 27, just prior to in the World War to November 11, 1918, was 4,791,172; 4,185,220 for the passage of the Neutrality measure, an amendment was offered the military forces and 605,952 for the naval forces. Of course the by Senator Bridges, New Hampshire, which read as follows: total manpower figure cannot be used in estimating Adjusted Com- pensation applications because those who served 60 days or less are “SEC. 19 (a). In order to protect the interests of the United not entitled to the benefits. However, with 4,156,620 applications States and its citizens in the event of emergencies arising as filed it is an indication that we are fast coming to the close of one a result of the present European war, it is hereby declared to chapter of veterans’ legislation. be the policy of the Congress to remain in session for the dura- Extension of Time: The first of three resolutions pertaining to tion of such war.” adjusted compensation asks for the extension of time for the filing It was defeated without a record vote. Minority Leader Joseph of applications to January 1, 1945. As stated, the time for filing Martin announced on October 25 that a majority of the House of expires January 2, 1940. Your National Legislative Committee was Representatives favored remaining in session. successful in having passed by both branches of Congress in the last One thing in favor of the proponents of adjournment, of course, session the bill, H. R. 5450, which would have accomplished this. was that four holidays intervened before convening of the next This bill provided for the extension of time to January 2, 1945. regular session on January 3, 1940; Armistice Day, Thanksgiving However, on August 10, 1939, the President vetoed the measure on Day, Christmas, and New Years. Favoring the opponents of ad- the ground that further extension of the period for filing claim is journment was the fact that considerable pressure was brought to not justified. A new bill along the lines of H. R. 5450 of the First bear by various groups to have the members remain in session and Session, 76th Congress, has been drafted and is to be introduced. utilize the time to consider pending legislation. The groups included The President’s memorandum of disapproval on H. R. 5450 reads those interested in rehabilitation of railroads, National Defense as follows: measures, farm bills, and veterans’ legislation. “I am withholding my approval Of H. R. 5450, 76th Congress, One change occurred in the Senate membership since adjourn- an Act to extend the time within which applications for bene- ment of the first session of this Congress. On October 3, 1939, Sena- fits under the World War Adjusted Compensation Act, as tor M. M. Logan, Kentucky, died and he was succeeded by Gover- amended, may be filed. nor A. B. (Happy) Chandler, thus increasing the number of Legion- “This Act would have provided an additional five years for naires in the Senate to 21. Senator Chandler brought with him as filing claim for adjusted compensation benefits, i. e., from Janu- his secretary Walter W. Mulbry, a Legionnaire, who was employed ary 2, 1940, to January 2, 1945. at National Headquarters in the Publicity Division in 1922. “The World War Adjusted Compensation Act, which became On the House side there have been ten deaths during the life of law May 19, 1924, provided that applications for benefits should this 76th Congress, two of them veterans. Those who have died are: be made on or before January 1, 1928. The amendatory Act of Representative Chester C. Bolton, Ohio. May 29, 1928, extended the final date for filing application for Representative Thomas S. McMillan, South Carolina. benefits to January 2, 1930. The Act of June 5, 1930, further Representative Sam D. McReynolds, Tennessee. extended the final date for filing application for benefits to Representative Thomas M. Eaton, California. January 2, 1935, and the Act of August 23, 1935, extended the Representative Harry W. Griswold, Wisconsin. final date for filing application for benefits to January 2, 1940. Representative E. M. Owen, Georgia. "Under the original Act the veterans and their dependents Representative Bert Lord, New York. were granted approximately three and one-half years and by Representative Clarence Turner, Tennessee. subsequent liberalization have been given a period of over fifteen Representative J. Burrwood Daly, Pennsylvania. years from the date of enactment of the original Act in which Representative Ben Cravens, Arkansas. to claim these benefits. During this period much publicity was given the original Act and amendments, including the Adjusted The late Congressmen Bolton and Eaton were Legionnaires. Compensation Payment Act, as amended, with every reasonable opportunity to file claim. This opportunity still exists and will Legion’s Legislative Program (1940) continue to January 2, 1940. Your National Legislative Committee is confronted with a terrific “Further extension of the period for filing claim in my opin- load. We have 176 resolutions calling for legislation. Seventy of ion is not justified. FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT.” these pertain to the disabled, 35 of which are requests for new hos- Lump Sum Payments: Another resolution coming from the Chi- pitals or additions to existing facilities. There are 41 resolutions cago National Convention is one asking that payments to benefi- pertaining to National Defense. We again this year have resolutions ciaries of deceased veterans be made in a lump sum instead of reiterating the fourth point of our 4-Point Program pertaining to quarterly installments. The necessary bill to carry this resolution widows and orphans, Universal Service, extension and liberalization to accomplishment has been drafted and is ready for introduction of Veterans’ Preference, and resolutions pertaining to Immigration in the 76th Congress. There are now 5,841 dependents receiving the and Naturalization, all of which were on the major legislative quarterly awards. program last year. Payable to Estates: Holding over from the Cleveland Conven- The National Executive Committee at this meeting, as in prior tion is a resolution which asks that where a veteran did not make years, will formulate the Major Legislative Program for the 1940 application for his Adjusted Compensation Certificate before his Session. death and did not have a dependent widow, child, father or mother, Adjusted Compensation the amount shall be payable to his estate. There are several bills Under existing law, the time for making applications for benefits pending, among them H. R. 1000, introduced by Representative John under the Adjusted Compensation Act will expire on January 2, Rankin, chairman of the House Committee on World War Veterans’ 1940. The American Legion is at present engaged in a drive to bring Legislation, which would carry this resolution to accomplishment. this information to the attention of as many beneficiaries as is pos- The pending bills have been referred to the House Ways and Means sible, but prior to this drive it was estimated that no application Committee. had been filed by 150,000 World War veterans or their beneficiaries. There is now on the Statute Books Public Law 288, approved This total was estimated to include 60,000 veterans with more than August 14, 1937. This provides for the escheat to the United States 8 DIGEST OF MINUTES NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING

of any amount found to be due on an Adjusted Service Certificate, “The said committee was appointed by National Commander if the veteran died intestate without heirs at law or next of kin. Chadwick and this committee, together with the director of the Prior to the enactment of this legislation, when the veteran died National Americanism Commission, has had two meetings with intestate without heirs at law or next of kin, the amount available representatives of the National Education Association subsequent to under the Adjusted Compensation Act might escheat to the state of the Los Angeles Convention. his residence, and it was the purpose of Public Law 288 to expressly “Two bills were prepared for introduction in the last Congress, provide that such escheat shall be made to the Federal Government. one of which had the direct endorsement of the National Education Association. Your committee felt that it was not advisable and Alaskan Fisheries neither did it have the power to give official endorsement to a par- There is pending from the Los Angeles Convention a resolution ticular bill involving conditions that were prevalent in the National which instructed the National Legislative Committee to contact Education Association’s endorsed measure; consequently, our organ- the House Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries and re- ization took no part in an attempted passage of either measure. quest that committee to introduce and press for passage suitable As a point of information, neither bill reached final enactment. Federal laws that will preserve our Alaskan fisheries for the citizens “Further deliberations of your committee with the National Edu- of the United States. The House of Representatives, on July 17, cation Association representative indicate that a new bill will be 1939, adopted H. Res. 162, which authorizes the House Committee prepared for introduction in the next Congress. on Merchant Marine and Fisheries, or any subcommittee thereof "Be It Resolved, That The American Legion continue the present duly authorized, to conduct an investigation of the Alaskan fisheries. Cooperating Committee with the National Education Associa- When this investigation is completed the committee will report to tion, and the House, and it is expected that necessary legislation will follow. "Be It Further Resolved, That we reaffirm our belief in Federal Americanism Aid to education for the equalizing of educational opportunities for all children of our Nation, without Federal control, but we express Under this general head there are a number of resolutions per- as our belief that from past and present observations the conditions taining to various subjects. of ‘Federal control’ in some measure will always be prevalent, American Flag (Importation): Pending from the Cleveland Con- unless the enacting legislation provides for such aid to be in the vention is a resolution which asks for the prohibition of importation form of direct educational grants to states, and that supervision and of American Flags manufactured in foreign countries. This is in- expenditures of funds incorporated in such grants be solely under corporated in a pending bill, H. R. 3326, introduced by Representa- state and local control, and we recommend to the national conven- tive John Costello, California. tion that the National Legislative Committee be instructed to sup- American Flag (Improper Use): The Chicago National Conven- port only this type of legislation.” tion adopted a resolution reading as follows: It will be noted from the provisions of the resolution that the “Whereas, The Constitution of the United States provides that National Legislative Committee is instructed to support only a cer- all people living within its boundaries shall have the right of free tain type of legislation, that is, the proposal shall provide that the speech, freedom of the press, and the permission to worship their aid be in the form of direct educational grants to states, and that supervision and expenditure of funds incorporated in such grants Supreme Being in any manner they see fit; and be solely under state and local control. Under these terms, there- “Whereas, A large number of groups that do not have the wel- fore, it will be necessary for your National Director to study all fare of the United States at heart are taking advantage of the pending bills on this subject and support only a bill that will meet above privileges, and the terms of our resolution. “Whereas, Some of these groups are carrying on and abusing Foreign Spies—Coordinate all Government Police Agencies: This some of the privileges permitted in this country, especially in re- reads as follows: gard to the flag of our nation; and “Whereas, In the United States there is a flag code designed to “Therefore, Be It Resolved, By The American Legion in Conven- govern respect and use of the flag. tion assembled at Chicago, on September 25 to 28, 1939, that we “Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved, The American Legion urge the request— Congress to adopt legislation governing the civilian use of the flag “1. That the Congressional Committee now investigating un- as outlined in the flag code and provide penalties for the improper American activities extend its investigation to cover all foreign use of the Flag of the United States.” secret activities in this country. There is now pending in the United States Senate a bill, S. 1166, “2. That Congress provide the necessary funds to insure that a introduced by Mrs. Hattie Caraway, Arkansas, which provides for permanent counter-espionage service is created in this country the codification of existing rules and customs pertaining to the dis- which will be charged with the responsibility of investigating and play and usage of the United States Flag. This measure, if enacted, bringing to justice under the espionage laws of the United States would carry out the terms of our resolution. and other appropriate acts, all foreign agents engaged in activities Anti-Lynching: Also carried over from the Cleveland Conven- described therein.” tion is a resolution reaffirming The American Legion’s previous This resolution was called to the attention of Representative action in condemning mob violence and lynching in this country. Martin Dies, chairman of the House Committee investigating un- There are a huge number of bills now pending in both branches American activities, which committee is paying considerable atten- of Congress known as "Anti-Lynching bills.” In the 75th Congress tion to espionage and sabotage. the House, on April 15, 1937, passed the bill, H. R. 1507, which had In the meanwhile Attorney General Frank Murphy, on October been introduced by Representative Joseph Gavagan, New York. 13, pledged that the work of combating espionage, as now coordi- The measure was reported to the Senate in amended form on July nated under the Bureau of Federal Investigation, Department of 22, 1937, and it came up during the third session of the 75th Con- Justice, would be carried on “not by overzealous, inexperienced gress. laymen but by men who have been equipped for their work by On February 21, 1938, after a six weeks’ filibuster the Senate careful training.” He also announced that sabotage, violence and voted 58 to 22 to lay the measure aside so that it could consider a subversive activities would be dealt with “vigorously and according relief appropriation bill. to law without endangering civil liberties.” Federal Aid to Education: The resolution from the Chicago Na- Plans are being made to afford a closer control over passports tional Convention on this subject reads as follows: and prevent their use by foreign spies. The Dies Committee’s dis- closures about passport abuses have led to the determination to “Resolution 302-A, adopted by the Los Angeles 1938 Convention, tighten regulations. It has been estimated that 1,500 American recommended that the National Commander consider the advisa- passports, which were carried by United States volunteers on the bility of naming a committee of five members from the National Loyalist side of the Spanish Civil War, are now in the hands of Americanism Commission to confer and cooperate with the com- foreign governments, principally, Soviet Russia. mittee of the National Education Association, so that we shall have ‘Better Americans through Better Schools,’ and that this commit- Foreign Spies—FBI Drive: This resolution reads as follows: tee be directed to report and present recommendations at the next “Whereas, The American Legion most emphatically condemns annual convention of The American Legion. any attempt by word of mouth, by writing or by an action of any DIGEST OF MINUTES NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING 9

kind, to overthrow our form of government by force or violence Committee. Subsequently your National Director’s interpretation or by any other unlawful means, and of The American Legion’s position on the proposal was questioned “Whereas, The American Legion most emphatically endorses the by Lowell M. Limpus, Legion member from New York City, follow- excluding and deporting of aliens who advocate the making of any ing which Jeremiah F. Cross, chairman, National Americanism change or changes in the American form of government, and Committee, filed with the chairman, Representative Samuel Dick- “Whereas, There is a very definite attempt by groups and indi- stein, New York, and with Representative A. Leonard Allen, Loui- viduals to overthrow our form of government, siana, a member of the committee, identical letters outlining the Legion’s position. “Be It Resolved, That The American Legion strongly endorses The Chicago National Convention resolution has been filed with and supports the drive now being made by the Federal Bureau of the Senate and House Committees, and will be presented with sup- Investigation against spies of foreign countries and persons or porting data, if and when further hearings are held. groups of persons who advocate the overthrow of our government On October 17 the President proposed a new, gigantic program and strongly urges the continuance of this drive.” of resettling homeless masses in the earth’s “vacant spaces” and This resolution was called to the attention of Attorney General predicted that 10,000,000 to 20,000,000 persons may become refugees Frank Murphy and J. Edgar Hoover, chief of the Federal Bureau as a result of the European war. The proposal was advanced at the of Investigation. Officials of the Department appreciate the action White House to leaders of the Intergovernmental Committee on taken by The American Legion. Political Refugees. The Chief Executive requested the committee Fingerprinting: The Chicago National Convention resolution on to study scientifically the “geographical and economic problem of this subject reads as follows: resettling several million people in new areas of the earth’s sur- face.” A memorandum urging that Palestine be given first con- “Whereas, The enactment of a Federal law requiring universal sideration as a place for further settlement of Jews was laid before fingerprinting of all citizens of the United States would be of great the committee by the American Emergency Committee on Palestine benefit to law enforcement generally and an aid in the identifica- Affairs and the United Palestine Appeal. The organizations said tion of individuals. that Palestine could absorb 2,800,000 settlers and that American “Therefore, Be It Resolved, That The American Legion favors Jews would be ready to finance a settlement program. the enactment of a federal law requiring universal fingerprinting The group which met at the White House was the executive com- of all citizens.” mittee, and present were: Lord Winterton, committee chairman; During the first session of the 76th Congress, Congressman “Bill” Sir Herbert Emerson, secretary; Myron C. Taylor, American vice- Miller, former National Executive Committeeman from the Depart- chairman; and the ambassadors of France, Brazil, and Argentina. ment of Connecticut, introduced H. R. 2554, which provides for The committee adjourned until October 26. universal fingerprinting. Congressman Miller is pressing for hear- After its meeting on the latter date it was announced that the ings on this measure, and with the awakened interest on the part committee will continue its survey of possible homes for migrants, of the American public as to the necessity of tightening up on for- but that its present purpose will be limited to the problem of refu- eign spies and subversive activities in this country, the chances for gees from Germany. This decision, reached at its final meeting, is action on the measure are better. Other bills are pending on this a modification of the Chief Executive’s proposal for resettling from subject. 10 to 20 millions. The committee announced that information gath- George Washington (Mount Vernon): The Chicago National Con- ered in the survey might be useful if the condition described by the vention adopted a resolution asking for the purchase and main- President should arise, but British and French representatives tenance by the Government of Mount Vernon, reading as follows: objected to such an outlook. Immigration—Deny Admission to Certain Aliens: Pending from “. . . We respectfully urge the Congress of the United States the Los Angeles Convention is a resolution to deny admission of to provide by statutory legislation free admission for the people of nationals of countries refusing to accept aliens deported from the the United States to the shrine of George Washington, and we United States. Of course, one of the major offenders in this is respectfully urge that the Government of the United States pur- Soviet Russia. chase and maintain the said estate for the purpose of preserving it There are several bills pending, one of which has been reported and rendering it accessible to the public free of charge; . . .” from the Senate Committee on Immigration. It is S. 409, which A bill to accomplish this has been drafted and will be introduced provides that no immigration visa shall be issued to any alien who during the early days of the next regular session of Congress, which is defined as a quota immigrant by the Quota Act of 1924, and no will convene in January. quota immigrant shall be admitted to the United States for a period German Citizens (Registration): The Los Angeles National Con- of five years. vention adopted a resolution calling attention to the fact newspaper Other bills pending are H. R. 999, which would prohibit the ad- reports emanating from Washington, D. C., in April, 1938, were to mission of aliens to this country permanently, S. 2451, S. 2841, H. R. the effect that German Embassy officials had announced under 2341, and H. R. 2345, all of which would suspend immigration for Germany’s new “Matriculation” law all German citizens abroad five years, and H. R. 3302, which would suspend immigration for were requested to register at consulates. ten years. Our resolution asked that the Congress be petitioned to take Immigration—Deportation: The resolution from the Chicago appropriate action to have the names, addresses, fingerprint records, National Convention asks that the list of deportable offenses be and occupations of all such aliens registered and placed in the supplemented, and reads as follows: public registry in their respective communities. This resolution was called to the attention of the Dies Committee and to the attention “Be It Resolved, That the list of deportable offenses, affecting of the State Department. all aliens, be supplemented to include those who have been con- victed of any offense defined by the penal laws of the United States Immigration—Child Refugees: All during the first session of the and those of all of the states or territories thereof.” 76th Congress proponents of the so-called Wagner-Rogers Bills, providing for the admission of 20,000 children from Germany within A bill to carry this resolution into effect has been drafted and the next two years outside of immigration quota limitations, were is to be introduced. active. Extended hearings were held by both the Senate and the Immigration—Naturalization of Philippine Veterans: A resolu- House Committees on Immigration. tion somewhat in conflict with announced policy of The American The former reported the Wagner proposal to the Senate but Legion was adopted at the Chicago National Convention, calling raised the ire of its sponsor by amending it to provide the children for the endorsement of legislation now pending extending the time may be admitted but on a preference basis and chargeable to the limit for Filipino veterans to apply for citizenship. It will be quota. Senator Wagner subsequently announced this was unac- noted that the resolution calls for the endorsement of pending ceptable to him. legislation. During the 75th Congress there was a bill, H. R. 6443, The Wagner proposal is designated as S. J. Res. 64, and Mrs. Rog- to accomplish this purpose. The measure has not been reintroduced ers’ is H. J. Res. 168. Other refugee bills pending are S. 1029, H. R. in the 76th Congress. 221, H. R. 2533, H. R. 2722, H. J. Res. 165, and H. J. Res. 362. During Two bills now pending, pertaining to Filipinos, are S. 1920, intro- the House Committee hearings your National Director appeared in duced by Senator Thomas, Utah, providing that Filipino declarants opposition to the proposal as directed by the National Executive who were honorably discharged after three years’ service in the 10 DIGEST OF MINUTES NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING

Navy, Army, Marine Corps, Naval Auxiliary Service, or Coast establishment of which is largely due to the work of The American Guard will be naturalized without complying with the requirements Legion. This resolution reads as follows: of residence within the United States and within the country; and “Be It Resolved, That The American Legion, in national con- H. R. 7239, by Representative Marcantonio, New York, providing vention assembled, commends the work of the Dies Committee to that native Filipinos who are permanent residents of the United date in its investigation of un-American organizations, their propa- States may become citizens upon compliance with the naturaliza- ganda and activities in this country, and the beneficial results tion law, but such compliance would not require certificates of secured by it in exposing such subversive and un-American or- arrival and declarations of intention. ganizations is such as should be continued; and we further urge Immigration—Registration of Aliens: The Chicago National that the Congress of the United States continue the activities of Convention resolution on this reads as follows: this Committee and appropriate sufficient funds therefor.” “Be it Resolved, By The American Legion, in national convention On November 1, Representative Dies introduced H. Res. 321, assembled, That we favor the enactment by Congress of a law which which asks authority for an extension of his Committee for two will require all aliens within our borders to register with a desig- years, or until January 3, 1942. The measure does not request nated department of the Federal Government. That such law shall additional funds but if the House adopts H. Res. 321 it is expected require that the alien carry a card of identification, including pho- the House Committee on Accounts will be requested to grant an tograph and fingerprints, and containing all appropriate informa- additional $100,000. Because of the underground opposition to the tion as to present and past residences during his stay in the United requested extension, all members of the Legion and of the Aux- States. That proper penalties for failure to comply with such regu- iliary should support H. Res. 321 to the utmost. lations would subject the alien to immediate deportation.” Isms—Foreign Propaganda: The resolution on this subject reads The bill, S. 409, which has been favorably reported to the Senate, as follows: provides for the creation of an Alien Registration Board which would be composed of a respresentative from the Department of “Whereas, Foreign nations have established agencies of propa- State, Department of Justice, Post Office Department, Department ganda in the United States seeking to bring about American of Commerce and one from the Department of Labor. The Board participation in foreign wars, would register all aliens and promulgate rules and regulations “Therefore Be It Resolved, by the Twenty-first Annual Conven- under which aliens would apply for registration at a United States tion of The American Legion, assembled in Chicago, September Post Office and supply such information as may be called for by the 25, 1939, That we request all the appropriate agencies of the Board. Federal Government to take necessary steps to combat such propa- Immigration—Total Restriction: The Chicago resolution on this ganda and that Congress take such action as to perfect laws to point reads as follows: prevent the same.” On September 23, the State Department promulgated new rules “Therefore Be It Resolved, by The American Legion in Con- vention assembled at Chicago on September 25 to 28, 1939, That for the registration of agents of foreign principals or governments, extending registration requirements to all acting as publicity we ask our representatives in Congress to use every effort to enact bills to RESTRICT ALL IMMIGRATION FROM EVERY agents for foreign principals even if they nominally are employed COUNTRY until such time as the unemployment problem in the as diplomatic or consular clerks but exempting those engaged in United States shall be solved or brought down below the one non-political commercial activities, and served notice of strict en- million mark. forcement of the provisions of the 1917 Espionage Act which re- quires all foreign government agents, even if exempt under the “Be It Further Resolved, That we reaffirm the resolution of the Registration Act of 1938, to notify the Secretary of State who Los Angeles Convention on immigration restriction.” they are, where they live, and what their activities are. The As stated, the bill, S. 409, favorably reported to the Senate calls Espionage Act requirement for notification by foreign government for restriction of immigration for a period of five years. A pend- agents of their activities to the Secretary of State has not been ing House Bill, H. R. 999, by Representative Pace, Georgia, calls enforced since soon after the World War. for total restriction. On November 3, Attorney General Frank Murphy announced he Isms—Communist Party: Our resolution on this reads as fol- has assigned members of his staff to review the evidence upon lows: which the Dies Committee bases its charge that the American “Whereas, The Communist Party of America, by admission of League for Peace and Democracy is an unregistered agent of the its officials before the Dies Committee and by evidence in the Soviet Union. The announcement by the Attorney General follows Bridges case, not only has been financed by funds received from a communication addressed to him on October 26 by Representa- the Union of Socialist Soviet Republics, but determines its policies tive Dies, chairman of the investigating committee, suggesting in conformance to the decrees of the Third International in Mos- prosecution of the League, the former said. cow; therefore Isms—Government Contracts: The Chicago National Conven- “Be It Resolved, That we, the delegates to The American Legion tion went on record as disapproving the practice of permitting National Convention, affirming our faith in the party system as aliens to bid on and accept Federal contracts as is possible under an instrumentality of democratic government but recognizing that existing law. The resolution reads as follows: no party can have a dual allegiance, instruct our National organ- ization and our Departments in all the states to work for the “Be It Resolved, By the 21st Annual National Convention of passage of such legislation as may be necessary to outlaw the The American Legion, that we hereby express our profound dis- Communist Party and any other party or parties, such as the approval of the practice of permitting aliens to bid on and accept German Bund, that may be organized to participate in political Federal contracts as exists under present laws; and, to the end affairs,” that American citizens have a preferential status in this regard, we ask legislation making it mandatory for all persons, firms or And was called to the attention of the Dies Committee. There has corporations submitting bids on Government contracts, financed been introduced by Representative Martin Dies, Texas, Chairman of in whole or in part by Federal funds, to produce satisfactory proof the Committee, three bills, H. R. 4905, H. R. 4907, and H. R. 4909. of citizenship.” The first would define the terms “Communist” and “Fascist,” and would amend the Alien Exclusion Act of October 16, 1918, so as The provisions of this resolution have been called to the atten- to exclude and deport aliens who are Fascists and Communists, or tion of appropriate Government officials and a bill has been drafted Anarchists; H. R. 4907 provides for the registration of Communists, for introduction in the 76th Congress. Fascists and anti-racial or anti-religious organizations in this Isms—LaFolIette Bill: The Chicago National Convention reso- country; and H. R. 4909 would prohibit Communists or Fascists lution directs the National Legislative Committee to oppose a bill from holding positions under the Government of the United States pending in the Senate, S. 1970, known as the LaFolIette bill. The and would require those employed or seeking employment from resolution, which is self-explanatory, reads as follows: the Federal Government to register with the Department of State. “Whereas, Senate Bill S. 1970, known as the LaFolIette bill, to Isms—Dies Committee: Another Chicago National Convention eliminate certain oppressive labor practices affecting interstate resolution calls for the continuance of the Dies Committee, the and foreign commerce places the United States Government in DIGEST OF MINUTES NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING 11 the undesirable position of guaranteeing protection to members of mittee, other members of Congress and to the attention of appro- any subversive groups who ally themselves with the labor move- priate Federal Government Department officials. ment and, Armistice Day "Whereas, Under the terms of this bill, all a Communist has to do is to join a labor organization and he would be protected by Thanksgiving Day: The Chicago National Convention resolution the government against anyone who exposed his Communistic con- protested the change in the traditional date of Thanksgiving Day nections and this can well be construed to include The American because it brought Thanksgiving Day too close to Armistice Day. Legion, and, The resolution reads as follows: "Whereas, This bill goes even further ... it legally would give "Whereas, The American Legion after many years of endeavor the Communist or Bund member the opportunity to cause indus- obtained legislative enactment establishing November 11, Armistice trial strife, for it defines the term ‘labor- dispute’ to include ‘any Day, as a national holiday to properly commemorate the end of controversy concerning terms, tenure, or conditions of employ- the World War, an objective only gained in 1938, and ment, etc., regardless of whether the disputants stand in the proxi- “Whereas, There is a movement to continue to change the tra- mate relation of employer and employe.’ ditional date of Thanksgiving Day, which if carried out may result "Be It Therefore Resolved, That The American Legion in con- in Thanksgiving Day being observed too close to Armistice Day vention assembled at Chicago, 111., in the year 1939, go on record that the true significance of Armistice Day might be over- as being unalterably opposed to Senate Bill S. 1970 and, shadowed by the observance of Thanksgiving Day, therefore, "Be It Further Resolved, That The American Legion legislative “Be It Resolved, That The American Legion at National Con- representative at Washington be on the alert for this bill and place vention opposes such further efforts to change the traditional date The American Legion squarely on record in opposition to the bill.” for Thanksgiving Day observance.” Isms—Legion Opposition: Our resolution on this reaffirms the On October 2, there was introduced in the House, H. R. 7556, Legion’s opposition to foreign “Isms” and reads as follows: by Representative Case, South Dakota, which would make the last Thursday of November a legal holiday in the District of Co- "Whereas, Congressman Martin Dies and members of the Dies lumbia and all Federal territory. Committee have taken a prominent and leading part in the ex- A proclamation issued by the President on October 31 has moved posing of un-Americanism activities in the United States, thereby up Thanksgiving Day this year to November 23. The States are safeguarding the general welfare of the people of the United split about one-half over Thanksgiving dates, some intending to States, and observe the day on November 23 and some November 30. Case "Whereas, The American Legion has always fought for full pub- announced that he has prepared statistical tables to show that if licity of the action of various subversive groups, which are a the new date prevails Thanksgiving and Armistice Day will be menace to our form of government of the United States. only from six to nine days apart during the next decade, whereas "Be It Resolved, That we reaffirm our vigorous opposition to the intermission has been 13 to 18 days. Communism, Fascism, Naziism and any or all like forces and or- It is admitted that Thanksgiving Day has not always been on ganizations that seek to destroy our form of government, and the same day of the month nor even in the same month. George “Be It Further Resolved, That all organizations having as one Washington selected the last Thursday of November and Abraham of their objects or objectives the advocating of fundamental Lincoln issued the first proclamation. changes in our form of government by force or violence and all such organizations originating beyond the territorial jurisdiction Child Welfare of the United States, which, as such, or through their individual The Social Security Board is engaged in explaining the changes members receive moneys from any source whatsoever for the use made in the Social Security Act by the law enacted during the of such organizations be required to file sworn statements with the first session of this Congress. In view of the fact that there is U. S. Secretary of State which shall set forth the names of their more and more agitation, each time the Legion presents its legis- officers, directors, and the objectives of such organizations and also lative proposals to provide for our veterans and widows and the amounts of all contributions and the names from whom such orphans, “to place all citizens on the same basis and provide for contributions have been received, and them under the Social Security Act” it is fitting that members of "Be It Further Resolved, That we urge national legislation that our organization become more familiar with Social Security bene- will punish American citizens who advocate the overthrow of our fits. Further, there are of course many veterans and their de- government by force, fraud or violence or who seek to promote pendents not provided for under existing veteran’s legislation and race or religious prejudice, and deport all aliens who do likewise.” some of these may be entitled to assistance under the Social Se- The financial support given by the Communist Party to the curity Act. American League for Peace and Democracy was described on Octo- Officials of the Board are pointing out that three of the new ber 23 before the Dies Committee by Dr. Harry F. Ward, general amendments will affect practically every family in the United secretary of the league. He explained the contributions arose from States. These are: a program by which the league sought to obtain a per capita an- 1. The wage tax of one per cent, which under the original nual contribution from each of its affiliated organizations but that Social Security Act of 1935 was to have been increased next year, none of them paid in full except the Communist Party. He said will remain at its present level until 1943; the latter’s contribution was between $2,000 and $3,000 annually. 2. In addition to retirement annuities for insured workers at 65, During his testimony, the witness denied that the league’s foreign or over, the revised Act provides monthly benefits for aged wives policy is influenced or controlled by the Communist Party. and minor children of such persons; also for widows of insured The Dies Committee charges the League for Peace and De- workers who are left with minor children; and mocracy is a "front organization” for the Communists and the 3. Monthly benefits under the old-age insurance program will committee has published a list of 563 names of members of the begin in 1940 instead of 1942 as originally planned. Washington Chapter, who are also Federal Government employes. A widow over 65 is entitled to a benefit equal to three-fourths Un-American and Indecent Publications: The Chicago National of her husband’s primary insurance benefit. A younger widow, Convention resolution on this subject reads as follows: who has minor children, also receives a benefit. A dependent child “Whereas, A large number of periodicals and publications are under 16 (or under 18 if attending school) is entitled to a separate finding their way into the hands of the public, and our youth, benefit equal to one-half the father’s annuity. which are detrimental to both the morals and physical well-being The basic monthly benefit for a single individual who reaches of the public, 65 will be 40 per cent of average monthly wages up to the first "Therefore Be It Resolved, That the Congress of the United $50, plus 10 per cent of average wages in excess of $50. That States investigate un-American propaganda and indecency in books, portion of average monthly wages in excess of $250 cannot be periodicals and publications produced by publishers and printers counted in the computation, however. For each year that an in- in the United States, and regulate the distribution of such material dividual has been covered under the insurance program, his bene- as it is done by the United States Postoffice Department.” fit will be increased by one per cent. This resolution has been called to the attention of the Dies Com- If the beneficiary who retires at 65 is married and his wife also 12 DIGEST OF MINUTES NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING

is 65, the wife will receive a supplementary benefit amounting to pending bill, which retained the main features of H. R. 5101, in- 50 per cent of that for her husband. cluding the requirement that veterans must attain the rating of First benefits will be paid in January next year. 70 per cent before the additional points are added. Assurances were then given to your National Director that H. R. 7313 would Widows of insured individuals, 65 years of age or older, will be be favorably reported to the House. entitled to a benefit equal to three-fourths of the basic benefit However, the Chicago National Convention went on record in which their husbands would have received had they lived. directing your National Director to have inserted in the bill the A widow under 65, who has no children under 18, will receive five and ten point preference, this to be added whether the passing a lump sum payment equal to six times the basic monthly benefit mark of 70 per cent is attained or not, which is in line with ex- of the insured individual. On attaining 65, however, she will re- isting preference. Following the mandate of the convention, your ceive three-fourths of the husband’s basic benefit each month for National Director notified both Representative Ramspeck and Rep- the remainder of her life. resentative Starnes of the Legion’s desire to have the bill amended A widow under 65 who has unmarried children under 18 will to make the necessary change. receive three-fourths of the basic benefit each month until all the Representative Starnes has notified your National Director that children reach 18. She then will cease receiving benefits until she he will offer an amendment to Section 4 of H. R. 7313 “in keeping reaches 65, but at that age again will receive the monthly pay- with the action of the annual convention of the Legion held at ments of three-fourths of her husband’s basic benefit. Chicago in September.” Representative Ramspeck has not de- Unmarried children who survive an insured individual are en- cided whether further hearings will be held on this subject but titled to one-half of his basic benefit until they are 18. The bene- your National Director will follow this matter closely. fits will stop at 16, however, if the children are not in school. The Chicago Convention’s action requires a change in Section 4 The benefits to the children will be paid in addition to those re- of H. R. 7313 and to effect this change Representative Starnes will ceived by a widow. offer the necessary amendment. Prior to the change being made, A parent will receive one-half the basic benefit of an insured however, the bill read as follows: individual if the latter dies without leaving a wife or dependent children and if the parent has been dependent on the individual SECTION 1—Title of the Act; and is 65 or older. SEC. 2—Definition of terms used in the Act and under these Resolutions: Under this title, “CHILD WELFARE,” we have definitions veterans’ preference would be limited only to war four resolutions. The first provides that in all States where aid veterans rather than including peacetime veterans as under exist- is provided for mothers and dependent children the Federal Gov- ing law, rules, and regulations (Veterans of Foreign Wars, and ernment should match the same. The next one is pending from the Regular Veterans’ Association which is composed of peacetime the Los Angeles Convention and asks for Federal aid to public veterans, are opposed to this provision); schools for crippled children, and includes therein a definition of SEC. 3—Gives veterans a preference in all Government positions “crippled child.” The Chicago National Convention went on record rather than in only Civil Service positions as at present; as adding to.this definition of crippled child. SEC. 4—Provides that five and ten points shall be added to a rat- The third resolution asks that Federal Aid be extended through ing after obtaining a passing mark; the five points added to all vet- the Social Security Board to children in public and private agencies. erans’ marks, and the ten points to marks attained by disabled The Chicago National Convention reiterated the action of the veteran and those claiming under them (change to be made National Executive Committee at its May 1939 meeting, asking herein); for a promulgation in Federal regulations whereby there would be SEC. 5—Provides that where experience is an element of quali- instituted a change of attitude regarding children who have been fication, time spent in the military or naval service of the United committed to industrial schools, particularly when they later apply States shall be credited in a rating where the actual employment for enlistment in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard; for in a similar vocation to that for which he or she is examined was enrollment in the CCC; or for examination and appointment under temporarily interrupted by the military or naval service; the Civil Service Commission. SEC. 6—Provides a waiver in “all requirements, as to age, height, weight, physical condition, educational background, previous speci- Civil Service and Veterans’ Preference fied instruction, or the attainment of any degree or certificate from Under this head we have five resolutions. The first two are an educational institution,” also that the applicant’s qualifications closely related, reading as follows: shall be determined upon the basis of his knowledge and ability to perform the duties of the position to be filled (so a veteran 1. “Be It Resolved, by The American Legion in convention as- should have the advantage because he has been able to acquire a sembled in Chicago on September 28, 1939, that we will continue number of years’ experience for the position over the youngster to strive for the attainment of Veterans’ Preference by legislation; just graduating, or a few years out of high school or college); and that we reaffirm our indorsement of a rigid enforcement and SEC. 7—Provides that apportionment in appointments shall not extension of civil service with adequate preference for veterans. apply to preference eligibles; That in the introduction of the bill in Congress by our legislative SEC. 8—Provides preference eligibles shall be entered on the ap- representative to bring about the desired result he insert and re- propriate registers ahead of all others having the same rating; tain the five and ten points, preference as now constituted and SEC. 9—Provides for the manner of appointment, including to strive for legislation to make the same effective; and for the among other matters that the nominating or appointing officer other points substantially as outlined by the November 1937 and “shall make selection for the first vacancy from not more than 1938 reports of the National Executive Committee, and that if the highest three names certified, unless objection shall be made any attempt be made in Congress to take from the veterans any and sustained by the said Commission to one or more of the per- of the rights now in effect that such actions be vigorously opposed sons certified” (thus eliminating a practice of reaching down on an by our legislative director and legislative committee.” eligible list to appoint some eligible); 2. The fourth point of an eight-point Employment Program SEC. 10—Administrative feature; reads: SEC. 11—Administrative feature; “Reaffirm our endorsement of a rigid enforcement and extension SEC. 12—Reiterates existing veterans’ preference that when mak- of civil service with adequate preference for veterans.” ing reductions, discharges, furloughs, or reductions in rank or During the first session, there was introduced for us by Repre- compensation, no preference eligible whose record is good, or sentative Joe Starnes, Alabama, a bill, H. R. 5101, providing for whose efficiency is equal to that of a nonpreference eligible en- the extension and liberalization of veterans’ preference to all Gov- gaged in similar work, shall be dropped while a nonpreference ernment positions. This bill provided that applicants must attain eligible is retained; a rating of 70 per cent before the five or ten points preference is SEC. 13—Reiterates existing veterans’ preference with respect to added to the mark. Hearings were held on it by the House Com- reinstatement; mittee on Civil Service, of which Representative Robert Ramspeck, SEC. 14—Is one of the very important sections in that it pro- Georgia, is chairman. vides an appointing officer, when passing over a preference eligible Following a consideration of the bill by the committee, it was for a nonpreference eligible, must file a statement in writing of decided that a new bill would be introduced. It is H. R. 7313, the his reasons for so doing with the U. S. Civil Service Commission, DIGEST OF MINUTES NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING 13

and shall furnish each preference eligible so passed over, or, in the Appropriation Act. The WPA, like all other Government agencies, discretion of the Commission to an authorized representative, a must come before Congress during the next regular session to ask copy of the statement. The preference eligible is entitled to file for its funds. When this Appropriation bill is before the House an answer, also has a right of appeal. The Commission shall con- Appropriations Committee and before the Senate Appropriations sider the case and render a decision. (Under present practice, Committee your National Director will appear and present the Le- the appointing officer simply files his reasons but they are not re- gion’s proposals. viewed and the preference eligible has no right to learn these Opposition: On November 2 and 3, the so-called Reed Committee reasons without permission of the very person who filed them, nor on Civil Service Reform which was appointed by the President held has he any right of review or hearing); hearings, during which veterans’ preference in Civil Service was SEC. 15—Relates to Section 12 and provides if a preference criticized. The two witnesses attacking this privilege of the vet- eligible is to be discharged or reduced in rank or compensation erans are Eliot Kaplan, New York City, Executive Secretary, Na- then such preference eligible must be furnished with a written tional Civil Service Reform League; and Mrs. Harris T. Baldwin copy of the reasons therefor and shall have a reasonable oppor- of the League of Women Voters. The former said veterans’ pref- tunity to answer same in writing and shall have the right to appeal erence is not only unfair but worked against the very thing for to the U. S. Civil Service Commission from an adverse decision of which the committee was appointed—to reform the Civil Service. the administrative officer. Mrs. Baldwin made the assertion that 14 per cent of the pro- The third resolution asks that preference in employment on the fessional appointments, 13 per cent of the administrative openings, Census of 1940 be given to qualified veterans of the World War, and 32 per cent of all custodial and mechanical jobs went to vet- their widows, and wives of disabled veterans. The Census Bureau erans claiming preference during last year. She was sharply ques- has announced that the positions in the Washington Office will be tioned by General R. E. Wood, Chairman of the Board of Sears- filled from the Civil Service rolls but that jobs in the field (out- Roebuck, a committee member, who stated it was his understand- side Washington) will be non-Civil Service. As is known, non- ing, from her testimony, that both she and her organization are Civil Service positions are not affected by veterans’ preference opposed to giving a preference at all to veterans. She replied she rules but the Census Bureau has announced that “special prefer- “wouldn’t go that far.” General Wood asked, "Don’t you think that ence” will be given to War veterans or their widows when equally a man who goes out for 515 or $30 a month for a couple of years well qualified with others. is entitled to some preference?” Mrs. Baldwin replied she wouldn’t A release from the Bureau, entitled “Jobs With the Census,” agree to that principle but said she did believe in preference for reads as follows: disabled veterans. ccc “The Census Bureau in Washington has received many inquiries from persons seeking jobs as enumerators (census-takers), clerks, We have three resolutions pertaining to the CCC, one of which interpreters, stenographers and other field personnel in connection more properly is dealt with under National Defense. There is with the approaching 1940 Decennial Census. pending from the Los Angeles National Convention a resolution asking that the quota for World War veterans in the' Civilian Con- Applicants for such positions should NOT write to Washington. servation Corps be increased from 25,000 to 50,000, and another one These positions will be filled LOCALLY. adopted at the Chicago National Convention asks for the establish- Applicants should wait until local offices are established. These ment of a CCC camp for veterans in the Island of Puerto Rico. offices will be opened at the time supervisors are sent into the field, The CCC resolution under National Defense pertains to military at the close of the present year. training for the enrollees. Opening of each local office will be announced fully in the local With reference to the first resolution, the Civilian Conservation newspapers. Corps will come before Congress during the early days of the Applicants should await these announcements and then apply next session to apply for funds for its operation for the fiscal year to the LOCAL office for blanks and general information concern- ending June 30, 1941. When the Appropriation bill is under hear- ing employment, rates of pay, length of time the jobs will last, ing in the Senate and in the House Committees on Appropriations, who the supervisors will be, size of the various districts, and your National Director will appear and present the resolution per- kindred details. These facts on each local situation CANNOT be taining to an increase in the veterans’ quota. obtained by writing to Washington. The matter of establishing a CCC camp for veterans in Puerto Rico was handled administratively. CCC officials have agreed that Census workers will be required to devote full time to census veterans enrollment in Puerto Rico shall be increased to a maxi- work, and WILL be subject to the Hatch Act specifically forbidding mum of 240, or one-tenth of the total enrollment. This is the same Federal employes from taking any active part in political manage- proportion that prevails in the United States. While a separate ment or in political campaigns during the entire period of their camp for veterans will not be established, the increased number of employment by the Census Bureau. veterans to be enrolled is equal to the average CCC camp. MEN and WOMEN will be eligible for census work on equal A bill calling for military training for the enrollees would be con- terms. WAR VETERANS or their widows are given special pref- sidered by the Military Affairs Committees of the Senate and the erence when equally well qualified with others. House and comes under the heading “NATIONAL DEFENSE” in CIVIL SERVICE status is not required for census work in the this report. field (outside Washington). The Census Bureau will give its own Correction of Discharges examinations, however, to determine the respective qualifications of applicants. Information on this subject also should be obtained The Chicago National Convention reiterated Legion action of' from LOCAL offices when they are established.” prior conventions in asking for legislation to provide for the estab- In the past, members of Congress who were also members of lishment of boards to review all World War discharges other than the political party in power have had much to do with recom- honorable ones. Representative John McCormack, Massachusetts, mending applicants to fill positions in the field. introduced two bills for us, H. R. 1966 and H. R. 1967, which if Pending from the Los Angeles National Convention is a resolu- enacted would carry this resolution into effect. H. R. 1966 applies tion which asks that veterans be eligible for Post Office Inspector- to the Army and is before the House Committee on Military Af- ships regardless of age. An Administrative Order by the Post- fairs, and H. R. 1967 applies to the Navy and is before the House master General restricted applicants for these inspectorships to the Committee on Naval Affairs. age limits of 25 to 35, which automatically bars World War veterans. The attempt has been made to handle this matter ad- Decatur House ministratively but the Postmaster General refuses to recall or There is pending from the May 1939 meeting of the National modify his order. In view of this an effort will be made to correct Executive Committee a resolution pertaining to the acquisition and the situation legislatively. preservation as a museum of the Stephen Decatur House, a land- The next resolution asks that on WPA work the wives of un- mark located at 748 Jackson Place in the District of Columbia. employable disabled veterans or the widows of deceased veterans There are two bills, S. 1562 by Senator Millard Tydings, Maryland, be accorded the same preference granted to veterans; also asks the in the Senate, and H. R. 4322 by Representative Edith Nourse Rog- elimination of the “relative needs” clause in the present WPA ers, Massachusetts, which would carry this resolution into effect. 14 DIGEST OF MINUTES NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING

Your National Director has conferred with these two members costs of transporting bodies of veterans dying in Veterans’ Admin- of Congress and members of the appropriate committees to out- istration facilities will be paid to any place within the continental line the interest of The American Legion in the proposal. limits of the United States. The law now allows transportation to the place of residence or the nearest National cemetery. Inasmuch Disabled as this has already passed the Senate, it is now before the House Under this general head the National Legislative Committee is Committee on World War Veterans’ Legislation and will be con- confronted with 70 resolutions pertaining to legislation, 35 of which sidered there in the next session. When it is considered, your Na- pertain to new hospitals or additions to existing facilities. tional Director will suggest the combining of the three features in The list also includes the 4th point of our Four Point Program in one bill. Of course the Legion’s resolution calling for no time limit reiterating the stand of The American Legion asking for Govern- in filing application for burial awards will be called to the atten- ment protection for World War widows and children. tion of the House Committee in connection with the Veterans’ Appeals—Time Limit: One of the Chicago National Convention Administration’s report on S. 1046 incorporating the suggestion to resolutions requests: extend the filing time two years. “That there will be no time limit for the filing of appeals by a Burial Flags: Pending from the Los Angeles National Convention veteran or his representative.” is a resolution which requests that the Federal Government have a sufficient supply of flags stored at each post office in all localities The Veterans’ Administration through regulations in effect at where there is a Post of veterans; that the postmaster be author- the present time places a limitation upon the time for filing appeals ized to furnish a flag for a deceased veteran’s funeral service; and from certain decisions of the Administration with respect to the that the United States also supply said post offices sufficient am- personal appearance of the veteran or by a representative of a munition for firing of proper salutes to deceased veterans. service organization in behalf of the veteran. It is felt by our or- ganization that this contributes to a denial of the intended benefits We now have a bill pending, introduced for us by Representative for veterans and dependents of deceased veterans. The request is Albert J. Engel, Michigan, that burial flags be made available at made that regulations and instructions be rewritten so as to re- all post offices. The bill, H. R. 2311, was referred to the House move all such limitations. This matter will be first handled ad- Committee on post offices and post roads. ministratively, and if this means fails, then it becomes a legislative Claims Against Third Parties: There is a Chicago National Con- matter. vention resolution which requests: Burial Allowances: Another Chicago National Convention reso- “Amendment to Section 3, Public Law No. 262, 74th Congress, lution requests: to provide that claims of the United States against a veteran shall “Amendatory legislation to provide that there shall be no time not prevail against a third party.” limit for making applications for burial awards.” It has been held that claims by the United States against a vet- This is a reiteration of a former Legion resolution. We now have eran may be satisfied out of benefits due and payable to a desig- pending H. R. 2293 to carry this resolution to accomplishment. The nated beneficiary, including his widow or other dependents. A bill bill was introduced for us by Representative John E. Rankin, covering this resolution has been drafted and is ready for intro- Mississippi. duction during the opening days of the regular session. Burial Allowances—Veterans’ Administration: There are three Combat Disabilities: A Chicago National Convention resolution bills now pending in Congress which pertain to burial allowances requests: and in which the Veterans’ Administration is interested. One of “That there be a rating of not less than 10 per cent for all serv- these is related to our resolution requesting “no time limit for ice connected combat disabilities.” making application for burial awards.” The latter is S. 1046, by It will be recalled that in the hearings on our last year’s disabled Mrs. Caraway, Arkansas, which provides that claims for funeral program the House Committee on World War Veterans’ Legislation expenses of veterans may be filed at any time (at present, one contemplated favorably reporting an omnibus bill, H. R. 5452. year) subsequent to death; and increases from six months to one When first ready for report the bill contained Section 7, which year the period within which to file evidence necessary to com- read as follows: plete applications on request of the Veterans’ Administration. The Veterans’ Administration was requested by the Senate Committee “The Administrator of Veterans’ Affairs is hereby authorized and on Finance to make a report on this measure and stated that if the directed to insert in the Rating Schedules of the Veterans’ Admin- committee felt the time for filing should be extended then it would istration a minimum rating of permanent partial 10 per centum for recommend an extension to two years. This report, having wounds incurred in line of duty in active service during the World “cleared” the Budget Bureau, means the Veterans’ Administration War.” would not oppose an extension of time in filing to two years. The This section was later stricken from the bill and H. R. 5452 later measure is now before the Senate Finance Committee. became Public Law 198. The next bill pertaining to funeral allowances is S. 1647, by Compensation—Carville, Louisiana: On this subject we have a Senator Bone, Washington, providing that when an honorably dis- resolution reading as follows: charged veteran of any war, campaign or expedition (the latter “Whereas, The U. S. Marine Hospital, at Carville, Louisiana, three words being new), or pensioner of any war dies, the Admin- is the only colony in the United States where persons suffering istrator of Veterans’ Affairs shall, in his discretion and with due with leprosy are forcibly isolated; and, regard to the circumstances, pay (not to exceed $100) for burial and funeral expenses and transportation of the body to the place of “Whereas, War veterans are the only class of people isolated burial. The main purpose of this is to remove one feature con- there who are penalized financially by reason of their forced iso- nected with burial allowances under which burial allowance is lation; now, therefore, not payable when the veteran’s net assets at time of death, ex- “Be It Resolved, That we proceed immediately to request Con- clusive of debts, pension, or insurance equal $1,000. In a number gress to pay the full rate of compensation or pension to war vet- of cases, particularly among the veterans of poor circumstances, erans forcibly isolated in this colony regardless of dependents.” provision is made by him through his lodge, fraternal association, A bill to carry this resolution to accomplishment has been or weekly-payment insurance for a burial fund, expressly desig- drafted and is ready for introduction during the opening days of nated for that purpose by him. In many such cases, his widow, the next regular session. children, or other dependents do not receive the burial award. The Compensation—Hospitalized Veterans: We have a resolution proposed legislation places some discretion in the hands of the which requests: Administrator. This bill is before the Senate Committee on Military Affairs and a report made by the Veterans’ Administration and “Amendatory legislation to allow payment of full compensation “cleared” by the Budget Bureau, in effect, approves of the proposal. to hospitalized veterans whether or not they have dependents.” Another bill, S. 2756, by Senator Sheppard, Texas, which was This subject is also covered in a bill which is ready for intro- considered by the Senate Committee on Military Affairs, was passed duction. by the Senate on August 1, 1939. As passed, it provides that the Disability Allowance: There was offered to the Chicago National DIGEST OF MINUTES NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING 15

Convention Rehabilitation Committee 27 resolutions dealing with jurisdiction, covered by H. R. 4793 by Representative Grant, Ala- the definition of “permanent total disability” and calling for an bama; increase in the award for a non-service connected total disability (4) A Cleveland National Convention resolution asking for legis- benefit. Whereas in former years we asked for a restoration of the lation that the Government shall have two years in which to deter- monthly award from $30 to $40 (the amount before passage of the mine whether it desires to cancel any insurance policy on the Economy Act), we now ask for an increase to $50 a month. ground it was obtained by fraud, covered by H. R. 2781 by Repre- In effect this resolution asks that total disability be considered sentative McCormack, Massachusetts; to exist when there is present any impairment or defect of mind or (5) That Congress reinstate the specific loss clause in all Gov- body which prevents the individual from following a substantially ernment Insurance policies, covered by H. R. 4794, by Representa- gainful occupation, and that permanence shall be admitted when tive Grant, Alabama; it is reasonable to assume that such degree of disability will con- (6) A Chicago National Convention resolution asking for legis- tinue throughout the life of the disabled person. Under last year’s lation so that all Statutes of Limitations as to suits on Automatic resolution we have pending a bill which asks for the increase of Insurance be removed or at least extended to one year from the the monthly award to $40 a month, but this bill will be discarded date of enactment of the legislation, for which a new bill is to be and a more comprehensible bill will be introduced to comply with introduced during the opening days of the next session. the full terms of the new resolution. Loss of Use of Arm, Leg or Eye: A Chicago National Convention Evidence: We have a resolution which requests: resolution requests: “Amendatory legislation making it mandatory upon the Vet- “Amendment to Public Law No. 141, to provide an increase in erans’ Administration to give full value to medical and lay evi- the statutory award in those cases where the veteran suffered the dence unless same is rebutted by other evidence.” loss of the use of an arm, leg or eye.” A bill has been drafted and will be introduced in the next Public Law No. 198, 76th Congress, approved July 19, 1939, pro- session of Congress. vided in Section 6 that if the disabled person, as the result of Forfeitures: The next resolution is a reiteration of a prior reso- service-incurred disability, has suffered the anatomical loss or the lution and requests: loss of use of only one foot, or one hand, or one eye, the rate of “Amendment to existing law to allow the Administrator of compensation shall be increased by $35 per month (from $25 Veterans’ Affairs some discretion in applying the forfeiture provision monthly), but this section of Public Law No. 198 did not take care of the laws relating to forfeiture of rights because of alleged of certain disabled men who are awarded compensation under fraud on the part of the claimant or beneficiary of the Veterans’ Public Law No. 141. Administration.” The necessary amendatory legislation has been drafted and will be introduced during the next session. On January 11, 1939, there was introduced for us by Repre- sentative Rankin, the bill, H. R. 2288. This measure is now pend- Misconduct: We have a resolution which requests: ing before the House Committee on World War Veterans’ Legis- “Amendatory legislation to permit payment of compensation to lation. veterans suffering with paralysis, paresis, or blindness, or who are helpless or bedridden without regard to the cause of their dis- Hospitals: There are 35 resolutions dealing with construction of ability.” new hospitals, additions to existing facilities or domiciliary con- struction in the States of: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Public Law No. 196, 76th Congress, approved July 19, 1939, Connecticut, Idaho, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mis- sometimes referred to as the misconduct bill, restored to certain souri, Montana, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, South veterans suffering with paralysis, paresis, or blindness, or who are Dakota, Texas and Washington. While bills must be drafted helpless or bedridden, compensation benefits provided that they and introduced to cover each of these resolutions, it is now the were on the rolls March 19, 1933. accepted policy to present proposals for such construction to the The Legion bill, as introduced during the first session of the Federal Board of Hospitalization. current Congress, proposed to take care of all misconduct cases, In practice it is working out that unless this Federal Board ap- but the Committee reported a bill providing only for those on the proves a hospital project, there is little chance for passage of a rolls March 19, 1933. The resolution recites that there are other bill providing for such construction. cases “probably not in any great number but in just as great need but whose disabilities were not properly diagnosed or compensated Hospitalization: Two resolutions pertaining to hospitalization prior to March 19, 1933, and who are still without protection of were offered to the Chicago National Convention Legislative Com- the Federal Government extended to similar cases.” A Legion bill mittee and adopted. One asks for legislation to provide hospital- has been drafted to cover this resolution and will be introduced in ization benefits to retired Army enlisted men, and another to pro- the next session. vide reciprocal hospitalization to retired officers and enlisted men. The resolution on the former approved S. 1461 as a bill to carry Nervous Disorders and “Industrial Inadaptability”: We have a the resolution to accomplishment, while the resolution on the resolution from the Chicago National Convention, reading as fol- second proposal endorsed H. R. 2892 and S. 1460. lows: The American Legion, therefore, is mandated to support these “Resolved, That The American Legion, in convention assembled, measures. in Chicago, September 1939, petition the Veterans’ Administration We have pending from the Los Angeles National Convention a to so amend its 1925 and 1933 rating schedule as to provide total resolution calling for the free hospitalization of veterans living ratings for the functional nervous disorders; and outside the United States. At our request Representative Edith “Be It Further Resolved, That we indorse the principle set out Nourse Rogers, Massachusetts, introduced for us H. R. 2650, and in H. R. 4004, 76th Congress, First Session.” this bill is now pending before the House Committee on World It will be noted that there are two parts of this resolution, the War Veterans’ Legislation. first asking that the 1925 and 1933 Rating Schedules be amended Insurance: We have six resolutions pertaining to the subject of so as to provide total ratings for the functional nervous disorders. Government Insurance as follows: As it stands this is an administrative matter, but if it cannot be (1) A Los Angeles National Convention resolution asking for handled successfully through negotiation with the Veterans’ Ad- legislation authorizing the United States to compromise claims ministration, then it will become a legislative matter. arising on converted Government Insurance, covered by H. R. 3050, The second part of the resolution endorses the principles set out introduced January 23, 1939, by Representative Vincent, Kentucky; in H. R. 4004, 76th Congress, first session. This bill was introduced (2) A Cleveland National Convention resolution asking that by Representative H. Jerry Voorhis, California, and the purpose of court costs be awarded to veterans who are successful in their it is “To grant permanent and total disability ratings to veterans law suits for recovery of insurance, covered by H. R. 4242 by suffering from severe industrial inadaptability as a result of war Representative Flaherty, Massachusetts; service.” It reads as follows: (3) A Chicago National Convention resolution asking that there "That where, as a result of sound medical evidence and/or exam- be no discontinuance of payment of insurance benefits awarded as ination, it has been established by the United States Veterans’ a result of a judgment except on action by a court of competent Administration that a veteran’s service-connected disability, result- 16 DIGEST OF MINUTES NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING ing from his service in the armed forces of the United States dur- 1939, and was referred to the House Committee on World War ing any war, has caused a severe industrial inadaptability, then in Veterans’ Legislation. that case the veteran shall be considered as permanently and totally Psychopathic Inferiority: We also have a resolution reaffirming disabled and shall receive a rating of permanent and total for previous convention action requesting: compensation purposes and for any other benefits to which such “That the condition termed constitutional psychopathic inferior- rating might entitle him, regardless of any rating which any rating ity be considered as a disability for compensation and pension schedule might designate for such specific disability or disabilities.” purposes.” Out-Patient Treatment: Under this head we have two resolu- Heretofore this matter has been handled administratively with tions. The first is pending from prior conventions and asks that the Veterans’ Administration, but if it is not accomplished in this the Administrator of Veterans’ Affairs be authorized and directed manner it becomes a proposition for legislative efforts. to furnish out-patient pneumothorax therapy, insulin and/or liver Ratings—Minimum: We have a resolution requesting legislation, extract to veterans requiring such treatment or medication, not- if necessary, withstanding that the disease necessitating the treatment may “To require a rating of one per cent or more for every service- not be directly or presumptively service-connected. This is covered connected disability.” in H. R. 2292 introduced for us during the first session of the cur- The resolution points out that there are many veterans with rent Congress by Representative Rankin. service-connected disability so adjudicated by the Veterans’ Admin- The Chicago National Convention went a step further and re- istration but who are presently rated no per cent on such service- quested: connected disability, according to rating schedules now in use, and the necessary legislation is requested so that every service-con- “Amendatory legislation to provide out-patient treatment for nected disability will be assigned a rating of at least one per cent. service-incurred disabilities for veterans residing in foreign coun- A bill covering this is being drafted and will be introduced during tries where feasible.” the opening days of the next session. A bill covering this out-patient treatment for veterans in foreign Ratings—Permanency: Another resolution requests legislation: countries has been drawn and will be introduced. “To prohibit reduction in disability compensation ratings which Overpayments: Another Chicago National Convention resolution have been in effect for a period of 10 years or more.” requests: The resolution points out that stabilization of compensation has “Amendment to Public Law 484, so as to permit waiver of over- been accomplished by regulation in approximately 90 per cent payments when, in the judgment of the Administrator of Veterans’ of the cases through the expedient of not scheduling future ex- Affairs, there is no fault on the part of the payee and when re- aminations for compensation purposes, but that the practice still covery would be against equity and good conscience.” exists in which compensation is reduced in cases where a changed A bill covering this subject is being drafted for introduction dur- condition is found. The resolution further points out that this ing the opening days of the next session. practice is unfair where a disability incurred in service is of 20 “Parent” and “Child”—Definition: A Chicago National Conven- or more years’ standing. tion resolution asks that the term “parent” used in all legislation Respiratory Diseases: There is pending from the Los Angeles pertaining to World War veterans be defined, National Convention a resolution pointing to the fact that there “To include the natural mother and father, the mother and are many veterans suffering from non-tuberculous respiratory father by adoption, the foster mother and foster father, and those diseases and in many instances, due to the lack of adequate physi- who stood in loco parentis to the veteran.” cal examination at time of discharge, the condition was not noted and that the term “child” be defined: at that time, and that many of these cases have shown continuity from some time shortly after discharge up to the present time. “In all such laws as it is in the World War Veterans Act, as It was pointed out in the resolution it is the opinion of outstand- amended.” ing chest specialists in this country that these non-tuberculous A bill covering this resolution has been drafted and will be respiratory diseases in many instances can be in existence for a introduced. considerable period of time before they are detected and definitely Parents’ Compensation: Another resolution requests: diagnosed. “Amendatory legislation to permit payment of death compensa- This matter has been handled administratively by the National tion without limitation to parents who lost two or more children Rehabilitation Committee through the filing of briefs with the as a result of service-incurred disabilities.” Veterans’ Administration, but if accomplishment of the resolution In order to accomplish this resolution it will be necessary to through this medium fails, then it becomes a legislative propo- amend Section 3 of Public Law 304, 75th Congress, which now sition. limits the payments to this class of beneficiary. A bill on this Traumatic Neurosis: There is a Chicago National Convention subject has been prepared. resolution which reads as follows: Post-mortem Ratings: This resolution requests: “Be It Resolved, That The American Legion in National Con- “Amendatory legislation to permit payment of compensation vention assembled at Chicago, 1939, hereby instructs its National or pensions on a post-mortem rating for a period of one year prior Committee on Rehabilitation to seek a cancellation of regulation to the death of the veteran, but not to exceed $1,000.” described as R & P 7883, Sub-paragraph F, and failing such immediate action, that the National Legislative Committee is Veterans’ Regulation 2(a) prohibits payment of accrued com- instructed to seek by an Act of Congress such amendment to the pensation or pension except on the basis of ratings in effect at Act as will give force and effect to the expressed intent of Con- the time of the veteran’s death and it is frequently found that gress.” the rating in effect at the time of death is erroneous. The purpose of the resolution is to permit payment of compensation or pen- The National Legislative Committee will await the report of sion on a post-mortem rating for one year prior to the death of the National Rehabilitation Committee on its efforts with the the veteran but limits the amount of such recovery to $1,000. Veterans’ Administration, and if it becomes a legislative matter This resolution also is covered in a bill that has been drafted. then a bill will be drafted and introduced. Presumptives: The Chicago National Convention reiterated the Tuberculous Cases: There is pending from the Los Angeles Na- Legion stand with regard to presumptives. Our resolution on tional Convention a resolution, as follows: this requests amendatory legislation: “We request legislation that in all cases of pulmonary tubercu- “To restore full compensation payment in those cases where losis where it is shown that active tuberculosis exists the claimant service connection is accorded by presumption.” will be granted a total and permanent rating when hospitalized.” We now have pending a bill, introduced for us by Representative This resolution is covered in H. R. 2646 introduced for us on Rankin, to amend existing law to restore 100 per centum of com- January 16, 1939, by Representative Pete Jarman, Alabama. pensation previously payable to veterans under the World War Widows and Orphans: The Chicago National Convention re- Veterans’ Act. The bill, H. R. 2289, was introduced on January 11, affirmed: DIGEST OF MINUTES NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING 17

“The Legion policy with respect to completion of the fourth point taining to the first resolution but the second, being new matter, of the 1933 4-point Program, that no widow or orphan of a World requires the introduction of a bill during the opening days of the War veteran be without Government protection.” next session. The bills relative to the “causative factor” are S. 134, A new bill covering World War widows and orphans was drafted introduced by Senator Walter George, Georgia, and H. R. 2005, by and introduced for us by Representative Rankin, Mississippi, on Representative Andrew Edmiston, West Virginia. Hearings have October 23 as H. R. 7593. been held on both, and the Senate bill was favorably reported on July 25, 1939. It came up for consideration on August 1 but was Through the passage of five Acts since 1934, the Legion has at passed over on objection of Senator William King, Utah. It will be last reached the border line which separates compensation from recalled that during the last session of the 75th Congress a bill was pensions. There are two classes of widows and orphans compensa- passed by both branches of Congress, but was vetoed by the Presi- tion laws. The first covers the widows and orphans of those vet- dent. In his veto message it was stated 4,700 cases had been re- erans who suffered a service-connected disability and died of that moved from the rolls as a result of the causative factor and that service-connected disability. The second class are the widows and the bill, as passed, would put back 3,050 of these. During the hear- orphans of World War veterans who suffered a service-connected ings in the last session witnesses varied as to the number that would disability but who died from some cause other than the service- be restored to the rolls, these estimates ranging from 1,950 to 3,000. connected disability. Apparently legislation is the only means now remaining whereby The chain of progress on widows and orphans compensation laws this causative factor problem may be solved. On its opening day of under the 4th point of our 4-Point Program pertains to the second the Fall term, the United States Supreme Court denied a petition class. These laws commenced with Public Law No. 484, approved for a writ of certiorari to the United States Court of Appeals for June 28, 1934, which provided that the veteran at the time of his the District of Columbia in a case brought by Disabled Emergency death must have been suffering from a service-connected disability Officers to obtain relief from the causative factor. With denial of of 30% or more. The next Act was Public Law 844, 74th Congress, the writ, all hope for relief through court action is gone. which amended Public Law 484 but did not reduce the percentage from 30%. The next Act, Public Law 304, 75th Congress, amended The case was brought in the District Court through filing a bill Public Law No. 484 by reducing the percentage from 30% to 20% of complaint, but this bill was dismissed without permitting the in- but added a new feature in such laws by declaring widows, to qual- troduction of any evidence. Dismissal was on the grounds that the ify for the compensation under that Act, must have had a child Court was without jurisdiction under Section 5 of the Economy Act. born of her marriage to the veteran. The next Act was Public No. Appeal was taken to the United States Court of Appeals for the Dis- 514, 75th Congress, approved May 13, 1938, which reduced the vet- trict of Columbia where the case was argued solely on legal ques- eran’s service-connected disability to 10% or more, and also elim- tions as to whether the lower court had jurisdiction. The Appellate inated the provision in Public 304 requiring the birth of a child Court held with the lower court, after which application was made for the writ of certiorari, which was denied. before benefits would be payable. The fifth Act was Public Law No. 198 of the last session of Con- Education of War Orphans gress which wiped out the 10% disability and provided that the sur- viving widow, child, or children of any deceased person who served Under this head we have two resolutions as follows: in the World War before November 12, 1918, or if the person was (1) Requests that the Act of Congress approved May 29, 1928, serving with the United States military forces in Russia before be amended so as to authorize the continuance of compensation April 2, 1920, and who was honorably discharged after having after the age of 18 to children of deceased veterans pursuing courses served 90 days or more (or who, having served less than 90 days, of instruction in schools, colleges and universities, until the bene- was discharged for disability incurred in the service in line of duty), ficiary completes the regular course of not exceeding four years, who dies or has died from a disease or disability not service con- providing the child has entered upon such course prior to the time nected and at the time of death had a disability directly or pre- he reached his 21st birthday; sumptively incurred in or aggravated by service in the World War (2) Two resolutions of the same tenor ask that the Act ap- for which compensation would be payable if 10 per centum or more proved June 8, 1926, which increased the authorized number of in degree, shall upon filing application and such proofs in the Vet- cadets at the U. S. Military Academy and U. S. Naval Academy by erans’ Administration as the Administrator of Veterans’ Affairs may 40 each and directed that the additional appointments be made by prescribe, be entitled to receive compensation, as provided by this the President from among the sons of those who were killed in ac- Act. tion or died during the World War, be amended so as to include as H. R. 7593, the bill now pending, provides that the widow or chil- beneficiaries sons of veterans who have died of service-connected dren of any World War veteran who served 90 days or more and disabilities since the World War or may hereafter die of service- was honorably discharged or who having served less than 90 days connected disabilities. was discharged for disability, shall be entitled to compensation. An Both of these resolutions are reiterations of action taken by prior income limitation is contained in the Act which coincides with the conventions. The first resolution was covered in our widows’ and deductions now allowed under the Internal Revenue laws. orphans’ bill of the first session—H. R. 5, and is also covered in our Veterans’ Administration—Retirement of Employes: We have new widows’ and orphans’ bill, H. R. 7593, introduced by Repre- another resolution which points to the fact that many Veterans’ Ad- sentative Rankin and referred to the House Committee on World ministration nurses, physicians, and other personnel have served War Veterans’ Legislation. long and faithfully, and the duties of the personnel are strenuous The second resolution is covered by H. R. 126 introduced for us and become increasingly heavy as they advance in years. It requests: by Representative Wigglesworth, Massachusetts, and is pending “The National Legislative Committee of The American Legion to before the House Committee on Military Affairs. make every effort to secure a reduction in retirement age for per- sonnel in the employment of the Veterans’ Administration from 70 Emblem years to 62 years, retirement to be optional, if physically fit.” At the November 1938 meeting of the National Executive Com- This subject is being more thoroughly studied for the purpose of mittee a resolution was adopted instructing the Legion’s Legislative drafting a bill for introduction during the next session. Director to press for legislation designed to protect the patented and copyrighted veteran organizations’ emblems. We are now Disabled Emergency Officers right up to the firing line on this proposition because it was passed Under this head we have two resolutions, one a reiteration in re- by both branches in the first session of this Congress. The bill is questing iegislation, H. R. 5982, providing against the unlawful use of the badge, medal, “To correct the effects of the causative factor under the present emblem or other insignia of veterans’ organizations incorporated Disabled Emergency Officers Act.” by Act of Congress and providing penalties for violation of this act. Due to a peculiar parliamentary situation, it holds over until the and another asking for an extension by legislation of the next session. This measure was introduced in the House for us by “Time limit now fixed by law for filing claim for benefits under Representative Walter Chandler, Tennessee, and was passed July the Disabled Emergency Officers Act.” 31, 1939. A companion bill, S. 2365, was introduced in the Senate by We have pending in both the Senate and the House bills per- Senator Pat McCarran, Nevada, and this was passed August 1. 18 DIGEST OF MINUTES NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING

The Senate bill made changes as compared to the House bill and The Social Security Board, under which comes the U. S. Em- arrangements were then made to have the Senate accept the House ployment Office, reported an all-time record of 254,000 job place- bill. On motion of Senator McCarran, the Senate did accept the ments in private industry in August 1939, which is 34% higher than House bill but amended it to conform with the wording of the Sen- in August 1938. It was noted that at the same time there was a ate bill; this on August 4. On August 5, the last day of the session, drop of more than 28% in claims for benefits received by State Representative Chandler asked unanimous consent of the House to Unemployment-Compensation Agencies. take up the House bill and that the House concur in the Senate With regard to the employment resolutions which request legis- amendments. Representative James Wadsworth, New York, joined lation, bills are being drafted for introduction in the next session of in the debate to point out that the manufacture of veterans’ organ- Congress. izations emblems and insignia would become a Federal offense, and Grave Markers then added, “This is the result of creating Federal corporations.” The resolution on this subject reads: Representative Joseph B. Shannon, Missouri, then objected to Representative Chandler’s request that unanimous consent of the “Therefore, be it Resolved, by The American Legion in Conven- House be given to consider the bill. An attempt was then made by tion assembled at Chicago on September 25 to 28, 1939, That new your National Director and others to have Representative Shannon legislation be introduced in the Congress of the United States dur- withdraw his objection, but the bill was not considered again before ing the next session to provide that bronze tablets be made available adjournment. This bill, therefore, holds over for action in the next for graves of veterans at Federal expense at a cost not in excess session. of tombstones as now furnished to meet the objection of many pri- vate cemeteries which do not permit the use of the regular govern- The purpose of this enactment is to protect The American Legion ment tombstones.” from the pernicious and unauthorized commercial use of our in- signia by persons other than those explicitly granted such rights It will be recalled that we were successful in having passed by by The American Legion itself. both branches of Congress in the last session a bill authorizing the Secretary of War to furnish upon request a flat bronze grave mark- The penalty in the Act, upon conviction, is a fine not exceeding er to the relatives of any deceased World War veteran, but this $250, or by imprisonment not exceeding six months, or by both measure was vetoed by the President on August 1. The bills were, such fine and imprisonment. One of the great advantages of such a S. 608, introduced in the Senate by Senator Robert LaFollette, Wis- measure is that violations could be reported to the United States consin, and H. R. 985 introduced for us in the House by Representa- District Attorney for prosecution by his office. tive Charles I. Faddis, Pennsylvania. The House bill was substituted Employment for the Senate one, and it was this measure that went to the White House and was vetoed. In addition to resolutions under the heading Civil Service and Our reason for requesting the issuance of a flat bronze grave Veterans’ Preference we have five resolutions pertaining to employ- marker to relatives of World War veterans is that a large number ment for which legislation is requested. These resolutions are as of the Park Memorial Cemeteries allow the use of nothing but the follows: flat bronze markers. The president in his veto message said in part: (1) That Congress be urged to consider the enactment of laws which will provide that none other than American citizens may be “I recognize fully that new conceptions of cemetery design, land- employed in any Department of the U. S. Government and to pro- scaping, and monumentation have found widespread public approv- al in recent years, and that the marking of our military graves in hibit the awarding of contracts to any firm which employs aliens, whether skilled or unskilled, except the services of foreign tech- the newer private cemeteries must conform to the general pattern of their surroundings. I object to H. R. 985, however, because it re- nicians to be approved by the Federal Government. stricts to bronze the material which would be authorized for use (2) A resolution pointing to the fact that the United States Gov- in supplementing the present prescription of ‘durable stone.’ I ernment is inconsistent in urging private industry to hire workers would not object to legislation which would authorize the Secretary over 40, while at the same time it refuses employment and promo- of War to furnish, upon application, for use on military graves in tion to these same workers, and urges the adoption of laws in the private cemeteries where the stone markers are not acceptable, Government service making it possible for the employment and monuments of such design and material as may be approved by him promotion of American citizens over 40 who have the desired within present unit cost limits.” qualifications. (3) A resolution pointing to the fact that opportunities in private On August 3, new bills were introduced to meet these objections: industry for all citizens over 40 are lacking due partially to un- S. 2955 by Senator LaFollette and H. R. 7483 by Representative warranted age discrimination and training, and asking that a Faddis. Federal-State program be adopted that will offer a retraining and Historical Documents training program as a means of reinstating these employable citi- zens to their regular employment. There is pending from the November 1938 meeting of the Na- (4) That the authorities of the Work Projects Administration be tional Executive Committee a resolution asking that the National requested to provide applications of a distinctive color similar to Legislative Committee be directed to secure the enactment of such that followed by the Employment Service for veterans so that a legislation as will insure the completion of cataloguing and editing veteran’s application will be recognized immediately to the end for publication of military documents pertinent to America’s par- that they will receive the preference to which they are entitled ticipation in the World War preparatory to publication by 1942. under the law enacted by Congress. Your National Director is keeping in touch with the Chief, His- (5) A resolution pending from the National Executive Committee torical Section, War Department, to give any support on legislation meeting of November 1937, asking that the Wagner-Peyser Act be for additional funds, increased personnel, or any other aid that may amended so that it shall include Puerto Rico, as well as Hawaii and be needed to expedite the publication of these documents. Alaska. Homesteads On October 14, it was announced that 36 Rochester, New York, in- dustries cooperating to eliminate discrimination against middle-aged The American Legion has always taken a keen interest in the workers were adopting a new hiring policy based on the proportions rights of veterans under our homestead laws. The Act of June 12, of employable population under and over 40 years of age. The plan 1930, gives a 90-days’ preference to veterans in entry to homesteads, of this industrial group, which employs more than 35,000, was made but under this Act the preference right will expire on February 14, public through a joint New York State legislative committee set up 1940. After a conference with Senator Burton K. Wheeler, Mon- in 1938, to study unemployment as it affects those over 40. This an- tana, there was introduced on October 19 the bill, S. 2989, under the nouncement was received with a great deal of favorable editorial provisions of which the time would be extended to February 14, comment throughout the country. 1950; thus preserving this right for veterans another ten years. On October 8, it was announced that striking increases in the number of private job placements by public employment agencies National Defense had been accompanied by a sharp decrease in the total seeking work Both the Navy and War Departments are expected to submit to through those agencies. the President and then to the next Congress for approval plans DIGEST OF MINUTES NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING 19 which will call for an extraordinary expenditure for the next fiscal The chief of the National Guard Bureau indicated that the year approximating two billion dollars. Plans for further strength- guard is in a bad position with respect to gas masks. ening the Navy have been closely guarded and their details await In the past, he pointed out the lack of gas masks in Guard announcement by the President or by the Congress, but there has units. The ratio still remains eight gas masks per one hundred been much talk about a “two-ocean Navy” to be obtained by men. It is not intended that any further issues of regular gas building enough ships to maintain in the Atlantic a fleet about masks will be made, although large numbers are being manu- as strong as the fleet in the Pacific. factured for war reserves. With regard to personnel, the present authorized strength for Resolutions: The American Legion’s National Defense program this year is indeed a large one, there being a total of 40 resolu- the Navy, as set by the President when he invoked his “limited tions. This total is made up of four introductory ones, 10 per- emergency” powers, is 145,000 enlisted men and 25,000 Marines. taining to Army, nine to the Navy, nine to Aviation, four, Merchant The Navy Department hopes to reach this objective by the start Marine and eight miscellaneous. Our program is as follows: of the next fiscal year, July 1, 1940. These totals would probably be increased if a further expansion program is undertaken, since Number One the Navy is already feeling a severe shortage of Petty Officers and “We want America strong enough to meet any intended inva- men because of the commissioning of 40 old destroyers for duty sion before it arrives and to turn the invader back so that our with the Neutrality Patrol. homes remain intact and our families secure. We would prefer to The enlisted strength of the regular Army, which is now about fight outside of the United States rather than see any part of the 210,000, including the Philippine Scouts, is being raised to 227,000 United States become destroyed. under the terms of the President’s executive order and the Na- Number Two tional Guard is being strengthened to 235,000. Under the Army’s "We strongly urge upon the Congress of the United States the plans, known as our Initial Protective Force, however, an increase immediate adoption of a program complete in every detail and in the enlisted strength of the regular Army to the 280,000 author- calculated to have continuously on hand a sufficient supply of all ized by the National Defense Act is contemplated. Under this raw and manufactured materials—sufficient to fully equip, supply, same plan the National Guard would be increased also to its maintain and subsist a military and naval force of not less than full authorized quota as defined in the act, a force of approximately 1,000,000 men, and for a period of not less than one year; and, 420,000 enlisted men, bringing the strength of what is known as furthermore, that there shall be built or made available sufficient our “I. P. F.” to about 705,000, plus perhaps 30,000 to 40,000 storage facilities to properly care for said materials. officers. In addition to the numerical increase in manpower and perhaps Number Three more important than such an increase, the War Department is “That the consideration of our Pacific situation, with a view anxious to obtain funds to equip an Army of about 1,000,000. Am- to recommend for a definite policy therefor, to be referred to the munition is the most serious shortage and it is believed $150,000,000 next meeting of the National Executive Committee. will be required for this purpose. About $40,000,000 will be needed Number Four almost immediately for motorization and from $700,000,000 to “We insist that the Panama Canal and its approaches be made $1,000,000,000 will be required for arms and equipment. Some of impregnable.” the most serious deficiencies are now being supplied through Army the funds provided by recent Congresses, but it will be some time before this equipment is received in sufficient amount to supply “We recommend the following as our national defense program the newly contemplated strength of the regular Army, much less for the Army: the National Guard. 1. Immediate increase of both Regular Army and National The Garand semi-automatic rifle which is replacing the old Guard to peace strength of 280,000 and 426,000 respectively, as Springfield as the standard weapon of the infantryman is being authorized by the National Defense Act, as amended, and the im- turned out at the Springfield, Massachusetts, Armory at the rate mediate removal of these restrictive figures so that the changing of 100 a day and 65,000 rifles were recently ordered from a com- situation may be properly and promptly met. mercial arms company. About 17,000 Garands are already in the 2. Provision of modern arms and equipment for the entire hands of troops. There are in service only a few of the new 37-mm. Regular Army and National Guard at full peace strength, with anti-tank and anti-aircraft guns but these guns have been ordered an adequate reserve stock of those critical items which are not in considerable quantities. in commercial production and which require considerable time On October 18, it was announced at the War Department that for manufacture—a stock sufficient for one year. prospective Army purchases of motor vehicles had been increased 3. Provision of funds for installation and distribution of troops to 12,000 at a total estimated cost of about $15,000,000. Also, plans to permit training by divisions and higher tactical formations, and for strengthening of aerial defenses in Hawaii, Puerto Rico and funds to permit of immediate concentration of division and corps Panama are being rushed. Heavy plane reinforcement will be elements of the Regular Army for field training in the framework sent to these points as soon as the craft becomes available under of the Army. the Army’s expansion program designed to assure the Army 5,500 4. Adoption of immediate measures for greater frequency and planes on or before July 1, 1941. effectiveness of training by both the National Guard and the Of- National Guard: That there is an urgent need of modern weapons ficers’ Reserve Corps, and for the development and training of an and up-to-date equipment for the National Guard was “one great effective Enlisted Reserve for both the Regular Army Inactive lesson” learned in last summer’s first Army maneuvers, Major and the Organized Reserves. General Albert H. Blanding, chief of the National Guard Bureau, 5. Assurance of proper physical capacity and other effective- asserted at Baltimore on October 26, when attending the annual ness for their prospective assignments of all officers of the Regu- convention of the National Guard Association of the United States. lar Army, the National Guard, and the Officers’ Reserve Corps. General Blanding did not go into detail as to the exact quantities 6. We oppose elimination of Regular Army officers by reason of new guns and similar equipment needed, describing this as of of age in grade, provided physical and professional qualifications a confidential nature, but said the bureau has under procurement are established. for the National Guard “a large amount of ordnance equipment.” 7. Continued development and increase of the ROTC, the CMTC He described anti-tank guns, anti-aircraft guns and searchlights, and a modified program of voluntary military training for the semi-automatic rifles, scout cars, light tanks, aircraft machine Civilian Conservation Corps under the direction of the War De- guns, searchlights, field guns and anti-aircraft guns as among the partment. modern equipment being obtained. 8. That the War Department initiate a study with a view to a “After receiving the equipment the Guard will still need more general revision of the Army Extension Courses for instruction of anti-tank guns, mortars of both types (81 and 60-millimeter), light National Guard and Reserve Officers in order to make these courses tanks and scout cars—equipment which will be sought in the more practical for leadership. future.” 9. We reaffirm our endorsement of the Alaskan International 20 DIGEST OF MINUTES NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING

Highway, which is recognized as of great strategic military value, amended, which now provides for the appointment of commis- and urge its early construction. sioners at the present time, due to political party affiliation, that it 10. That consideration be given by the War Department for make a further provision that all future appointments be made organization of a National Guard in the Territory of Alaska.” on a geographic basis, providing one member each from the states bordering on the Atlantic, Pacific, Great Lakes and Gulf of Aviation Mexico; and one member from the central Mississippi Valley. That “1. That there be appropriated sufficient funds to assure the this section, providing further that qualification of members to completion of the present program for military and naval aviation. the Commission ‘due regard to their special fitness, etc.,’ be under- 2. That simultaneously with this plane procurement there be stood to mean an expert knowledge of Merchant Marine and Naval provided corresponding funds for the balancing of increased Auxiliary needs. requirements in personnel, technical facilities and housing, to as- Because an adequate national defense is of paramount impor- sure adequate operation. tance to the nation at this time, we recommend that our National 3. The continuation of the establishment of completely equipped officers do everything within their power to carry these resolu- flying fields in strategic areas. tions into force and effect. 4. That every reasonable assistance be given to commercial and We are fully cognizant of the cost. We recognize that our private aviation, essential auxiliaries to national defense. continued safety and preservation entails sacrifices in meeting 5. That there be adopted an airship building program under the expenses. These appropriations and expenditures must be naval supervision, and the construction of sufficient rigid airships cheerfully and willingly met by the citizenry of this Republic.” to determine their full usefulness for national defense. 6. That not one cubic foot of helium gas be permitted to be Navy exported to any country at any time for any use. “1. We recommend to the Congress that authorizations and 7. That the Civil Aeronautics Authority, in addition to the appropriations be made which will insure us a Navy second to pilot training courses now established, or being established, give none, a Navy so organized that it can defend our interests in both consideration to the establishment of similar schools for the the Atlantic and the Pacific against any possible grouping of training of airplane mechanics, riggers, aerologists, and other aggressors. maintenance personnel and that both the Army and the Navy 2. Establishment of additional naval bases in line with the increase their training of men for like purposes. recommendations of the Hepburn report with a special priority 8. In order to prevent the possibility of sabotage and other to the islands of Guam and Wake and such other strategic points enemy agent activities, that there be enacted federal legislation as may be requested by the Navy. restricting employment in the manufacture of airplanes and other 3. We recommend that privately owned shipyards be rehabili- aviation material for national defense usage to citizens of the tated, particularly on the Pacific, to meet the requirements of United States. the fleet and the Merchant Maritime Naval Auxiliary in any 9. The enlargement through the Post Office Department of exist- emergency. Further, the rehabilitation of these yards can only ing air mail schedules and the establishment of feeder routes in be by construction of new ships and we urge the Navy Department order to encourage the development and maintenance of usable and the U. S. Maritime Commission to allocate new tonnage to airports which should result in increased growth of aviation and all shipyards essential to successful naval operations, that this terminate the present necessity of concentrating defense person- construction be a continuous program over a period of years. nel, planes and equipment in a few large centers throughout the 4. We recommend an adequate Naval and Marine Corps Reserve United States and its possessions.” and urge that appropriations be made to assure two weeks’ active duty afloat and 48 paid armory drills a year. That all classes Merchant Marine of Navy Reserve and Marine Corps reserve officers have training “1. We approve inauguration by the United States Maritime at least every other year. Commission of a definite program for the training of American 5. We recommend to the Navy Department continued study be Merchant Marine officers and seamen, and endorse the purposes made to determine the feasibility of the establishment of a ‘Citi- and necessities thereof. We further recommend that a continuous zens’ Naval Training Corps’ along lines similar to the ‘Citizens’ broad training policy and program along these lines be continued. Military Training Camps.’ We recommend that essential legislation be enacted to restore, 6. We recommend that new Naval ROTC units be established preserve and maintain discipline in the American Merchant Marine. in colleges requesting them. That seamen and officers shall be members of the U. S. Merchant 7. We recommend new Naval Training Ships to replace the ob- Marine Naval Reserve. That if discipline cannot be enforced solete ships now being used by the Naval Reserves on the Great aboard ship we suggest that not less than 50 per cent of the Lakes. These ships should be constructed in shipyards located on personnel be made a part of the Naval Reserve. That the action the lakes and should be fitted with the latest type of equipment. of the masters and ship officers in the enforcement of discipline If new ships cannot be constructed, we recommend that some of shall be upheld by all departments of government charged with the destroyers now at various Navy yards be altered, and be used law enforcement. in place of the old and obsolete Naval craft now on the Great 2. We further recommend that Congress establish by law a Lakes. National Maritime Mediation Board with the same jurisdiction 8. We recommend the accumulation of a stock of war reserves and powers over the maritime industry as the National Mediation of critical and strategic supplies and material. Board has now in the field of railway labor relations. 9. We recommend increased appropriations for the construction The National Maritime Mediation Board should have full charge of new naval housing at all Naval Stations. We recommend that the of labor disputes affecting the entire maritime industry, including facilities of the U. S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland, be in- operators, vessel personnel, longshoremen, tow boat, barge, lighter creased and appropriations be so provided; further, that no legisla- and dock employes. tion be instituted that will change the method used in the appoint- It is further recommended that the Merchant Marine Act of ment and education of the midshipmen at the Naval Academy.” 1936, Section 1132 (b), relating to citizenship requirements of unlicensed personnel aboard ship, be enforced and further strength- Miscellaneous ened by providing that only native-born or completely naturalized “1. To provide by legislation for the fixing of the status of Phil- citizens be permitted to represent such personnel in any and ippine scouts when the independence of the Philippines is effected. all negotiations or proceedings. 2. To provide for a token payment to Reserve Officers for the 3. We recommend the enactment of such laws, or the modifica- purchase of uniforms, equipment, etc. tion of such extra laws as may be necessary to strengthen the 3. To provide equality in retired pay to ex-temporary commis- American Merchant Marine on the Pacific and insure to it experi- sioned officers of the Navy and Marine Corps. enced and well disciplined crews. 4. Legislation to increase the allowances of the retired enlisted 4. We recommend that the existing Maritime Act of 1936 men. should be further strengthened by provisions as follows: 5. To grant retired pay commensurate with retired rank to That title to the U. S. Maritime Commission Section 201-A be enlisted men and officers who served during the World War. DIGEST OF MINUTES NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING 21

6. Whereas, The American Legion has continually since its warded to the forthcoming National Convention of The American organization urged the value and need of adequate provision for Legion for consideration by that body.” ROTC training in schools and colleges; and This matter, of course, will be presented in bill form at the next Whereas, Three states are now accepting the benefit of land- session of Congress. grant aid to state universities without making military training There is pending from the New York National Convention a compulsory upon physically qualified male students attending such resolution which asks for the enlargement of the National Ceme- universities; and tery at Grafton, W. Va., and reads as follows: Whereas, Military training of the youth of our nation is essen- "Whereas, The only National Cemetery in the state of West tial to the defense of our nation, its democratic government and Virginia, at Grafton, has a capacity for the burial of 1,440 bodies, principles in the event of an emergency; now, therefore, be it and at this time there are 1,369 bodies buried therein; and Resolved, That the receipt of benefits of land-grant aid to uni- Whereas, Due to the increasing death rate of veterans entitled versities should be made contingent upon compulsory military to burial therein, it is both proper and necessary that the United training in such universities; and be it further States of America provide additional grounds for the purpose; Resolved, That The American Legion is in favor of and urges Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved, That the 19th Annual Conven- support for the amendment to Section 304, Code of Laws of the tion assembled in New York favors and requests immediate action United States of America, now pending before the Congress of on the part of the proper authorities of the United States of the United States, providing for compulsory military training in America to acquire and provide sufficient land for the extension land-grant colleges. and improvement of said cemetery for the purpose of providing 7. Whereas, During the five years last past the United States adequate burial facilities for deceased veterans entitled thereto.” has sold and exported 12,000,000 tons of scrap iron; and During the 75th Congress there was pending a bill, S. 3026, Whereas, Such exportation has contributed to the martial introduced by Senator Neely, West Virginia, which would have strength of potential enemies of the United States; and carried this resolution to accomplishment but the War Depart- Whereas, The possession of sufficient supplies of scrap iron is ment submitted an adverse report upon it. Senator Neely has vital to an adequate defense in time of emergency; now, there- been requested to reintroduce the measure in the Senate while fore, be it Representative A. C. Schiffler, West Virginia, has been requested to Resolved, by The American Legion, That the exportation of introduce a companion bill in the House. scrap iron from the United States should be prevented by law National Cemeteries: Of course, the matter of National Ceme- until such time as stock piles thereof sufficient to meet any war teries has now become one in which a state may cooperate. On emergency shall have been accumulated. June 29, 1938, there was approved Public Law No. 774, which 8. Whereas, Adequate research facilities are of primary and authorizes the Secretary of War to accept on behalf of and with- fundamental importance in the development of military aero- out cost to the United States from any state title to such land nautics, and as he may deem suitable for National Cemetery purposes, and upon Whereas, Several of th totalitarian countries of Europe surpass the acquisition of such land by the United States, the Secretary the United States in both the quantity and the quality of aero- of War is authorized to establish thereon a National Cemetery nautical research; and and provide for the care and maintenance thereof. During con- Whereas, In the judgment of the best-informed aeronautical sideration of this measure the War Department reported to the authorities in the United States the aeronautical research facilities Congress that in most states, where troops of the regular Army of this country are wholly inadequate; and are stationed, there are in existence post cemeteries, which pro- Whereas, There is now pending in the Congress a proposal vide burial spaces for those who die in the service. However, in recommended by the NACA, the Army Air Corps and the Bureau Michigan and Ohio, where there are no Post cemeteries, the War of Aeronautics of the United States Navy, known as House Docu- Department purchases lots as needed for the burial of any indi- ment No. 151, approved by the President, calling for an appro- vidual entitled to burial in a Post cemetery. priation for the construction and equipment of additional labora- There are no national cemeteries in the following states. The tory buildings and research facilities on military reservations; now, estimated number of veterans in each of these states and the therefore, be it probable number whose burial would be requested in a national Resolved, That The American Legion, by its National Executive cemetery, if one were established, are shown below: Committee, in regular meeting assembled at Indianapolis, Indiana, on May 4, 1939, urges immediate and favorable action by the Con- Estimated number Area in gress upon the recommendations and proposals as contained in Estimated number who would desire State of veterans in national House Document No. 151.” burial In a national cemetery State cemetery in acres National Cemeteries On this subject we have two resolutions. One pertains to the Arizona 41,257 12,601 21 Arlington National Cemetery and the other to the National Cem- Colorado 74,781 22,817 38 etery at Grafton, W. Va. The former was adopted at the Chicago Connecticut 59,794 18,055 30 National Convention while the latter is pending from the New Delaware 7,528 2,302 4 York National Convention. Idaho 17,923 5,590 10 Arlington: The resolution on this reads as follows: Maine 35,700 11,195 19 Massachusetts . 198,926 61,106 100 “Whereas, Arlington National Cemetery, by reason of its his- Michigan 156,027 47,808 80 torical and traditional background, its beauty and proximity to Nevada 4,749 1,449 3 the National Capital, is shown to be increasingly in demand for New Hampshire 20,373 6,216 11 the burial of war veterans, and North Dakota . . 20,338 6,203 11 Whereas, At the present and advancing rate of such interments, Ohio 294,178 93,261 156 the available space within the confines of Arlington National Ceme- Oregon 57,935 18,086 30 tery as presently constituted will have been exhausted, and Rhode Island . . . 26,346 8,037 14 Whereas, It is possible that there may be certain lands adjoining South Dakota .. 25,955 8,184 14 the cemetery of proper topographical and other characteristics Utah 17,483 5,333 9 which would render them suitable for burial sites for war veterans, Vermont 17,923 5,469 9 which lands may, if not eventually acquired by the Government, Washington 79,727 24,326 40 soon be devoted to commercial building, or other purposes. Wisconsin 114,742 35,010 59 Therefore, Be it Resolved, that the Department of the District Wyoming 11,411 3,481 6 of Columbia, American Legion, go on record as suggesting to the Federal Government that consideration be given the matter of acquiring such additional lands as may be available and of proper It is estimated that the average cost of development of these nature while the same may be available, and national cemeteries would approximate $125,000 each, with an Be It Further Resolved, That copies of this resolution be for- annual maintenance charge thereafter of $25,000 for each. 22 DIGEST OF MINUTES NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING

National Labor Relations Act The opponents of the measure suffered their first defeat on a proposal by Representative Vorys, Ohio, to retain the export ban At the May 1939 meeting of the National Executive Committee, on so-called “lethal” weapons, arms, ammunition and bomber-type a resolution was adopted requesting an amendment of the National airplanes. This was rejected by a vote of 245 to 179. Shortly there- Labor Relations Act which would exempt employes of editorial after, by a vote of 243 to 181, the House defeated an amendment by or news departments of any newspaper, magazine, or other Representative Shanley, Connecticut, calling for the retention of periodical from becoming a member of a labor organization as a the then existing law which banned exports of all arms, munitions condition of employment. The American Legion, itself a publisher, and a wide range of designated war implements and materials. through the National Executive Committee, favorably considered an amendment suggested by the American Press Society and The Senate and House conferees met for nearly four hours on ordered such amendment “received by the National Executive Com- the morning of November 3, drafting minor perfecting amend- mittee and referred to the National Legislative Committee for their ments. As soon as the reports were made to their respective sympathetic support and cooperation in obtaining the passage of Houses such reports were approved almost without debate; the the amendment to the National Labor Relations Law.” Senate by a vote of 55 to 24 and the House by a vote of 243 to 172. It was then sent to the President and he approved the neu- On July 20, 1939, the House adopted H. Res. 258 by a vote of trality resolution on November 4. Subsequently, he issued three 254 to 134, this resolution calling for a widespread inquiry into proclamations. The first recognized the existence of a state of war the operation of the National Labor Relations Act. On August 1, between Germany and certain allied nations, and revoked an 1939, an appropriation of $50,000 was granted to conduct the in- earlier proclamation embargoing shipments of arms, ammunition vestigation. On the last day of the session Speaker Bankhead and implements of war from the United States to the belligerents. named the committee members as follows: The second prohibited the use of ports and territorial waters of Representative Howard Smith, Virginia, Chairman, the United States by submarines and other belligerent men-of-war Representative Healy, Massachusetts, except under such limitations as the President may prescribe. Representative Murdock, Utah, The third barred American shipping from navigating the waters Representative Halleck, Indiana, adjacent to the British Isles, including Ireland, the English Chan- Representative Routzohn, Ohio. nel, the North Sea from a point south of the Norwegian port of The first three are Democrats and the last two Republicans. Bergen, the Baltic Sea, and the Bay of Biscay, except the north Representative Smith is the author of the resolution which called coast of Spain. In brief, no American ship may call at any port in for the investigation. Adoption of the House resolution requesting the United Kingdom, France, Germany and only Murmansk In Rus- the investigation came after the Senate Committee on Education sia. Neutral ports in the Mediterranean may be used, those in the and Labor had spent more than 14 weeks and the House Com- Black Sea, also ports neutral and belligerent alike in the Pacific mittee on Labor had spent 11 weeks hearing witnesses for and and Indian Oceans. All African ports south of the Canaries may be against proposed amendments to the National Labor Relations Act. used. It is expected as a result of the investigation that amendments Under the new law the President or Congress can find that a to the Act will be recommended by the investigating committee. state of war exists, after which the President would determine whether operation of the Act will preserve the peace and security Neutrality of the United States; and if so, the Neutrality Act then becomes effective. The important provisions of the new enactment are: At the Chicago National Convention a resolution on the sub- 1. The embargo against shipments of arms, munitions and imple- ject of neutrality was adopted: ments of war to belligerent nations is repealed. “The American Legion views with gravest concern the appar- 2. American vessels are forbidden to carry passengers and goods ently widespread belief that this nation must inevitably become to ports of belligerent countries except possessions and territories of involved in the present European conflict. We not only believe belligerents in certain specified areas of Western Hemisphere, South that this nation need not become involved but insist and demand Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans and other waters not contiguous that the President of the United States and the Congress pursue to the warring countries of Europe. a policy that, while preserving the sovereignty and dignity of this nation, will prevent involvement in this conflict. The American 3. Authority is given the President to designate other combat Legion is not a law body. It has often recommended to the Con- areas into and through which American ships and citizens may not go. gress the enactment of legislation establishing a permanent or 4. It is required that all title to and interest in goods shipped to fixed policy on important national problems. The American Legion belligerents or their agents shall be transferred before such goods has always strenuously advocated that this nation pursue a policy leave American shores except such materials, other than arms and of neutrality and peace. In the present world crisis world condi- munitions, as transported in American ships to ports of outlying tions may change so rapidly that a pronouncement by The Amer- territories and possessions of belligerents as permitted by act. ican Legion at this time on specific legislation might be wholly in- 5. A strict prohibition against granting of credits to belligerent adequate in the near future. Therefore, with full confidence in the nations or their agents is included. President and the Congress, we demand that the Congress continue 6. American citizens are prohibited from traveling on ships of in session during the present grave crisis and that appropriate belligerent registry except in accordance with rules issued by the action be taken to preserve the peace, sovereignty and dignity of President. this nation, and that our armed forces be expanded immediately 7. Arming of American merchant vessels is restricted to such to maintain our neutrality.” small arms and ammunition therefore as necessary for preservation Final Congressional action on H. J. Res. 306, the Neutrality of discipline. Resolution, was taken late in the afternoon of November 3, and 8. Solicitation of contributions in United States in behalf of bel- the special session of the 76th Congress adjourned shortly there- ligerent nations except as to funds collected by non-government or- after. It repeals the Arms Embargo and substitutes “cash and ganizations for relief of human suffering is prohibited. carry” regulations. The measure was designed to carry out the 9. Exemptions from these restrictions are provided for American recommendations made by President Roosevelt in his message republics when not cooperating with non-American state in war. when the special session was called on September 21, 1939. 10. Use by any vessel of a belligerent of the American flag to The Senate on October 27 passed the neutrality resolution by escape capture is prohibited. a vote of 63 to 30, after nearly one month’s debate and was then 11. Authority is given the President to regulate use of American sent to the House. On June 30, 1939, during the first session, the ports and territorial waters by foreign submarines and armed mer- House had passed a much different neutrality measure, under chant vessels. which it had voted, 214 to 173, to retain the Arms Embargo. In 12. A national munitions agency is re-established for licensing view of this former House action, the parliamentary situation re- and regulating exports of arms, ammunition and implements of war. quired that the measure be sent to conference. The two principal It was announced on November 3 at the War Department that votes in the House on this session’s measure came on November 2, there now exists a Government agency which will control the flow when motions were made to instruct the House conferees as to of war orders expected to follow the repeal of the arms embargo. their action in the conference. This agency, an interdepartmental committee functioning under DIGEST OF MINUTES NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING 23 the Army and Navy Munitions Board, is designed to assist foreign tion from past years when our organization was fighting the battle buyers, protect our own defense program, and assist in building up alone. There are various measures pending in the Congress and in a strong munitions industry in the United States. An Associated a few instances the authors, or proponents, indicate that their dispatch of November 2, asserted that the war orders are expected particular bill embodies the Legion’s request. The only one which to total $1,000,000,000 in the next few weeks. would carry our principle fully into effect is the Sheppard-May Provisional Officers bill of the 75th Congress, and the similar bill which is to be intro- duced in the next session of the 76th Congress. A somewhat puzzling situation exists with regard to proposed Confusion is caused on this subject because there are so many legislation for Provisional Officers of the World War. We have angles to Universal Service. It includes the taking of war profits, pending a resolution from the Los Angeles National Convention but a bill which deals with the subject of war profits alone does requesting that Provisional Officers be eligible to benefits now not carry the Legion’s thought fully to accomplishment. An attack granted to Disabled Emergency Officers and reads: on the man-draft section of a Universal Service plan is an attack “Be it Resolved, That The American Legion favors granting Pro- upon only one phase of the whole plan. The mobilization of visional Officers of the World War all of the rights and benefits industry for war-time production is only another phase. The that Disabled Emergency Officers of the World War are entitled to Legion’s principle of Universal Service means that in a time of receive.” emergency all the Nation’s citizens and all the Nation’s resources Heretofore the Legion has been on record as requesting legisla- must be thrown into the battle for the common welfare of our tion under which the Provisional Officers would receive the ad- Nation under the Legion’s motto of “Equal service for all with justed compensation. A resolution to this effect was offered to the special profit for none.” Chicago National Convention and was rejected. However, with a Our plan envisages the passage of a bill, drawn in general, resolution pending from the Los Angeles Convention asking that understandable language, under which, when it is necessary to the Provisional Officers be granted all rights and benefits that are draft manpower, we shall also mobilize industry, services, re- accorded Disabled Emergency Officers of the World War and with sources, and limit profits to those engaged in production of mate- the rejection of the resolution at Chicago requesting that they re- rials for the armed forces and for those who remain at home. ceive the adjusted compensation, it would appear as if there is con- flict. On October 3rd, six members of the House of Representatives, regarded as part of the “liberal bloc,” called upon the President There is now pending in the Senate a bill, S. 458, introduced by to urge that he assist in an attempt to pass legislation levying a Senator Morris Sheppard, Texas, at our request, which would grant heavy excess profits tax on concerns dealing with European bel- all rights and benefits now received by the Disabled Emergency ligerents, but the Chief Executive advised that while he is heartily Officers to Provisional Officers, this of course including the adjusted in favor of preventing abnormal war profits, he felt that the compensation. excess profits tax question demanded more study and suggested to Railroad Retirement the group that it talk with officials of the Treasury, Justice, and There was adopted at the Chicago National Convention a reso- Commerce departments, and of the Securities and Exchange Com- lution requesting an amendment: mission. The Representatives were: H. Jerry Voorhis and Lee E. “To the Railroad Retirement Act to give credit towards retire- Geyer, California; John R. Murdock, Arizona; Joseph R. Bryson, ment for time served in the military service.” South Carolina; Clyde T. Ellis, Arkansas; Knute Hill, Washington. Under the provisions of the Act, an employe to be eligible for an On October 5th, Attorney General Frank Murphy declined to annuity must have completed 30 years of service, but under exist- express an opinion to the Senate as to the existing powers that ing law an interruption in such service, for duty during the World might be available to the Chief Executive in a national emergency War, is not taken into consideration. Bills are now pending, and, or during a war. The Attorney General advised that the powers if enacted, would remedy this situation. They are S. 306, introduced of the Chief Executive were largely dependent upon “conditions by Senator Bennett Clark, Missouri; and among the several pend- and circumstances.” While refusing to define these powers, on the ing in the House is H. R. 4323, by Representative James Shanley, ground that he had no authority to give legal advice to Congress, Connecticut. the Attorney General did submit a partial list of statutes granting Universal Service certain authority to the President for use in war or emergency. He submitted a list of law titles for powers which the President The resolution adopted at the Chicago National Convention, re- could exercise in time of emergency, but left to the Senate the iterating the position of The American Legion in requesting legis- examination of their contents; also pointed out that the Executive lation to carry the principle of Universal Service into effect, reads “has powers not enumerated in the statute—powers derived not as follows: from statutory grants, but from the Constitution.” Whereas, The elimination of the profit motive will lessen the The statutes listed by Murphy covered a broad range of subjects, cause of war, and since Universal Service with war-profit to none, some of them dating back to the earliest days of the Republic, has always been a fundamental principle of The American Legion, while others were enacted during the first years of the Roosevelt Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved, By the 21st National Convention Administration. of The American Legion, assembled at Chicago, Illinois, that for One of the latter would authorize the President to suspend or the promotion of peace it reaffirms the prior resolutions heretofore amend rules and regulations applicable to communications “upon adopted, calling for Universal Service with War profit to none in proclamation by the President that there exists war or a threat of the event of a National Emergency declared to be such by the Con- war or a state of public peril or disaster or other national emer- gress of the United States, and calls upon the Congress forthwith gency, or in order to preserve the neutrality of the United States.” to adopt appropriate legislation eliminating all profits from war. A 1933 act would give the President broad powers over the The American Legion had no bill pending in the first or the spe- operation of the Federal Reserve System in a period of emergency. cial sessions of the 76th Congress pertaining to Universal Service. The reason for this is the thought expressed at the War Department There are now pending a number of bills pertaining to some one that introduction of our bill might seriously jeopardize the National or a few phases of the whole Universal Service plan, the outstand- Defense program and in the interest of the latter introduction of ing ones being War Profits bills. The three principal War Profits our Universal Service Bill was withheld. However, during the early bills are S. 1885 by Senator Homer Bone, Washington, and 49 other days of the next session it will be presented. It is largely along the Senators; a bill by Senator Josh Lee, Oklahoma—S. 1650; and lines of our previous bills, changed in a few minor respects to meet S. 2160, by Senator Tom Connally, Texas. certain criticisms, and is what was known in the 75th Congress Lee Bill: S. 1650 by Senator Lee was favorably reported to the first as the Sheppard-Hill Bill and later as the Sheppard-May Bill. Senate on May 17th. The War, Navy and Treasury Departments Some confusion exists concerning this proposed legislation. While made unfavorable reports to the Senate Committee on S. 2911, The American Legion has for over 20 years been steadily hammer- 75th Congress, which is identical with S. 1650, 76th Congress. ing away at the proposition, it was not until recent years that the Senators Bridges, New Hampshire; Austin, Vermont, and Gurney, subject was taken up by other groups. Everybody seems to be North Dakota, filed a minority report and in the latter it was jumping “on the band wagon” at present—a much different situa- stated in part: 24 DIGEST OF MINUTES NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING

“The legislation herein proposed will not contribute either to the lation would impose income levies running in percentages and promotion of peace or the national defense. amounts as follows: “On the contrary, this bill falls into that class of mischievous As to individuals: legislation, cited in the preface of this report, which would hamper Net Income Tax Percentage Tax to Be Paid efforts to bring a war to a successful conclusion. The necessity for such legislation has not been demonstrated, but, on the contrary, $ 1,000 none none it has been denied by the Treasury, Navy, and War Departments, 2,000 3. $ 60 through their responsible heads. 3,000 4. 120 4,000 4.5 180 "This proposed measure has been vaguely and loosely drafted, 6,000 8.33 500 containing terms without definition which baffle even experts and 8,000 16.50 1,320 investing in the President undefined and unlimited powers of 10,000 26.40 2,640 discretion.” 20,000 51.20 10,240 Under the provisions of the Lee bill every person worth more 50,000 79.14 39,719 than $1,000 would be compelled to lend a fixed percentage of his 100,000 89.21 89,210 resources to the Government at one per cent interest. It would 500,000 97.04 485.210 be effective in any war for which the Government was drafting 1,000,000 98.02 980.210 men for military service. Persons with a net wealth of $1,000 or 5,000,000 98.8 4.940.210 less would be exempted from the money conscription, with those 10,000,000 98.9 9.890.210 having resources appraised at between $1,000 and $10,000 required For individuals there would be a normal tax of six per cent on to make five per cent available for Government borrowing. This is all incomes above a personal exemption of $500, plus $500 for a similar to the proposal rejected on the floor of the convention at spouse, plus $100 for each dependent. Surtaxes ranging from ten Los Angeles. per cent to 93 per cent would be applied to incomes in excess of The similar bill of the 75th Congress, S. 2911, also won a favor- $20,000. able report from the Senate Military Affairs Committee in 1938, As to corporations: but no action was ever taken on the floor. The objections of the Fifteen per cent tax on net incomes not in excess of two per cent three Departments to last year’s bill, S. 2911, were made on the of adjusted declared value. following grounds: Twenty-five per cent tax on net incomes not in excess of six per Treasury: That it would be nearly impossible of administration; cent of such value. War: It was not in the interest of national defense; and, One hundred per cent on net incomes in excess of six per cent of Navy: It would cause serious delay in the final determination adjusted declared value. of the wealth and consequent obligation of each individual. The New York Times on March 23 carried an article that the levy War Profits Tax Bill: Severe newspaper criticism followed the in this War Tax bill upon a resident of New York State who had introduction in the Senate on March 21 of S. 1885 by Senator a $500,000 income plus the State income tax would be $26,130 more Homer Bone and 49 other Senators, and the introduction of com- than his taxable income. A New Yorker with a $100,000 taxable in- panion bills in the House of Representatives as follows: come, the estimates indicate, would have $2,130 left after paying H. R. 5176 by Representative Case, South Dakota. his State tax and the proposed war-time levy. Besides New York, California, and North Dakota about 30 other states have income H. R. 5177 by Representative Van Zandt, Pennsylvania. taxes with maximum rates ranging up to eight per cent, where the H. R. 5183 (by request) introduced by Representative Starnes, top New York rate now stands. Alabama. An article in the same newspaper on March 25, stated that out of H. R. 5184 by Representative Voorhis, California. the 50 Senators listed as sponsors of the measure only six besides the four real authors of the bill would say they had actually read Needless to say, this is not The American Legion bill. it. Senator O’Mahoney, Wyoming, stated his name had been at- Copying schedules contained in similar measures which have tached to it without his consent. The four authors of the measure provoked heated controversies in previous Congresses, the legis- are Senator Bone, Washington, Senator Clark, Missouri, Senator lation bore as its co-authors the names of Senators— Nye, North Dakota, and Senator Vandenberg, Michigan. On March 26, the War Department announced it desired action DEMOCRATS by Congress on the War Profits bill deferred pending completion Bone, Wash. Murray, Mont. Wheeler, Mont. Hill, Ala. of a scientific study of such proposals. Aside from the desire to Clark, Mo. Smathers, N. J. Clarke, Idaho Maloney, Conn. await completion of the study, some of the War Department officials Neely, W. Va. Donahey, Ohio Brown, Mich. Truman, Mo. point out the bill is in conflict with the Army’s own plan for mo- Reynolds, N. C. Holt, W. Va. Van Nuys, Ind. Andrews, Fla. bilizing industry in war-time. It was said that the taxes proposed, Bulow, S. D. Gillette, Iowa George, Ga. Stewart, Tenn. ranging up to 98.9 per cent, were “so confiscatory they would para- Hatch, N. M. Schwartz, Wyo. Bilbo, Miss. Herring, Iowa lyze industry in an emergency.” Study of such legislation to fore- Lee, Okla. Hughes, Del. Chavez, N. M. Wagner, N. Y. stall wartime inflation has been undertaken by the Brookings In- Johnson, Colo. Pepper, Fla. O’Mahoney, Downey, Calif. stitute. McCarran, Nev. Ashurst, Ariz. Wyo. Russell, Ga. Connally Bill: Senator Tom Connally, Texas, April 13 introduced Thomas, Okla. in the Senate a bill, S. 2160, “to provide revenue and facilitate the REPUBLICANS regulation and control of the economic and industrial structure of the nation, for the successful prosecution of war, and for other pur- Nye, N. D. Frazier, N. D. Holman, Ore. Gurney, S. D. poses.” The sponsor announced that it had been drafted by Senate Vandenberg, Capper, Kan. Reed, Kan. Gibson, Vt. fiscal experts and tax specialists and that while his measure was Mich. Tobey, N. H. Wiley, Wis. Barbour, N. J. "adequate” it is infinitely more liberal than the bill, S. 1885, which bears the name of 50 Senators and which has been described as FARMER-LABOR "completely confiscatory” by opponents. Lundeen, Minn. Shipstead, Minn. The Connally bill would lower personal income tax exemptions to $800 for single persons and $1,600 for married persons. It would PROGRESSIVES raise the regular rate of income taxation from the present four per La Follette, Wis. cent to ten per cent, and surtaxes would be imposed on all income above $1,000 in excess of the exemption, commencing at six per cent Providing for detailed tax schedules, which would go into effect and rising sharply to 80 per cent on incomes above $50,000 annually. automatically, upon a declaration of war by the Congress, the legis- Corporations would be similarly taxed. DIGEST OF MINUTES NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING 25

War Referendum Hearings on the war referendum proposals were held by a sub- Our resolution on this reads as follows: committee of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary in May 1939, and hearing of the proponents was concluded May 24. Hearing of “Resolved by The American Legion in national convention as- the opponents commenced May 31, with your National Director as sembled at Chicago, Illinois, that we oppose any change in the pres- the first witness. After lengthy consideration the full Senate Com- ent method provided in the Constitution of the United States rela- mittee on the Judiciary on July 6 voted to report two war refer- tive to the question of declaration of war.” endum proposals without recommendation, this being in the nature On October 27, just prior to passage of the Neutrality bill, an of an adverse report. amendment was offered by Senator Robert La Follette, Wisconsin, One of the resolutions reported was S. J. Res. 84 by Senator La in the nature of a War Referendum proposal, and after considerable Follette and the 11 other Senators; and another one introduced by debate it was defeated by a vote of 73 to 17, with 6 not voting. The Senator Wiley, Wisconsin, which was in the nature of a substitute first paragraph of this amendment reads as follows: for Senator La Follette’s resolution. On the question of reporting “Except in case of attack by armed forces, actual or immediately the resolutions favorably to the Senate the former was defeated threatened, upon the United States or its Territorial possessions, or 8 to 6 and the Wiley proposal by a vote of 9 to 6. The La Follette by any non-American nation against any country in the Western resolution provided for an amendment to the Constitution that in Hemisphere, a national advisory election shall be held in the sev- the threat of war the question must be referred to “the people,” but eral States upon the question of war or peace prior to any declara- the committee amended this to read: “qualified electors of the sev- tion of war by the Congress.” eral States.” The Wiley proposal would leave in the hands of Con- Senator La Follette explained to the Senate that in his view the gress the power to declare war in case of an invasion or threatened amendment provided “for a purely advisory referendum on the ques- invasion of this nation, or any part of the Western Hemisphere, but tion of an overseas war.” would create a peculiar situation with regard to an overseas war. It directs that on the latter there be a national referendum and that The vote on this amendment follows: Congress then go through the formality of voting on the question YEAS—17 but be guided entirely by the result of the referendum. With these Bilbo Donahey Johnson, Calif. Overton matters now on the Senate calendar, even with their adverse re- Bulow Downey La Follette Shipstead ports, they occupy a status where they could be taken up for Senate Capper Frazier Lundeen Walsh consideration at any time during the life of the 76th Congress. Holt Nye Wheeler Clark, Idaho West Point and Annapolis Appointments—Non-Resident Clark, Mo. NAYS—73 We have pending from prior national conventions a resolution requesting legislation providing that the Secretary of State may ap- Adams Gerry Lucas Schwellenbach point annually, as candidates for entry into the Military Academy Andrews Gibson McCarran Sheppard and the Naval Academy, a limited but reasonable number of eligible Austin Gillette McKellar Slattery citizens of the United States who shall, on the date of said appoint- Bailey Green McNary Smathers ment, have resided continuously beyond the territorial limits of the Bankhead Guffey Maloney Smith Barbour Gurney Mead Stewart United States in one or more foreign countries for a period of not less than five years immediately preceding the date of the ap- Barkley Hale Miller Taft pointment. Borah Harrison Minton Thomas, Okla. Brown Hatch Murray Thomas, Utah On April 15, 1939, Representative Andrew Edmiston, West Vir- Burke Hayden Neely Tobey ginia, introduced for us H. R. 6437, which was referred to the Com- Byrd Herring Norris Townsend mittee on Military Affairs, and which would carry this resolution Byrnes Hill O’Mahoney Truman into effect. Caraway Holman Pepper Tydings Chandler Hughes Pittman Vandenberg Connally Johnson, Colo. Radcliffe VanNuys National Rehabilitation Committee Danaher King Reynolds Wagner In the absence of Wm. P. Smith, chairman, National Re- Davis Lee Russell White habilitation Committee, Paul G. Armstrong, vice-chairman, Ellender Lodge Schwartz Wiley George reported as follows, incorporating the advance report pre- NOT VOTING—6 pared by Chairman Smith, the combined report being duly Ashurst Bridges Glass Reed approved by the National Executive Committee: Bone Chavez Mr. Commander, Members of the National Executive Committee: It is a pleasure to be permitted to present the report of the The soundness of The American Legion’s opposition to a Consti- tutional Amendment for a national referendum on the declaration National Rehabilitation Committee in the absence of the distin- of war is demonstrated in a sharp decline in public sentiment on guished Legionnaire, Bill Smith of Pennsylvania, who was unable this question within the last six months. A survey of public opinion to attend these sessions. shows that whereas in March 1939 61% of the voters would require There has been some progress during the past year in carrying the national referendum, the number had declined to 51% as of out the work of your Rehabilitation setup. There has been some September 10. When our organization first took its position in increase in the number of beds available; certain repair work and opposition to such an amendment a public poll in 1936 and 1937 construction has been carried on at the various facilities, which showed that more than 70% of the voters were in favor of the war will all be reported to you by the Director of Rehabilitation, referendum, sometimes called the Ludlow amendment. Watson Miller. I will present the advance report that was sent During the first session of the present Congress many resolutions out by the Chairman, Bill Smith, and of which you all have a copy: were introduced in both chambers of Congress asking for an amend- For the Rehabilitation Committee your Chairman submits this ment to the Constitution to provide that the authority of Congress brief report as follows: to declare war shall not become effective until confirmed by a ma- 1. We have addressed ourselves to the all and several phases of jority of votes cast upon that question in a national referendum. the Rehabilitation work in an attempt to carry out the responsi- One of the House resolutions was introduced by Representative bility that was placed on your committee and the Washington Louis Ludlow, Indiana, author of the war referendum resolution in Office force from the Los Angeles Convention. the 75th Congress. 2. We have broken down in numbers the cases presented to the On February 28, 1939, 12 Senators joined in the introduction and Final Appeal Board and we submit here now the successes and sponsorship of a Constitutional amendment for a referendum on failures of this work. war. This measure, S. J. Res. 84, was introduced by Senators La 3. Further, your committee has made a breakdown on money Follette, Bone, Capper, Clark (Idaho), Clark (Mo.), Donahey, Fra- recoveries by Departments and we submit herewith the total zier, Lundeen, Nye, Shipstead and Wheeler. awards made to the unfortunate group, which consists of Legion- 26 DIGEST OF MINUTES NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING

naires, widows and orphans by Departments, which can be secured Ohio 111,178.88 in more detailed information if desired. Oklahoma .. . 70,830.62 4. Your committee has striven diligently and seriously in an Oregon 17,284.90 effort to establish a standard policy of recreation within mental Pennsylvania 133,285.95 institutions and our efforts have been crowned with considerable Rhode Island . 482.00 success. On this important work a manual has been prepared, and South Carolina 34,377.85 the Central Office, Washington, is planning action to the end that South Dakota 8,121.83 we are certain we will have final adoption that will provide that Tennessee . . . 49,382.26 many of this unfortunate group will be returned to gainful occu- Texas 55,578.73 pations and be reunited with their families. Utah 928.00 Vermont 2,569.50 5. The important matter of attempting to provide the opportu- Virginia 90,600.51 nity for employes of our Facility to advance themselves has been Washington .. 73,562.70 taken up seriously with the personnel director of the Central West Virginia 41,056.83 Office. We find that there are in that group many who are desirous Wisconsin .... 53,074.44 of advancing themselves and we have asked most seriously that Wyoming .... 772.38 they be considered. 6. We call attention to the fact that the Eight-Hour Law created $2,386,383.45 within our Veterans’ Facilities approximately 1,612 new positions Foreign and Outlying 23,463.74 with an additional annual cost of $1,732,740.00. 7. It is known to this group that positions within the Veterans’ Total $2,409,847.19 Facilities are on Civil Service basis. Your committee has concerned itself with making request of the Central Office that those who TOTALS live some distance outside the Facility receive consideration on the REPORT BOARD OF VETERANS’ APPEALS FOR FIRST matter of deduction for meals which they are unable to take TEN MONTHS OF 1939 within the institution. This is an important matter when you find Total Number of Cases Presented 3,526 that the group taking care of our ill comrades are family men. Total Number of Cases Allowed 479 We hope for successful conclusion of this matter. To have the Total Number of Cases Denied 2,566 attendants on our sick veterans recognized to a greater extent Total Number of Cases Remanded 208 than they are at present is to invite better care, and our efforts have been human within this scope. Total Number of Cases Presented in Field: 8. We feel, in final conclusion of our year’s work, and we sin- Allowed 116 cerely hope that we are not mistaken, that we have approached Denied 1,902 all matters as they regard Rehabilitation in such a way that we Remanded 3 have truly brought cheer to many humble firesides within our I think that report speaks very well for the National Rehabilita- borders. tion Committee. There haven’t been a great many things we could 9. Captain Watson B. Miller, Paul H. Griffith and their associates bend our attention to during the past year, because for the moment of the Washington Office have been cooperative from first to last there was nothing that was very controversial that we really had in an effort to carry out the mandate orders of the Legion. to fight on. We had one the previous year—the battle that had 10. Mr. Commander and my comrades, it has been a privilege to been waged for * sometime in the interest of the decentralization serve. Thank you all. of certain of the things that are done by the central office. These MONEY RECOVERIES FROM THE STATES were returned to the field office, and during the past year that First Nine Months 1939 decentralization has been in effect, and has operated very suc- Alabama $ 56,714.99 cessfully. Arizona 18,059.98 Mr. Commander, it is a pleasure to have had the opportunity of Arkansas 26,317.25 appearing here before this distinguished body of Legionnaires and California 306,528.57 to present this report in the absence of the chairman. Colorado 28,610.50 Connecticut 12,266.50 Delaware 115.00 By direction of his Department, William G. McKinley, Na- District of Columbia 50,730.55 tional Executive Committeeman, New Jersey, raised the ques- Florida 52,528.42 tion relative to the issuance of a loose-leaf Rehabilitation Georgia 54,377.00 Idaho 8,898.10 manual, as directed by the Chicago National Convention. Illinois 103,420.15 However, the National Commander replied that the matter Indiana 17,083.00 woitld be considered in connection with the Rehabilitation re- Iowa 56,196.58 ports. Kansas 23,634.45 Kentucky 44,331.20 Louisiana 75,925.35 National Rehabilitation Committee Maine 30,258.00 Maryland 21,026.13 Following is the advance report of Watson B. Miller, Na- Massachusetts 41,569.79 tional Rehabilitation Director: Michigan 33,757.10 Mr. Commander, Lady, and Gentlemen of the National Executive Minnesota 40,230.81 Committee: Since so brief a time has elapsed since we reported in Mississippi 45,644.62 detail to the national convention, there are relatively few specific Missouri 36,104.06 matters as to which we desire to engage the attention of the Execu- Montana 1,871.00 tive Committee. Chairman Smith, with whom we have worked Nebraska 57,770.74 through the year with pleasure and with profit, has advised you as Nevada 132.60 to working out of some of the policies advanced by the Legion and New Hampshire 2,917.75 as to some of the phases of our work which can be set down in New Jersey 24,526.56 graphic record. I desire only to confer with you as to some consid- New Mexico 6,676.50 erations which might be called “unfinished business,” to have these New York 206,105.82 comments in the permanent record and to report to you as to some North Carolina 50,471.07 recent developments which are regarded as important. A new Le- North Dakota 8,146.34 gion year is just beginning. We shall have many items of the pro- DIGEST OF MINUTES NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING 27

gram on which to report in the spring and as we come to the next Public 198, 76th Congress, July 19, 1939, authorizes hospitalization convention. and domiciliary care in Veterans’ Administration Facilities for re- In May we reported at some length as to the legal background tired officers and enlisted men of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps which has authorized examinations and hospital care in Veterans’ and Coast Guard, who served honorably during a war period. Under Hospitals for a considerable number of other than war veterans. prior procedure these retired war veterans had the right to admit- These are, roughly, members of the Civilian Conservation Corps, in- tance, but they paid at least a modest rate for hospital care. Of jured employes falling to the responsibility of the United States course, no possible objection could be lodged against admitting these Employes’ Compensation Commission, pensioners of countries allied retired war veterans to equal hospitalization with discharged vet- with the United States in war since April 6, 1917, retired Navy erans. The committee is merely advised of the statutory trends in personnel, and pensionable discharged members of the peace-time view of the conclusion of the Standing Committee at its January establishment. These for hospitalization on a reciprocal basis. Of 1939 Washington Conference. these the last group represents the numerical preponderance an We have conferred with you heretofore as to the progress of the average of about 2,500 cases at a given time. The first four groups decentralized adjudication of claims for death compensation and total less than 300 cases. The regular establishment group does not burial allowance. We have heard no complaints from the field as to seem to increase in number. These younger fellows seem to get out the manner in which the Regional Offices of the Veterans’ Adminis- as fast as others enter the hospitals. Also, under laws, detailed in tration are functioning with this important responsibility. This is our May report, the Veterans’ Administration effects examinations gratifying to us in view of the long-time advocacy of this move by for the Civil Service Commission and for the Railroad Retirement The American Legion. The matter is only mentioned here because Board for applicants for annuities located near Veterans’ Facilities we expect a diminution of this activity in the Washington office. and upon request of one or two other Federal agencies. There was We have not begun to feel any slack as yet. This is undoubtedly a great rush of examinations for the Civil Service Commission after due to the fact that we still encounter the necessity for extended the President’s Civil Service order of June 24, 1938, but these have action on the thousands of cases still unsettled which came to the come down nearly to normal. There are only a few examinations Washington office files prior to the decentralization of current death for the other agencies, but the total tends to complicate the medical cases. Part of this is appellate procedure and part of it development work for veterans on occasion at the hands of already hard-worked of death claims under the successive liberalizing laws we have had medical personnel of the Veterans’ Administration. Reciprocal re- during recent sessions of Congress. We should finally encounter imbursement is had for most of this hospitalization and examina- some lessening of this phase of our work. That is to be hoped for tions; for some of it no reimbursement. This was all set out in our because we are mighty busy with this and that. There are days former report. We said then and we say now that the peace-time when the office receives more clients at a time than can be cared group—as much as we sympathize with illness—was occupying for with any sort of dispatch. beds in some localities where there are waiting lists of war veterans. Beyond carrying on the case and normal policy work and writing In the circumstances and considering the deep interest of the Le- patriotic folks who should have had enough of war that we can get gion in the national defense, we did not suggest any proposal to them made lieutenant colonels, we are making efforts to concen- amend or attempt to repeal these several laws. We did report that trate on medical procedure in cooperation with the Veterans’ Ad- hospitals other than those of the Veterans’ Administration were ministration. That necessity is emphasized in our meetings of Le- caring for a greater number of veteran patients than those other gion groups when experiences are exchanged. Several of the medi- groups who were being cared for in Veterans’ Hospitals. cal conclusions of the Chicago Convention were submitted through Since our organization and the veterans at large have been dis- the Veterans’ Administration to the Medical Council of that agency posed to think of the Administration hospital system as an agency which met in Washington during October. We are advised that for veteran relief only and of hospitalization as a most important approval was expressed by the Council and ways and means will be benefit, these matters have been discussed with the Administrator sought to make them effective. of Veterans’ Affairs. Following study it was developed that 89% of There are still weak spots here and there as to medicine and the so-called regular establishment load was on June 30 of this year medical personnel within our hospitals though we have much hospitalized for mental cases and that the policy of the President great service and many grand medical men. The question of dispo- as enunciated by him in September 1937 is to provide hospital beds sition of the occasional weak spot or individual is perplexing. The by construction to fully meet the expected NP load to the peak. He joint effort toward betterment continues. We have long been con- feels that the relatively few beds in scattered locations occupied by cerned because of diagnosis being changed after long periods of peace-time patients suffering from general medical disorders do not apparently stable diagnosis, such as from long identified psychosis materially interfere with provision for hospitalizing war veterans. to a finding of psychopathic state. We informed you in May that That is, of course, true, but it is pointed out that we have waiting the Administrator proposed to surround the altering of diagnosis lists of war veterans in many localities, and also on the NP side we which would result adversely to the veteran with greater safeguards. have recently begun to encounter waiting lists here and there. As This has come about through a definite instruction which will re- against this list, which totals around 500 prospective NP patients, quire such proposed action to come under the study of a board of there are now under construction above 4,000 NP beds, with more three physicians who must be specialists in the disease involved. In in contemplation. most NP cases an industrial and social survey must be made before The Chicago Convention considered and did not approve a resolu- action can be taken. Differential diagnoses must be set out clearly, tion which asked a rescinding of all these authorities. and if change is made, all medical considerations, such as symptom- However, this condensed statement is to keep you—our governing ology and physical findings, must be set out clearly so that the final body between conventions—in knowledge as to recent events in conclusion may be erected upon a substantial medical basis. Pro- ' connection with this problem. vision is made for medical referee if the board cannot agree. This First let me say what was not fully reported in May. Not only order has already had a steadying influence, and, moreover, it has hospitalization enters this picture, but domiciliary care. The basic tended to improve medical work in general, because it puts the law governing Veterans’ Administration Homes authorizes admit- physician on mettle, and as for the veteran, he is not at the disposi- tance of not only war veterans but also incapacitated discharged tion of one examiner only, no matter how conscientious, as has been members of the regular establishments. (Act March 26, 1928, 45 the situation in many cases we have studied and presented. Stat. 366). Some 600 of these are currently under home care in We have also encountered through late years a number of cases Veterans’ Administration Homes. where—because of many circumstances—final action on veterans’ Since May a couple of further extensions of hospital care for claims has not been concluded before death. Several instructions other than war veterans have been enacted by the Congress. have been issued calling upon officials of the Administration to ex- Public No. 18, 76th Congress, April 3, 1939, authorized hospital pedite action on compensation or pension claims where examination care for reserve officers and enlisted men who suffer disability dur- discloses serious state of health. The delays have been largely due ing periods of active military service in excess of 30 days. How to the desirability of case development, field investigations, diag- great this problem may become and how much of it will fall upon nostic center study, appellate procedure, and to some extent just the Veterans’ Administration is not yet known. Reserve Officers routine lagging. On September 12 the Administrator further em- injured on duty with the Civilian Conservation Corps are excepted phasized the necessity for accelerated action in the presence of from this benefit under the terms of a subsequent Act. (Public 213, serious disablement as to hospital admittance and as to possible 76th Congress). money benefits. Managers of hospitals are authorized to execute 28 DIGEST OF MINUTES NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING

all necessary applications as representative of any patient who is gainful occupation. Further representations have been made with unable to sign for himself because of any mental or physical in- reference to adequate social service reports in all cases of this type capacity. as well as the employment of adequate psychometric examinations A review of all combat disablements due to wounds, gas, shell in the cases of so-called mental defectives. shock, accidents, explosions, burns, lacerations (such as from barbed Several other medical matters, principally procedural in nature, wire) was authorized by the Administrator on August 8 of this year. are to be submitted to the Administrator with suggestions that they This is in line with a request from the Legion convention of last be submitted for study by the Council. year and is designed to be sure that all such cases are adequately These and other like matters, new and old, engage our thought compensated. Only cases rated at less than 10% disabling are to be and effort always—like the Government—in an effort to be fair reviewed. and consistent. It can be said that our joint experiences and the Some difficulty is being experienced in certain cases of suicide in considerate manner in which they are exchanged have led through securing death compensation because of the imputation of miscon- the years and will lead in the future to improvement and the per- duct death under the provisions of the Economy Act regulations, fecting of service to those to whom we are all dedicated. even in some cases where there has been present some form of The Legislative Committee has informed you as to the advance in neuropsychiatric disability. No trouble is met where any form of the legislative program for the disabled. As to the suggestions pro- actual insanity is present. We are of the opinion that it is not gen- ceeding from the recent convention in this field, we have already erally given to man to make accurate post-mortem judgment as to had sufficient conference with General Hines on purely the tech- psychic factors which impel self-destruction. We are engaged at nical questions involved to be able to advise you that some will re- this moment in attempting to secure the adoption of what we deem ceive favorable report, and, of course, others may not be favored. a safer and sounder conception of these considerations than that Three or four items which we believe will be approved will be of which seems to have prompted the adjudication of some of these considerable benefit to those we seek to serve. sad cases we have encountered because of a tendency to think of We have discussed the 1940 program at length with your Com- suicide in legal rather than in medical atmosphere. manders and Adjutants and have sought their help and guidance in The Veterans’ Administration Medical Council met as a body in putting it forward. We likewise need your support. As always, it is October to consider many items relating to medicine in its applica- difficult to report briefly upon so vast a project as that which you tion to our veteran group. In addition to the agenda prepared by entrust to us. Likewise, it is impossible to make graphic all we do or the Veterans’ Administration, which covered a number of subjects seek to do in this specialized and complex medico-legal job. New in which we were vitally interested, your Committee presented problems must be met each day. You all have given us your con- through channels four items which received consideration by the fidence through many years. If we sometimes fail it will be because Council. We understand favorable reaction was accorded them. of something we inherently lack, not because we will not be out There were the following: there pitching. The utilization of outside (non-government) outstanding medical clinics for diagnostic study as to occasional problem cases where Supplemental Report medical agreement may not be reached within the Administration. This is in accordance with a suggestion of the Chicago National The following supplemental report submitted by Mr. Miller Convention. In the present state of law, only cases where the con- was duly approved: ditions are held to be service incurred may be so handled. Mr. Commander and Gentlemen: Since so brief a time has Cooperation with the Surgeon General of the United States Pub- elapsed since the report to the National Convention, there are lic Health Service and his committee on the standardization of the relatively few specific matters as to which we desire to engage the Wassermann test and other so-called diagnostic tests for syphilis. attention of the Executive Committee. Paul Armstrong has re- With the impetus given to a national movement for the control ported for Chairman Smith, with whom we have worked with and gradual elimination of syphilis, the number of so-called sero- much pleasure and with profit and who for the past few weeks, diagnostic tests for syphilis has materially increased. In a pre- I believe, has been almost continuously confined to his bed due liminary survey it was found that there is a varying lack of uni- to illness. formity in the results obtained in testing specimens in the various There are a few matters of unfinished business on which I will states. To avoid such errors and to establish a laboratory standard report to you, leaving the perusal of this not too lengthy formal which will prevent the erroneous diagnosis of syphilis, the commit- report to you gentlemen when it shall have been distributed. There tee set up by the Surgeon General of the United States Public is a matter here of importance which has been raised by several Health Service has been striving to improve the standards of the departments. I will cover it, I think, by reading from the script. various government, State, municipal and privately-owned labora- tories. It was felt that the Veterans’ Administration should share in In May we reported at some length as to the legal and statutory this survey and that the efficiency of its laboratories in regard to background, which has authorized examinations and hospital care the performance of these tests should be checked. The importance in Veterans’ Hospitals for a considerable number of other than of this problem not only in regard to the veterans’ health, his re- war veterans. These are, roughly, members of the Civilian Con- lationship to his family, subsequent treatment, and so on, is to be servation Corps, injured employes falling to the responsibility of considered, but also the effect of an erroneous positive Wasser- the United States Employes’ Compensation Commission, pensioners mann on a possible compensation claim assumes importance. This of countries allied with the United States in war since April 6, 1917, recommendation seemed to have been favorably received by the retired Navy personnel, and—this is the important group—pension- Medical Council and no doubt will be carefully considered by the able discharged members of the peace-time establishment. These Administrator. are all cared for by the Veterans’ Administration, as the veterans A third item for consideration by the Council dealt with adequate are cared for by the hospitals of the other service agencies of the followups on those cases wherein a complete or partially positive Federal Government on a reciprocal basis. The last group, the pen- Wassermann is reported for the first time. It was requested that a sioners, regular establishment group, persons receiving treatment certain procedure be established which would permit of the recall for their respective injuries received during their service, at the of such veterans for a recheck on the laboratory examination in present time represent about 2,500 persons. The first four groups question, and if still found to be positive that the veteran be advised have never totaled in excess of 300 cases at any given time. The of his condition and that he also be advised relative to sources regular establishment group does not seem to increase in number, where treatment for the condition may be obtained. but remains about the same, and has decreased some in the last two Further consideration of the question of constitutional psycho- fiscal years. The younger fellows seem to get out as fast as the pathic inferiority cases and cases of mental deficiency as related to others enter the hospitals—and they don’t die. compensation and pension was also presented to the Council. This Also, under laws detailed in our May report, the Veterans’ Ad- subject deals first of all with the question of the effect of service ministration effects examinations for the Civil Service Commission upon the so-called congenital mental disorder with relation to ag- and for the Railroad Retirement Board for applicants for annuities. gravation of the basic disability and also deals with the question of These are located near Veterans’ Administrations or hospital facili- permanent and total non-service connected pension for these cases ties. This is done upon request of the other federal agencies. There where veterans are shown to be totally unable to carry on in any was a great rush of examinations for the Civil Service Commission DIGEST OF MINUTES NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING 29 after the President’s Civil Service order of June 24, 1938, but these to make enlistment more attractive by providing for some reason- have come down nearly to normal. There are only a few routine able provision for care in the event of disaster. examinations for the other agencies, but the total tends to com- I don’t know whether this committee desires to consider any plicate the medical work for veterans on the already hard-worked action on this head. It is something that requires some deep study medical personnel of the Veterans’ Administration. if action is taken. But I deem it my duty to at all times advise Reciprocal reimbursement is had for most of this hospitalization the National Executive Committee and the National Commander and examinations, but for some of it there is no reimbursement, of the possibly more important benefits—if they have any rank— reimbursement not having been provided for, and having been that our associates in the World War had. provided against by the various pieces of statutes involved. This We have conferred with you before as to the progress of decen- was all set out in our former report. We said then and say now tralization of claims for death compensation and burial allowance. that the peace-time group—as much as we sympathize with illness Just to make a record of the progress, we have not received a —occupy beds in many localities where there are waiting lists of single complaint of the lack of celerity and correctness and accu- war veterans. In the circumstances and considering the deep in- racy or of the beneficial influence of that decentralization. There terest of the Legion in national defense, we did not at that time have been some mistakes made in the field, because it was an suggest any proposal to amend or attempt to repeal these several unknown process to them, but they haven’t been important ones, laws. We did report the action of the National Rehabilitation and where they are made, corrective issues are sent not only to Committee when it considered this matter in Washington in Janu- the office which has made the mistake but to all the offices for their ary, and carried it to the National Convention, where no action guidance. was taken. We also advised the committee that hospitals other Beyond that, Public 198 covers benefits to widows and orphans. than those of the Veterans’ Administration, such as the Army and That has been a field to consider and make post mortem rating, Navy and Public Health Service, were caring for a far greater in cases where not so much as one per cent disability can be number of veteran patients than those other groups who were ascertained. This further decentralization, which carries out the being cared for in Veterans’ Administration hospitals. requests of the Chicago Convention, was issued on November 16, Since our organization and the veterans at large have been dis- just a few days ago. posed to think that the hospital agency was for veteran relief only, Beyond carrying on the case and normal policy work and writing and of hospitalization as a most important benefit, these matters patriotic folks who should have had enough of war that we can have been discussed with the Administrator of Veterans’ Affairs. get them made lieutenant colonels, we are making efforts to con- Just as a matter of reporting to you, it appears that 89 per cent centrate on medical procedure in cooperation with the Veterans’ of the so-called regular establishment load on June 30 of this year Administration. That necessity is emphasized in our meetings of consisted of mental cases, with about 11 per cent only in the Legion groups when experiences are interchanged. Several of the general medical and surgical group. At that, there are under con- medical conclusions of the Chicago Convention were submitted to struction for our great waiting list of veterans for mental care in the Medical Council, which met shortly thereafter and which excess of 4,000 beds which are to go in in the next few months. approved them. What was not fully reported in May is that this picture concerns There are still weak spots as to medicine and medical personnel those in domiciliary care as well, because we find, in looking into within our hospitals. The question of disposition of the occasional the legislation governing the old Soldiers’ Homes—something I weak spot is perplexing. Civil Service enters there, of course, didn’t know a while back, Paul—that it provided that care should because that is the only system you have for acquirement, pro- be extended to men and women, committed or otherwise, enlisted curement or disposition of personnel. The joint effort toward or otherwise, Army and Navy nurses under commission, enlistment, betterment continues. Because of diagnosis being changed after appointment or contract, who served in the regular or volunteer long periods of apparently stable diagnosis, such as from long or other forces of the United States under organized militia or identified psychosis to a finding of psychopathic state, the adminis- National Guard when called into Federal service. trator proposed to surround the altering of diagnosis with greater safeguards. This has come about through a definite instruction Since I reported in May we have had three pieces of legislation, which will require that when any such action is proposed, it shall two of them advocated by The American Legion, to further extend come under the study of a board of three physicians who must be this privilege. We had Public No. 18, which was advocated under specialists in the disease involved. Most NP cases require that the direction of your convention, which extends pensions, retire- an industrial and social survey must be made before any adverse ment pay, hospitalization and all other benefits, to reserve officers action may be taken. Differential diagnoses must be set out who are injured during periods of service in excess of thirty days. clearly, and if change is made, all medical considerations, such as The first act included the reserve officers who were assigned in the symptomology and physical findings, must be set out clearly so CCC camps, but they were eliminated from this rather broad that the final conclusion may be reported upon a substantial benefit under the terms of Act No. 213. medical basis. Provision is made for a medical referee if the board Our own bill, Public No. 198, which carries a little further to the cannot agree. This order has already had a steadying influence goal line of our four points, carries a provision which we had to and has tended to improve medical work in general, because it accept to get the bill. It provides for hospitalization of retired puts the physician on his mettle, and as for the veteran, he is not officers and enlisted men of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps and at the disposition of one examiner only—and In many cases that Coast Guard who served in the World War. Of course, we can’t has been the situation. legislate against those fellows, because they served with us, but We have also encountered a number of cases where, because of up to the passage of this act they were entitled to hospitalization many circumstances, final action on veterans’ claims has not been only under some restricted provisions of former statutes, and they concluded before death. Recently, in cooperation with the Legion, had to pay for their care, at least modestly. instructions have been issued to officials of the Veterans’ Adminis- As to T. B., and so forth, the record will show that there has tration to expedite action on compensation or pension claims where been placed before all of you very considered and extensive studies examination discloses serious state of health. The delays have been of eight or nine pieces of legislation, letting these so-called outside largely due to the desirability of case development, field investi- folks into our hospitals. I don’t know whether we ought to take gations, diagnostic center study, appellate procedure, or just rou- any action right now. The National Convention didn’t think so— tine lagging. On September 12 the administrator further empha- and in that discussion I didn’t include any personal opinions. The sized the necessity for accelerated action in the presence of serious thing may grow and it may be a menace. disablement as to hospital admittance and as to possible money I think as to the N. P. cases, most of the boys who belong to benefits. Managers of hospitals, in this document, are authorized that group we found we were able to take care of, because the to execute all necessary applications as representative of any President very wisely, in laying out the policy of construction in patient who is unable to sign for himself because of any mental or 1937, placed no limitation upon the construction of mental beds. physical incapacity. On the one hand, we were asking for extensive increases in the Since we last reported, following the convention request, a re- Army, Navy and Marine Corps; also, the officials in the War view has been ordered of all combat disablements due to wounds, Department and the executives desired in past years to go along gas, shell shock, accidents, explosions, lacerations (such as from as far as they could in granting our wishes in the matter, desiring barbed wire), the document being issued on August 8 of this year. 30 DIGES1 OF MINUTES NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING

This is in line with a request from the Legion convention last year is just a modification of all the laws and administrative changes and is designed to be sure that all such cases are adequately com- we worked for in the past year. pensated. Taylor told you that we had that convention mandate We have asked, through our convention, for extending the period in our bill before the Congress, but it was figured it would cost for filing claims after death. The present status is that the claim eighteen million and some odd dollars, and we had no assurance as may be filed a year after burial, not death, and we believe that we far as veto was concerned. We are taking the next best rule in have an agreement by which we can get a two-year figure rather ordering the examination of all veterans, for what constitutes a than the one-year figure. But we have little hope of getting the combat disability is a somewhat difficult thing to determine. absolute removal of the time. They insist that the proposed bene- We told you about the Veterans’ Administration Medical Council, ficiaries have some rights in the matter, and I guess it is a matter and on it, of course, are several members of our own Legion of actual practice to file within the first five or six weeks. Medical Council, so we don’t have a great deal of difficulty in Now on the loose-leaf manual, that has been extensively dis- having them moved because of unsatisfied or unsettled medical cussed, because we tried to go into it in carrying out the mandates questions before that body. The trouble is that they aren’t meeting of our National Convention, and Brown, who is responsible for our this year, and I imagine they will meet once a year from now on. legal work, has conferred with the Assistant National Adjutant Under the instruction of the convention, we have entered into here and finally came to a discussion of unknown costs with the further cooperation with the surgeon general of the United States National Commander and the National Finance Committee. We Public Health Service on certain standardizations of diseases, rather are instructed to prepare the manual in just the way we under- unpleasant to discuss, which were considered heretofore, and part stand the Legion wants it, and to then bring it out in advance of of this report advises specifically of some complex medical matters the May meeting. When we get our costs, I have no doubt an which have been presented and approved by the official Medical appropriation will be made for it. Council. I said something about the cost in some opposition I made to Now we have, like the Legislative Committee, Mr. Commander the CommaJiders and Adjutants here, and I don’t mean the cost of and Ladies and Gentlemen, a lot of resolutions. Some of them the original issue, but you know how prone these service officers were taken to be impossible of accomplishment. We had a total are to lose something, and when they lose something or leave them of fifty-five this year, and I guess maybe two or three hundred on the railroad train, I don’t get the original cost; not the typing were eliminated. We think that we have not failed to confer with of sheets to insert in the folder, but the cost of the absolutely new the proper officials of the government as to the whole problem. and completed document. We think that we can come to you again, granting that we must There will be no doubt about the matter being carried forward. concentrate on the four-point program, as far as statutory changes I couldn’t get an appropriation because we haven’t found out how are concerned, but there are six or seven rather radical changes much it will cost, although the tendency of the Commander and in law, or administrative changes. I have just set these down; they the National Finance Committee was all sympathetic towards it. are not at all in the same class with our four points, of course, but I believe we have an agreement with the administration which Paul quoted from Bill Smith’s report that this eight-hour act will assure their stimulated help in passing this legislation, de- has made necessary the employment of just under 1,700 additional signed to take care of service connected cases beyond continental nurses and attendants, physicians and others in the Veterans’ limits and beyond, of course, our possessions, which are already Administration. Since that report was filed, there have been au- cared for in hospitals, whether service connected, disabled, or not. thorized 465 additional jobs. It runs into several million dollars, and it runs into a deficit which they are going to try to make up I believe Ray has a case where a chap, during his lifetime, may this summer. have been a divisional officer, and went along for a while and applied for the bond, spent the money and died. Perhaps he left He also mentioned a proposition about this eight-hour law and a wife, a beneficiary, with an expired government insurance policy. the coverage of the Civil Service attendants and other personnel, It is found that the divisional officer had no right to a certificate formerly non-Civil Service, to help some of them to advance in originally, or he may have been one of these young medical stu- grade. Of course, we have a lot of veterans who may make these dents who was in service and was considered in the computation jobs career jobs, and they are stymied because there are only two of the adjustment service. grades of attendants. The provision of this new setup will make it possible for these fellows, without any natural endowment, to go The process now, under a law which is very difficult to under- right up. They can go just as far as their capacities permit them, stand, and which is open to various types of construction—one we because once having gotten the coverage of the Civil Service, no happened to design a few years ago—is that the money is taken person is confined. away from the wife out of the proceeds of the insurance policy. The government has now prepared, following discussion and sub- I have a good deal of information here in relation to the hospital sequent to the Chicago convention, to assure us that there will be construction program, and I will be glad to answer any questions no set-off against a third person, where there is no obligation. here on that, or personally to you, because I will be here while you will be here. More and more of these mistakes are being uncovered. Just now the law provides that no ratings may be made covering a period On the participation of other government hospitals in the care of a lifetime on post mortem ratings for compensation and pen- of our veterans, in the 1941 appropriation—the money not being sions. On one of our requests they are willing to go with us, that available until July 1 of next year, with two possible exceptions— on post mortem ratings, pensions or compensations may be paid all of the beds that those agencies feel they can afford to spare in for a period of a year prior to death, not in excess of a thousand the present international situation, on a relatively permanent basis, dollars, to enable them to have assistance when they are in a have been arranged for. The money is in the 1941 appropriation, tough spot. not yet approved by the Bureau of the Budget. As to fraud cases, there are not very many of them where the Paul reported to you something on the number of cases that he veteran himself forfeited his rights. The Administration is now in had submitted to boards in Washington. Of course, gentlemen, a frame of mind to see that the important right of hospitalization that only meant a record of the cases that are actually submitted may not be forfeited except in instances of very intentional fraud. to the highest body. I suppose that 80 per cent of our cases in In the present state of the law, even though a man may have Washington are handled, and conclusions reached, over debts as- forfeited, during his lifetime, death benefits received by the inno- sumed, authorized or adjudicated, so we haven’t been able to keep cent persons who survived him, we want to seek some such statute a very accurate account of it. which will permit payments while the veteran is alive, so it will I said earlier, Mr. Commander, that I didn’t feel I could take the be difficult to frame a piece of legislation, and the Administration time to discuss, as I did with the Commanders and Adjutants, what is working on it now. If you give the wife and children what they seemed to us to be the prospects of all of the convention’s resolu- are entitled to in case of death, there is very little to keep the tions, proceeding from the Chicago meeting. But they are set out father from moving in and participating. If you give them what in full with observations by me, in a report made here earlier in is set aside for wives and children when they don’t live with their the week. It is quite a document, and I know most of you are husband and father for some reason or other, it isn’t enough to do interested in this problem, which has many phases and which no much good. At any rate, we are working on the principle, which one man can present to you in a period of a meeting of this kind. DIGEST OF MINUTES NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING 31

I hope you will get the report of the Commanders and Adjutants The Directors of the American Legion Endowment Fund Corpora- and read this one also in full. tion report that the last audit of the corporation’s financial records And now I stand ready to attempt to answer any questions was made under date of July 31, 1939, and direct your attention to relating to policy, information, procedure, the state of the law— the Reports of the 21st Annual National Convention of The Ameri- and I don’t ask for pulling of any punches in relation to any of can Legion for a detailed account of the corporation’s activities. those questions. For your information, a few comments on the corporation’s con- dition are made. As of July 31, 1939, the total assets were $4,998,- Liaison with National Rehabilitation Committee 055.89, within a few dollars of the original fund created 13 years ago. A year ago it was $4,991,154.34, that being some deferred in- Following is the advance report of Leo J. Duster, Iowa, terest, defaulted interest, which was later deferred into additional chairman, Liaison with National Rehabilitation Committee: bonds, thus bringing the sum up. Mr. National Commander and Members of the National Executive Now here is a sad story about which nothing can be done, and Committee: Following the only authorized meeting of the Liaison that is the annual income. I remember quite well when I came on with National Rehabilitation Committee last January a report was the board, 12 or 13 years ago, the income was over $200,000. Now, submitted to the members of the National Executive Committee at for 1938 it was $176,390; for 1939, $169,436, due to the declining in- the May meeting. terest rates, about which we can do nothing. This report contained some of the observations of the Committee The average yield from this investment during the past ten years while in session in Washington during the National Rehabilitation is perhaps interesting. Conference. Recommendations were likewise made which if carried Year ended July 31, 1939 3.59% out would tend to improve and expedite the work carried on by the Year ended July 31, 1938 3.74 members of our Washington office staff. Eleven months ended . . July 31, 1937 3.95 The recommendations submitted by the Liaison Committee in Year ended Aug. 31, 1936 3.91 May were approved by the National Executive Committee, and Year ended Aug. 31, 1935 3.92 while we have had no opportunity to observe at first hand whether Year ended Aug. 31, 1934 3.91 or not corrective measures have been taken, we presume that the Thirteen months ended Aug. 31, 1933 3.60 recommendations have been carried out and that the new commit- Year ended July 31, 1932 4.12 tee will find a more equal distribution of work done and results ob- Eleven months ended . . . July 31, 1931 4.19 tained in the interest of our disabled. Year ended Aug. 31, 1930 4.24 The rehabilitation and care of our disabled comrades and their dependents has always been and shall always be the primary pro- In other words, the interest rate in the past ten years has de- gram of The American Legion. In carrying out this obligation the clined 12 per cent, and our incomes naturally reflect that. Legion not only spends a vast sum of money, but thousands of its On November 1, 1939, there was no principal in default. We members throughout the entire organization spent countless hours think that is pretty good. There was in default at that time, of in- without any compensation in an effort to see that all disabled vet- terest, $14,533.75. Some of that has been paid, more of it will be erans and their dependents are properly provided for by our Gov- paid, and so will be converted into additional bonds by the munici- ernment. palities that are unable to create cash and hope to pay it in the Your Liaison Committee should ever be on the alert to see that future. the service this organization provides for the disabled functions with The investments in the account are limited by original trust agree- a maximum of efficiency and that the Veterans’ Administration car- ment to the purchase of United States Government bonds, Municipal ries out the regulations and laws in a fair and liberal manner, to bonds, and real estate mortgages issued in amount not in excess of the end that our disabled comrades and their dependents shall en- 40 per cent of the appraised value of the property. At the present joy every benefit a grateful nation intended for them. time, 72 per cent of the corporation’s bond holdings is in Municipal During the past four years it has been my privilege to serve as a bonds, 26 per cent in United States Government bonds, and between member of this subcommittee of the National Executive Committee, one and two per cent in bonds of United States Territories. and along with Roane Waring and Maurice Devine I want to grate- In the management of its portfolio, the corporation maintains fully acknowledge the cooperation given this committee by the Na- geographical distribution in its purchases and likewise endeavors tional Director of Rehabilitation, Watson Miller, and members of to accomplish calendar distribution of maturities. Attention is his staff. called to the fact that decreasing yields obtainable on bonds of good investment quality continue to restrict earnings. In connection Supplemental Report with consideration of the various investments the board has had, The following supplemental report was submitted by Mr. during the past year or two, the benefit of the advice of the In- Duster, after which he was thanked by the National Com- vestments Policy Committee. We want to call your particular at- mander for his service and his report: tention to the fact that that committee is an able committee, and has rendered very distinct service to the corporation, and I am National Commander and Gentlemen: After having served as a sure, to the other financial holding bodies of the Legion. We think member of the National Executive Committee for four years, and it should by all means be continued over a period of years. for the same number of years as a member of Liaison with Nation- Under date of November 1, 1939, we were advised by the Spring- al Rehabilitation Committee, I think I have some slight idea of field Safe Deposit and Trust Company of Springfield, Massachusetts, how much this committee will welcome a brief report. that the late Mrs. Lena A. Tucker of that city, who died October As you know, the committee has met but once, and that was last 20, 1939, left a will under which the corporation was bequeathed January, and at the May meeting we submitted a report. The re- $5,000. We have inquired of that Department and have found very port contained certain suggestions and recommendations which little about the lady. We take it for granted it is a perfectly safe were adopted by the National Executive Committee. bet that the $5,000 has been handed to us, but it is evidently some Insofar as this committee has been able to determine, these lady who lost a husband and son, and it is a memorial to him or recommendations are on the way to being carried out. them. We accept the money, invest it and pass on to you gentle- Further than that, a formal written report constitutes the re- men the returns for rehabilitation and child welfare. port of your Liaison with National Rehabilitation Committee. And now comes a thing that hits the heartstrings of the members I want to state that I have welcomed the opportunity to have of the board. For 14 years we have had one of the ablest men in served in some slight way to advance the program of rehabilitation. the country as our secretary, a very outstanding man in all re- Thank you, Mr. Commander. spects, Colonel William Guy Wall of this city. He has felt that it is necessary to retire. Board of Directors, Endowment Fund Corporation The board reports with regret the resignation of Colonel William The following report submitted by E. M. Stayton, Missouri, Guy Wall, who for the past 14 years has faithfully discharged the duties of the office of secretary, and it respectfully asks that the President, Board of Directors, Endowment Fund Corporation, acceptance of this report include the approval of the following reso- was accepted, and the resolution incorporated in the report lution, adopted by the board at its regular meeting on May 3, 1939: adopted: “Whereas, William Guy Wall, native of Indiana, graduate of the 32 DIGEST OF MINUTES NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING

Virginia Military Institute 1894, Massachusetts Institute of Tech- Children’s Future,” was issued. Many thousands of copies have been nology 1896, volunteered and served in the armed forces of the distributed both within and without the Legion, its reception being United States in the Spanish-American War 1898; and so favorable that the recent Chicago convention has just authorized “Whereas, William Guy Wall volunteered his services in the a new edition. This statement of Legion principles concluded with armed forces of the United States on May 17, 1917, and was com- the thought that: “Since Juvenile Delinquency is primarily a com- missioned as Major of Ordnance in said United States Army and munity program, it must be undertaken by substantially the entire served overseas in the American Expeditionary Forces throughout community to be successful. The Legion can not assume full re- the duration of the World War, promoted to Lieutenant Colonel, sponsibility. It can at best but take a position of leadership.” In and finally to Colonel on the Technical Staff, Ordnance Department, other words, the prevention of juvenile delinquency can only be United States Army; and successfully undertaken by the cooperative action of the citizens as “Whereas, The said William Guy Wall has served his country as a whole. As applied to an individual community, this is the reason a member of the Ordnance Advisory Board continuously since the for the Legion’s stressing, in “Our Children’s Future,” the formula- termination of the World War; and tion of Coordinating Councils of all the civic welfare groups, public "Whereas, The said William Guy Wall joined The American Le- and private, in connection with the officials, including the Legion, gion early in 1920, his Post later being consolidated with Memorial the Business Service Clubs, such as Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions; the fra- Post No. 3, Indianapolis; became a member of La Societe des 40 ternal orders, such as Elks, Masons, Eagles, the Bar Association, Hommes et 8 Chevaux in 1924 and has maintained his membership etc. in both organizations since that time; and But to accomplish this cooperative organization in each com- “Whereas, William Guy Wall was elected Secretary of The Amer- munity throughout the nation, these various organizations must be ican Legion Endowment Fund Corporation in October 1925 and a each inspired to cooperate, not in a single community, but in every Director of said corporation in January 1926; and community. The obvious way to do this, is to get them to adopt na- “Whereas, He has served continuously in the offices of Secretary tionally the very methods which the National Legion organization and Director until the meeting of the board of May 3, 1939, in which itself successfully employs with its Departments and Posts. This is meeting he was unanimously elected to serve an additional term of to have their national planning bodies, similar to our National Ex- office, but by reason of a change of residence, asked to be relieved ecutive Committee, spread this cooperative idea among all their of the duties of the office; local units throughout the entire nation. “Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved, By the Board of Directors of In order thus to inspire these other organizations nationally, the The American Legion Endowment Fund Corporation in meeting Legion must carry its program to their national bodies, and in an assembled on May 3, 1939, that it is deeply sensible of the services effective way. This effective contact can be most simply established, which the said William Guy Wall has rendered the corporation if these organizations select some individual to meet with a similar and the membership of The American Legion during the more than representative of the Legion, to discuss the Legion program. Per- 14 years of his incumbency as Secretary; that it is deeply apprecia- chance indeed, since these organizations are each now engaged in tive of his ability, his patriotism, his conscientious and long service, certain work along this line, the information which this Legion rep- and only at the special instance and request of Colonel Wall ac- resentative will obtain from them may itself be helpful to us in cepts his resignation with sincere regret, and in so doing conveys our present program. to him its deep appreciation and thanks, as well as its best wishes But the major point is, that this informational gathering of in- for happiness and success in his new place of residence. terested individuals, each with his own direct contact with his own “Be It Further Resolved, That this resolution be incorporated in organization, can most directly lead to the education of the hun- the report of the President of The American Legion Endowment dreds of thousands of local units of such other organizations, in the Fund Corporation to the National Executive Committee of The thought of cooperating with the Legion in the prevention of juve- American Legion for record in the minutes of that committee.” nile delinquency. Thus, when the various Legion Posts, as stated Summarizing, the board is glad to report the endowment trust is in “Our Children’s Future,” “take a position of leadership” in their intact, being approximately $5,000,000, the original amount turned respective communities, and ask their Lions, Elks, Bar Associations, over to it. During its existence the fund has earned and the board and others to cooperate in the formation of a coordinating council, has turned over to the Legion for Rehabilitation and Child Welfare they will be met, not with the inertia of ignorance, but with the the sum of $2,592,540.35. ready response of those already prepared to cooperate. Let me inject just there, if I may, that under the leadership of With this method in mind, of making more effective the Legion’s that superb National Commander, General Drain, that was raised joint Americanism, Child Welfare, and Law and Order program, we by the American people. The Legionnaires may have contributed reported to you last May of the projected Crime conference in San some, but not much. From that day to this—and we have been on Francisco in July, whose theme was to be “The Citizen and Crime,” for the full duration of the time—-we have regarded that as a most and to which it was planned to invite outstanding members of many sacred trust, to be used for the most sacred purpose, Rehabilitation of these nation-wide civic and fraternal bodies just alluded to. Hap- and Child Welfare, and I submit to you that that is no mean sum— pily this purpose was accomplished to the letter. Just as experi- $2,592,000.00. More than half the original sum has been realized enced last spring at Florida, this success was due in large part to and turned over to you for expenditure for the purposes for which the aid of the California Department, and to the individual efforts it was intended, and there remains yet today the original sum, in- of such outstanding Legionnaires as former National Vice-Com- tact, substantially as it came to us. mander Earl Ross, National Executive Committeeman Conniff of The income now is somewhat less than that of a few years ago, Washington, Alternate National Executive Committeeman Tom owing to the declining interest rate, and there seems no remedy for Riordan of California, Mayor Carson of Portland, Oregon, and a this. We especially call your attention to the Tucker bequest, with host of others too numerous to mention. These men presented to the hope that you will make it known in your Departments that we this conference, held in conjunction with the annual sessions of the are prepared to receive such bequests, keep the sums invested and Interstate Commission on Crime, both the specific Legion program turn over the income to the Legion for Rehabilitation and Child itself and the cooperative ideas above expressed. As a result, this Welfare work. gathering, after considering the matter an entire day, adopted a resolution, a copy of which is attached hereto, expressly approving of such cooperative action and suggesting “the creation of a na- Law and Order Committee tion-wide committee, representative of all like-minded nation-wide Following is the advance report of Richard Hartshome, civic bodies” for that purpose. This principle was thus endorsed by New Jersey, chairman of the National Law and Order outstanding members, in several cases the presidents of the follow- ing national organizations, among others, in addition to The Ameri- Committee: can Legion: The American Bar Association, the National Education Again a new development, but one in logical furtherance of an Association, the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform already established American Legion program, is called to the at- State Laws, the National Association of Attorneys General, the In- tention of the National Executive Committee. ternational Association of Chiefs of Police, the American Parole Americanism, Child Welfare, and Law and Order have been en- Association, Coordinating Councils, Inc., the National Probation As- gaged for the last two years in a joint program to prevent juvenile sociation, General Federation of Women’s Clubs. delinquency. In furtherance of this program, the booklet, “Our Fortunately the annual sessions of the American Bar Association DIGEST OF MINUTES NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING 33

occurred in San Francisco immediately after this Crime Conference. eral Federation of Women’s Clubs, and other like-minded nation- Here the prompt official approval of the plan, including the appoint- wide organizations gathered together at San Francisco this seventh ment of a Bar Association representative, speedily followed. day of July 1939, under the leadership of the Interstate Commission Similarly your Law and Order Committee introduced a resolution 9n Crime; at our Chicago Convention which was promptly adopted, a copy of Be It Resolved, That we, acting as individuals, agree upon the same being attached. following principles: The net result is, that the nucleus is now established to follow 1. That crime and juvenile delinquency in America require the through the thought, originally projected two years ago by the Le- earnest attention and action of all good citizens; gion in "Our Children’s Future.” Of course “Rome was not built 2. That, in order to be effective, this action calls for complete co- in a day,” and it is not expected that this proposed informational operation not only between our citizens themselves but in support committee will initiate any direct action. In fact, the resolutions of all honest efficient crime-control officials; adopted suggesting its establishment, have from their very begin- 3. That this cooperative action to control crime must both pre- ning carefully provided that neither such committee, nor any repre- vent juvenile delinquency and crime and enforce the law; sentative acting thereon, shall have power to bind the organization 4. That, in order to obtain such effective cooperative action, the he represents to any specific course of action. Actually the commit- representatives of all such nation-wide organizations do, as above, tee is simply to be a clearing house of helpful information. (1) It endorse the creation of a nation-wide committee, representative of will gather from all its cooperating groups the most helpful data all like-minded civic bodies, to cooperate in that regard with the they have, as to how to prevent and control juvenile delinquency Interstate Commission on Crime, itself representative of all our and crime. (2) It will then pool, edit, and revise such information, states and the Federal Government, in the field of crime prevention and thereafter distribute it. This will then comprise the best and control, and do request such commission to take immediate thought of the entire country on Crime Prevention and Control. Its steps to that end. distribution will educate all these outstanding organizations, and * * * our citizens generally in that regard. Thus the Legion will find a ready response in every community to its call for action on this Resolution program, so important to the welfare of our country. As soon as the Adopted by the American Bar Association at its annual meeting National Commander has appointed the Legion representative on in San Francisco, July 1939. the committee, the Legion will be ready to lead in this nation-wide Resolved, That the president of the American Bar Association is project, which it has itself originated. hereby authorized to appoint a member or members of this associa- Four-Point Program: Important additional progress has been tion to represent this association on the Nation-wide Committee on made in lining up the states of the Union to cooperate officially in Crime Prevention, composed of representatives of The American controlling crime, under the 4-point program with which the com- Legion, the National Association of Attorneys General, the Inter- mittee is fully familiar. Certain of these acts were adopted during state Commission on Crime and other nation-wide civic organiza- the last legislative year from Maine to Wyoming. In addition, the tions; the representatives so appointed to cooperate in the work of Governors of California, Louisiana, Maine, Tennessee, and West that committee, but to have no power to bind the American Bar Virginia have added their signatures to the Interstate Compact for Association in any respect without its express consent.

the Supervision of Out-of-State Parolees and Probationers. To date * * * the Fresh Pursuit Act has been adopted in 30 states, the Extradition Act in 29 states, the Witnesses Act in 37 states, and the Parole and Resolution Probation Act in 32 states. Thus 128 statutes have been enacted, Adopted at the national convention of The American Legion in and three out of every four states in the Union have joined hands Chicago, 1939. to control crime under this helpful method of interstate cooperation. Be it Resolved, That The American Legion, in order to further Law and Order Handbook: Since the last meeting of the National carry out its joint Americanism, Child Welfare, and Law and Order Executive Committee the Law and Order Committee has, as author- Program, to prevent Juvenile Delinquency, does approve the joinder ized, published its handbook on the National Law and Order pro- by The American Legion with the American Bar Association, the gram. This contains a foreword on "The Facts of the Matter,” set- National Association of Attorneys General, and many other like- ting forth the crime situation in the United States. It sets forth minded civic and patriotic organizations to create a nation-wide generally the methods of both crime prevention and crime suppres- committee to cooperate to that end, in accordance with a resolution sion. It details specifically what The American Legion can do about adopted by members of many such organizations, including The it both nationally, in its Departments, and in its Posts. It sets forth American Legion. the Legion’s full legislative and administrative program in that re- Be It Further Resolved, That a representative be appointed by gard, including the verbatim copies of such legislation. The Hand- the National Commander, if he deems it advisable, to coordinate the book contains a brief chapter on crime prevention, referring for efforts of, but not to bind, The American Legion in furthering such further details to “Our Children’s Future,” and also a chapter on a cooperative nation-wide Juvenile Delinquency and Crime Preven- “Free Spqech,” setting forth the Legion Resolution in that regard tion program. in full. Finally, it contains a detachable form of Law and Order Supplemental Report Report, which it requests the various Departments to transmit to the National Law and Order Committee, and the various Posts to The following supplemental report submitted by Mr. Harts- transmit to their Departments. home was received and approved by the National Executive Your committee would respectfully suggest that not only should Committee: this report be sent to those Departments and Posts which expressly request it, but that, since most Posts do not even know of its Mr. Commander and Members of the Committee: Again the Law existence, it would be wise to have one copy at least forwarded to and Order Committee reports a new development, but one directly the Commander of every Post, as well as to the Department Com- along the line of the joint juvenile delinquency prevention pro- mander and the members of the Department Law and Order Com- gram, which for several years past has been undertaken together mittee. by Americanism, Child Welfare, and Law and Order. * * * Just to hit the high spots—because you have the report in full— Resolution the point is as stated in “Our Children’s Future,” which was gotten out by this joint group a couple of years ago and which was found Adopted at the Fifth Annual Session of the Interstate Commis- so helpful that the Chicago Convention authorized a new edition, sion on Crime, July 7, 1939, San Francisco, California. and this new edition is already out. Whereas, The representatives of the American Bar Association, Just to follow through that thought, the conclusion in "Our The American Legion, the National Education Association, the Na- Children’s Future” is that this was a nation-wide proposition which, tional Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws, the to be successful, must actually be backed by the citizens as a National Association of Attorneys General, the International Asso- whole; that the role of the Legion was primarily the role of ciation of Chiefs of Police, the American Parole Association, co- leadership. Now, a leader must have followers, and those followers ordinating Councils, Inc., the National Probation Association, Gen- must believe in that leadership. The thing we had to set our joint 34 DIGEST OF MINUTES NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING efforts together on was to show the rest of the people in the Introduction of Guests country why juvenile delinquency prevention was necessary, along r practical lines. That is exactly what the Law and Order Committee The following guests were introduced to the committee bj now calls to your attention—to get that across to the people as a National Commander Kelly: 0. D. Hollenbeck, Assistant whole. We have to reach them; we must reach them through other Chief, Veterans and Farm Placement, Bureau of Placement, lines than merely veterans’ lines. We must reach them through Social Security Board, Washington; Hugh A. Kerwin, Assist- our service clubs, through our parent-teacher associations, through ant Director of Veterans’ Service, Social Security Board; J. our churches, and so forth, and to do that we must therefore have Russell Cook, Supervisor, Veterans’ Education, CCC; E. E. close contact with those parent-teacher associations, with those Odom, Solicitor General, Veterans’ Administration. churches, with those schools, with those service clubs. So we asked representatives of those nation-wide organizations to meet with us at a Crime Conference in San Francisco last July, and I might say Following an announcement concerning the National Com- that that conference was run much the way the conference in mander’s dinner for members of the National Executive Florida was run, where Joe Clark and Doc Inge and other Legion- Committee and guests, scheduled for the evening of Thursday, naires put it across. It was put across there by a Western Depart- ment of the Legion, with Earl Ross, Tom Riordan and a host of November 23, the meeting recessed at 12:55 p. m. others. Those representatives all agreed that the only way to make it successful was to work together, independently as far as individual THURSDAY AFTERNOON SESSION decision and control was concerned, but with an understanding of November 23, 1939 what all were driving at. They adopted resolutions, and the next week, when the American Bar Association met in San Francisco, The meeting reconvened1 at 2:45 p. m., Commander Kelly the proposition was put up to them, and they agreed to go along presiding. nationally. It was put up to the Chicago Convention by the men that I have Sons of The American Legion named, and myself as well, and they adopted the resolution. It is to be put up to at least 50 nation-wide organizations to seep Following is the advance report of T. C. Kasper, South that thought through into every one of our ten thousand or more Dakota, Chairman of The Sons of The American Legion communities, so that when the members of your Post go to this Committee: community and say, “Now let’s have a little care of the kids before they get into trouble,” and when they take it up with the Lions, Inasmuch as there has been no meeting of the National Com- the Kiwanis, the Parent-Teachers, and so forth, they won’t be met mittee of The Sons of The American Legion since the May 1939 with the absolute inertia of ignorance; they will be met with meeting of the National Executive Committee, there is no formal knowledge and a spirit of willingness to cooperate. approval necessary for this report. It is merely a statement as I have called the Commander’s particular attention—and I am to the progress of The Sons of The American Legion during the happy to say that that is quite clear—that this very Legion reso- past year. lution itself creates pure military liaison; that is, mere understand- I am happy to be able to report that the records at National ing of each other’s endeavors, but absolute retention of independ- Headquarters show that on October 31, 3,240 squadrons were ence of action. organized, as compared to 2,911 squadrons on December 31, 1938. We hopefully await, therefore, the appointment of the Legion On October 31, we had enrolled 70,963 boys in the junior organ- operatives on this general front, which I might say are along the ization, which is an increase of 10,580 over the December 31 total same lines as the suggestions which we heard this morning of a for 1938 membership. Perhaps this gain in the number of squad- cooperative clearing house for action against our subversive ele- rons and members is due to a great extent to the plan which the ments. It is the same thought, indeed, along similar lines, because National Executive Committee approved last May. sabotage, etc., is a form of crime. The plan called for the setting up of state membership quotas Now I pass from that. You are familiar with the four-point for the SAL. These quotas were worked out on the basis of a program for interstate cooperation. In addition to the bulk of the 25 per cent increase over the previous year’s membership in the rest of the states that had already signed this interstate compact Department. The quotas were then mailed to every Department for parole and probation supervision, the Governors of California, Adjutant of The American Legion and Detachment Commander Louisiana, Maine, Tennessee and West Virginia have added their of The Sons of The American Legion, along with an announcement signatures, so that to date we have as parties to that compact 32 of the first national SAL membership contest. different states. We never had a compact like it in the history of Our Committee will present to the Detachment of the SAL the country. showing the greatest percentage of increase over quota on De- We have the Fresh Pursuit Act adopted in 30 states. We have cember 31, a set of Detachment Colors. We will also award to the Extradition Act adopted in 29, the Witnesses Act in 37—a total all Detachments reaching quota a suitable citation. of 128 enactments of these model acts, three out of every four Your Committee last May also approved the plan to issue cards states in the Union having joined hands. to members of the SAL for five years’ continuous membership. Finally, in accordance with your authorization last spring, the These cards have been made up and distributed to all state offi- Law and Order Committee got out the National Law and Order cials. The plan for proving the continuous membership on the Handbook. There it is. It contains not only these model acts part of the boy was left to the discretion of the Departments. To verbatim; it contains the administrative program of the Legion to go along with the five-year membership card, the Emblem Division maintain law and order. It sets forth explicitly what The American made available a membership chevron to be worn on the SAL cap. Legion can and should do about it. Now, of course, merely having Samples of these chevrons have been given nation-wide distribu- it printed doesn’t do any good. It has to get not only to first base tion. but to the home plate to do some good, and while copies have been The other activities which have become a regular part of the sent to every Department Commander, they have not reached the program of the SAL are progressing splendidly. For example, the Posts generally, and It is the Posts where the work must be done. educational phase of the program known as the Five-Point Pro- gram of Service is interesting more and more boys each year. We I suggest, therefore, Mr. Commander, and to the Adjutant, that note from the records of the Emblem Division that today there the need is to get this material into the hands of our men on the are 1,014 boys wearing the Five-Star Award Medal, and the stars, front, and I suggest, therefore, that we spend a little more postage showing participation in the activity, are now being worn by 6,538 stamp money by mailing a copy of this, the Law and Order Bible, members. to the Commander of every Post and the members of every De- The national SAL marksmanship program is rapidly gaining more partment Law and Order Committee. participants each year. During the past summer 26 teams, rep- Thank you very much. resenting squadrons of The Sons of The American Legion, fired DIGEST OF MINUTES NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING 35 targets in the national match, and 48 individual members partici- while there are well over 6,000 boys who have received stars show- pated in the contest. ing they are enrolled in this work. There is one subject which our National Committee of The Sons The National SAL Marksmanship Program is rapidly gaining of The American Legion intends to thoroughly discuss at its next more participants each year. During the past summer 26 teams, meeting, which in all probability will be held either in December representing squadrons of The Sons of The American Legion, fired or January. It is the subject of closer supervision of members of targets in the national match, and 48 individual members partici- the SAL while attending national and state conventions of The pated in the contest. American Legion. I have had reports from Legionnaires attend- One phase, I should say one criticism, which some of you men ing the Chicago national convention, and these reports indicate have no doubt noticed, I want to leave with you at the meeting that the conduct of our boys in attendance at that meeting was which we expect to have in January. We will certainly consider far from good. I have been told that boys wearing the official the conduct of The Sons of The American Legion at the depart- cap of The Sons of The American Legion were parading in the ment and national conventions. I feel that as a result of investi- Loop at all times of the night, some appearing in pajamas and gation The Sons Committee will have before you for your ap- underwear. It has also been reported to me that a few members proval at your next meeting certain supervisory actions which we of the SAL were caught in the act of throwing water out of hotel feel will make for at least a betterment in the conduct which a windows. lot of Legionnaires see among these young boys, and perhaps it I know that this type of conduct represents a very small per- is just the fault that proper word has not gone out to the Legion- centage of the members of the SAL attending the Chicago con- naire in charge or it is just negligence. I do not believe that it vention, yet I know that this kind of behavior has a very bad re- is necessary for the National Executive Committee to take action flection on the parent organization—The American Legion. In on this question at this time but feel that next May that will be my opinion, it is a problem which will continue to grow if some submitted to you. definite steps are not taken to correct it. The Legion Heir, which as you know is the official publication of The Sons of The American Legion, is certainly doing the work As I stated a moment ago, this will be thoroughly discussed and that we thought it would. It has served as a medium of exchange some action recommended by the National Committee of The Sons of ideas among all members of the organization. It has also served of The American Legion. I do not believe that it is necessary as an avenue through which the National Committee can submit for the National Executive Committee to take action on this ques- suggested activities to all squadrons and members. tion at this time. I further believe that the Squadron Handbook gives all the As chairman of the Committee, I want to say that in my judg- necessary information to squadrons to carry on the program, but ment The Legion Heir, official publication of the SAL, has been I would emphasize the importance of a more thorough study of of great assistance in the promotion of the program. It has served its contents by all squadron and detachment leaders. as a medium of exchange of ideas among all members of the or- In conclusion, I feel that “Chuck” Wilson, as director of this ganization. It has also served as an avenue through which the organization, should be commended by myself and others, for National Committee can submit suggested activities to all squad- satisfactory results of his experiment, and with the aid of others rons and members. here at Headquarters, I feel that he is doing a very constructive, I further believe that the Squadron Handbook gives all the nec- perhaps slow but sane job, in the promotion and handling of this essary information to squadrons to carry on the program, but I Sons program. In short, I feel that he is doing the work just as would emphasize the importance of a more thorough study of its you men, the governing body of the Sons organization, desire him. contents by all squadron and detachment leaders. Thank you. And in connection with the subject of department and local lead- ers of The Sons of The American Legion, the Committee feels that Veterans’ Preference Committee we cannot overemphasize the importance of the selection of the proper type of adult leaders—men who will recognize their re- Following is the advance report of Frank A. Mathews, Jr., sponsibility. New Jersey, Chairman, Veterans’ Preference Committee: Supplemental Report Your National Veterans’ Preference Committee hereby submits Following is the supplemental report submitted by Mr. its report covering the period from the submission of its report Kasper, which was duly accepted: to the National Convention in Chicago to the present date. By part of the Employment Committee’s report, which was Commander Kelly, Members of the National Executive Commit- adopted by the convention, the Director of Employment was also tee: It so happens that the Committee of The Sons have had no made Director of Veterans’ Preference so that all details might meeting since your meeting of last May, hence I feel this report be coordinated and information sent to the representatives of both does not need your formal approval. I merely ask that you allow committees in the various departments. This is an excellent move, me to comment briefly on the happenings of The Sons of The because, although the National Director of Employment has al- American Legion during this year. ready, by mutual arrangement, been assisting the National Vet- The report shows that the membership is decidedly on the in- erans’ Preference Committee in individual cases, this will give him crease, there now being over 70,000 members of The Sons of The his direct authority to broaden the scope of the work which he is American Legion, whereas at the end of 1938 there were 10,400, now so ably performing. approximately, less than that number. The number of squadrons The adoption of Resolution No. 277 upon the subject of employ- has increased from 2,911 at the end of 1938, to as of October 31, ment of veterans in the taking of the 1940 census should be of at 3,240. Perhaps this increase in membership has to do with the least temporary benefit to unemployed veterans and it is under- quota, which you men approved, the basis of which was 25 per stood that the Director of Veterans’ Preference is supplying the cent increase over the year 1938. That is, each detachment mem- necessary information as to how to obtain these jobs to veterans bership was set up on that basis of 25 per cent and as the in- throughout the country. centive to the detachment, and The Sons, which might add to As part of the employment program there was adopted a policy this membership, detachment colors are given to the detachment to regularly devote one page of the monthly magazine and the with the greatest increase over the quota, while every detachment columns of the National Legionnaire to articles on employment going over this quota will receive suitable citations. and veterans’ preference. Such articles, if interestingly and con- The members have cards denoting their five-year service, and structively written, may be of great informative value to the also a chevron to be worn on their caps on the same basis. members of our organization. The activities of The Sons of The American Legion have been The Employment Committee of the convention submitted a progressing splendidly; especially do we find in the educational resolution to endorse the principles of H. R. 7313, a bill intro- phase of the program increased interest. That is, the Five- duced by Congressman Starnes, of Alabama, embodying the main Point Program of Service. From the records of the Emblem Di- points of the bill sponsored by your committee. The convention, vision we find that there are 1,014 boys who have already re- however, rejected this proposal by the adoption of a substitute ceived this five-star medal showing the completion of this work, reading as follows: 36 DIGEST OF MINUTES NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING

“Resolution 86-A. Be It Resolved, By The American Legion in should give the incoming National Veterans’ Preference Commit- convention assembled in Chicago on September 28, 1939, that we tee and National Legislative Committee specific instructions as to will continue to strive for the attainment of Veterans’ Preference such meaning and the procedure to be followed to obtain the ob- by legislation; and that we reaffirm our indorsement of a rigid jectives. enforcement and extension of civil service with adequate prefer- Supplemental Report ence for veterans. That in the introduction of the bill in Con- gress by our legislative representative to bring about the desired The following supplemental report, submitted by Mr. Ma- result he insert and retain the five and ten points, preference as now constituted and strive for legislation to make the same effect- thews, was duly accepted: ive; and for the other points substantially as outlined by the Mr. Commander, Members of the Committee: By your own November 1937 and 1938 reports of the National Executive Com- ruling you have compelled your committee chairman to submit mittee, and that if any attempt be made in Congress to take from his report a considerable time ahead so it might be mimeographed the veterans any of the rights now in effect that such actions be and placed in your hands for your reading. I therefore present vigorously opposed by our legislative director and legislative com- the report. There are two resolutions passed by the Chicago con- mittee.” vention which are not mentioned in the report, and preliminarily Whatever may be the exact meaning of this substitute resolu- I will mention them here. tion in all respects, one thing, in view of the discussion which Resolution 278. Subject WPA preference for veterans, their took place, seems quite clear to this Committee, and that is that wives and widows was adopted as follows: The American Legion is now definitely and positively upon record “Provides that on WPA the wives of unemployable disabled and committed to the stand that the five and ten point preference veterans or the widows of deceased veterans will be accorded the to veterans must be given regardless of whether the veteran has same preference granted to veterans. the ability to pass the qualifying civil service examination. Your “Eliminate the present WPA law as applied to veterans so as Committee has further construed this to mean that this proposi- to assure an actual veterans’ preference in original assignment tion must be obtained by legislation and further that it must be and retention.” a part of any legislation sponsored by The American Legion upon That resolution, being part of the Employment Committee Re- the subject of Veterans’ Preference. Pursuant to such under- port, at the convention, and being adopted, was referred by the standing, immediately after the convention changes in the bill to Employment Committee to the Legislative Committee. I have cover this situation were sent by the Legislative Director to Con- spent the last day and a half sitting in with the Employment Com- gressman Starnes and he said that they would be inserted in the mittee on their sessions. bill. So the fight will now be to put over what The American The second resolution, No. 22, subject WPA applications for Legion by its convention action says that it wants. veterans be of a different color was adopted as follows: Possible difficulty that may be encountered in Congress because “Resolved, That the authorities of the Works Progress Admin- of the presence of this five and ten point clause in the proposed istration be requested to provide applications of a distinctive color, legislation cannot be overlooked, nor the practical situation that similar to that followed by the Employment Service, for veterans, a failure of passage by reason of the presence of this proposition so that a veteran’s application will be recognized immediately to in the bill, nor the practical situation that a failure of passage the end that they will receive the preference to which they are by reason of this will defeat all the other very important and entitled under the law enacted by Congress.” valuable provisions for which your Committee has been striving. The wording of the resolution seems to preclude the possibility of I assume for that resolution, the Director of Employment, who separating the legislation into two bills, one for the five and ten by resolution passed at the Chicago convention was also made point proposition and the other for the remaining provisions, Director of Veterans’ Preference, has already taken this matter which would, in case of the bogging down of the five and ten up, and is following it up, and I believe will be successful in ob- point provision, still leave the way clear to obtain for the veteran taining the different colored applications. those very beneficial remaining provisions of the bill. But the Now, aside from those two resolutions, there is only one thing very obvious purpose of the resolution is to tie the five and ten I would like to comment on in the report. That is, I feel the point provision so tightly to all of the other provisions of the bill most important part of the report, and the most important element as to compel them all to stand or fall together, so that a defeat of the program of the Veterans’ Preference Committee is the pas- of the five and ten point proposition means a defeat of the entire sage of Resolution No. 86-A. This resolution was a substitute reso- bill. Your Committee would be remiss if it did not call the atten- lution, adopted by the convention, in place of a resolution pro- tion of the National Executive Committee to this situation, and if posed by the Employment Convention Committee, to approve the there is any different construction to be put upon this resolution provisions of the bill known as H. R. 7313, introduced by Con- it will have to be done by the National Executive Committee. In gressman Starnes of Alabama, on the subject of Veterans’ Prefer- the absence of such action, it would appear that the incoming ence, which bill contained basically almost all the features of the National Veterans’ Preference Committee and National Legis- original bill, before introduced into the House, at the request of lative Committee must take the position that it is all or none. this Committee, and the Legislative Committee, and followed by It is not for this committee to comment upon the wisdom of such the Legislative Committee of your organization. policy; the committee’s duty is only to carry out what it under- The controversial point, as you gentlemen who attended the stands to be the attitude and policy of The American Legion, just convention know, was the question regarding the giving of the as it has tried to do in the past. five and ten point preference to the veteran on the civil service Your Committee, therefore, makes the following recommenda- examinations, whether it should be given as it is now under the tions : laws of the Civil Service Commission, whether the man passes the examination or not, or as recommended by the chairman of your 1. That the appropriation to the incoming National Veterans’ Veterans’ Preference Committee, and by the Employment Com- Preference Committee be increased so as to allow the incoming mittee of the convention, to only give that five and ten point chairman to attend such employment conferences as may be held preference after the man actually passed the qualifying examina- by the National Employment Committee under its program and tion given by the Civil Service Commission. The convention, as trips to Washington as may be necessary in connection with put- I say, repudiated the resolution presented by the Employment Con- ting over the legislation in cooperation with the National Legis- vention Committee and adopted Resolution 86-A, and because of lative Committee. the wording and the apparent effect, I would like to read that 2. That since employment is part of the major program of the resolution to you carefully: Legion, the National Commander be directed to take up with “Be It Resolved, By The American Legion in convention assem- high government officials apparent flagrant violations of veterans’ bled in Chicago on September 28, 1939, that we will continue to preference which may be brought to his attention by the Veterans’ strive for the attainment of Veterans’ Preference by legislation; Preference Committee. and that we reaffirm our indorsement of a rigid enforcement and 3. That if the National Executive Committee takes any meaning extension of civil service with adequate preference for veterans. out of Resolution 86-A other than that set forth in this report it That in the introduction of the bill in Congress by our legislative DIGEST OF MINUTES NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING 37 representative to bring about the desired result he insert and re- I may say in passing that appropriations for this Committee for tain the five and ten points preference as now constituted and years have been only $300 a year, out of which have come the strive for legislation to make the same effective; and for the other expenses out here attending this conference, and the Employment points substantially as outlined by the November 1937 and 1938 Convention, and certain trips to Washington necessary in connec- reports of the National Executive Committee, and that if any at- tion with the legislation which has been found to be a little bit tempt be made in Congress to take from the veterans any of the inadequate. For the benefit of the Committee that is coming in, rights now in effect that such actions be vigorously opposed by I make this recommendation so they won’t be so handicapped. our legislative director and legislative committee.” 2. That since employment is part of the major program of the So your chairman, after reading this substitute resolution, can Legion, the National Commander be directed to take up with high come to no other resolution than that. The meaning of this reso- government officials apparent flagrant violations of veterans’ pref- lution, as set forth in my report here, in view of the discussion erence which may be brought to his attention by the Veterans’ that took place at the Chicago convention, seems quite clear to Preference Committee. me, and to the Committee, and that is that The American Legion Now that recommendation is made for the reason that there is now definitely and positively upon record and committed to the are some cases that come to the attention of the Veterans’ Prefer- stand that the five and ten point preference to veterans must be ence Committee. We work through Paul Griffith, you know, who given regardless of whether the veteran has the ability to pass the is doing an excellent job in handling these individual cases, in an qualifying civil service examination or not. Your committee has endeavor to get flagrant violations rectified, but in many cases, further construed this to mean that this proposition must be without success, because I am afraid your Committee Chairman, obtained by legislation and further that it must be a part of any or even your Director of Employment, or now your Director of legislation sponsored by The American Legion upon the subject Veterans’ Preference does not carry the prestige necessary to get of Veterans’ Preference. Pursuant to such understanding, im- to the high officials whom it is necessary to get to in order to mediately after the convention adjourned, your Legislative Di- have it rectified. We get a little bit of a kicking around on this rector, Jack Taylor, forwarded this change in the bill to Con- thing, and I think that where the cases are, after proper investiga- gressman Starnes, with the request that he would insert it, and tion, shown to be flagrant violations, is a matter not only of the I understand Congressman Starnes said he would insert the pro- interest of the particular veteran involved, but is a principle in vision into the bill, in lieu of the provision already in there. prestige for the veterans’ preference generally. It would be a The possible difficulty that may be encountered in Congress, be- mighty good thing if the Veterans’ Preference Committee could cause of the presence of this five and ten point clause in the pro- ask the National Commander and the National Commander would posed legislation cannot be overlooked, nor the practical situa- take it up with as high an official in the government as is neces- tion that a failure of passage by reason of the presence of this sary to obtain justice for the veteran who is so ranked. That is proposition in the bill, nor can we overlook the practical situation the reason for the third recommendation. that such failure of passage by reason of this will defeat all the 3. That if the National Executive Committee takes any meaning other very important and valuable provisions for which your Com- out of Resolution 86-A other than that set forth in this report it mittee has been striving. The wording of the resolution has left should give the incoming National Veterans’ Preference Commit- your Committee with no other construction in mind, but that is tee and National Legislative Committee specific instructions as to the program of the Legion as far as this point is concerned, at such meaning and the procedure to be followed to obtain the least for the coming year. We must go out and fight for a bill objectives. Thank you. which contains this five and ten point preference before the pass- ing of the examination and we must keep that tied up with the other provisions of the bill; we must stand or fall on the whole Report on 1940 Boston Convention Plans thing. I can’t take any other meaning out of the resolution, par- ticularly in view of the discussion and the very specific way in The following report of Harold P. Redden, Executive Vice- which the resolution is worded. Unquestionably in my mind, there is a definite objective to tie this five and ten point provision up President, 1940 American Legion Convention Corporation of with the bill so they must stand or fall together. Boston, on 1940 Boston Convention Plans, was chily accepted: If there is any interpretation that can be taken out of that reso- Comrades, National Commander and National Adjutant, and lution, you gentlemen of the committee will have to do it be- Members of the National Executive Committee: I will endeavor cause I could not take any other out. Of course, whatever may to be very brief. We haven’t as yet had our entire corporation be my personal opinion on this thing, and that is too well known, set up, owing to the fact that the first president we elected died this is the statement of the convention. This is the program that last September. We are having a meeting December 9, at which The American Legion laid out for itself for the coming year and time we will elect a president of our corporation, and a board of the one we have to follow. As a Legionnaire, that is what we directors. All laws have been contracted necessary for holding are going to do, but first of all, we must have a clear understand- the conventions of both the Auxiliary and The American Legion. ing of where it is going to lead. I stress this point, not only to The National Commander has already designated the National make that clear to you, but for a further reason, that if by reason Headquarters’ hotel. We have a sufficient number of first class of the wording of this substitute resolution the whole bill would rooms already under contract—as a matter of fact, we had them be defeated, by a failure of Congress to accept' the five and ten under contract before the Chicago Convention—to more than take point proposition, the responsibility for that defeat cannot be put care of all the official delegations for both the Legion and the down upon your Legislative Director or upon your Legislative Auxiliary. Committee. It must come back and lie where it belongs in the I am not going to say that we do not expect a rooming problem, lap of whoever introduced the resolution, plus the fact that the because we do expect it. From all indications we will have to convention acted upon it, and that is what they want. furnish rooms within a radius of twenty miles of Boston. We What I mean by that is it is an almost impossible situation for think we can adequately take care of everybody in decent habita- your Legislative Director and then blame him because he cannot tions, however. get it approved. If you are going to handle him like this you have Our financial problem will be solved by the action of our state to be reasonable. Expect him to do his absolute best, and do not government and the City of Boston, and we are assured adequate blame him if he does not get it through. funds to properly handle the convention. There are three recommendations contained in this report and I am not going to indulge in any astronomy and make you any I will read them: wild promises of what you can get in Boston. I will say this; 1. That the appropriation to the incomingwe National gave you Veterans’ a good convention the last time. There will be no Preference Committee be increased so as to allow the incoming effort, energy, time or money spared to give you an equally good chairman to attend such employment conferences as may be held convention in 1940. by the National Employment Committee under its program and If there is anything any Department wants us to do, if you will trips to Washington as may be necessary in connection with put- have the Department Adjutant or Department Commander write ting over the legislation in cooperation with the National Legis- to the Convention Corporation, whose headquarters will be set lative Committee. up sometime between December 15 and January 1 in the city of 38 DIGEST OF MINUTES NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING

Boston, we will try to comply with every request it is humanly Commander in my own state, I can say that I received the great- possible to comply with. There is nothing more I can say. est thrill out of all my Legion activity when I saw the actual We never try to compete with Florida and California in talking operation of the Boys’ State. I am a very decided enthusiast for about the beautiful climate, but I want to assure you people, I it, and to those National Executive Committeemen here, in whose really mean it. If you can get a few extra days either before or Departments there are no Boys’ States, I certainly commend that after the convention to go through any part of New England you as one of the finest activities in which it is possible for you to will find it is the most beautiful time of the year in those states. indulge. For those coming a long distance, advise them, in view of the fact The enthusiastic cooperation of educators and citizens associated of spending all that money, they had better spend a few days with the school systems has enabled the various Departments to more up there and it will remain a pleasant memory of their life promulgate and operate these incubators of good citizenship, and —a few fall days in New England. Thank you. we believe the beneficial results will be obvious as soon as the students have reached their majority and are privileged to exer- cise the full rights of citizenship in their communities. We are National Americanism Commission already noticing the effects of the splendid leadership training which the Boys’ State graduates have received during their part After discussion on several points mentioned in the report, in this activity as they participate in student body activities on the following report, submitted by Jeremiah F. Cross, New the campuses of the many universities and colleges which they are York, Chairman, National Americanism Commission, was attending. adopted: Junior Baseball Your Americanism Commission met with the full complement of Your Commission has made certain changes in the rules gov- its members at National Headquarters on Nevember 21 and 22. erning the Junior Baseball program which are the result of an In accordance with the established procedure, the work of the experience gathered over the past few years. Commission was divided among four Subcommittees—Junior Base- Unquestionably Junior Baseball had its most successful year in ball, Education, Community Service and Youth Activities and 1939—the 100th Anniversary of Organized Baseball and the 13th Subversive Activities and Immigration, each of which met on the Anniversary of American Legion Junior Baseball—as evidenced by first day and considered matters having to do with each of the sub- the interest in the operation of the rules governing the playing of divisions. On the second day of the meeting the National Ameri- games and the subsequent tournaments. canism Commission met in plenary session and considered the re- Our Director, Homer Chaillaux, tells me he can tell that the ports of the subcommittees and indulged in a full discussion of the interest is increasing by the number of complaints and sugges- matters assigned to it. tions as to the best method of operating the Junior Baseball pro- gram. That evidences an interest according to his observation, Community Service and Youth Activities and I believe he is in a position to know. Resolution No. 387, adopted at the National Convention at Chi- Education cago, having to do with the establishment of an Annual Citizen- The National Convention in Chicago mandated The American ship Day, was the subject of consideration, and we recommend Legion to continue the present cooperating committee with the that the Commission include this as a part of the Community National Education Association, and we recommend that repre- Service program and that it be publicized and recommended to the sentatives of that cooperating committee continue to meet with Posts for observance. the officials of the National Education Association in order that Mr. Norman Damon appeared on behalf of the Automotive we may consult from time to time and thus determine the best Safety Foundation, an organization interested in the promotion of methods by which we may assist that group within the limitations safety and in the extension of a safety program, and commended of the policy established by convention authority. the cooperation and the contribution of The American Legion and The Commission recommends that our educational cooperating stated that, in behalf of his organization, funds in the sum of committees be represented at the meeting of the American Asso- $10,000 would be made available again this year to finance the ciation of School Administrators, to be held in St. Louis, Mo., in continuance of the crusade for the preservation of life and February 1940, to which the National Americanism Commission property. has been invited. It is recommended that two series of recorded programs, with The Convention resolution out of Chicago requested that we re- thirteen broadcasts in each series, and a program of live broad- affirm our belief in Federal aid to education for the equalizing of casts during the summer months be one of the methods used for educational opportunities for all children of our nation, without the exploitation of safety. It is believed that local and state offi- Federal control, but we express as our belief that from past and cials will cooperate and deliver addresses on some of these broad- present observations the conditions of Federal control in some casts, measure will always be prevalent, unless the enacting legislation The American Legion has become so definitely identified with provides for such aid to be in the form of direct educational grants the cause of safety that your Commission recommends that this to states, and that supervision and expenditure of funds incorpo- program be made a major effort of the Commission and The rated in such grants be solely under state and local control and American Legion during the coming year and we again express we recommend to the National Convention that the National Legis- our appreciation to the Automotive Safety Foundation for its co- lative Committee be instructed to support only this type of legis- operation and material assistance. lation. The Boys’ State appears to be one of the outstanding accom- We believe this resolution to be sufficiently clear and requires no plishments of The American Legion and has met with a very further comment. generous response from the public. Last year 24 states partici- The observance of American Education Week will be from No- pated in the program and 25 Boys’ States were actually in opera- vember 10 to 16, 1940. The theme for the week will be “Educa- tion, one state, West Virginia, having two Boys’ States during the tion for the Common Defense.” This will be subdivided into fiscal year. various daily topics. Approximately 18,000 boys participated in this work, and from It is significant that the topic selected for Armistice Day will be the expression of intention, it appears that seven additional De- “Strengthening Civic Loyalities.” partments will create Boys’ States within their jurisdictions, so Since The American Legion has been playing an important part that at the end of our next Legion year more than 22,000 Amer- in the advancement of education in our nation, we recommend that ican boys will have had the opportunity of learning government our Departments and Posts be requested to continue their efforts by actual practice—in the more common parlance of the day— to publicize the value of the American school system in order that "Learn by Doing.” both pupil and parent be thoroughly familiar with its processes. I would like to interpolate there, that over the period of some The Los Angeles Convention and also the Chicago Convention 20 odd years I have been in The American Legion, I have had instructed the Americanism Commission to acquire a flag history many calls to be of service to government programs which have and flag etiquette film in technicolor and sound as a part of our been initiated and carried out, but in my years as Department flag education program. No money was made available to your DIGEST OF MINUTES NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING 39

Commission to provide for the production of such a film, but— held at Columbia University, New York City, last August. Pur- thanks to the ingenuity of our Director—we are now able to re- suant to instructions the committeemen did not participate in the port that the flag history and flag etiquette film, entitled “The formation of any of the policies of the Congress. The report sub- Flag Speaks,” is under production by the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer mitted by the Subcommittee of the National Americanism Com- studios. This film will cost approximately $50,000 and will be mission convinced our members that the purpose and methods of underwritten by the Motion Picture Producers’ Association. The the Congress on Education for Democracy were consonant with film will be distributed nation-wide through the regular com- those of The American Legion and, upon the recommendation of mercial channels of film distribution. the Subcommittee of the Commission, we do unanimously recom- Many of our naturalization courts have requested The American mend that The American Legion, through its National American- Legion to conduct suitable ceremonies upon the occasion when ism Commission, or such members as may be designated by the individuals achieve the full rights of American citizenship by chairman thereof, be authorized to participate in future sessions naturalization. Your Commission believes that a fixed manual for of the Congress on Education for Democracy if any such sessions such ceremonies is impractical, but it is prepared to create and are held. forward to all Departments an outline of such ceremonies which Coordinating Committee on Americanism can be adapted to the patriotic occasion of any locality. At the May meeting your Commission recommended to this body Once again it is the privilege of the National Americanism Com- that a Special Coordinating Committee, consisting of five members, mission to report that a genuine friend of The American Legion be created, the members of which were to be appointed by the and a public-spirited citizen, Mr. Eddie Cantor, has donated the National Commander. The purpose of this committee was to com- sum of $4,000 to be awarded as a full four-year college scholar- municate with other organizations and agencies having a program ship to the 1940 winner of the National High School Oratorical on Americanism similar to our own and to determine how The Contest. American Legion and those other agencies can best coordinate You will be interested to know that whereas 20 states partici- their activities in order to achieve the results in which we are pated in the National Oratorical Contest last year, 31 have sig- collectively interested, but individually sponsored. nified their intention of entering the 1940 contest. Past Commander Chadwick appointed the committee, and it re- Now the next subject I am going to speak to you about is one ported to our Commission that there was more than a generous where the subject is not a Legionnaire, but knowing your fellow response to the purpose of the committee. While some organiza- comrades, you can probably appreciate the idealistic purpose, and tions are willing to cooperate with certain reservations as to the the true good citizenship contribution which will be made by this commitment of their organization to particular policies, they have next offer. indicated that they are anxious to discuss a program on American- Mr. Dan Brown, a Legionnaire of the Department of Iowa and ism and the means by which it can be effectuated. president of Morris Mills, Inc., has donated to the trustees of the The committee recommended that either a special committee, to University of Chicago 20 per cent of royalties on a certain patent be appointed by the Commander, or the National Americanism Com- right which that corporation owns. The funds are to be held by mission, at the discretion of the Commander, be authorized to the trustees of the University of Chicago and used to endow continue the work of this Coordinating Committee and that such scholarships, 60 per cent of which is to be made available solely committee or the Commission be authorized to call a meeting to to the sons and daughters of Legionnaires and members of the 4-H be held in Indianapolis just prior to the May 1940 meeting of Clubs of America. the National Americanism Commission and that there be invited That patent is some operation, or method, or formula by which to attend such delegates from organizations most interested in certain properties in flour are preserved. Now for the purpose the subject matter; the list of organizations to be invited to par- of those who are approaching a certain age, I ate three loaves ticipate in such a meeting to be approved by the National Com- of the bread and I will be able to report to you shortly. mander and by the Chairman and Director of the National Ameri- Mr. Brown appeared before the Commission and requested the canism Commission. National Americanism Commission to accept the responsibility of It was further recommended that The American Legion be there selecting the boys and girls who are to be the beneficiaries of these represented by the members of the committee or Commission and scholarships, it being generally agreed that the National Ameri- by such other representation as the National Commander may canism Commission is to promulgate the rules upon which such designate. selections are to be made. The National Americanism Commission accepted the recom- The Commission recommends that this generous offer of Le- mendations of the committee and now makes such recommenda- gionnaire Brown be accepted, subject to the approval of the Na- tions to this body. tional Judge Advocate respecting the legal phases of such an offer, Subversive Activities and subject further to the approval of this body. Now I will be prepared to answer such questions as you ask at In view of the fact that the Dies Committee has, since the ad- the conclusion of my report in regard to that kind offer. journment of our Chicago Convention, uncovered information This offer is made without any apparent selfish motive, nor will which exposed those activities inimical to the safety and well being these scholarships be coupled with any advertising campaign or of our nation, and has resulted in the prosecution of the leaders scheme. No publicity shall be released in connection with this of the Communist Party and the German-American Bund, and in endowment, if accepted by this body, unless approved by the Na- view of the fact that it will undoubtedly result in other prosecu- tional Publicity Division and the National Americanism Commis- tions against the enemies of our established order and national sion of The American Legion. security, we feel that this committee has merited greater con- For the past two years the National Americanism Commission fidence in its operation and objectives, and we particularly call has been conducting a thorough study of the University of the attention to the resolution adopted at the Chicago Convention Americas, a proposed institution to provide for an exchange of which holds that legislation ought to be provided whereby the students between the various nations of the North and South Dies Committee be authorized to continue, and that suitable appro- American Continents. In our examination of the subject we have priation be made. conferred with the Pan-American Union and with the presidents It is a matter of keen regret that for the first time in the of 25 leading universities and colleges. We now report that it twenty years of the existence of The American Legion it has been would be impracticable to sponsor the creation of such an institu- necessary for us, in National Convention to admit that there does tion. First, because such a proposal would be extremely expensive exist in this country an attitude of intolerance on the part of and, second, it is very important that as many communities in the certain groups and classes toward the race, religious and political United States as possible should receive students from the other beliefs of other American citizens. Recognizing this condition American republics. We feel that this would have a far greater Resolution No. 330 proclaimed that The American Legion, com- influence than for students from all of the countries to be con- posed of all races, creeds and political partisans, is best organized centrated in a few campuses or in one large Pan-American uni- to combat this intolerance. It was there resolved “That the Na- versity. tional Headquarters of The American Legion adopt as a principal A Subcommittee of the National Americanism Commission at- phase of its 1940 outline of Post activities throughout the various tended as observers the Congress on Education for Democracy, Departments a program under the general theme of Tolerance, 40 DIGEST OF MINUTES NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING

designed to illustrate to the communities in which the individual instead of making it a gift, as we had intended, we found that we Posts lie, the threat to America imposed by this artificial setting were getting a very fine income from the building due to the man- of class against class. ner of operating it on cooperative conditions. I can explain that Your National Americanism Commission has undertaken and is very briefly. The institution requires every boy to pay something preparing such a program, in accordance with the unanimous in- for everything he gets. It is tabulated against that charge. They struction of the delegates to that Convention. charge him arbitrarily in these buildings, $3 a month for room Bigotry, intolerance and class hatred are recognized as the rent, which if it did not go to The American Legion, would have enemies of individual security and our constitutional form of to go to the college. After much arguing, we got that money for democracy. The American Legion. The members of The American Legion having served their The building cost us a little under $23,000 and about four weeks country in time of war, now in time of peace enlist in this crusade ago I received the first monthly check for rental which was for the preservation of justice, freedom, truth and democracy—and $2,300. You can figure one per cent a month for nine months of we have never yet lost a fight. the year, and some percentage for the other three months, due I respectfully submit this report. to the short course. When we discovered this condition it came to us that possibly this same idea could be used and made into a Following submission of the above report, Mr. Cross ten- national movement, to put one of these buildings in every land- dered his resignation as a member of the National American- grant school in the United States. ism Commission, due to his election as a member of the Na- Up here in the North, you would have to put in more expensive tional Executive Committee, representing the Department of buildings due to weather conditions, but I estimate the average New York. The resignation was accepted, his successor on cost of these buildings throughout the United States would be about $40,000 and housing 100 boys. You can figure in a few the National Americanism Commission, to serve until the minutes what percentage of increase in return you will get from time of the November meetings, 1940, being named by the doing a good job. Committee on Committees. The American Legion has many very worthy programs, in carry- ing on its work, but they do not have a program you can take a picture of. With this program, if this program were carried out Community House Project as a national movement, the National Officials could go all over this country and tell the people what you are doing, that you are At the request of Dr. ~W. J. Danforth, member of the Na- keeping approximately 4,000 boys in school who couldn’t go to tional Executive Committee, representing the Department school otherwise. You can show them a picture of it and tell them of Texas, unanimous consent was extended to Colonel J. you have one in your state. That was my idea in coming up here Rossiter, Past Commander of the Department of Texas, to to present that to you. address the National Executive Committee, as follows: It carries out the programs of The American Legion, as follows: Assisting a veteran in educating his children, as they should be Mr. Commander and Members of the Executive Committee: I educated; your youth program, your community service program, desire to express my grateful feelings for the opportunity to come your Americanism program, and last but not least, your National before you, to tell you what we are doing in Texas. Defense program, because on our application cards, whereby the In Texas we have quite a sizable fund, which is under control of boy applies for admittance to this building, he must state he will a board of trustees, appointed to serve for six years at a time. For take military training the entire time he is living in the building. several years we have been attempting to find some method of It also assists very materially on your membership program. When using this money to the best advantage to humanity. We con- this was first announced in Houston, that the building would go sidered several programs, but they did not seem feasible, and last through, one of our members was in one of the big steamship year the board was requested to appropriate sufficient money to offices and inadvertently happened to mention this building. One erect a community house on the campus of Texas A. and M. Col- of the boys said, “You mean to tell me the Legion of Texas in lege. For your information, Texas A. and M. College has six putting that up.” He said, “Yes.” “I never joined the Legion, but thousand cadets in its ROTC unit. The board of trustees appro- here is my $5.” Before that boy left the office he had five com- priated the money, and we constructed this home for that purpose. plete memberships of boys who never belonged to the Legion The boys in this home would in no way be able to go to college before. were it not for the help given them in living in this dormitory. As I stated, the building is entirely self-governing. The boys This is another view of the home. Plans were drawn up and have their meetings and on paper at least, elect their house man- due to the fact that careful consideration was given to the layout ager, although we suggest who to get after considering applica- of the building, we were able to house a great many more boys tions. But it has the same effect as though they were completely there per square foot of ground area than we could in most in control of their own operations and the boys sure like it. dormitories, and therefore, the cost of the building, per boy, is If you would go up to see those boys’ faces when they go into very small. the building you would think it was a job well done. We have succeeded in housing seventy boys in this building, and If there are any questions I will be glad to answer them, and I we have space for four more, which was not filled due to the have some pictures here showing the dedication ceremony that I fact that the boys reported at the wrong place and we did not would be glad to show you after the meeting or at any time this find it out until after registration. In this building, the boys afternoon. I think Ray Kelly would be glad to tell you about the operate the building cooperatively. They can live there for ap- meals he got there. Thank you. proximately $13 per month, for room and board, as against $33 to $35 in the regular dormitory and mess halls. Following the presentation, Colonel Rossiter answered From letters I have received from people on the campus, the questions propounded by members of the committee, on the reputation of this building is that they have by far the best living manner of operating the house, selection of the residents, conditions in this building than in any dormitory and mess hall on the campus. I think Commander Kelly can tell you about the etc. meal we served him when he was there. We served 75 visitors Motion by National Executive Committeeman Levine, In- for the dedication, and the meal was the standard meal served by diana, that a committee of three be appointed to study the the boys to themselves. project, and submit a report to the National Executive Com- They live extremely well, and as one of the house managers told mittee meeting, in May, 1940. was seconded and adopted. me, they allow them steam heat and they give them hot baths, which they do not have in the regular dormitories. The house is run by two full-time managers, one taking care of National Finance Committee the financial end, and the other one taking care of the actual Operation of the building. Following lengthy discussion on various financial phases After the plans were drawn for this building, it was discovered, of the operation of the National Headquarters, the follow- DIGEST OF MINUTES NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING 41 ing report, as submitted by Sam W. Reynolds, Nebraska, Restricted Revenue: Chairman, National Finance Committee, was adopted: Earning of American Legion Endowment Fund Cor- Mr. Commander and Gentlemen of the Committee: The National poration $170,000.00 Finance Committee met in Indianapolis, November 22, 1939, all Contributions: members being in attendance. Forty and Eight for Child Welfare 20,000.00 Your Committee carefully examined the financial status of the American Legion Auxiliary for Rehabilitation. . 25,000.00 organization and attached herewith as Exhibit “A” is the Financial American Legion Auxiliary for Child Welfare.. 10,000.00 Statement as of October 31. The receipts and expenditures under the present year’s budget $225,000.00 were checked, and we are pleased to report that all divisions are operating within that budget and the present year will show a $718,100.01 surplus. Recommendations for the 1940 budget were received from all The following additions to and subtractions from the pay roll divisions, and a budget for 1940 is herewith submitted as Exhibit have been made since our last report to you: “B” for your approval, as follows: (Note: The additions and subtractions referred to are on file at National Headquarters.) Exhibit “B,” Expense Budget 1940 We beg to report the following changes in salaries effective Expense payable from General Revenue: January 1, 1940: Administration $116,879.90 (Note: Changes in salaries of personnel, as submitted, are on file Membership Card Section (one-half) 7,070.00 at National Headquarters.) Field Service (one-third) 12,570.00 The Investment Policy Committee met simultaneously with the Americanism 31,645.10 Finance Committee and a report was received from them relative Legislative 22,228.00 to the status of investments in the Restricted and Reserve Funds. Publicity 21,306.31 Under the advice of this Committee, both portfolios have been con- Finance 23,084.58 siderably improved by the disposal of some less desirable securities, Executive 105,700.00 and in our opinion, both funds are today in very excellent condi- Rehabilitation and Child Welfare 30,047.50 tion, there being no investments defaulting in either principal or interest since our last report to you. $370,531.39 It has been our practice to report to you progress in the collec- tion of sums due from the various Departments for furniture in the Expense payable from Restricted Revenue: National Executive Committee room. All Departments are now Rehabilitation $117,622.00 paid with the exception of Florida, Delaware and Maine. The De- partment of Delaware has paid one-half of its account, and both Field Service (two-thirds) 25,140.00 Child Welfare 112,285.50 that Department and the Department of Florida have agreed to close their accounts during the year 1940. This would leave the 255,047.50 Department of Maine the only outstanding account. Less: Excess over Restricted Revenue 30,047.50 In compliance with a resolution coming from the 1939 Chicago Convention, we have coordinated the duties of the National Di- 225,000.00 rector of Employment and the National Director of Veterans’ Preference and Mr. Paul Griffith, the National Director of Em- Total expense 595,531.39 ployment, is now the National Director of Employment and Vet- Reserve against membership 122,568.62 erans’ Preference. The National Executive Committee recommended to the 1939 $718,100.01 Chicago Convention that the practice of publishing the salaries and expenses of employes of the National Organization be dis- Revenue Budget 1940 continued. That Convention did not concur in your recommenda- tion and consequently we are arranging to publish the budget in Revenue: full, together with salaries and expenses of employes as heretofore. General Revenue: Upon the recommendation of the National Rehabilitation Com- Dues, The American Legion $900,000.00 mittee and the National Commander, the office of Director of Field Service has been re-established, and Mr. Bert Halligan desig- Less: Subscription to nated as Director of Field Service. Magazine @ 65c 585,000.00 We desire to call the attention of the Executive Committee to National Legionnaire @ 10c 90,000.00 the fact that, in addition to the necessity of our contracting and interviewing all divisions of the Legion, many standing commit- 675,000.00 tees, all meeting on the same day, desire consideration from the Finance Committee. When the National Executive Committee 225,000.00 meets the day following the Commanders’ and Adjutants’ Confer- ence, insufficient time is allowed, in our opinion, for the proper Dues, Sons of The American Legion 12,500.00 functioning of all standing committees. We.suggest that one full Less: Subscription to Legion Heir @ 15c 7,500.00 day be allowed hereafter between the adjournment of the Com- manders’ and Adjutants’ Conference and the meeting of the Na- 5,000.00 tional Executive Committee. Emblem Division earnings 50,000.00 Legion Publication Division 173,020.01 Respectfully submitted, Reserve Fund earnings 32,000.00 SAM W. REYNOLDS, Chairman, Nebraska, Purchase discount 300.00 EDGAR B. DUNLAP, Georgia, Interest earned 1,000.00 JOHN LEWIS SMITH, District of Columbia. Interest on Washington Building 5,280.00 Interest on Emblem Division inventory 1,500.00 Ex-Officio: RAYMOND J. KELLY, National Commander, $493,100.01 JOHN R. RUDDICK, National Treasurer, FRANK E. SAMUEL, National Adjutant, Secretary. 42 DIGEST OF MINUTES NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING

EXHIBIT A LIABILITIES, DEFFERED INCOME AND NET WORTH Statement of Financial Condition Current Liabilities: Balance Sheet—October 31, 1939 Accounts Payable, Trade 3 57,930.63 Credit Balances—Accounts Receivable. 104.97 ASSETS American Legion 1939 Convention Corporation. 6,230.60 Cash: American Legion 1940 Convention Corporation. 27,098.08 Emblem Sales undelivered 5,779.54 American National Bank $ 183,991.96 Reserve for Social Security Tax 2,780.23 Indiana National Bank 144,582.03 Riggs National Bank 2,500.00 99,924.05 Certificate of Deposit 150,000.00 Revolving Fund and Advances 5,200.00 Funds Restricted As To Use: Post Office deposits for publications 7,500.00 Bequest of Wilfred Rae for Child Welfare. 392.40 Arthur Hays Sulzberger for Child Welfare. 493,773.99 269.00 Relief Fund 8,603.20 Pershing Hall Memorial Fund 9,941.55 Receivables: Junior Baseball 9,292.02 Notes Receivable 860.00 Oratorical Contest Prizes 3,514.50 Special Accounts Receivable .85 Emblem Accounts Receivable 12,182.63 32,012.67 Advertising Accounts Receivable. 23,348.14 Subscriptions Receivable 78,874.25 Deferred Income: Checks Returned Unpaid 118.80 Dues unaccompanied by cards 672.38 Accrued Earnings 1939 Dues paid in advance, Legion > 1940 Dues paid in advance, Legion j 24,065.50 115,384.67 1939 Dues paid in advance, SAL j 1940 Dues paid in advance, SAL j 40.70 Inventories: Unearned subscriptions— American Legion Magazine 252,695.54 Manuscripts, Arts and Photos. . . 13,210.08 Less: Reserve for Obsolescence. National Legionnaire 27,593.33 195.67 Legion Heir 1,835.05 Consignment Sales 221.02 13,014.41 Paper, Books and Binders 29,813.03 Emblem Merchandise 37,840.33 307,123.52 Emblem Merchandise on Consignment. 221.02 Permanent Trust: 80,888.79 Overseas Graves Decoration Trust. 204,418.51

Invested Funds: 643,478.75 Schedule 5 1,924,896.73 Net Worth: Reserve for Investment Valuation 5,706.67 Restricted Capital— Reserve Fund 1,186,649.99 1,930,603.40 Restricted Fund 737,706.74

Permanent Investments: 1,924,356.73 Overseas Graves Decoration Trust 199,285.75 Unrestricted Capital— Cash on deposit 5,132.76 Washington Office Building 130,000.00 Surplus, Exhibit B 307,848.49 204,418.51 2,362,205.22

Improved Real Estate: TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET WORTH $3,005,683.97 Washington Office Building 132,764.31 Less: Reserve for Depreciation 9,666.67

123,097.64 Resolutions Subcommittee The following partial report, submitted by George D. Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment: 144,560.10 Levy, South Carolina, Chairman of the Resolutions Subcom- Less: Reserve for Depreciation 111,876.16 mittee, was adopted ad seriatim: National Commander, Lady and Gentlemen of the National Ex- 32,683.94 ecutive Committee: Your Committee for this meeting is composed of J. Guy Griffith of Pennsylvania, Ray O. Garber of Iowa and Deferred Charges: George D. Levy of South Carolina. The subcommittee was re- Prepaid Expense 16,109.26 quested to give consideration to the four resolutions, in order that, if acted upon favorably, the subject matter of these reso- Office Supplies 3,307.62 lutions may then in turn be referred to the Committee on Commit- Excess of expense over income for Rehabilitation tees. I therefore report on the four particular resolutions which and Child Welfare—Exhibit D 5,416.15 were given priority by the Committee. 24,833.03 Permanent Child Welfare Liaison Committee Resolution No. 1. Subject—Permanent Child Welfare Liaison TOTAL ASSETS $3,005,683.97 Committee, sponsored by the National Organization, approved by the Committee. DIGEST OF MINUTES NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING 43

Whereas, a section of the report by the Child Welfare Liaison National Coordinating Committee Committee to the National Executive Committee on September Resolution No. 20. Subject matter—The creation of a standing 24, 1939, in Chicago, read as follows: committee to be known as National Coordinating Committee, “We are reporting at this time on the matter of affiliations or sponsored by the National Commander and approved by the Com- associations with other organizations, but are, of course, unable mittee. in such a short space of time to complete a study of such a vast Whereas, at the meeting of the National Executive Committee and important program as that of Child Welfare. We would, of The American Legion which convened May 4-5, 1939, the Na- therefore, recommend that either this committee or a similar com- tional Commander was authorized to and did appoint a special mittee be continued as a permanent Child Welfare Liaison Com- committee of five members to study the necessary means to bring mittee, with authority to review the entire field of Child Welfare about cooperation between The American Legion and other or- activities as they relate to The American Legion program, and ganizations and groups which are genuinely interested in the to serve as a coordinating and liaison group between the Child furtherance of the program of Americanism for the purpose of Welfare Division and the National Executive Committee, such creating a maximum of cooperative effort between The American subcommittee to attend the meetings of the Child Welfare Ex- Legion and such other organizations, which committee was di- ecutive Committee and such other meetings as will keep it in rected to and did report its findings to the Americanism Commis- sion at the November 1939 sessions, and close touch with Child Welfare activities in The American Legion program,” and Whereas, said committee has compiled valuable statistics and data, but due to the enormous field covered by this assignment Whereas, the act creating the Child Welfare Liaison Committee the work undertaken by said committee has not been completed, as authorized by the National Executive Committee in May 1939 and left some doubt as to the permanency of the Child Welfare Liaison Whereas, a great deal of good can be accomplished by the con- Committee; now, therefore, be it tinuation of this work at least throughout the coming year, now Resolved, That the National Executive Committee in session as- therefore be it sembled this 23d day of November 1939 does hereby authorize the Resolved, That a Standing Committee to be known as the “Na- National Commander to appoint a subcommittee of the National tional Coordinating Committee” be and the same is hereby created, Executive Committee, consisting of three members, to be known to consist of seven members, which committee shall continue for as the Child Welfare Liaison Committee, with the terms of each a period of at least one year and for such further period as may of the three to run as follows: Two to serve for a period of two be authorized by the National Executive Committee, the members years and thereafter for a period of two years in each instance; thereof to be appointed by the National Commander at this meet- one to serve for a period of one year and thereafter for a period ing of the National Executive Committee or after adjournment, of two years in each instance—thus so staggering the membership said committee to continue to study the necessary means of co- as to insure continuity of personnel within the two-year terms of operation between The American Legion and other organizations National Executive Committeemen; and be it and groups genuinely interested in furthering the program of Further Resolved, That the National Commander be authorized Americanism, in order that a maximum of cooperative effort may to select at the time of each November meeting one member from be created among said organizations, said committee to report its among the three members to act as Chairman during the ensuing progress to the National Executive Committee at the future year. sessions thereof. Foreign Relations Committee Additional Personnel of Rehabilitation Committee Resolution No. 2. Subject matter—Abolishment of standing Resolution No. 21. Subject—Increasing the membership of the committee on World Peace and Foreign Relations, and creation Rehabilitation Committee to five members. Sponsored by the Na- of a new committee to be known as “Foreign Relations Commit- tional Commander and approved by the Committee. tee.” This resolution is sponsored by the National Commander Whereas, the functions and duties of the Rehabilitation Com- and approved by the Committee. mittee have become so extensive during the past several years Whereas, at the Louisville Convention of The American Legion that it has become desirable, in order that said committee may in 1929 a standing committee on World Peace and Foreign Re- obtain the maximum of results, that it be enlarged by the addi- lations was created, the committee to consist of three members tion of five members at large to be selected with some reference to be appointed by the National Commander, each serving for a to geographical location, however, without any definite or binding period of three years, and the term of one expiring each year, lines of demarcation which will thus relieve the Chairman and said appointments to be made upon recommendation of the Na- Vice-Chairman of said committee as now constituted from many tional Commander and approved by the National Executive Com- of the duties which said parties are now required to perform, the mittee, and Chairman and Vice-Chairman of said Rehabilitation Committee Whereas, the following year at the Boston National Convention to be selected from said five members so appointed, now therefore the standing committee was augmented by the addition of the be it Vice-President of Fidac in office and his immediate predecessor, Resolved, That the Rehabilitation Committee be enlarged by the who were to be ex-officio members of said committee, and appointment of five members at large thereto to be selected with Whereas, at the Chicago Convention of The American Legion, some reference to geographical location but without any definite our organization withdrew its membership from Fidac, thus elimi- or binding lines of demarcation, one member for a period of one nating the two ex-officio members of said committee, and year, two members for a period of two years, and two members Whereas, at said Chicago Convention the following resolution for a period of three years, and thereafter their successors to be was also adopted: appointed for a period of three years each, the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of said Rehabilitation Committee to be selected “Resolved, That the Standing Committee on World Peace and each year from said five members so appointed, such members Foreign Relations be continued for one year with a membership to perform the duties now being performed by the Chairman and of three,” and Vice-Chairman of the Rehabilitation Committee under the direc- Whereas, this resolution cannot be carried out in view of the tion of said Chairman and Vice-Chairman, it being expressly under- present authority under which the standing committee is now stood that the method of organization of said committee shall not functioning, therefore be it otherwise be affected except as herein provided. Resolved, That the present standing committee on World Peace and Foreign Relations be and the same is hereby abolished, and a new committee to be known as the “Foreign Relations Commit- Pep-Talks by National Vice-Commanders tee” is hereby created with a membership of three, which shall function for a period of one year, the Chairman and members Upon invitation of National Commander Kelly, the five thereof to be designated by the National Commander, subject to National Vice-Commanders were asked to give short pep- the approval of the National Executive Committee. talks, and addressed the committee as follows: 44 DIGEST OF MINUTES NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING

CHARLES Q. KELLEY, ARKANSAS the United States cannot get to National Headquarters and see how they act and the procedure that is adopted here. All that I (At request of Vice-Commander Kelley, National Execu- can say is that I will carry back through my district my impres- tive Committeeman Sam Rorex, Arkansas, addressed the sion of National Headquarters. To you, Mr. Commander, I pledge National Executive Committee, on the subject of the State you my whole-hearted support this year and all that I need to go Emblem, on the Arkansas desk in the Committee Room.) through my district and put this Legion over in my district for We might call Ed Spafford’s attention to the fact that we you is time, and if I can get the time, I will be there every day changed that motto. We just paid for the seal about two years and every night. Thank you very much. ago, because it was expensive. I don’t know why I should give this outfit a pep-talk, except to say that we have had a very in- National Aeronautics Commission teresting conference! They have gotten a fine membership started. You have got to carry the ball. The Commander gave the charge Following is the advance report of David S. Ingalls, Ohio, to the Commanders and Adjutants that somebody had to carry Chairman of the National Aeronautics Commission, who was the ball. You have been in the game 20 years. You are doing fairly good at it, but a lot of you men up North are still on necessarily absent, as submitted for the record and as re- center. You have got to move on. You come down South, we’ll ferred to by Harry W. Berdie, National Executive Com- help you move along. There is quite a bit of talk down my way mitteeman, representing the Department of Mexico and of the taking away of the southern area of the states of Ken- member of the National Aeronautics Commission, such ad- tucky, West Virginia, Virginia, North and South Carolina, but we vance report being adopted: have divided a little of that as a pretty good thing. A little of that virus in their blood might help them along to get them up The Chairman of the National Aeronautics Commission begs to full accomplishments. leave to report as follows: At 9 a. m. on May 1, 1939, the National Aeronautics Commission H. ELWYN DAVIS, COLORADO of The American Legion convened at National Headquarters with Mr. Commander, Lady and Gentlemen of this Committee: I do the following members present: David S. Ingalls, Chairman; Weir not know that I could add anything of inspiration or information Cook, Vice-Chairman; Harry W. Berdie, Carlyle Godske, Dr. W. at this meeting. I am appreciative for the opportunity of being W. Arrasmith, John Dwight Sullivan, Ivan A. Bickelhaupt, C. C. here, Ray, both for the Commanders’ and Adjutants’ Conference Patterson and Sumter P. Smith. and this meeting. Thank you very kindly. After consideration of the various matters before it, the Com- mission at that time recommended to the National Executive Com- .MATTHEW J. MURPHY, ILLINOIS mittee the adoption of a resolution which was later that week adopted by the National Executive Committee. National Commander, Lady and Gentlemen of the National Ex- The next meeting was called for September 25 in Chicago at ecutive Committee: I just about got my breath as I just returned the national convention. This meeting was attended by the fol- from Chicago. By permission of the National Commander I left lowing: David S. Ingalls, Weir Cook, Harry W. Berdie and Carlyle the National Headquarters between the Conference of the Com- Godske. manders and Adjutants and the National Executive Committee. At that time, because of the seriousness of the situation brought However, I join with Kelley and say that this is a rather unex- about by the European War, it was felt advisable to cooperate pected thing to be called upon to give you a pep-talk. Like with the subcommittee on aviation of the National Defense Com- Kelley I came down here to get a little inspiration, too, and I mittee in order that a proper recommendation be made immedi- believe we got it in our Conference with the Adjutants and Com- ately to the national convention. Therefore the members of your manders. I still stand on that subject. We had one of the finest Aeronautics Commission participated in the hearing and action of conferences in the history of these conferences here, and I be- the subcommittee on aviation, the Chairman of the Aeronautics lieve, too, that the talk we heard from Congressman Starnes might Commission was elected Chairman of the subcommittee on avia- well be given to this group, that we all might enjoy it and go back tion, and Harry W. Berdie, member of the Aeronautics Commis- home refreshed and committed to do even a little more than we sion, was elected secretary of the subcommittee on aviation. have been doing in the past. There is a big job ahead of us, and After due consideration, during meetings held September 25 and pep-talk or no pep-talk, we have to do it this year. 26, the subcommittee on aviation made a report to the National LEO E. RAY, NEW HAMPSHIRE Defense Committee which was presented to and adopted by the national convention in due course. I don’t know that I can add anything to what has already been suggested here by the Vice-Commanders who have already spoken, but I would like to add this much, that it was my privilege in the Report of National Historian service to be associated with a number of men in the South, and they frequently and continuously referred to me as a damned Following is the advance report of Thomas M. Owen, Jr., Yankee from up North, and I might suggest that inasmuch as it Alabama, National Historian: is scheduled that our national convention is due to be held in Mr. Commander, Lady and Gentlemen of the Committee: I wish Boston, we hope the Southerners will duly take advantage of the to express deep appreciation for the confidence placed in me by privilege that they have to come up and see us, and we hope they having given me several years’ opportunity of rendering some will stay there with us long enough so that they will enjoy that service to this Legion of ours as its National Historian. You may part of the country as much as we do and have the admiration be assured that I have given the best that is in me to that service. for it as we do for the South. Thank you. Napoleon once said, “An historian ought to be exact, sincere, and impartial; free from passion, unbiased by interest, fear, re- JAMES B. FITZGERALD, MARYLAND sentment, or affection; and faithful to the truth, which is the Mr. Commander, Members of the National Executive Commit- mother of history, the preserver of great actions, the enemy of tee: It is a great pleasure for me to be here. It would be rather oblivion, the witness of the past, the director of the future.” Since presumptuous on my part, as a novice, to attempt to tell you mem- I became National Historian it has been my earnest endeavor to bers of the National Executive Committee what should be done be exact, sincere and impartial, and I have honestly sought to this year. This is my first visit to National Headquarters and I build a history consciousness in the Legion. I am happy to say come for the first time as a Department Commander of Maryland that gains have been made along all fronts during the past year, and as a National Vice-Commander. Had I been here before as and I am laying before you for approval a program which I feel a Department Commander I might be a little braver than I am, will be helpful and productive. Your approval of this program but I do want to say this, and I say it with all sincerity—not one will enable us to save from oblivion many of those incidents in the of those stereotyped statements—I am doubly impressed with The life of our organization which may be lost, and will do much American Legion how that I have visited National Headquarters toward preserving the truth for future generations. and it is regrettable, Mr. Commander, that more men throughout At your November 1934 session, a five-year program for the DIGEST OF MINUTES NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING 45 development of Post and Department histories was approved. Con- clusion as rapidly as possible. Among these may be mentioned tests for the best Post histories were held in 1935, 1937, 1938 and the Badge Collection, displayed in the Vice-Commander’s room, 1939. A Department history contest was sponsored in 1936 and the collection of World War Posters, the collection of Depart-, one has been approved for 1940. This year we expect that some ment publications and Department convention proceedings. It is of the best volumes ever entered in any of our contests will be our hope to keep these efforts constantly before us. In carrying completed. them on we are serving the Legion and posterity. It has been our experience that the contests which we have con- The service program of The American Legion reaches into every ducted have aroused an interest and have helped the Posts in a hamlet in America. The program this year is as vital and com- number of ways. National Headquarters has been helped because pelling and as lacking in selfishness as in past years. You gentle- through the contests have come historical sketches of local Posts men and lady of the committee, under the leadership of a great which it is believed would not have been obtained otherwise. and able National Commander, at the end of this year will count Another group of Post and Department history contests is recom- your achievements. In counting them, may I ask that one of your mended. The Post history contests to be held in 1941, 1942, 1943, finest memories of the year may be of the cooperation you gave 1945 and 1946. A Department history contest is recommended for to the encouragement of those who are engaged in the preservation 1944, which will be the 25th anniversary year of the organization of this Legion’s history. of The American Legion. Rules and regulations now in force are the result of experience, and should be checked each year to assure Supplemental Report the inclusion or exclusion of sections which it is deemed unwise to have developed by local historians. Suitable awards should be The following supplemental report, submitted by Mr. provided as in the past. Owen, was duly accepted: A long range program in the field of historical writing will Mr. Commander and Lady and Gentlemen of the Committee: I enable your National Historian and the Department Historians to am very grateful indeed that I have been given another oppor- have before them each year a known effort for that year, and will tunity to serve as the National Historian of The American Legion. guide their cooperative programs accordingly. Each of you has been given a copy of the program which is to It has been my experience in the field of historical and archival be submitted to you in a few brief remarks by me, and I sin- economy over a long period of time, that the men who make his- cerely hope that you will adopt the recommendations made. tory usually have not the time to write it; hence through the Napoleon once said, “An historian ought to be exact, sincere, years National Headquarters has been actively engaged in the col- and impartial; free from passion, unbiased by interest, fear, re- lection of a series of genealogical forms. These forms cover the sentment, or affection; and faithful to the truth, which is the life story to a given year of those who are prominent in the Legion mother of history, the preserver of great actions, the enemy of field. These records have been of great service in the past and oblivion, the witness of the past, the director of the future.” With it is generally believed that every man who has been sent one of those words in mind, I wish to bring to your attention, that at these folders should complete it and return it to National Head- the November 1934 session of this Committee, the historical pro- quarters. One of the items on our program this year is to com- gram for the development of Department and Post histories was plete as far as is possible this collection of prominent Legion- approved. This year, I am coming to you and asking that you naire files. Your full cooperation is sought. In this connection I approve another group of Post and Department history contests. would call your attention to what Lamartine, one of the great The Post history contest to be held in 1941, 1942, 1943, 1945 and thinkers and authors, once said, namely, “History is neither more 1946. The Department history contest to be held in 1944, which nor less than biography on a large scale.” You men who are mak- will be the 25th anniversary year of the organization of The ing Legion history should feel a definite responsibility to those you American Legion. The rules and regulations for these contests serve and see to it that your sketches are filed for future preserva- are prepared and submitted to the National Adjutant for final tion at National Headquarters. approval, and are then mailed throughout the country to the In recent years a number of our comrades have been buried in affected persons. I wish, also, to thank you gentlemen who have Arlington National Cemetery. Many of the funeral services have helped me in the past, in the development of the history connec- been held from the chapel at Fort Meyer, just outside the Arling- tion in the Departments and in the Posts of our organization. ton grounds. As a tribute of respect to many of these departed We have found that a long range program in the field of his- comrades, all of whom were my personal friends, I have attended torical writing will enable us to have before us, that is the Na- the services. Many of those within range of my voice have also tional Historian and the Department and Post Historians, a known attended services there. We have been struck by the fact that effort for any given year, and will guide our cooperative efforts there are no memorial windows in the chapel to World War soldiers. in the development of a program accordingly. Such memorials should be erected by The American Legion and the I wish to call your attention to this—it has been my experience American Legion Auxiliary. in the field of historical and archival economy over a long period You are asked to give me such authority as may be necessary of time, that the men who make history usually have not the time to investigate this matter of placing memorial windows in the to write it. I heard a very significant statement made on Sunday Fort Meyer Chapel, which will include contacting proper authority by a very distinguished speaker, speaking from Hyde Park, New in the War Department for permission to erect them, to ascertain York, that the men shape and make events, and that the historians approximate costs, and to present the findings to the National record them. You men of the Legion, you gentlemen who are Finance Committee through the National Commander or National members of the National Executive Committee, are making a Adjutant, so that an appropriate memorial window or windows program for the Legion, and through the development of that may be erected to properly honor our comrades who lie buried in program the Legion events are made. It is up to us, the men a great National Shrine, near to our Unknown Soldier. who are the historians of your organization, to see that the service Of all the historic spots approved for appropriate marking several given by you to your Departments, and to the country through years ago, all, with the exception of the site of the first national the Posts, is properly recorded. To do that and to see to it that convention in Minneapolis, have been marked. It is hoped that your own personal record, and the record of your friends who during this Legion year such spot will be appropriately marked. have made the success of The American Legion possible, we have Early in the past year the first number of “Legion Historical collected at the National Headquarters a series of prominent Le- News Notes” was issued. This venture has proved a success. gionnaire files. Because you gentlemen may not appreciate the Through it in briefed form the National Historian is enabled to fact that if you die and we do not have any real good record keep in touch with both National and Departmental officials, and about you we are not in any position to brag about your service. judging from the letters which have been received you members We may be embarrassed when we are called upon by someone to of this committee have found the publication helpful. I hope furnish to them a statement of your service and I therefore sug- that its continuation will be approved. gest that it would not be out of order for your Historian to ask It is difficult to follow through on more than one or two major you, if he has not already done so, to send in to your National historical projects each year. There are a number of items on Headquarters your biographical file. If a friend of yours has our program which have been proposed in the past which have rendered service, and he has not received such a form, and he met with your approval, and which are being pushed toward con- should have his record perpetuated here and kept here for the 46 DIGEST OF MINUTES NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING benefit of the future to illustrate the service of the men who have in The American Legion, has been submitted to the office of the made the Legion’s work a success throughout this country, it is national adjutant, by the following national officers: Suggested to you that you communicate the fact and the name to National Commander Raymond J. Kelly the Adjutant, and through him, in all probability, if your statement National Vice-Commander Leo E. Ray is borne out by the evidence you submit, this person will be sent National Vice-Commander Charles Q. Kelley one of our forms and you can get him to send it in too. We will National Vice-Commander Matthew J. Murphy deeply appreciate your cooperation in that respect. It is of vital National Vice-Commander James B. Fitzgerald importance to any organization that the records of the men who National Vice-Comamnder H. Elwyn Davis have made it be kept available to those who lead it in case they National Chaplain Reverend Patrick N. McDermott need to call upon men to help them out in periods or times of The above proofs have been examined by the National Judge emergency. Advocate, who has certified as to the eligibility of the above Another matter in which I request your approval is permis- named National Officers for membership in The American Legion. sion to make an investigation about the matter of placing Proof of eligibility for the following National Officers has been in the Fort Meyer Chapel, the place from which all the military submitted and approved at previous sessions of the National Ex- funerals are held, a memorial window to those, our comrades, who ecutive Committee: are buried in Arlington Cemetery. Of course, due to the fact that National Historian Thomas M. Owen, Jr. this action would take some money, I went in and appeared yes- National Treasurer John Ruddick terday before the National Finance Committee, not asking for any National Judge Advocate Ralph B. Gregg specific sum of money but telling to the committee it was my National Adjutant Frank E. Samuel purpose to come before you because I did not want to come to you Respectfully submitted, without having first approached those gentlemen. I am asking FRANK E. SAMUEL, for your approval, and if I can get the facts and figures, I will National Adjutant. come back and lay before you the findings. The meeting adjourned at 5 p. m., Thursday, November There is one other thing I think you should know about. A 23, 1939. number of years ago, four historical places or spots were to be marked—one in St. Louis, one in New York and one in Minne- FRIDAY MORNING SESSION apolis, and the historic site in Paris. St. Louis, New York and Paris have been appropriately dedicated and it is sincerely hoped that November 24, 1939 Minneapolis, Minnesota, will find an appropriate time for the placing of a marker there. The money was to be made available The meeting convened at 9:50 a. m., Friday, November for the purchase of the marker in case the local folks couldn’t 24, National Commander Kelly presiding. make it available. Roll call by the National Adjutant. I started to use notes, a copy of which you have, and I will Invocation by National Chaplain Patrick N. McDermott. endeavor to bring to you some of the things, and some of the find- ings in the field in which probably you may not be so vitally in- terested, but which we feel is of some importance. There are a Address by Honorable Paul V. McNutt number of continuing projects on our program, many of which you are familiar with, and a number of which you have seen. Upon invitation of National Commander Kelly, Past Na- We are rather proud of our badge collection, which is on dis- tional Commander Paul Y. McNutt addressed the National play in the National Vice-Commander’s room. Many of you were Executive Committee on the subject of the Philippines, as very proud to view the war posters which were on display last year, and in addition to that, we have also a fine collection of bearing upon our National Defense problems, as follows: Department publications and Department convention proceedings. Mr. Commander and Fellow Members of the Committee: I was I know very definitely, by experience, that it is very difficult grateful yesterday, and thankful as well, to be able once more to for any person, in a position of leadership in any given field, to step into this gathering after three years. I slipped away to have have more than one or two major historical projects or any other the first visit, since my return from the Philippines, with my par- kind of project in front of him for a given period of time. I am ents. We had old home week all in one afternoon. asking only for the green light to go ahead, to try to do some- There was a resolution adopted by the Chicago Convention to thing for you, and in closing I want to say this—that the service which I should like to direct the attention of this committee. You program of The American Legion reaches into every hamlet in will consider it in the report of the National Defense Committee, America. The program this year is as vital and compelling and and that is the matter of defense as it affects our interests in as lacking in selfishness as it has been in past years. You gentle- the Pacific. men and lady of the Committee, under the great and able leader- The history of America has been one of pushing the frontiers, ship of the National Commander, Ray Kelly, will count up your of setting distant points to be reached and distant aspirations to achievements and accomplishments. In counting them may I ask be achieved, and our successive frontiers have been milestones that one of your finest memories of this year may be of the co- of American progress. Those of the Pacific are not new. Unfortu- operation you have given to the encouragement of those who are nately our people know little about them, and perhaps care less, engaged in the preservation of this Legion’s history. and our policy in that ocean, where our fundamental interests of That concludes my formal report, and I am very grateful National Defense and international boundaries are rapidly increas- indeed to you gentlemen for your confidence. I will do my dead ing, remains to be definitely decided and consolidated. The mis- level best this coming year not to violate it. takes which have been made in the past have been due to lack of information, or to misinformation. In the light of current history and in the shadow of rapidly approaching, unpredictable events of Eligibility of National Officers probably vital concern to us, certainly the Pacific ocean deserves attention and careful study at this time. If I should urge upon The following report on proof of eligibility to member- the Legion any one thing, it is to study, so that when we are called upon to speak, we will know whereof we speak. ship in The American Legion, in behalf of National Officers, That has been the invariable role of this country up to and in- was submitted by the National Adjutant: cluding the World War, to wait until a crisis which has long given Mr. Commander and Lady and Gentlemen of the Committee: In warning arrives and then in haste and in turmoil improvise means accordance with action of the 13th Annual National Convention of to meet the new conditions. The American Legion, Detroit, Mich., September 21-24, 1931, a copy Today our citizens are becoming conscious of the possible im- of discharge from service, certified copy of same, or other satisfac- pacts of recent events upon us, and the great national bulwarks of tory evidence of service record proving eligibility to membership this nation are the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. The speed and DIGEST OF MINUTES NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING 47 ease of communication and transportation have greatly lessened of an Eastern people and where and only where the culture of their defensive value and it is increasingly apparent that such America holds forth a torch of liberty and the love of fellow values will depend on how much of them we control. This does men. not mean the establishment of new frontiers in the Pacific. Our The seven thousand free islands are inhabited by eighteen mil- possessions in that mighty ocean extend from the Aleutian Islands lion people who owe allegiance to our nation, salute our flag, on the North, through the Hawaiian Islands to Samoa on the most of whom speak our language, sing our “Star-Spangled Ban- south, and from the Mainland on the east, through the Hawaiian ner” far better than any of us do, and what is more important, Islands, Wake, Guam, and the Philippines on the west. The great worship our Christian God. Their number is growing rapidly. cross formed by those islands is our mark upon the Pacific and it The population has twice doubled since they came under our is not a double cross. There are those who think these possessions flag some forty years ago. strengthen the peace of America. They tell us we could and should We took over those islands through no real choice of our own. draw a line around the New World, including Hawaii and re- Their acquisition was the conquest of a war waged with Spain organize that New World to a basis of self-sufficiency. on quite another issue. Perhaps it was not wise, perhaps not We could, theoretically, make a sufficient hemisphere and we altogether fortunate for us, but it is a fact of history, and we could let the rest of the world descend to any kind of cataclysm cannot shun its consequences. When the Treaty of Paris confirmed into which it cared to drift. That plan is possible on paper at least, our proprietorship we undertook a noble experiment, one which and many honest Americans think it should be tried. Those who was new in the world of empires. Spain had accomplished little make that proposal do not tell the other side of the story. else than the Christianization of the people, nothing creditable for The resources of this hemisphere, and particularly of South the people, no marked improvement, no improvement in the America, are an intricate part of the economic life of the Old people’s standard of living, nothing of what we call political liberty, World and for a solid century, designs and intrigues to absorb a no substantial participation in government. She had ruled harshly part of the New World into Asiatic or European political systems and made big and little rebellions, and without the affection have been attempted and they have been prevented principally by or understanding of her colonies. Our policy may have been worse. our Monroe Doctrine. If we wish hemispheric isolation, then we Bugles of war had not quieted and the acrid smoke of gun must recognize what it really means. powder still clouded the rice paddies, when wonder of wonders, It means maintaining an establishment capable of putting a the corporals and seargeants shared their paddies with the natives protective fort into any part of the New World at any time. It and they openly stood for the Philippines. With the best of inten- means abandoning many markets for agricultural products. It tions they were anxious to improve the ways and means and the means putting two-thirds of the cotton-producing South out of spirit and the cooperation of colonial enterprise. The American action. It means the end of much of our cattle-producing West. regime followed two contradictory policies. By one we bound them The reshifting of a great part of our population and stagnation in closer and closer to us economically. By the other we laid the many, but not all, of our manufacturing centers in the East. For- foundation for complete political separation, and unless there is eign trade is less than ten per cent of our total trade today, but some change in the law, which only comes at the request of the that trade is the key to a great deal of what we do. For example, Philippines, political separation will become a fact on July 4, 1946. substantially all of our rubber comes from the Far East. Cut off Many of the residents of those islands will realize, perhaps for that trade and ask yourself what happens to the automobile in- the first time, that political independence without economic in- dustry in the United States. The attempt to build a wall around dependence in a world of power politics, is an empty phrase. the New World means an upheaval in the United States, almost as I am deeply concerned, when I view the future of the Philippine great as war itself. Only wars do end, where that process would Islands and the people, to whom I am personally bound by many wreck a generation. ties of sincere interest and affection, the determination of their As far as our Pacific frontiers are concerned, the question which political future rests with them. In a large measure, their eco- we will have to answer may be put very, very simply. Are we in nomic future rests with us. or out of the Far East? If it is considered the judgment of the Today the Philippines are the only bright, prosperous spot in the majority of the American people that we should get out, then let’s orient. Their people enjoy the highest wages and best standard of get out lock, stock and barrel, and I hope before any conclusion living in the Far East, and the deadly tropical diseases, bubonic is reached our people will consider just what such a decision means. plague, smallpox and yellow fever have been wiped out. It means the abandonment of three principles, for two of which Thousands of miles of good highways are maintained. Bridges we were responsible and the third of which we have assumed have replaced bamboo rafts. The budget is balanced, taxes are the responsibility. lowest in the world, the reserve behind their currency is one hun- They are the open door to China. We opened that door. The dred per cent. The per capita tax is less than two dollars. Schools integrity of the Chinese nation; we signed a treaty guaranteeing and hospitals dot the jungles and the plains. We built well in the that, and what is far more important than both of those put to- Philippines and our work is a monument to American idealism and gether, the freedom of the seas and the freedom of the air. Our American enterprise, a living monument of millions rescued from ships have sailed the Pacific since the very beginning of our exist- tyranny, rebellion and ignorance and poverty and disease, and set ence, and we have maintained an aquatic squadron, now known as upon the path of free government, peace, posperity and health. In the aquatic fleet for more than a century. all seriousness no nation in the world can possibly have so grand We had the courage, the ingenuity, and the skill to bridge the a monument. Pacific by air, one of the most magnificent achievements in our I often wonder if our people realize what we are giving up. entire history. Getting out means one other thing—endangering Last year the Philippines were our seventh best market. In the our trade route to Asia. If the decision is to stay in the Far East, first six months of this year they were our fifth best market, and then it would seem both proper and logical to stay in the Phil- it is this kind of a market no loan is necessary to create. No de- ippines where we have a permit to be by conquest and I have faults, no discounts, no devaluations, no quotas, no complications, every reason to believe, by invitation, if and when we give every no block pesos and no exchange discount. It is business on the indication that such an invitation would be accepted. old style, where you buy and sell for cash, and actually the bal- The Philippines stretch for some eleven hundred miles along the ance of trade is in favor of the United States, with the exception coast of Asia, at an average distance there of only five hundred of one commodity, sugar, and yet Philippine sugar has never re- miles, and those islands represent a key position in our system of placed an ounce of domestic sugar. The annual sugar consumption potential bases, which with an adequate fleet can safeguard our in the United States is approximately seven million tons, of which interests in the Pacific ocean. about four million tons are produced on the mainland, in Puerto The Philippine Archipelago is not only one of our main ele- Rico and the Virgin Islands. Of the three million tons purchased ments of protection in the Pacific but it is also our own open door elsewhere, less than one-third comes from the Philippines, and if to Asia, where half of the total population of the world is found. in the future, Philippine sugar should come in direct competition These islands are one happy place in the unhappy orient. The with mainland sugar the Philippines would be willing to accept one place out there where decency and democracy and peace reign an embargo. and where the earlier processes of democracy have had a chance to Now there is no argument for letting down the bars, but experi- develop and where, and only where, Christianity rules the souls ence has demonstrated it is possible to curb unexportable competi- 48 DIGEST OF MINUTES NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING

tion with homeside products by the imposition of quotas. Further- Presentation of Past National Commander more, if we withdraw from the Philippines, we lose our voice in the Near East. We leave the Philippines and Borneo practically James A. Drain within sight of each other, a barrier which will intervene between National Commander Kelly presented Past National Com- the United States and the continent of Asia. In foreign hands that mander James A. Drain as a member of the National Execu- barrier will block our trade and intercourse with China, it will solve the claim of freedom of the seas, and freedom of the air, tive Committee and as Assistant to the Administrator, Fed- but some of those claims are unfavorable to us, and to our children. eral Security Agency, in order that members of the National Therefore to us comes a great responsibility. It is apparent that Executive Committee might know of his availability to the Philippine problem has broadened to become a part of a much answer questions concerning matters handled in his office in greater oriental problem, and if we scuttle it, if we run away, our Washington, D. C., either during the sessions or outside the monument will be destroyed, and the things we counted on, our committee room. aspirations to point the way to a new benign colonization, our handicraft will perish. I believe I voice the inherent desire of all of us when I say we Presentation of Past National Commanders wish to solve the Philippine problem in its broadened aspects, in Other past National Commanders who were introduced at fairness to all, just as we wish to solve our domestic problems, with justice to all. this point included Ralph T. O’Neil, Kansas; John R. Quinn, On the political side, our flag, and our sovereignty, allows the California; Edward E. Spafford, New York; Ray Murphy, Philippines every ounce of domestic economy they can absorb, but Iowa; Harry W. Colmery, Kansas, and Stephen F. Chad- holding in our hands foreign affairs, tariffs, immigration, currency wick, Washington. and public debt. It is scarcely more than the necessary marshaling for the preservation of a dominion. We should feel free in any Contests Supervisory Committee crisis to help preserve the democratic basis of the Philippine government. In the absence of Chairman Matty B. Bain, Pennsylvania, On the economic side, we should from time to time, give the the report of the Contests Supervisory Committee, presented Philippines the best trade deal we can without injuring domestic by Acting Chairman, and member of the committee, Ray- producers. We must admit that the present quota on sugar, cocoa- mond B. Townsley, Indiana, was adopted, as follows: nut, and cordage should be retained, and if commodities come in Mr. Commander, Members of the National Executive Commit- competition with homeside products, they also should be restricted tee: The National Contests Supervisory Committee met at National by quotas. Our present policy should be to give as much preference Headquarters, Indianapolis, Indiana, November 17-18, 1939, for the as we can afford, to return to a complementary and reciprocal purpose of formulating rules and regulations for National Contests economy between the United States and the Philippines. to be held at the National Convention in Boston in 1940. The fol- Then there is the problem of military protection. I venture to lowing report is submitted for the approval of the National Execu- predict that as long as our flag flies over the Island, no foreign tive Committee. power will trespass, irrespective of the military forces stationed All contests, with the exception of The American Legion Chorus there, the Philippines will be the cornerstone for peaceful recon- and Golf contests, are to be held on the first day of the convention, struction in the Far East. Monday, September 23. The American Legion Chorus Contest is to People say that this is not our business, but everything depends be held on Sunday afternoon, September 22. The Golf Contest will on what is meant. It may mean only courage in the precarious be held at the discretion of the local Contests Committee of the Bos- shelter of the Pacific. We fly into a panic and plunge into a war ton Convention Corporation. without knowing exactly who we are in the world, or what kind American Legion Band Contest: The only basic change made in of a peace we want, or it may mean, as we hope it will mean, a the rules and regulations as previously established affects the re- cool appraisal of the world crisis, and determined action to avoid quirements which provides that all members of competing bands being sunk. must be members of The American Legion in good standing. For The central fact is that America today has to be prepared for un- sometime your committee has been aware that sooner or later it predictable events, the shape and time of which are beyond our would be necessary to modify this requirement. American Legion power to control. A year from now North America may be isolated bands are finding it more and more difficult to secure their com- in a ring of hostile, air and naval bases, or the war may be con- plete instrumentation from The American Legion membership in tinuing as an endless progress of destruction, or there may be a their communities. We, therefore, recommend amendment of the new peace, followed by economic collapse and by the certainty of previous regulations by requiring bands to be composed of at least future wars. 80 per cent of members of The American Legion. This allows bands Our own business is not merely to strengthen our external de- a 20 per cent leeway in filling out their instrumentation by not fenses to meet the worst possible outcome of the present war, but more than 20 per cent non-members. The only other changes in the it is also to build up as we have been building up by our American- band rules will be a new choice of the contest selections to be ism program through the years, our internal physical condition played. and our morale, so that no disaster can drive us into panic or American Legion Drum and Bugle Corps Contest: The only ma- internal collapse, and of these, morale is the most vital, as all re- jor change made in these rules pertains to the time limit in the Pre- cent wars have shown. At the worst, North America may be the liminary Contest. Previously, it has been required that each Corps only remnant of civilization, at the best, North America must be be in motion on the field not less than four and one-half nor more the sound nucleus for world recovery, after the present cataclysm than five minutes. We recommend that this requirement shall read is over. as follows: “Each Corps shall be on the field not less than six and That is our business and minding it successfully will be states- one-half nor more than seven minutes. It shall be in motion not manship that will color the history of the next thousand years. less than a total of four and one-half minutes.” This change allows It is our business, whether we like it or not because it is a fact Corps to play a short concert formation while on the contest field. that which we undertook, it is our business to look after the entire American Legion Rifle Drill Team Contest: Since there has been welfare and safety of America, and of the Philippines, to look an apparent waning interest in the Rifle Drill Team Contest, the out for our interests there. It is my conviction they are not far committee considered the possibility of discontinuing this contest. apart, that they can be harmonized, harmonized for the salvation It was called to the committee’s attention, however, that a number of the Philippines, for the protection of our last frontier, for the of rifle drill teams are located in the Eastern part of the country protection of the larger interests of the Americas, and what is and that they undoubtedly will desire a competition at the Boston more important than all that, for the enduring peace of the Convention. Therefore, the Contests Committee recommends that Pacific. there be a rifle drill team contest, providing at least five rifle drill DIGEST OF MINUTES NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING 49 teams register for the contest not later than 30 days prior to the At the present time a total of $5,550 is allotted as prize money for National Convention. With this requirement and a lowering of the the various National Convention Contests, which is supplied from prize money, your committee recommends that this contest be con- the guarantee deposit of the National Convention City. The Na- tinued for the coming year. tional Contests Supervisory Committee met at National Headquar- American Legion Color Guard Contest: No basic changes are ters on November 17 and 18 and considered reallocation of this prize recommended in the rules and regulations as previously adopted. money to the various contests. There follows a tabulation setting The Sons of The American Legion Band Contest: This contest forth the amounts presently allocated to the various contests and was held for the first time at the Chicago National Convention and the recommendations of the Contests Committee for allocations for proved to be very popular. We are recommending its continuance convention contests for 1940. and the providing of cash prizes for the contest to be held at Bos- Recommended Present Prizes for ton. No basic changes are recommended for this contest with the Prizes 1940 exception of the contest selections. AMERICAN LEGION BAND CONTEST 1st.. $1,000.00 1st. . .$1,000.00 The Sons of The American Legion Drum and Bugle Corps Con- 2nd . 500.00 2nd . . 500.00 test: There is a growing interest in this contest and more Sons of 3rd . 250.00 3rd . . 200.00 American Legion Corps are entering each year. An increase in the 4th . 100.00 None prize money is being recommended, but no basic changes are recom- AMERICAN LEGION DRUM AND 1st.. 1,250.00 1st. . 1,250.00 mended in the rules. BUGLE CORPS CONTEST 2nd . 700.00 2nd 700.00 American Legion Chorus Contest: This contest was held for the 3rd . 350.00 3rd . 300.00 first time under National supervision at the Chicago National Con- 4th . 200.00 4th . 100.00 vention. Four American Legion Choruses participated in this con- test. The committee is recommending that this contest be held AMERICAN LEGION RIFLE DRILL 1st. . 200.00 1st.. 100.00 again at the Boston Convention and that the paricipating choruses TEAM CONTEST 2nd . 100.00 2nd . 50.00 be judged on the following points: AMERICAN LEGION COLOR GUARD 1st. . 200.00 1st.. 200.00 1. Diction 19% CONTEST 2nd . 100.00 2nd . 100.00 2. Ensemble 19% SONS OF AMERICAN LEGION BAND 1st. . None 1st.. 200.00 3. Interpretation 19% 2nd . None 2nd . 100.00 4. Tone 19% 3rd . None 3rd . 50.00 5. Pitch 19% 6. General Apperance 5% SONS OF AMERICAN LEGION DRUM 1st . 300.00 1st. . 350.00 AND BUGLE CORPS CONTEST 2nd 150.00 2nd . 200.00 Your Contests Committee will select the required number to be 3rd . 100.00 3rd . 100.00 sung by each chorus, and choruses will be allowed to make their 4th . 50.00 4th . 50.00 own choice of the other competing selections. Sponsored Junior Drum and Bugle Corps Contest: This contest SPONSORED JUNIOR DRUM AND None None was held for the first time at the Chicago National Convention and BUGLE CORPS CONTEST upon the order of the May 1939 meeting of the National Executive AMERICAN LEGION CHORUS None None Committee. Nine sponsored corps competed. Your committee is CONTEST recommending continuance of this contest at the Boston Convention Total Prize Total Prize with no basic change in the rules as previously set up. Money Presently Money Recom- Each year at the conclusion of the Final Drum and Bugle Corps Authorized for mended for National Con- National Con- contest a grand finale is staged by the winning organization of the vention Contests vention Contests various contests. This has been a very fine spectacle. For many AMERICAN LEGION DRUM years the Jackson Zouaves, an organization of Legionnaires from AND BUGLE CORPS $2,500.00 $2,350.00 Michigan, have put on exhibition drills at these grand finales. This AMERICAN LEGION BAND CONTEST .. 1,850.00 1,700.00 has added greatly to the show and has proved a very popular at- traction. No special recognition has been given this organization COLOR GUARD CONTEST 300.00 300.00 since they are not competing in any contest. It has been suggested RIFLE DRILL TEAM CONTEST 300.00 150.00 that an appreciation trophy of some type could well be presented this organization in recognition of its fine efforts. National Com- SONS OF AMERICAN LEGION DRUM mander Kelly desires to make such a presentation at the contest AND BUGLE 600.00 700.00 during the Boston Convention. Your committee desires to thank SONS OF AMERICAN LEGION BAND .. . None 350.00 Commander Kelly and assures him that provision will be made for such an award during the grand finale of the contest in Boston. SPONSORED JUNIOR DRUM AND BUGLE CORPS None None Your committee considered a question raised by the Department of New Jersey in July of 1939. The Department Executive Commit- AMERICAN LEGION CHORUS CONTEST None None tee of New Jersey approved a policy urging that the rules govern- ing competition at National Conventions be amended so that no $5,550.00 $5,550.00 unit shall be eligible to enter National American Legion competition which has failed to appear in the parade at its Department Conven- In considering reallocation of prize money, the National Contests tion preceding such National Convention. Your committee consid- Supervisory Committee first of all desired to keep within the total ered this matter very carefully and feels that this is largely a De- prize money presently allocated, namely, $5,550. In reallocating this partment problem. It is, of course, desirable that all American Le- prize money to the various contests, the committee kept in mind gion musical organizations within a Department support its Depart- the changing conditions as they exist relative to the gradual lessen- ment activities, and particularly its Department Convention par- ing in numbers in the participation in The American Legion con- ade, yet the Contests Committee feels that no national regulations tests and the growing interest in the Sons of American Legion con- should be adopted which would prohibit any American Legion musi- tests. This is borne out by the fact that at the Chicago Convention cal organization from entering the National Convention com- only 31 American Legion Drum and Bugle Corps entered the con- petition. tests, while 26 Sons of American Legion Drum and Bugle Corps It has been necessary to consider a reallocation of the prize entered the contest. The committee feels that there will be further money as it affects the various contests. Your committee carefully changes in the allocation of prize money in the future, but a start considered this matter and submitted recommendations to the Na- has been made this year. In 1940, prize money has been recom- tional Finance Committee for a reallocation. The following tabula- mended for the Sons of American Legion Band Contest for the first tion lists the prize money as previously authorized and the alloca- time, while there has been an increase in the Sons of American Le- tion of prize money for future contests as approved by the National gion Drum and Bugle Corps Contest. This prize money has been Finance Committee: increased through a reduction in the amounts awarded to The 50 DIGEST OF MINUTES NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING

American Legion Band and American Legion Drum and Bugle tunity to attain for our nation that degree of preparedness for Corps Contests. which The American Legion has labored for 20 years, your National There is an apparent waning interest in The American Legion Defense Committee recommends that a meeting of the committee Rifle Drill Team Contest and for this year the committee is requir- be held at an appropriate time during the meeting of the 77th Con- ing the entry of at least five teams before a contest will be held. gress. Likewise the prize money has been reduced. Supplemental Report In the cases of the sponsored Junior Drum and Bugle Corps Con- test and The American Legion Chorus Contest, the Contests Com- Following the submission of the supplemental report by mittee desires to call to the attention of the Finance Committee the Mr. Atherton, National Defense matters were discussed, off fact that these contests were held for the first time at the Chicago the record, by Major General Frank Parker, National Ex- Convention in 1939. Further, the sponsors of these contests stated ecutive Committeeman representing the Department of the that they desired a National contest held and that prize money was Philippine Islands and Advisory Member of the National not expected or required for these contests. The Contests Commit- tee has felt that new contests should be tried experimentally for Defense Committee. Motion was adopted to adopt the sup- the first year or two before definite prize money was allotted. plemental report and to refer the subjects discussed by Since both of these contests are new ones, the committee feels General Parker to the National Defense Committee for that no prize money should be authorized for them for 1940. After further confidential study and research, and report to the the experience of 1940 contests is acquired, your committee will con- sider further reallocation of the prize money, still staying within May 1940 meeting of the National Executive Committee. the $5,550 limit. Following is the supplemental report, as submitted by Mr. Atherton: National Defense Committee Commander and Members of the National Executive Committee: I first want to thank our Past National Commander McNutt for his Following is the advance report of Warren H. Atherton, contribution and straight thinking on the problem in considering California, Chairman of the National Defense Committee: one with which this committee had to be concerned, and will con- tinue to be concerned. It has been a pleasure, I am sure, for every This committee met in Chicago on Saturday, September 23, heard member of the Defense Committee to serve this year, because it representatives of the Army, Navy and Maritime Commission, and has been our privilege in participating in the attainment of objec- prepared a report to the Executive Committee and for the consid- tives which this organization has had since its inception. eration and help of the Convention Defense Committee. We have seen Congress make its greatest peacetime appropria- Most of the members of the Standing Committee were appointed tion. The wheels are now turning for the production of the plans as members of the Convention Committee from their Departments. and the material that we need. Our Past National Commander, They attended the Convention Committee sessions and made avail- able to that committee the information and studies of the Standing Louis Johnson, and our own Legislative Director, John Taylor, have told you of the two building appropriations, and how it is being Committee. spent, so I am not going to take your time in a mere repetition of The National Defense Program approved by the 21st annual na- tional convention continues the policy of adequate preparedness those things. However, the very fact of that appropriation has to a degree changed the present mission of The American Legion. In adopted in prior years. A number of the recommendations of the 20th annual national convention were restated and readopted. The the past it has been necessary for my predecessors and for the or- declaration of the national convention with respect to defense ganization not only to build a public demand for National Defense, shows a continuity of purpose in reiterating the objectives urged but to actually study the subject and to go to Congress and to say: by the preceding national conventions and the Standing Committee. You immediately need an army of 108,000 men, or whatever it hap- pens to be, and you need some cannons, and 6,000 planes, and you The most important recommendations of the national convention requiring additional action of the National Legislative Committee need this and you need that, and you need the merchant marine. and the Standing Committee on National Defense are as follows: But the very fact of the appropriation now takes that job out of our hands, and places it in the hands of the men whose profession Increase of the Regular Army from 180,000 to 280,000. and life work is the events of this country, and it seems to me it is Increase of the National Guard from 210,000 to 426,000. our mission to go back to the people and to see that the demand Appropriations for a Navy so organized that it can defend our for preparedness does not lag. interests in both the Atlantic and the Pacific against any possible grouping of aggressors. Our national convention recognized that a continuance of this Establishment of a Naval Base at Guam. program of National Defense would only be at tremendous cost, and so we have got to say, in the church and in the schools, you The appropriations by the last Congress were sufficient to in- have taken out a policy of peace insurance. The premium is high, augurate the program recommended by the 20th and 21st annual but it is up to you to pay it. It is up to you to keep that insurance conventions of The American Legion with the exception of the in force, and it is up to you to demand from Congress that you get items above mentioned. what you pay for. In order to carry out the mandates of the last two conventions it will be necessary that the National Legislative Committee and the There is one matter of very great importance which has had the Standing Committee on National Defense be vigilant to see appro- consideration of your committee, and I am going to pass it on to priations are made by the next Congress sufficient to carry forward you at this time for information rather than for specific action. It the adequate National Defense Program now under way. It will is a matter of such importance we would want to proceed with the also be necessary to seek additional appropriations for the purpose greatest deliberation. Every plan for National Defense has as its of putting into effect the substantial and costly increases recom- final bolster, the creation of a citizen army. Owing to our very mended by the last convention. bitter experience in 1917, we know the value of training, and so The Convention Committee and the convention were well aware each year we have gone to Congress and demanded a greater ap- of the magnitude of the program urged and the tremendous cost propriation for CMTC, a greater appropriation for ROTC. We have involved. The report adopted closed with these words: fought every attempt to take them out of our schools and our col- leges, and in your meeting last May you passed a resolution ruling “Because an adequate national defense is of paramount im- that the fundamentals of military instruction be given in the CCC. portance to the nation at this time, we recommend that our na- Let’s follow that trend of thought through to its natural conclu- tional officers do everything within their power to carry these sion. If this country depends for its final salvation on a citizen resolutions into force and effect. army, and if we have a law, as we have, requiring that every “We are fully cognizant of the cost. We recognize that our con- young American serve his country when called, and if we have an tinued safety and preservation entails sacrifices in meeting the ex- eestablished policy that the training of some of those men who will penses. These appropriations and expenditures must be cheerfully be called will strengthen the defense of this nation, then isn’t there and willingly met by the citizenry of this Republic.” only one last conclusion to draw? That is, that the strength of this In consideration of existing World War conditions and the oppor- nation will be vastly increased if every man who is called to serve DIGEST OF MINUTES NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING 51 is trained to serve. This nation’s tradition is against compulsory groups is accounted for as follows: Legion sales, 74.79 per cent; military service. We haven’t even dared to use those terms to each Auxiliary sales, 18.95 per cent; Sons of The American Legion sales, other, much less the public. I don’t think to carry out such a 6.26 per cent. The net profit on the total sales volume this year, to program we ever need to use the terms compulsory military date, has been 13.14 per cent. service. The new catalogue for the first half of the year 1940, soon to Every savage tribe has required that its young men prove their be issued, will reflect the reduced selling price of certain necessary stamina, their courage and the proficiency in the use of crude items to individual Legionnaires, on a gross ten per cent mark up, irons, before admission to the citizenship in that nomad tribe. as recommended by the National Finance Committee, and adopted Hasn’t the value of your citizenship become so great that we by the National Executive Committee. can say to the people of this country, that we can say to the I might add here that the profit on those particular items, and young men aspiring to become citizens of this nation, that you I mention gold-plated membership buttons, amounted to three per should earn the privilege of that citizenship. You don’t have to cent. The individual Legionnaire will be able to buy them at be a soldier if you don’t want to be, but if you want to exercise approximately seven per cent less than cost. the privilege of the bounty, if you want the right to peace and Resolution No. 415, considered by the Committee on Internal the protection by firemen and policemen, and if you want the Organization of the 1939 National Convention, was referred, by right to inherit and bequeath, and the right to social security and convention action, to the National Emblem Committee for con- unemployment insurance, if you want the right to be eligible for sideration and recommendation to the National Executive Com- public office, is it asking too much to qualify yourself for those mittee. This particular resolution involves an official American privileges? Legion Memorial Roll, suitably designed to record the names of When you reach the end of your high school course, if you deceased Post members. It was suggested that the Roll be gen- want to prepare yourself for the great responsibility of American eral in design so as to be practical for general Post use. The citizenship, you can report to a government cantonment. There identical matter was previously submitted to the National Emblem you serve a year, perhaps a third of your instruction is in the Division and was given careful consideration. The basic weakness fundamentals of military training, a third in civics and prepara- in the plan was that each Roll would have to be hand-lettered or tion to accept the discharge of the responsibilities of citizenship, specially printed, and the cost, in most instances, would be prohibi- and a third, in general education, for which that young man tive. Furthermore, it is indicated by the interest thus far evidenced should be entitled to receive credit for a year of academic train- by Posts that there would be practically no sale for the item. It ing. When we do that, we will have in a large degree solved the is the recommendation of the National Emblem Committee that problem of loyalty of the young men to the United States. They the adoption of such a Roll be disapproved, with the suggestion will appreciate far more that which they earn than that which this matter could better be handled if adopted and sponsored by has been forced upon them. the individual Departments. In the past, we have been following the rule, not only of pass- ing on this priceless heritage to those who were unfitted to re- National Legislative Program Committee ceive it, but actually to those who were doing their best to tear it down. When we adopt such a program, we will in a large degree The following report, submitted by I. A. Jennings, Ari- solve the problem of juvenile delinquency. Such a program will zona, Chairman of the Legislative Program Committee, was pay high dividends in crime prevention, and when we combine the adopted: boys of millions of young Americans, trained to serve when called, with the industrial capacity of this country, and with a reasonable Your Subcommittee on Legislative Program, composed of I. A. degree of preparedness there is no combination of dictators who Jennings of Arizona, Chairman; William G. McKinley of New will ever think of setting foot on American soil and the solution Jersey, and Joseph S. Clark of Florida, met in the National Head- of the Pacific problem, called attention to by Past National Com- quarters on Wednesday, November 22, 1939. mander McNutt this morning, will be simply accomplished. Your committee has carefully reviewed all the resolutions deal- The National Convention at Chicago recognized the great im- ing with national legislation as set forth in the Summary of Pro- portance of the Pacific problem, and passed a resolution that ceedings of the Twenty-first National Convention, Chicago, Illinois, this committee should give consideration to a study of that prob- and after careful consideration of their importancee, we recom- lem. We have had the advantage and the very great value on this mend the following to be the major legislative program for the committee of the advice and the help, and I may even say the coming session of the Congress: guidance, of General Frank Parker, who has devoted his long We believe that the most important subject is that requesting experience, his knowledge of military affairs, and his time, to legislation for all widows and orphans and that this should, as work on this. He is sitting with you now, of course as a member heretofore, be considered the first consideration on this program. of this committee, and in response to that resolution in the con- For five years great progress has been made to carry into effect vention, he is prepared to give you his view on our solution of this fourth point of our Four-Point Program calling for adequate our problem in the Pacific. protection for the widows and orphans of all veterans with a May I present a member of this committee, General Parker. service-connected disability whether their death is caused by this disability or from any other cause, are now entitled to care and protection. We are firmly of the opinion that the time has National Emblem Committee now arrived when all widows and orphans are entitled to protec- The following report submitted by Roy L. Cook, New tion whether the deceased veteran was or was not suffering from a service-connected disability. Such protection is accorded the Mexico, Chairman of the National Emblem Committee, was widows and children of veterans of all other wars. The discrim- adopted: ination against our widows and orphans should now be eliminated. Mr. National Commander, Members of the National Executive Our Chicago Convention adopted a comprehensive program Committee: The National Emblem Committee met at National dealing with the subject of National Defense. The previous session Headquarters, Indianapolis, Indiana, on November 22, 1939, all of Congress recognized the condition of our national defense and members being in attendance. adopted a program of legislation and appropriated monies to start This report will deal with the merchandising functions of the building it up to a position demanded by the American people Emblem Division, the profits resulting therefrom, and a recom- and for twenty years advocated by The American Legion. Our Chi- mendation concerning a matter referred by the 1939 Convention. cago Convention in a carefully prepared program now calls upon The gross sales for the first ten months of the year amounted to the Congress to extend and expand our present condition of pre- $383,228.59—an increase of $14,363.20 over the same period of paredness through the necessary appropriations. It is our con- 1939. The net profit for the same period, January to October, firmed opinion that The American Legion should pledge itself inclusive, 1939, is $54,410.46, a slight increase over last year. It unqualifiedly to support all legislation having to do with the neces- is indicated that the year 1939 will be one of the best in the sary increases for our Army, Navy and our Air Forces, and that history of the Emblem Division, from the point of sales volume we continue unabated our vigorous opposition to any and all so- and net profit. The percentage of total sales for the various Legion called War Referendum proposals. We believe that such action by 52 DIGEST OF MINUTES NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING

the Congress will go a long way toward perfecting our defenses, (The following recommendations of the committee for increasing the confidence of our people and be a step in the proper direction toward keeping us from becoming involved in the pres- rejection of proposed constitutional amendments were ent war in Europe. adopted.) And as a corollary to our National Defense Program, we believe Mr. Commander, your Committee on Constitution and By-Laws there was never a time in the history of this nation when the need met in National Headquarters on November 22, there being five for the enactment of our Universal Service legislation is so neces- members present. sary and apparent. It is our recommendation, therefore, that this be continued on our major legislative program and that every There was referred to your committee by the National Conven- effort be made by our entire organization to secure its enactment tion Committee on Constitutional Amendments several proposed into law. amendments, and I will read, unless there is some objection, the We reaffirm our position previously taken on the question of three which we recommend should be rejected. Veterans’ Preference and the need for legislation which will —1— clarify and broaden the existing law and executive orders rela- tive to employment by the Federal Government whether under Proposed amendement to the Constitution submitted by the De- Civil Service or not. And in addition thereto the necessary partment of Arkansas to amend Section 2 of Article VII, per- changes in the laws affecting the Works Projects Administration taining to the term of office of the National Executive Committee- eliminating the present requirement of “relative need” and assur- men. ing continued employment for the widows and the wives of dis- —2— abled veterans after the eighteen months period now specified in Proposed amendment submitted by the Department of Massa- the law. chusetts to amend Section 1 of Article IX, changing the procedure Our Chicago Convention, after reviewing the constantly in- for organization of Posts. creasing unsettled condition in foreign countries and the efforts —3— which have been made in recent years to break down our Im- Proposed amendment to the By-Laws submitted by the Depart- migration, Naturalization and Deportation laws, adopted a sound ment of Missouri, changing requirements for reinstatement after and constructive program dealing with these most important sub- suspension for non-payment of dues. jects. Certainly there never has been a time in our history when Your committee recommends the rejection of these three pro- these matters were of such importance and should receive the posed amendments. proper consideration of the Congress. The manner in which or- Not being a member of the committee, I believe a motion is in ganizations of a subversive character have been developing their order. activities in our country has been forcefully brought to the at- tention of the American people by the Dies Committee. Our Chi- (The following was adopted, subject to further considera- cago Convention commended the work of this committee and the tion, with the recommendation that any suggested changes beneficial results secured by it in exposing these un-American or- and/or revisions be sent to the National Adjutant, in writing, ganizations. We urge that the Congress of the United States con- tinue the activities of this committee and approve sufficient funds so they might be properly called to the attention of the com- therefor. And it is our opinion that now is the time for The mittee concerned before the May 1940 meeting.) American Legion to put forth every effort to see that the proper There were two amendments referred to the Special Committee legislation is enacted into law to carry out the comprehensive pro- on Constitution and By-Laws by the National Convention Commit- gram set forth in our mandates dealing with immigration, natural- tee, one submitted by the Department of Illinois, and one by ization, deportation and subversive activities. Brussels Post No. 1 of Brussels, Belgium, prohibiting The American It is our desire that this committee should understand that there Legion from participating in controversy between labor organiza- is no particular emphasis to be placed upon any of these items tions and employers. Your committee recommends that this ques- which we have listed as the Major Legislative Program. We have tion be given more careful study and consideration, and does not taken into consideration and we have reviewed the 174 resolutions deem it advisable to recommend the approval of such an amend- dealing with legislation which have come to us from the Chicago ment at this time. Convention, which are still carried as part of our program from Your committee met jointly with the Committee on Uniform previous conventions and from this Executive Committee, and we Code of Procedure and agreed upon the following proposed amend- are convinced that these which we have set forth above constitute ments, which are necessary before a Uniform Code of Procedure the major mandates requiring legislative action. We further can be adopted by this National Executive Committee: recommend that bills be prepared and proposed to the Congress cov-

ering all other pertinent directions and mandates of the convention. —1— We particularly desire to call the attention of this National Ex- That Section 1 of Article III of the National Constitution be ecutive Committee meeting to the importance of strong support amended by adding the words, “there may be one Department” for our Legislative Program. We are cognizant of the fact that before the words “in each” in the fourth line thereof and by world affairs are in such condition that the attention of Congress adding the words “and shall designate the Department under will be centered upon grave and serious legislative matters. We whose jurisdiction they shall function” immediately following the request, therefore, that you carry back to your several Depart- word “countries” in the eighth line, so that said section shall read: ments the information contained herein and the need for a thor- “Section 1. The American Legion shall be organized in Depart- ough and comprehensive understanding of our own legislative re- ments and these in turn in Posts. There shall be one Department quests, in order that there might be prompt response to any calls in each state, in the District of Columbia, and there may be one for aid sent out by your National Legislative Committee in order Department in each territory and insular possession of the United to secure the full cooperation from your individual Senators and States. The National Executive Committee may establish Posts Congressmen to the legislation herein proposed by The American in the territorial and insular possessions of the United States and Legion. in foreign countries, and shall designate the Department under Mr. Commander, I move the adoption of the report. whose jurisdiction they shall function, but this shall in no way affect the status of Departments already established.” Constitution and By-Laws and —2— Uniform Code of Procedure That Section 1 of Article VIII of the National Constitution be Harry Benoit, Idaho, submitted the report, as Chairman of amended by adding the words “and such other Posts as the Na- the Constitution and By-Laws Committee, and, in the ab- tional Executive Committee may approve” following the word “areas” in the third line thereof, so that said section shall read: sence of Halsey W. Stickel, Chairman of the Uniform Code “Section 1. Departments shall be chartered by the National Ex- of Procedure Committee, Mr. Benoit also submitted the re- ecutive Committee and shall be composed of the Posts within their port of his committee, as follows: respective areas, and such other Posts as the National Executive DIGEST OF MINUTES NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING 53

Committee may approve. Each Department charter shall be to function as a Post, or merging with one or more other Posts, signed by the National Commander and National Adjutant.” or refusing to pay the Department and National per capita dues, or under such other conditions as might make such action neces- —3— sary, shall, upon order of the Department Executive Committee, That Article VII of the National By-Laws be amended by adding surrender its charter for cancellation. Upon failure to surrender thereto Section 2, which shall read as follows: such charter, immediate steps may be taken for its revocation, “Section 2. Any existing Post in the territorial or insular pos- suspension or cancellation.” sessions of the United States or in foreign countries, which is not And amending said Article III by renumbering Section 5 to under the jurisdiction of a present existing Department, shall, Section 3, and adding the following words: “upon revocation or within one year following the adoption hereof, request the Na- cancellation shall” immediately following the word "and” in the tional Executive Committee to place it under the jurisdiction of fourth line thereof’ so that said section shall read: a Department to be selected by such Post. Said request shall have attached thereto the formal consent of such Department. Should “Section 3. Upon revocation, cancellation or suspension of the a Post fail or refuse to make such request or be unable to obtain charter of a Post in any Department of The American Legion, the consent of a Department, then the National Executive Com- said Post shall immediately cease operations and upon revocation mittee shall designate the Department.” or cancellation shall turn over its charter to its Department Com- mander or Department Executive Committee, and the Department The adoption of the foregoing three proposed amendments to the Constitution and By-Laws will place all foreign Posts within Executive Committee is authorized, empowered and directed by and through its duly authorized agent to take possession, custody the jurisdiction of a Department. There are 19 foreign Posts, and control of all of the records, property and assets of said Post; with a total membership of approximately 1,500, each Post casting provided, however, that nothing herein shall be construed as re- one vote at the national convention. There is absolutely nothing quiring any Department to take over or assume any financial re- in the Constitution and By-Laws authorizing a vote for foreign sponsibility as to such property. Said Department Executive Com- Posts in the national convention. It is essential that the foreign mittee may provide for the transfer of the members in said Post Posts be made a part of Departments and placed in the same to other Posts of their choice, subject to the approval of such other category as other Posts, if the members thereof are to derive any Post.” benefits under the provisions of the Code of Procedure that will be adopted by this National Executive Committee, and if such And further amending said Article III by renumbering Section Posts are to be governed by the laws of The American Legion. 6 to Section 4, and by striking therefrom the word “or” following the word “revocation” in the sixth line thereof and placing a —4— comma following said word “revocation” and by adding the words That Section 3 of Article IX of the National Constitution be “or suspension” following the word “cancellation” in said sixth amended by adding the word “suspended” following the words line, so that the same shall read as follows: “may be” in the second line thereof and placing a comma there- “Section 4. The National Executive Committee shall provide a after, and by striking therefrom the following: “with the approval uniform code defining the procedure to be followed in the revoca- of the National Executive Committee. Post charters may be tion, cancellation or suspension of Post charters and providing for suspended,” so that said section shall read: a method of appeal and further providing a code of procedure for “Section 3. Each Department may prescribe the constitution the revocation, cancellation or suspension of Department charters of its Posts. Post charters may be suspended, canceled or re- with continuing power to revise said code, providing, however, voked by the Department Executive Committee, as provided in the that the procedure now in effect shall continue until such code is by-laws.” so adopted.” —5— Your committee at this time does not recommend the approval That Section 1 of Article XI of the National Constitution be of the foregoing proposed amendments, for the reason the same amended by adding the words “before a subcommittee as herein- should be given the careful study, attention and consideration of after provided” immediately following the word “hearing” in the the members of this National Executive Committee, and for the second line thereof, so that said section shall read: further reason that many changes are likely to be suggested be- “Section 1. The National Executive Committee, after notice and fore your May meeting. It is not necessary that these proposed a hearing before a subcommittee as hereinafter provided, may amendments be approved by the National Executive Committee cancel, suspend or revoke the charter of a Department for any until the May meeting. These proposed amendments will neces- good and sufficient cause to it appearing.” sarily have to be adopted at the national convention before your Committee on Uniform Code of Procedure can make its final re- —6— port and recommendations, and upon the adoption of the proposed That Section 3 of Article XI of the National Constitution be amendments by the national convention, the National Executive amended by adding the words “the charter of” immediately fol- Committee may at its September or November meeting adopt the lowing the words “revocation of” in the second line thereof, so Uniform Code of Procedure. that said section shall read: We suggest that each of you seriously consider these proposed “Section 3. The hearing and trial of any cause involving the amendments to the end that the same may be approved at your cancellation, suspension or revocation of the charter of any De- May meeting with whatever changes you may deem advisable. partment The American Legion shall be had and held under the rules of procedure to be adopted by the National Executive Com- mittee.” National Child Welfare Committee —7— Following is the advance report of Glen R. Hillis, Indiana, That Article III of the National By-Laws be amended by striking therefrom Sections 1, 2, 3, and 4, and placing in lieu thereof the Chairman of the National Child Welfare Committee: following sections: I come before you again to report on the Child Welfare Activi- “Section 1. The Department Executive Committee in which the ties of our National Committee and Division. Since last reporting Post involved is a member, may suspend, cancel or revoke a Post to you we have experienced another national convention and are charter. The action taken by the Department Executive Com- the recipients of some new mandates and instructions in the in- mittee shall be final and conclusive unless an appeal is taken to terest of development of our Child Welfare Program. the National Executive Committee within thirty days from the The introduction to the report of the Convention Child Welfare date of said suspension, cancellation or revocation. The action Committee is well worth repeating here. Permit me to quote: taken by the National Executive Committee upon appeal shall be “The Child Welfare Program of The American Legion is one final.” which insures the present and continued support and acknowl- “Section 2. Any Post failing to meet the obligations imposed edgment of leadership in the ideals of American life from our upon it by the Constitution and By-Laws, or ceasing to function fellow citizens everywhere. But in order to preserve the leader- for six months as an American Legion Post, or voluntarily ceasing ship of The American Legion in the Child Welfare field, it is 54 DIGEST OF MINUTES NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING

essential that our program receive the intelligent, united and National Child Welfare Division in giving assistance to children wholehearted support of our entire membership. of veterans of the World War who have been afflicted with such “We earnestly appeal to the officials of the National Organiza- crippling conditions and disfigurement. We could cite illustrations tion and the State Departments of The American Legion for of the gratitude of growing boys and girls who have been bene- assistance in thoroughly acquainting our membership with the fited through the financial help available from our Emergency Aid subject of Child Welfare in order that they may better serve the resources, by making skilled surgical, medical and dental services children of veterans and the communities in which they live.” available to these children who would not have otherwise been able A great gain will be made if you, as American Legion National to receive them through any local resources. Executive Commiteemen, together with the Department Com- We all can realize the sensitiveness and feeling of inferiority manders and Department Adjutants of The American Legion in that a child experiences when it is subject to such crippling and all of the Departments, will take this statement seriously and disfigurement conditions. help us to spread the information to all of the members within your Departments and Posts. I appeal to you, as the Convention Aid to Mothers and Dependent Children Committee appealed to the officials of the National Organization The American Legion more than any other organization or group and the State Departments of The American Legion, for this nec- was responsible for securing the amendment to the Federal Social essary assistance to thoroughly acquaint our membership with the Security Act that places aid to dependent children on an equal subject of Child Welfare. matching basis with the states, thus increasing the amount of Only with your interest and help may we hope to better serve financial aid available for this form of assistance, and helping the children of veterans and the communities in which they live. many more children in need to receive this assistance. We can report to you that the Child Welfare Conference and The American Legion in its Child Welfare Program has placed meetings held at Chicago in connection with The American Legion first among its objectives, conservation of the child’s own home National Convention were the best yet held, in attendance and for the child. Thus, when the father is removed through death interest. We believe advancement was made. or disability and the mother is left with a family of children and There was emphasis through Department representation for the without resources within the family to maintain the home, the expansion of the educational activities of the Child Welfare Pro- children may be assisted through federal, state, and county re- gram, through which information and instruction may reach the sources, so that the mother can care for and train her children Departments and Posts. in her home. Some states provide some assistance to the mother for her Area Child Welfare School-Conferences maintenance in the care and training of her children, while the Area Child Welfare School-Conferences were placed in the front majority of the states only provide a very minimum amount of ranks as affording opportunity for instruction and interchange of assistance for the children and compel the mother to maintain practical ideas in the interest of better service to the children of herself through some means of support. Usually there are very veterans. They were also pointed to as a fine constructive illus- young children in such a family as well as children near the teen tration of American Legion public relations. High commendation age, and the mother is further faced with neglect of the children and grateful appreciation is expressed to The American Legion while she goes out to work, the amount she receives from public by the public for the unselfish objectives and accomplishments of resources for the maintenance of her children being inadequate to its Child Welfare Program. secure proper nourishment and shelter for the children. This While all of these tributes are encouraging, yet we of the na- combination of conditions in too many instances presents neglect tional child welfare work realize that there is a great deal more that develops into behavior problems that borders on and soon to be done to bring information, service and aid to the many chil- leads into juvenile delinquency, and thus we have too many young dren of veterans who we know are in need and who have not yet children coming into the courts and being sent into the training been located through the Departments and Posts in cooperation schools and industrial institutions. Under this latter form of with the National Headquarters. care and maintenance we, as taxpayers, have to contribute a great deal more financially to the care and maintenance of the child Services for Child Welfare Organization than if in the first instance we compelled more adequate facilities in aid and administration to mothers and their dependent children. We know also that many of the resources and facilities, both public and private, established in your communities and states, A great deal more could be said on this subject but we will have are far from adequate in their administration and services to meet the opportunity in the coming months to lend our interest and the needs of the children. We know that a great deal of money support in further studying this whole situation of aid to de- is being spent in many of the communities and states and also pendent children and lending our strength and influence in im- through national resources, and yet with all of our efforts to proving the conditions of administration and services to the eliminate waste and to bring constructive benefits to the children families and children that come within this provision. in need, we experience maladministration in public life and public welfare services in the communities and the states. Consideration for Rehabilitated Children From In the second mandate adopted at the national convention in Penal or Training School Institutions the Child Welfare Report, it is recommended that assistance be I have already reported to you at previous meetings of The provided to the Departments on a matched and shared basis to American Legion Executive Committee on this subject of the.lack make qualified child welfare help available to the Departments of a square deal for the boy or girl who having been committed to improve and strengthen their child welfare organization within to a training school or penal institution and upon being rehabili- The American Legion, so that gradually the membership and the tated and dismissed from such institution, finds himself or herself leaders in the Posts will be sufficiently informed to know how to not acceptable to the community or the governmental services proceed to utilize the existing resources for the benefit of children and opportunities for which he or she might otherwise have been and to insist upon proper administration of these resources in the acceptable and eligible. It is a sad and tragic situation that this communities. is true and we must continue to carry on your educational pro- Addition to “Crippled Child” Definition gram on this subject to bring intelligent public understanding of The lack of flexibility in the interpretation and administration conditions and needs of these children. of services made available to the physically handicapped child Through our activity in the interest of prevention and treat- made it further necessary for The American Legion to amend the ment of juvenile delinquency, we will gradually reduce the num- definition of a “crippled child,” as accepted by the 1938 National ber of boys and girls who find their way into the courts and into Convention, and recommended to the federal and state govern- these institutions, but we are a long way from eliminating the ments. Mandate No. 3 amends the definition so as to include problem. The activity to reduce the problem has to be under- "those conditions of pronounced irregularity of the mouth or the taken with greater seriousness and continuity than we have yet ap- dental arch which cause serious loss of function and very evident proached if we are to make the progress that we like to report is deformity of the face.” We have had much experience in our being made in some few scattered localities. DIGEST OF MINUTES NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING 55

Voluntary Cooperative Assistance, Medical and Dental to the conditions and needs so that we will make our readjust- ments of objectives and activities. During the past year, through the able leadership of Dr. Edward Clay Mitchell and his subcommittee, to which we assigned the re- I believe that further study by the Child Welfare Liaison Com- sponsibility of child health matters as they pertain to our program, mittee will help us to clarify the question of finances, and I hope we have made tremendous progress in the development of contact that the allocation of income from the Endowment Fund will be and liaison with voluntary cooperative assistance along medical as completely studied and clarified as possible to help dispel the and dental lines in the interest of our children. The first long misunderstanding that continues to exist about this fund. step has been taken toward building this contact and liaison with I recommended to you at the meeting in Chicago that the Child qualified voluntary assistance, and it is hoped that we may during Welfare Liaison Committee appointed by the National Commander the coming months take the next step forward effecting the from members of the National Executive Committee and acting further cooperative relations that will bring to our children in with and for the National Child Welfare Committee, be made need the definite benefits that can come' through the program of permanent, and I am pleased that in this year of my chairmanship child health, which Dr. Mitchell and his subcommittee have pre- of the National Child Welfare Committee, the Liaison Committee sented to us and which has received convention action and is ready came into being, and that it will become permanent. for further consideration at the next meeting of the Executive In closing I wish to remind you that the limited budget of the Committee of the National Child Welfare Committee. National Child Welfare Committee and Division, the total of which is approximately $107,000 for 1939, through the direction and ad- April Designated as Child Welfare Month ministration of our National Committee and Division, in coopera- tion with the Departments, brought into action for benefits to chil- In the month of April The American Legion and American Le- dren, $3,757,865.27 for aid and service to 442,489 children. These gion Auxiliary have joined in emphasis on the child welfare activi- figures are compiled from the reports received through the De- ties and through a subcommittee of our National Child Welfare partments, but it should be added that not all of the Posts, Units, Committee, we develop, in cooperation with the National Child Voitures, and Salons reported and that the figures presented, there- Welfare Division, a definite program that brings to our member- fore, are but a partial showing of the accomplishment through the ship and public attention the objectives and services of The Ameri- child welfare organization. can Legion and American Legion Auxiliary in its Child Welfare The details concerning the resources or funds for all forms of Program. The Forty and Eight and Eight and Forty give their com- service and assistance as reported for the 12-month period previous plete support to this program and together the four organizations to the national convention were as follows: make a splendid public demonstration during the April celebration, From National Resources for Emergency Aid and and there follows increased understanding and the extension of aid and service to many children in need. Services to the Departments $ 73,923.28 From The American Legion within the Departments Other Resolutions and Posts 766,704.04 From the American Legion Auxiliary within the De- There were some other resolutions presented to us which re- partments and Units 989,905.45 lated to matters of administration rather than determination of From the Forty and Eight as reported by the Depart- general policy and these resolutions were considered by a com- ments and Voitures 38,019.38 mittee and referred to The American Legion National Child Wel- From the Eight and Forty as reported by the Depart- fare Committee and its Executive Committee as generally ap- ments and Salons 63,211.30 proved, with the understanding that each of these will be given From the Legion and Auxiliary from within the De- definite consideration, and that full report will be given to the partment, for Child Welfare administration 36,868.83 Departments concerned and to the next national convention. Regarding all these resolutions and also the mandates to which Making a total of $1,968,632.28 I have referred, it is impossible for me at this time to tell you From other local resources outside the Legion and how activity in their interest will be pursued during the coming Auxiliary, the Forty and Eight, and the Eight and year. They must all be considered and acted upon by the Execu- Forty, we secured 1,789,232.99 tive Committee of the National Child Welfare Committee at its coming meeting at National Headquarters on December 8 and 9. Grand total of aid and service to the 442,489 children. . $ 3,757,865.27 General Comment I wish to again express our grateful appreciation to our affiliated organizations for the generous support in finances and services that I wish to repeat something of what I stated to The American they give to the Child Welfare Program. Legion Executive Committee at its meeting on Sunday, September I appeal to you as National and Department leaders to give your 24, at the time of the national convention at Chicago. continued interest and support to this very important program of You are all well acquainted with the fact that the immediate American Legion endeavor. past National Commander appointed a Child Welfare Liaison Com- mittee of your Executive Committee. That committee has been Supplemental Report engaged in study and evaluation of the work of the child welfare activities. We feel that already our committee and the division The following supplemental report, submitted by Mr. have been materially aided by the contacts with this committee Hillis, was adopted: and we sincerely hope that as this committee continues its studies, Mr. Commander and Lady and Gentlemen of the Committee: its authority will be expanded so that it can be of even greater There has been placed in your hands a mimeographed report to constructive help to us in the child welfare work. We are con- which I would like to add the verbal report this morning. fident that through the report this liaison committee has already Realizing that there are a number of things to be done in the made and will make at future meetings, it will materially Child Welfare field following the report sometime before the end strengthen the Legion in the field of Child Welfare. of this meeting, the Liaison Committee was appointed by the Na- I wish to again express, my own personal appreciation of the tional Commander on a motion of the National Executive Com- uniform courtesies with which I have been treated and the ma- mittee, to make up a report which will cover a great deal of the terial assistance which I have received from the National Com- field. manders under whom I have served. I am making the following suggestions to the committee, part May I also, again, express my sincere appreciation of the fine of which are covered, or mainly all of them are covered in the relationship that exists between the National Americanism Com- report of the Liaison Committee, that further study be made of mission and the Law and Order Committee with our Child Wel- the mandates of the various meetings of the Legion, in conven- fare Committee in the furtherance of the program of prevention tions, in order that we may have a clear conception of just what and treatment of juvenile delinquency. this Child Welfare program actually is. I wish to also, again, repeat that it is my opinion that we must A study has been made in part of those mandates, and we are keep our Child Welfare Program flexible; that we must be alert finding in them, and have found in them in the past few years, 56 DIGEST OF MINUTES NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING

some sources of embarrassment. We have found in them man- Liaison with Child Welfare Committee dates that no longer apply to the Child Welfare program as they should. For that reason I am adding my recommendation to that Following discussion on membership dues paid to various of the Liaison Committee, that a further study be made and an affiliated organizations, the following report, as submitted by effort be made to clarify the entire program of the Legion. James R. Favret, Ohio, Chairman of the Liaison with Child In that connection may I say this to you—at the conclusion of two years as the Chairman of that committee—that I am utterly Welfare Committee, was adopted: convinced that the program of Child Welfare should be purely Mr. Commander and Members of the National Executive Com- a Legion program, and should be purely under the direction of mittee: In our report to this committee at Chicago on September The American Legion, that it should be purely for the benefit of 24, which report was adopted, we stated among other things that the Legion and those in whom the Legion is interested, that it “In general there should be a re-statement of principles and ob- should not at any time be permitted to become a social service jectives together with a codification of existing mandates and a field. It will be said to you that social service does have a part repeal of those no longer effective.” in this program, and I say to you, also, that it does, but it should In line with this recommendation, we have begun a study of all be from the standpoint of The American Legion, and not The convention mandates affecting Child Welfare. At this time we American Legion being used from the standpoint of social service. wish to submit several matters for your action and will make I would further recommend strongly to you the continuance of other recommendations in subsequent reports. the Legion in its study of the problems of the prevention and treat- Item 36 of the Digest of National Convention Mandates reported ment of juvenile delinquency, saying to you at this time that over in the Child Welfare Guide states: “We urge enactment of legisla- 25 per cent of the boys and girls who are on the inside of training tion and necessary appropriation for United States Public Health schools in the United States today, are the sons and daughters of Service and State Health Organizations to promote development former service men and women. Also from the standpoint of and maintenance of local health service.” This Digest is taken service we can give a community, The American Legion is the one from resolutions adopted at the 1933 and 1934 conventions. Since great organization that covers and blankets the United States, a reading of these resolutions might be misconstrued, in the light which can successfully bring this problem to the attention of the of recent proposed legislation dealing with public health and wel- community. fare, we recommend to this committee that these mandates be Many of our members are schoolmen. Many of them are in- repealed. terested in appeals that fit into this particular problem, and we of Further matters of repeal of obsolete mandates and codification the Legion can be of tremendous benefit to the educational pro- and restatement of Child Welfare objectives will be made the sub- gram in America, by maintaining our studies of this particular ject of further reports by our committee. field, and coordinating the studies of the Legion. The committee recognizes the necessity of keeping contact with At the present time three committees have studied this problem other organizations in this same line of work, and pending further —National Law and Order Committee, the Americanism Commis- study of the question of affiliations with such other organizations, sion and the Child Welfare Committee. The problems should be as referred to in our report of September 24 we recommend, for coordinated in order that all three of the divisions as they con- the current year, association with the following organizations: tinue their work, should work in the same direction. American Public Welfare Association, Membership and Pub- I am making the further recommendation that all reports of the lication, subcommitte of the Child Welfare Committee be submitted to Child Welfare League of America, Membership and Publica- the National Chairman of that committee, prior to the national tion, conventions, for the purpose of consolidation and coordination. National Probation Association, Membership and Publication, Again I point out to you the fact that reports, as printed for the National Conference of Social Work, Associate Membership purpose of conventions, are not coordinated reports, that they and Publication, frequently look in different directions, that they are so long and National Conference of Catholic Charities, Membership and involved that it not only is a matter of great expense to The Publication. American Legion to have them printed, but at the same time they It is distinctly understood that membership in these organiza- are not studied. For that reason I believe that the National Chair- tions does not in any way give them authority to speak for or man should be directed to consolidate and coordinate the reports. bind The American Legion, either directly or by implications. One of the things I would like to call to your attention, I believe It would also seem desirable that subscriptions be made to the to be of distinct benefit to the entire body of The American Le- following publications: gion. That is, we should set in process some sort of a movement, or create some machinery, to sell this Child Welfare program to American Medical Association Journal, The American Legion. The American Legionnaire does not under- Mid-monthly Survey and Survey Graphic, stand what the Child Welfare program is, and certainly the public Council of State Government, does not know. Crippled Children’s Society publication, Social Work Publicity Council publication, May I say to you, that when a report is given and when a Community Coordination publication. speech is made, at some meeting where people are present who are not members of the Legion, it is the greatest selling talk we In the opinion of our committee, the method of, and responsi- have for The American Legion. It is not a matter of being just bility for, the appointment of members of the various subcom- on one occasion or another but practically on every occasion where mittees of the Child Welfare Division should have the attention the public is acquainted with the work of the Child Welfare Di- of the Executive Committee. A study shows that many members vision, that they come to you afterward and say, “We didn’t know of the various subcommittees have not been members of the gen- The American Legion was doing that type of work.” It is to the eral committee appointment by the National Commander with the benefit of The American Legion as far as the general public is approval of the National Executive Committee. We therefore concerned, that the general public be educated to what we are recommend: doing. First, that all members of the subcommittee be selected from It is of further benefit to The American Legion itself, that it be members of the general committee with the addition of advisory acquainted with that field. members from the Auxiliary, Forty and Eight and Eight and Now as my last appearance as the National Chairman, may I Forty. express my appreciation for the cooperation of this committee, Second, that appointment of the subcommittees be made by the especially the cooperation of the Liaison Committee, and the very National Child Welfare Executive Committee upon recommenda- fine work that is being done and the very fine attitude that has tion of the National Child Welfare Chairman and with the ap- been assumed by the National Commanders of the Legion towards proval of the National Commander. this very important field of service. The two years have not been The American Legion Child Welfare program is one of the most wasted on my part, and I believe that it is a field for continued important of our programs and, in its entirety, should be better intensive work in the Legion. Thank you. understood by our membership. We recommend that the Child DIGEST OF MINUTES NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING 57

Welfare Committee study this matter to the end that the entire period in 1938, was subdivided among the three publications as program will be better understood. follows: Administrative matters are being studied in conjunction with The American Legion Magazine $133,812.26 the National Adjutant. Some changes have already been effected The National Legionnaire 22,647.28 which have proven satisfactory and further changes may be made The Legion Heir 1,919.64 from time to time as the necessity arises. The lease on the New York office, in one of the Rockefeller I move the adoption of the report. Plaza buildings, expires April 30, 1940. This was a three-year lease at $5,750 a year, with option of renewal for two years at $6,000 a year. A thorough investigation disclosed that this rental Legion Publishing and Publicity Commission is well below the prevailing rates for comparable space in other buildings, so the commission has authorized the Director of Pub- The following report, submitted by Thomas W. McCaw, lications to exercise the renewal option at the new rate of $6,000 Ohio, Vice-Chairman of the Legion Publishing and Publicity a year. That is a $250 a year increase. Commission, was adopted, with the understanding that the Advertising: For the first nine months of 1939 the net advertis- proposed change in name of the Commission be submitted to ing revenue has fallen short of the estimate in the budget by $15,- the next ensuing National Convention for ratification: 483.73 (or 9.2 per cent), and is less than the net revenue for the same period last year by $7,960.03. Practically all monthly publica- Mr. Commander, Lady and Gentlemen of the National Executive tions in the national field have suffered even greater losses in per- Committee: The Legion Publishing and Publicity Commission is centage. This is due to a general recession in advertising expendi- entrusted with the supervision of the publishing and distribution tures, which is felt more by monthly magazines because of the of The American Legion Magazine, the National Legionnaire and trend towards radio, newspapers, and weekly publications as adver- The Legion Heir. The component of the National Headquarters tising media. which handles this work is known as the Publications Division and We wish to call particular attention to a superb piece of promo- is headed by a Director of Publications. Its fiscal affairs are tional material which has been produced by the Advertising Direc- handled by the Finance Division of National Headquarters. tor, with the collaboration of the Director of Publications and the The commission is divided into the following committees: Super- editorial staff. This is a digest-size 64-page booklet, entitled “Keep- visory, Administrative, Advertising, Editorial and Manufacturing. ing America American,” and containing 20 articles and editorials Tuesday of this week was devoted to meetings of the various which have appeared in The American Legion Magazine this year. committees, while the whole commission was in session nearly all This was prepared for distribution among large advertisers for the day Wednesday. purpose of arousing an interest in the magazine as an advertising Administration: By authority of the 1936 Cleveland Convention, medium. However, it was immediately recognized by the National the National Executive Committee, at its November 1936 meeting, Commander and the other members of the commission that the created the commission in its present form and gave it the name character and timeliness of this small publication warranted a “Legion Publishing and Publicity Commission.” The publicity much broader, more general distribution than was originally in- phase of the commission’s work was defined in these words: tended. Accordingly, plans are already being formulated under the “To cooperate with the various divisions of National Head- direction of Commander Kelly whereby a wide distribution of the quarters in the distribution of all publicity, subject to the re- booklet will be effected in the interest of true Americanism. strictions as hereinafter set out.” I regret that we do not have a sufficient number of these book- lets on hand to give to each member of the committee here, but The same resolution assigned to a National Publicity Officer, they will be made available very shortly. directly responsible to the National Commander, the duty of handling all general publicity. Editorial: Every effort is being made to make the magazine In actual practice, the publications division’s part in this ar- more interesting and readable. Editorial material has been livened rangement on publicity has been confined to the dissemination of up and more pictures and cartoons have been used, in keeping with news and information through the columns of the National Le- the trend in national magazines. gionnaire and, to a lesser degree, of The American Legion Maga- The editorial costs have been materially reduced—these costs for the first nine months of 1939 were $13,972 less than for the zine. There has been complete cooperation "with the various corresponding period last year. divisions of National Headquarters” in this respect. But all pub- On January 1, 1938, the inventory of art and manuscripts licity, in its generally accepted meaning, has been handled (and amounted to $21,114.52. The commission determined at that time in our opinion, admirably handled) by the National Publicity Offi- cer. In short, this arrangement has worked very nicely. that this inventory should be gradually reduced by judicious use In view of all this, it is recommended that the National Execu- of the material on hand until the investment would be reduced to not more than $10,000, which is considered about normal. This tive Committee take the necessary action to bring about a change inventory has now reached the low figure of $8,334.18. in the name of the commission to "Legion Publications Commis- sion,” a designation which is not only less ponderous, but which Manufacturing: In our report at the September meeting in more accurately defines its authority and responsibility. Chicago we told you of some contemplated changes in paper speci- I might remark here that it is our opinion that this action will fications, and very slight changes in the trimming of the pages, necessarily come through the national convention, but it is our which would effect savings of thousands of dollars annually. These recommendation that the National Executive Committee initiate changes will become effective with the January issue, which goes the action looking toward final adoption by the national conven- to press about December 1. tion. We arrive at that opinion because of the fact that this In the interest of good business management and resultant econ- name, which the commission now bears, was designated by the omies, arrangements have been made for closer and more frequent national convention action. contact with the printers while the magazine is being made up and The operations of the publications division in general reflect a printed. substantial increase in revenue and decrease in expense for the The National Legionnaire is continuing to increase in reader first nine months of this year, as compared with the estimates in interest, and the demand for space has brought about a gradual the budget, and with actual results for the same period last year. increase in the number of pages printed. In 1937 we printed 124 Total operating revenue has exceeded the budget estimates by pages; in 1938 128 pages; and in 1939 there will be a total of 132 $13,011.85, while the operating expense was $35,542.40 less than pages. the amount budgeted for that period. Heretofore, no part of the expense of operating the circulation The operating statement of the publications division for the department has been allocated to The National Legionnaire. While nine months ending September 30, 1939, prepared by the National no additional expense was incurred in this department when the Finance Division of The American Legion, shows that the total National Legionnaire was added to our publications, it is felt that revenue was $742,812.90 and the total expense for the same period good business practice demands that a fair share of the total ex- was $584,433.71, leaving a net gain of $158,379.18. This net gain, pense of that department be charged against The National Legion- which was $42,871.52 more than the net gain for the corresponding naire. Accordingly, effective January 1, 1940, the expense of oper- 58 DIGEST OF MINUTES NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING

ating the circulation department will be pro-rated between The ecutive Vice-President of the Corporation, the report being American Legion Magazine and The National Legionnaire, so that the actual cost of publishing The National Legionnaire will be received: more accurately reflected in the operating statement. This adds Comrade National Commander, Members of the National Execu- $7,133 (about ten per cent) to the expense budget of the National tive Committee: I will be exceedingly brief. First of all, may I Legionnaire, and reduces the expense budget of the magazine by say that in reference to the Boston Convention, it is our studied the same amount. Of course, you can realize this does not include judgment at this time that the convention corporation is in a condi- postage, mailing charges, it is merely the operation of the depart- tion comparable to that of any that have in the past held successful ment downstairs, which handles the making up of the address conventions. In reference to Chicago, may I just say, that after all, strips, which are pasted on the magazine and the National Legion- that is a thing of the past, and I am in kind of a dual personality, naire, bearing the address of the member. in this respect, so I will also be brief in reference to that subject. The Legion Heir: The first issue of this paper went out to the The convention corporation, I believe, will, on next Wednesday members of The Sons of The American Legion in January 1938. evening, hold its final meeting. For your information, after your The press run of the first issue was 10,000, and this has now in- departure from Chicago, we are speaking now of the Legion as an creased to 73,000. organization, we were treated with exceptionally fine editorial comment in all of the metropolitan dailies in Chicago. We have on The members of the commission have experienced considerable file the statements of the Chicago Association of Commerce, and confusion in this name Legion Heir. You notice how I have been the Hotel Men’s Association, both of whom urged the holding of deliberately enunciating and separating those words, so you would another convention in the immediate future in Chicago. For your avoid confusion with the name Legionnaire, the National Legion- information, and for no better reason, may I say that the total naire. This probably is not as noticeable to you as it would be to budget expended by the Chicago Convention Corporation was ap- those who are working in the publishing division, but it is the proximately $170,000, and we will close the books with a substantial recommendation of the commission that steps be taken, probably profit. upon the recommendation of the Standing Committee of The Sons of The American Legion, to adopt a different name, a suitable You will be interested in t,he following letter: name, but one which, of course, would not be so confusing. “THE CHICAGO ASSOCIATION Conclusion: The National Publications Division is operating a OF COMMERCE large publishing business—almost a million-dollar business, if you One North LaSalle Street please. The members of the Publishing and Publicity Commission CHICAGO are fully cognizant of their responsibility to the million members October 19, 1939 of The American Legion, the owners of this business. Figuring “Mr. Raymond J. Kelly, National Commander, only two to a Post, we have a subscription sales force for more The American Legion, than twenty thousand men and women—the loyal Legionnaires 777 North Meridian Street, who go out and sign-up the members each year. The money col- Indianapolis, Indiana. lected from these members includes 25c a year for dues to the “Dear Commander Kelly: National Organization, and 75c as the subscription price for our “It is with no little pleasure that, as President of the Chicago publications. The publications division has no expense for subscrip- Association of Commerce, and speaking in behalf of all Chicago, tion sales, but this is more than offset by the very low subscription I am afforded the opportunity of telling you how much our city price. Therefore, it appears to be entirely valid to look upon the enjoyed the privilege of acting as host to The American Legion net gain indicated in the operating statements as profit—profit Convention. which accrues to the National Organization. “It is now several weeks since Legionnaires filled our streets, but The commission solicits the hearty interest and cooperation of it will take a much longer time to erase the far-reaching effects the members of the National Executive Committee, and we shall of this invasion of hilarity, good fellowship and spirit of honest be glad to furnish any additional information or data you may Americanism. Particularly in these disturbing and confounding desire. days do we appreciate the bolstering knowledge that we have in our great land such an inspiring and stimulating organization of Later during the session, Mr. McCaw addressed the Com- men, who are bound by a common purpose. mittee as follows: “Besides this mental uplift, the convention in Chicago, either Mr. Commander and Members of the Committee: It has just directly or indirectly, actively incited trade and industry, and the come to my attention in looking over the agenda of the meeting impetus was the restorative needed to stimulate all related fields. that our report is to carry a report on two resolutions which were “Our hotels were, of course, pleasantly filled, our restaurants put before your committee by the Chicago Convention. These reso- worked overtime, and our retail merchants reported that downtown lutions had to do with the recommendation that some of the copies sales materially increased during the period of the convention. of The American Legion Magazine be produced in Braille for the “It has been stated by Chicago business men, whose opinions are use of blind veterans. These resolutions were referred to our com- respected, that The American Legion Convention has meant at least mission, and we had intended eventually to refer them to the fifteen million dollars of additional commerce for our city, an National Executive Committee, but we are not able to do that increase that cannot be wholly calculated in its beneficial effects. because we must make a study and thorough investigation of the “Chicago is proud to have been honored with two National matter and report back, and have those who are designated to American Legion Conventions, and I am now joined enthusiastically make that study report back to our commission. They have been by industrial and civic leaders in the hope that we can again soon instructed to do that not later than February 1, determining the spread the ‘Welcome’ mat for The American Legion. approximate cost of producing a sufficient supply of the magazine “Very cordially yours, in Braille for the use of blind Legionnaires. (Signed) OSCAR G. MAYER, I thought it advisable to get that in the record. Thank you President.” very much.

Veterans’ Employment Committee Final Report of The American Legion 1939 Convention Corporation of Chicago and National Con- The following report, submitted by Jack Crowley, Vermont, Chairman of the Veterans’ Employment Committee, was vention Liaison Committee adopted: James P. Ringley, Illinois, submitted the following report Mr. Commander and Members of the Committee: As you know, as Chairman of the National Convention Liaison Committee, the Chicago Convention again mandated employment as an activity, that we should increase our efforts and financial expenditures for and in behalf of The American Legion 1939 Convention Cor- the re-employment and vocational training for men over forty, that poration of Chicago, in the absence of Philip W. Collins, Ex- we should again conduct a National Employment Week, that we DIGEST OF MINUTES NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING 59

should vigorously impress our employment stabilization program, immediately ascertain whether or not veterans are receiving their and we should hold a conference of outstanding leaders in America. fair share of placements in all states, and if not, to immediately I will tell you what disposition we made of the matters that came take such steps as may be necessary to obtain full and complete through the committee from the Chicago Convention. One said that cooperation between the veterans’ placement representatives and employment should be an order of business at Post meetings, and the state employment agencies to insure adequate placement of veterans. I understand it is already in the new Post manual. * * * * * On the question of vocational guidance, and retraining, we have The second one—This committee recommends that the chairman had correspondence already with each Department, asking them of the National Employment Committee and the National Director to contact their state education department with respect to it in of Employment be directed to attend the next national convention, their own state, and we have referred to the National Legislative to be held at Boston, in order to appear before and present their Committee the problem of trying to get federal recognition for views to the National Convention Employment Committee. the project. ***** With respect to the education program in the CCC, I think most of you know that Russell Cook, a good Legionnaire, has been ap- The third one deals with the employment stabilization program: pointed in the Department of United States Office of Education, Be It Resolved, That the Department of Minnesota be requested and there is going to be a restraining vocational guidance and guid- to make available to other Departments the Employment Stabili- ance service in all CCC camps. We are instructed to work for a zation Service which, at the request of the National Employment CCC camp in Puerto Rico, and I am glad to report there has been Committee, has been developed there, and that the various Com- one already established there. manders and Adjutants be and hereby are urged to secure this The question of the merit rating has gone from our committee service for their Departments and Posts. Be it further to the Legislative Committee. Resolved, That the Social Security Board and the respective The resolution regarding the • employment of aliens in private Unemployment Compensation Agencies of the various states be industry, and in government—we preferred taking that up with requested to prepare analyses of the provisions of their unemploy- the United States Civil Service Commission and other various de- ment compensation laws, prepared especially with the view to partments concerned, and getting in touch with the National Asso- familiarize employers with the possibilities of avoiding needless ciation of Manufacturers. penalties and of qualifying for the merit rating benefits, as an The question of veterans’ preference for wives and widows—you inducement for the stabilization of employment in their establish- know that came into the Chicago Convention through our com- ments, with the recommendation that the analysis be prepared in mittee, and that, of course, has gone out to the Legislative Com- accordance with the model used by The American Legion Employ- mittee. ment Stabilization Service of Minnesota in the preparation of the The question of a special application card, a special colored card analysis of the law in each state, and, be it further i for the application of veterans on WPA—that is being handled by Resolved, That each such board in the respective states maintain the National Director of Employment, and, just in passing, I want at least one employe charged with the duty of developing publicity to say that Paul is doing a swell job in addition to all his other on and interesting employers in the information so available. i duties. You have now titled him the Director of Veterans’ Place- ***** ment, as well as the Director of Employment. Number four: The main thing we had before the committee was the holding . of this employment conference. It was mandated by the Chicago Whereas, The Department of Labor is charged with the duty of Convention that either the National Executive Committee or the fostering, promoting and developing the welfare of the wage- National Employment Committee should sponsor that conference, earners of the United States, improving their working conditions, and the National Commander placed the responsibility upon our and advancing their opportunities for profitable employment, and i committee. There are nine members of the committee in here. Whereas, In the Act of June 6, 1933, known as the Wagner- We had about four weeks to get it lined up, and I think we met Peyser Act, it was provided that there be established within the with considerable success. Department of Labor a National Employment System, known as I want to tell you about some of the people who were at our the United States Employment Service; and meeting down in Indianapolis, the World War Memorial Building. Whereas, The transfer of the United States Employment Service We had a representative of the National Association of Manufac- out of the Department of Labor was a most unexpected and un- turers; Mr. Roy Moore, president of Canada Dry; General Coe, a warranted action, undoing what had been accomplished by years former Department Commander in Florida; I brought out Mr. of conscientious effort; now, therefore, be it Landers of my state, the president of the Landers Machine Com- Resolved, That The American Legion hereby demands that the pany, who has been interested in employment for a long time, and United States Employment Service and the Veterans’ Placement is today conducting an employment session for the New England Service be returned to the Department of Labor, where, in its Council. opinion, they rightfully belong, in order that working people may Labor—We had representatives from the CIO and the A. F. of L. be provided with better opportunities of employment. We had a representative from the University of Chicago, Dr. Palyi, ***** the National Farm Bureau Federation sent their representative The fifth one deals with the mandate which came out of the when their national president couldn’t come, a representative from Chicago Convention on these employment conferences, that Indiana; we had various representatives of the government. Whereas, The Chicago Convention mandated that a meeting, or Out of that meeting that Wednesday we brought five resolutions, series of meetings, should be held, to which should be invited out- and I want to read them to you at this time. standing leaders of industry, labor, finance, agriculture and gov- ***** ernment, and Whereas, The first of such meetings, held at Indianapolis, No- Whereas, The function of the veterans’ placement representative vember 22 and 23, under the sponsorship of the National Employ- is to endeavor to obtain in each state employment for deserving ment Committee, was an outstanding success, therefore, be it and capable veterans by using the respective state employment Resolved, That the initiative taken at said meeting be followed facilities, and in most states the results obtained thereby for such up by similar conferences, to be held at some convenient location, veterans has been satisfactory, and preferably New York or Washington. That the chairman of the Whereas, In certain states, by reason of the lack of cooperation Employment Committee designate a subcommittee of said com- between the state employment service and veterans’ placement mittee to attend said conference with the Director of Employment representatives, the veterans have not received placement in em- and a subcommittee of the National Executive Committee. That ployment in proportion to the placements obtained for non-veterans they meet with selected representatives of industry, labor, finance, in comparison with their respective registrations, and in compari- agriculture and government, and report this recommendation to the son with results obtained in states having comparable economic May meeting of the National Executive Committee. conditions; now, therefore, be it ***** Resolved, That we request that the Director of the Veterans' Placement Representatives, the Director of the Social Security In that connection, in the closing session, when we had the out- Board, and the heads of the respective state employment agencies siders over there, the CIO men, the A. F. of L. men, and Mr. Lan- 60 DIGEST OF MINUTES NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING

ders, the industrialists, the man from agriculture, they all agreed remuneration paid to members of orchestras playing at Post dances that the Legion was the one organization in America to head up and social affairs will not be reported. such a conference. We think, with the start that we got ovtr here As soon as these rulings are received they will be transmitted to the other day, that The American Legion can do it. the various Departments. It is unanimously our opinion that there has been too much Federal Legislation Protecting Emblem dilly-dallying, and they are now trying to get down to facts and do something. We would like to see this committee go on record as I am hopeful that at the next session of Congress we will be suc- demanding that all these representatives of these various branches cessful in obtaining passage of the Bill, which is now pending, pro- of America—the industry, the labor, the finance, the government, viding for the protection of the Legion Emblem against misuse by and the agriculture, come together in one of these conferences commercial concerns. under the sponsorship of The American Legion, and see if a pro- I wish to thank all of the members of this committee for the gram cannot be worked out. That was the comment made by fine cooperation which they have extended to the National Judge everybody from outside the Legion who was in our meeting. They Advocate’s office during the past year. were very glad that they had an opportunity to come in there. Those who coudn’t come said they appreciated the invitation, and Supplemental Report thought that The American Legion was doing the right thing. In conclusion, gentlemen, I want to say to you, will you seriously The following supplemental report of the National Judge consider that recommendation that came out of our committee. Advocate was adopted: Jay C. Hormel, Minnesota, member of the Veterans’ Em- Mr. Commander and Members of the National Executive Com- ployment Committee, was introduced to the National Execu- mittee: First of all I want to thank you, Mr. Commander and tive Committee by M. P. Murray, Minnesota’s representative members of this committee, for my reappointment. on the National Executive Committee. All of you have had mimeographed copies of my report, but I would like to read it and make some interpolations, because there have been some changes since that report was made. At the pre-convention session of the National Executive Com- Report of National Judge Advocate mittee, held September 24, 1939, I stated that I would make a further report as to the status of the action filed by the Legionnaire Following is the advance report of Ralph B. Gregg, In- Uniform Company, of Boston, Mass., against The American Legion, diana, National Judge Advocate: which is pending in the Superior Court of Suffolk County, Boston, Mass. At the pre-convention session of the National Executive Com- Prior to that meeting a motion was filed on behalf of the defend- mittee, held September 24, 1939, I stated that I would make a ant, requesting that the plaintiff’s complaint be dismissed for the further report as to the status of the action filed by the Legion- following reasons: naire Uniform Company of Boston, Mass., against The American Legion, which is pending in the Superior Court of Suffolk County, First: The court is without jurisdiction to hear the case. Boston, Mass. Second: The subject-matter of the case is not within the juris- Prior to that meeting a motion was filed on behalf of the defend- diction of the courts of the commonwealth of Massachusetts. ant, requesting that the plaintiff’s complaint be dismissed for the Third: The case arises under the patent right laws of the United following reasons: States, and is within the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the United States, under Judicial Code, Section 256, amended (U. S. First: The court is without jurisdiction to hear the case. Code Title 28, Section 371). Second: The subject-matter of the case is not within the juris- diction of the courts of the commonwealth of Massachusetts. The court has sustained our motion to dismiss, which leaves one Third: The case arises under the patent right laws of the of three courses of procedure open to the plaintiff, namely: United States, and is within the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts First: To appeal. of the United States, under Judicial Code, Section 256, amended Second: Amend the Bill of Complaint by attempting to elemi- (U. S. Code Title 28, Section 371). nate the patent question. The court has sustained our motion to dismiss, which leaves one Third: Allow dismissal and refile the action in Federal Court. of three courses of procedure open to the plaintiff, namely: Co-counsel in Boston has not as yet advised which of those courses First: To appeal. the plaintiff intends to adopt. In the event this information is Second: Amend the Bill of Complaint by attempting to eliminate available, further report will be made at the November meeting. the patent question. I have just been advised by counsel at Boston that notice of Third: Allow dismissal and refile the action in Federal Court. appeal has been given in this case and it will be argued before the Co-counsel in Boston has not as yet advised which of those courses Supreme Court of Massachusetts, probably in January 1940. the plaintiff intends to adopt. In the event this information is Re: Municipal Council, American Legion, of New Orleans vs. available, further report will be made at the November meeting. Lawrence J. Fox et al. Re: Municipal Council, American Legion, of New Orleans vs. On May 25, 1939, the above action was filed in the Civil District Lawrence J. Fox et al. Court for the Parish of New Orleans, State of Louisiana, and The American Legion was one of the named defendants. This litigation On May 25, 1939, the above action was filed in the Civil District involves a dispute over the proper distribution of the proceeds of a Court for the Parish of New Orleans, State of Louisiana, and The Junior Baseball game. T. Semmes Walmsley, attorney-at-law, of American Legion was one of the named defendants. This litigation New Orleans, La., who is a former Commander of that Department, involves a dispute over the proper distribution of the proceeds from has kindly consented to represent the National Organization with- a Junior Baseball game. T. Semmes Walmsley, attorney-at-law, of out charge for services rendered. New Orleans, La., who is a former Commander of that Depart- We were fortunate in procuring a Past Department Commander ment, has kindly consented to represent the National Organization as local counsel down there, who agreed to perform his services without charge for services rendered. without charge. A motion was made, questioning the capacity of the plaintiff to sue and that is pending at the present time. I Social Security have been advised that this motion will be sustained, so I will A problem has been presented in a number of Departments under have to report further at tht May meeting on that. Title IX of the Social Security Act (which is the unemployment feature), in that non-salaried officers have been counted in deter- Social Security mining whether or not such Departments had the minimum number A problem has been presented in a number of Departments under of employes to come within the provisions of this legislation. It Title IX of the Social Security Act (which is the Unemployment is hoped that a favorable ruling may be obtained in this connection. feature), in that non-salaried officers have been counted in deter- We are also attempting to obtain a ruling to the effect that mining whether or not such Departments had the minimum number DIGEST OF MINUTES NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING 61 of employes to come within the provisions of this legislation. It is method that I can see by which the emblem can properly be hoped that a favorable ruling may be obtained in this connection. protected. We referred this question to the Internal Revenue Depart- I would not recommend to this committee the expenditure of ment, and since this meeting has convened we have received any large amount of money to enjoin misuse of the emblem. It an air-mail letter to the effect that the Internal Revenue Depart- is too expensive, is not effective, and the only method by which we ment has made a ruling exempting non-salaried officers in count- can obviate the necessity of that, is to obtain legislation to pro- ing the number of employes in any Department, for the purpose tect the patent rights we now have in our insignia. of determining whether that Department is subject to title IX I wish to thank all of the members of this committee for the of the Act. I want to thank Jack Taylor for his efforts in that fine cooperation which they have extended to the National Judge connection. This ruling, however, will not go into effect until Janu- Advocate’s office during the past year. ary 1, 1940, so any tax which has been paid under Title IX of the Act will not be remitted unless a further ruling is made. The letter referred to above is as follows: Report of Resolutions Subcommittee “Deputy Commissioner George J. Schoeneman, Internal Revenue The following report of the Resolutions Subcommittee, sub- Bureau, advises in a letter dated November 18, that in view of the fact The American Legion, under date of February 26, 1934, was mitted by George D. Levy, South Carolina, was adopted: exempted from Federal Income Tax under Section 103 (8) of the Mr. National Commander, Lady and Gentlemen of the National Revenue Act of 1932, and the corresponding provisions of prior Executive Committee. Your Resolutions Subcommittee, the per- Revenue Acts, services performed by elected noncompensated offi- sonnel of which was announced yesterday, has had referred to it cials of our organization on and after January 1, 1940, do not 30 resolutions, and following the course usually obtaining in this constitute “employment” within the meaning of Subchapters A and body, the committee will first report on the disapproved resolu- C, Chapter 9, of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended. This de- tions and in so doing, we will only read the subject matter, or cision prevails “from now on unless the character of the organiza- the title of the resolutions with the committee’s report and in the tion, its purposes, or methods of operation, as revealed in the evi- event that more full information is desired pertaining to the con- dence upon which Bureau ruling of February 26, 1934, was based, tent of any of the resolutions, I will be very glad to read the is subjected to change.” . . . “Any material change should be re- resolutions in full. ported promptly to the Collector of Internal Revenue for the Dis- Disapproved Resolutions trict in which is located the organization’s principal place of busi- ness in order that the effect of such change on its liability for in- Resolution No. 9. Subject: Establishment of service clubs for en- come and Social Security taxes may be determined.” listed men in actual service. “It was pointed out in the decision that Section 103 (8) of the Sponsored by: Edward Allen Loomis, Philadelphia, Pa. Revenue Act of 1932 (under which we were exempted from pay- This resolution is disapproved for the reason that it emanates ment of income tax) is substantially similar to Section 101 (8) of from an individual Legionnaire, is not in resolution form, and lacks the Internal Revenue Code.” proper Legion sponsorship. “Under this ruling, therefore, services performed by elected non- * * * * compensated officials of The American Legion on and after Janu- Reesolution No. 14. Subject: Wearing of caps by certain officers ary 1, 1940, are not subject to the Social Security Unemployment of The American Legion. Compensation tax, but the Bureau holds, however, that taxes Sponsored by: Department Commanders’ and Adjutants’ Con- assessed for this purpose against elected noncompensated officials, ference. prior to January 1, 1940, are due and payable.” The subject matter of this resolution was submitted to a special We are also attempting to obtain a ruling to the effect that committee of the National Executive Committee for its considera- remuneration paid to members of orchestras playing at Post tion at the May 1937 meeting, and a very exhaustive report was dances and social affairs will not be reported. rendered thereon. Inasmuch as this report, which was approved by As soon as these rulings are received they will be transmitted the National Executive Committee, limited the officers entitled to to the various Departments. wear the red cap, this committee is of the opinion that it is bound by the former resolution heretofore adopted and for that reason Federal Legislation Protecting Emblem the resolution is disapproved. I am hopeful that at the next session of Congress we will be * * * * successful in obtaining passage of the bill, which is now pending, pro- Resolution No. 17. Subject: The remarks of the National Com- viding for the protection of the Legion Emblem against misuse by mander with reference to the Legion’s position on true neutrality. commercial concerns. Sponsored by: Department Commanders’ and Adjutants’ Con- At the last session of Congress, at the request of this committee, ference. I prepared a bill for introduction, and it was subsequently intro- While the Resolutions Subcommittee is fully appreciative of the duced in the House and Senate, and that bill was read to this group. patriotic utterances of the National Commander referred to in the It passed the House unanimously and when it got to the Senate resolution, it is the belief of this committee that the Legion’s enun- it was amended. ciation of its policy of neutrality is clearly and succinctly set out The bill which I prepared provided for the protection of the in resolution No. 3, in the report of the Committee on Foreign Legion Emblem against misuse by commercial concerns both in Relations. Inasmuch as that report was unanimously adopted by intrastate and interstate commerce. the National Convention in Chicago, the expressions on neutrality When it reached the Senate, after passing the House, it was therein contained in said resolution, of necessity become the man- recommended that it merely apply to interstate commerce. The dated pronouncement of this organization on the policy of neutral- bill will be considered again by the House, so we won’t have to ity, and for these reasons the resolution is disapproved.

start all over again at the new session of Congress, which con- * * * * venes in January. Resolution No. 18. Subject: The American Legion Library in It is my hope that we can have the bill adopted in its original Paris. form, because we cannot protect the emblem properly unless we Sponsored by: Edward A. Sumner. are in a position to curb its misuse both in intrastate, as well as This resolution not being in proper form and lacking proper interstate commerce. Legion sponsorship is disapproved. I think the suggested changes which I have made and which I have discussed with Mr. Taylor, will take care of the objections * * * * which were made by the Chairman of the Judiciary Committee Resolution No. 26. Subject: The introduction of legislation to of the Senate. Most of our problems are due to the misuse of take care of graves and the renewal of such concessions or the re- the emblem in the individual state. Some of them, of course, moval of bodies from such graves to Government cemeteries and are interstate, but I hope that this bill can be passed so it will be to sponsor legislation to provide funds for the same from the Fed- applicable to both types of commerce because that is the only eral Government. 62 DIGEST OF MINUTES NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING

Sponsored by: Jeremiah F. Cross, National Executive Committee- Approved Resolutions man, Department of New York (as directed by New York Depart- “Token of Peaee and Union” Memorial at Andersonville, Georgia ment Executive Committee). This resolution is disapproved for the reason that the funds now Resolution No. 4. held by the Overseas Graves Decoration Trust Fund were collected Sponsored by: Department of Georgia Executive Committee. from the public and ought to be expended for the purposes set out Whereas, During the Civil War there was a Confederate Military in the resolution. Prison in Andersonville, Georgia, wherein more than fifty thou- Referred Resolutions sand Federal prisoners at war were incarcerated, approximately thirteen thousand of whom died as a result of plague, improper Resolution No. 3. Subject: Legion membership requirements. and insufficient food, and overcrowded living conditions, and Sponsored by: K. F. LaDuke, Syracuse, New York. Whereas, For many years there has been a National Cemetery The subject matter of this suggestion is not in resolution form, at Andersonville, wherein is located the graves of those prisoners nor does it have proper Legion sponsorship. The communication is, of war who died while in said prison, and a National Park on the therefore, respectfully referred to the National Judge Advocate for site where said prison was formerly located, and handling and further reference. Whereas, The Andersonville Memorial Association has drawn * * * * attention to the fact that the National Cemetery and Park at Resolution No. 8. Subject: Suitable recognition be given to Ser- Andersonville are not equipped and maintained in a manner pro- geant N. Arthur Clark for bravery, etc. portionate to the stupendous events and passions which they me- Sponsored by: Commander, Department of Florida. morialize, and This resolution is repectfully referred to the Committee on Tro- Whereas, Said Memorial Association being convinced that An- phies and Awards for action and report. dersonville became the most mordant symbol of that spiritual dis-

* * * * union which by paradox grew out of a war fought victoriously for Resolution No. 10. Subject: National Defense. the cause of the Union, and being persuaded that for this reason Sponsored by: Camden County, New Jersey, Executive Committee. Andersonville is the pre-eminent and inevitable location for the This resolution is respectfully referred to the Committee on Na- establishment of a token of peace and union, has requested that tional Defense for its recommendation. the Federal Government establish and maintain such a token at this site as a symbol to all sections and all classes in this country * * * * that there may be harmony forever, such token to consist of: Resolution No. 15. Subject: Federal program of reclamation and First: A Memorial Garden unsurpassed by any garden in America. power development. Second: Bronze markers to be designed by a Historical Commis- Sponsored by: Department Commanders’ and Adjutants’ Con- sion, explanatory of the history of this memorable site. ference. Third: An heroic monument in stone dedicated to peace and This resolution is respectfully referred to the Committee on Na- union, such memorials to be commensurate with the virtue of the tional Defense for its study and report. dead who lie buried there, and as a reminder of the importance

* * * * of the events which occurred there, now therefore, be it Resolution No. 16. Subject: Inclusion of Resolution No. 105 of Resolved, That the National Executive Committee of The Amer- the Chicago National Convention in the major legislative program ican Legion hereby commend said association in its efforts as of The American Legion. herein set forth. Sponsored by: Department Commanders’ and Adjutants’ Con- * * * * ference. The committee is not familiar with the effect that the inclusion Publicity Concerning Convention Committee Reports of Resolution No. 105 would have upon the Legislative Program, Resolution No. 5. particularly in respect to the desirability of fully perfecting the Sponsored by: National Publicity Division, The American Legion. fourth point of the long-time Legion program in relation to pro- Your subcommittee is of the opinion that the resolution should tection of widows and orphans of deceased World War veterans. be approved. The resolution has to do with convention committees Your subcommittee is of the opinion that the resolution should be and the chairmen and/or secretaries of said committees. Your sub- referred to the National Legislative Committee for such action as committee is of the opinion that the same regulations should not in the judgment of the committee will be for the benefit of those only govern the convention committees, but should also apply to concerned, and to the end that it will not work to the detriment the National officers and Department heads of the entire organ- of the enactment of the fourth point of the Legion program. ization, to the end that no publicity shall be given to resolutions * * * * and reports prior to the time they have been considered and acted Resolution No. 19. Subject: The regulation by the National Or- upon by the convention as a whole. ganization of sponsored junior corps. “Whereas, There exists some confusion as to the manner and Sponsored by: J. Guy Griffith, National Executive Committee- time of making public the reports of national convention com- man, Department of Pennsylvania. mittees; now, therefore, be it Your subcommittee respectfully refers this resolution to the Na- “Resolved, That the National Executive Committee of The Amer- tional Committee on Sons of The American Legion for study and ican Legion in meeting duly assembled these 23d and 24th days report at the May meeting. of November, 1939, in Indianapolis, Indiana, hereby goes on record as directing the following routine for the handling of reports by * * * * the chairmen or secretaries of convention committees: Resolution No. 23. Subject: Suspend the present regulations dealing with military leaders during this period of partial emer- “1. The original and three copies to remain in the hands of the chairmen or secretaries for their use in submitting the reports to gency. the national convention—such reports not to be released in advance Sponsored by: Clarence H. Olson, National Executive Committee- by the chairmen, the secretaries or the members of such conven- man, Department of Montana. tion committees. Referred to Committee on National Defense with power to ef- “2. Immediately upon approval or disapproval of the convention fect the purport of the resolution. committee reports by the national convention as a whole, the * * * * original is to be turned over to the National Adjutant; the second Resolution No. 25. Subject: Transfer of Department of Ken- copy is to be handed to the official convention reporter; the third tucky from Area D to Area C under the Rehabilitation and Child copy is to be kept in the folder with the working papers of the Welfare Program. committee and placed on the National Adjutant’s desk on the con- Sponsored by: Department of Kentucky. vention platform; the fourth copy is to be handed to the repre- This resolution is respectfully referred to the National Com- sentative of the National Publicity Division on the convention mittees on Rehabilitation and Child Welfare, with the suggestion platform to facilitate issuance of same through regular channels that the transfer be effected if such transfer does not interfere for public consumption, and be it with the established program. “Further Resolved, That the National Executive Committee here- DIGEST OF MINUTES NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING 63 by goes on record as declaring that the delegates to the national Whereas, In foreign countries burial flags are available only at convention in regular session duly convened shall first have the the office of United States Consuls; and opportunity of hearing, debating and acting upon convention com- Whereas, In the Dominion of Canada, there have been several mittee reports before public releases are made.” occasions when burial flags could not be obtained between the * * * * time of death and interment because of great distances and trans- portation difficulties, resulting in burials without flags; and Amending Rules for National Contests Whereas, There is now before the Congress a bill, H. R. 2311, intended to provide for new availability of burial flags; and now Resolution No. 11. therefore, be it Sponsored by: Department of New Jersey. Resolved, By the National Executive Committee, that the Na- “Resolved, By the National Executive Committee of The Amer- tional Legislative Committee be hereby directed to cause an amend- ican Legion at its meeting in Indianapolis November 23 and 24, ment to be made to H. R. 2311, or take such other action as they 1939, that the National Contests Supervisory Committee be and deem fit to make burial flags available to all in the immediate they are hereby directed to amend the rules of the several national vicinity of Post headquarters located in foreign countries. contests to include the following provision: * * * * “ ‘No entry of any competing organization, whether such organi- zation represent a Department, District, County, or Post organiza- Creation of a Standing Committee on Constitution and By-Laws tion of The American Legion, or any subordinate or affiliated or- ganization thereof, shall be accepted by the National Adjutant Resolution No. 24. unless the same shall contain the written approval of its Depart- Sponsored by: William J. McKinley, National Executive Com- ment. Such approval may be evidenced by the signature of the mitteeman, Department of New Jersey. Department Commander and Department Adjutant on the original Whereas, By action of the National Executive Committee at its entry blank or by separate document’.” meeting held November 8, 1937, a special committee on Constitu- The foregoing resolution is sponsored by William G. McKinley, tion and By-laws was created to study the National Constitution Executive Committeeman, The American Legion, Department of and By-laws and to recommend amendments thereto, which com- New Jersey, by and with the approval of the Department of New mittee was to continue in existence for a period of two years, and Jersey, The American Legion, as evidenced by correspondence in Whereas, By limitation the authority of said committee to func- the National Adjutant’s files. tion expires at this meeting of the National Executive Committee, * * * * and Whereas, There is a continuous necessity for such a committee Appointment of Special National Committee to Study Organization, for the purpose of making recommendations as to needed changes Administration, etc., of The Sons of The American Legion in the Constitution and By-laws from time to time, now, there- Resolution No. 12. fore, be it Sponsored by: William G. McKinley, National Executive Com- Resolved, That a Standing Committee on Constitution and By- mitteeman, Department of New Jersey. laws be and the same is hereby created, consisting of three mem- “Whereas, The Sons of The American Legion has grown to such bers, one to be appointed for a period of one year, one for a pe- an extent that it now appears necessary to establish a more definite riod of two years, and one for a period of three years, and their national and departmental government, to promote a uniform na- successors to be appointed for a period of three years each, said tional policy in the development of its programs, to define more committee to continue the study of the Constitution and By-laws specific national objectives, and to provide a manual of ritual and and to make proposed amendments which may become necessary procedure for its squadrons, therefore, be it, and it is hereby from time to time, and to meet at such times and places as may “Resolved, By the National Executive Committee in regular meet- be approved by the National Commander in office, be it ing assembled in Indianapolis, Indiana, November 23 and 24, 1939, Further Resolved, That the National Judge Advocate in office that a Special National Committee be appointed by the National be an ex-officio member of this committee. Commander to study the whole organization, administration, gov- H< * * * erning policy, and ritualistic procedure of the Sons of The Amer- ican Legion to the end that a uniform and detailed manual shall be To Define a General Policy With Reference to Our Pacific Area to established to develop, govern, control and guide the affairs of this Best Serve Our National Defense, Our Commerce, organization, and be it and Our General Interest Further Resolved, That the said Special Committee be composed Resolution No. 27. of (1) the National Chairman of the present Sons of The American Sponsored by: General Frank Parker, National Executive Com- Legion Committee and seven members, not less than three (3) mitteeman, Department of Philippine Islands. members of which shall be members of the National Executive Whereas, At the 1939 session of the National Convention held in Committee; that it shall meet at such time and place as shall be Chicago a resolution was adopted referring the consideration of designated by the National Commander, and shall be prepared to our Pacific situation for the purpose of recommendations as to make its initial report to the National Executive Committee at its definite policy to this committee for appropriate action, now there- May meeting, 1940.” fore, be it * * * * Resolved, That the National Defense Committee for the coming year include in its program as a part of its normal duties a sound Direction to the Emblem Division to Secure and Carry in Stock policy with reference to our Pacific area which will best serve a Regulation Department Commander’s Button our National Defense, our commerce, and our general interests Resolution No. 13. in that great and important area. Sponsored by: Department Commanders’ and Adjutants' Con- * * * * ference. Resolved, That the National Executive Committee authorize the The following resolutions were adopted by unanimous ris- Emblem Division to secure and carry in stock a regulation De- ing vote: partment Commander’s button.” CARTER D. STAMPER * * * * Whereas, It has pleased Almighty God, The Great Commander, to summon to His immortal legions our beloved comrade, Carter D. Provision for Making Burial Flags Available at Post Headquarters Stamper, Beattyville, Kentucky, who served as member of the Ken- Located in Foreign Countries tucky Department Executive Committee, Department Judge Ad- Resolution No. 22. vocate, Department Legislative Chairman, and Commander of the Sponsored by: Department of Montana. Department of Kentucky; as Alternate National Executive Com- Whereas, There are now certain regulations governing procure- mitteeman, representing the Department of Kentucky, 1935-1937, ment of burial flags for deceased veterans throughout the United and was a member of the Legion Publishing and Publicity Com- States and foreign countries; and mission, from 1936, until the time of his passing, and 64 DIGEST OF MINUTES NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING

Whereas, We humbly bow to the will of Divine Providence, pointing to the active National Committees current members of while ever cherishing in our hearts the memory of his distinguished the National Executive Committee and we wish, on behalf of the service to our country and his outstanding contributions to Amer- committee, to commend those committeemen who have seen fit ican Legion comradeship; now, therefore, be it to resign from unexpired terms of their committees, to follow Resolved, That the National Executive Committee of The Amer- that procedure. On behalf of the committee, we also desire to ican Legion, in regular meeting assembled on this twenty-third extend our appreciation and gratitude for the consideration and and twenty-fourth of November, in the year of our Lord, 1939, cooperation of the Department Commanders, and the National does mourn the passing of our distinguished Legionnaire, Carter Executive Committeemen in the fine spirit demonstrated in the D. Stamper; that we commend to all men his works, and to God recommendations, and consideration of their recommendations. his spirit; and be it further The committee recommends: Resolved, That in token of our common grief, a copy of this resolution be presented to his family. Finance

* * * * Sam W. Reynolds, Chairman, Nebraska.

A. D. HARKINS To serve until November Meeting 19Jf2 Edgar B. Dunlap, Georgia. Whereas, It has pleased Almighty God, the Great Commander, to summon to His immortal legions our beloved comrade, A. D. Ex-Officio Members Harkins, of Greenwood, Florida, who served as a member of the Department Executive Committee, Vice-Commander of the Third Raymond J. Kelly, National Commander, Michigan. District, Law and Order Chairman, National Defense Chairman, John R. Ruddick, National Treasurer, Indiana. Child Welfare Committee Chairman and Department Commander, Frank E. Samuel, National Adjutant, Kansas. of the Department of Florida; member of the National Law and Order Committee, and general member of Area C of the National Rehabilitation Child Welfare Committee; and Earl V. Cliff, Chairman, Minnesota. Whereas, We humbly bow to the will of Divine Providence, Paul G. Armstrong, Vice-Chairman, Illinois. while ever cherishing in our hearts the memory of his distin- To serve until November Meeting 1940 guished service to our country and his outstanding contributions R. W. Sisson, Arkansas. to American Legion comradeship; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the National Executive Committee of The Amer- To serve until November Meeting 19^1 ican Legion, in regular meeting assembled, on this twenty-third Paul G. Armstrong, Illinois. and twenty-fourth of November, in the year of our Lord, 1939, Wilmer O’Flaherty, Virginia. does mourn the passing of our distinguished Legionnaire, A. D. To serve until November Meeting 19^2 Harkins; that we commend to all men his works, and to God his spirit; and be it further Earl V. Cliff, Minnesota. John H. Walsh, Massachusetts. Resolved, That in token of our common grief, a copy of this reesolution be presented to his family. Advisory Board * * * * Dr. Walter L. Bierring, Iowa. MRS. ELIZA LONDON SHEPARD Earle F. Bliss, Massachusetts. Guy E. Bonney, Illinois. Whereas, It has pleased Almighty God, the Great Commander, to E. J. Callaghan, Montana. summon to His immortal legions our respected associate, Mrs. Eliza Dr. Kennon Dunham, Ohio. London Shepard, who served as Department President of the Amer- Edward A. Hayes, Illinois. ican Legion Auxiliary of California; National President of the Hugh H. Hickey, Massachusetts. American Legion Auxiliary; was an ardent worker in Child Wel- Dr. Chas. A. Kofoid, California. fare and Rehabilitation; and Dr. Ray F. Gunn, District of Columbia. Whereas, We humbly bow to the will of Divine Providence, while B. C. MacNeil, District of Columbia. ever cherishing in our hearts the memory of this distinguished William J. Miller, Connecticut. Auxiliaire; now, therefore, be it Mrs. William Corwith, New York. Resolved, That the National Executive Committee of The Amer- Dr. Elmer W. Mosley, Illinois. ican Legion, in regular meeting assembled on this twenty-third and Lawrence F. Quigley, Massachusetts. twenty-fourth of November, in the year of our Lord, 1939, does Miss Ella Tomlinson, Pennsylvania. mourn the passing of our distinguished Auxiliaire, Mrs. Eliza Lon- Dr. Lawson Armentrout, Maryland. don Shepard; that we commend to all men and women her works, Miss Mary Welsh, Pennsylvania. and to God her spirit; and be it further Dr. Louis B. Wilson, Minnesota. Resolved, That in token of .our common grief, a copy of this Dr. Charles B. Wright, Minnesota. resolution be presented to her family and to the American Legion E. L. Gladney, Jr., Louisiana. Auxiliary. James B. Hindman, Pennsylvania. * * * * G. Gordon Beck, Illinois. “I would always be in the thick of life, J. Ross Foust, Pennsylvania. Threading its mazes, sharing its strife; Yet—somehow, singing! Area Chairmen When at the road’s end, shadows longer grow— Area A—John J. Maguire, Massachusetts. Into the last long shadow let me go, Area B—Samuel B. Gaskill, New Jersey. Still—somehow singing!” Area C—G. W. Steagall, Tennessee. * * * * Area D—James F. Burns, Wisconsin. Area E—Eugene K. Oppenheimer, Oregon. Committee on Committees Area Vice-Chairmen The following report, submitted by David V. Addy, Michi- Area A—Brooks Brown, Maine. gan, Chairman, Committee on Committees, was adopted: Area B—Dr. M. F. Snyder, New York. National Commander and Members of the National Executive Area C—Joe Frank, Florida. Committee: I would like to say at the outset, that pursuant to the Area D—Lowell R. Johnson, Missouri. National Commander’s desire, we followed the procedure of not ap- Area E—John A. Sinclair, California. DIGEST OF MINUTES NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING 65

General Members Area Chairmen Area A Area A—Raymond F. Gates, Connecticut. To serve until November Meeting 1942 Area B—Levin Nock Davis, Virginia. Area C—Hugh W. Wicker, Arkansas. Dr. Wm. P. Ryan, Massachusetts. Area D—Frank E. Morse, Minnesota. Robt. Irish, New Hampshire. Area E—Oscar Lamp, Arizona. To serve until November Meeting 1940 Chas. W. Anthony, Rhode Island (to take place of Chas. F. Risk, re- Area Vice-Chairmen To serve until November Meeting 1941 (First year as Area Vice-Chairmen, second year as Area Chairmen) To serve until November Meeting 1942 Area A—Burton M. Sisco, Vermont. John H. Thornton, Virginia. Area B—Mrs. Julia W. Stansbury, Maryland. Dr. Geo. J. Lawrence, New York. Area C—Dr. J. S. Hough, Alabama. W. Guy Wiles, West Virginia. Area D—F. H. Cooney, Iowa. AreaE—Leo E. Keleher, Colorado. Area C To serve until November Meeting 1942 General Members L. L. B. Hofer, Texas. Area A Mat J. Fruge, Louisiana. To serve until November Meeting 1942 Maj. Wm. Weston, Alabama. Dr. I. Thurman Mann, North Carolina. Harry E. Rowell, Maine. Dr. Abbott L. Winograd, New Hampshire. Area D Area B To serve until November Meeting 1942 To serve until November Meeting 1942 James F. Burns, Wisconsin. Geo. Ehinger, Delaware. Russell Cunningham, Ohio. Levin Nock Davis, Virginia. Herbert Barnard, South Dakota. Dr. Samuel A. Loveman, New Jersey. Louis M. Stacy, Illinois. J. Alonso Colon, Puerto Rico. Area E Area C To serve until November Meeting 1942 To serve until November Meeting 1942 Walter S. Talbott, Washington. Dr. H. E. Casstevens, North Carolina. Chas. E. Pew, Montana. Dr. B. H. Henning, California. Jesse R. Farr, Georgia. Dr. J. S. Hough, Alabama. Harry A. Sullivan, Colorado. Dr. E. LeRoy Wilkins, Mississippi. Outlying Departments To serve until November Meeting 1941 J. A. Talbot, Alaska. Joe C. Jenkins, Florida (Vice A. D. Harkins, deceased). Dr. Geo. W. Storey, Canada. Area D Jack Connolly, France. Harold C. Hill, Hawaii. To serve until November Meeting 1942 Amerigo Vitilli, Italy. F. H. Cooney, Iowa. C. B. Johnson, Panama. Beryl R. Johnson, Kansas. Benjamin S. Ohnick, Philippine Islands. Frank E. Morse, Minnesota. Dr. H. F. Carrasquillo, Puerto Rico. John F. Roehl, Michigan. Liaison With National Rehabilitation Committee Area E Dr. Francis M. Inge, Chairman, Alabama. To serve until November Meeting 1942 To serve until November Meeting 1941 A. H. Christiansen, Idaho. Jas. W. Peterson, New Mexico. Dr. Francis M. Inge, Alabama. Dr. Lewis H. Howard, Arizona. J. Guy Griffith, Pennsylvania. Anthony E. Karnes, Alaska. Child Welfare Committee I. Weinstein, Hawaii. Ed. Morgenstern, Chairman, Kansas. Americanism Commission Chas. M. Mitchell, Vice-Chairman, Louisiana. Leslie P. Kefgen, Chairman, Michigan. Advisory Members James F. O’Neil, Vice-Chairman, New Hampshire. To serve until November Meeting 1942 Mrs. Wm. H. Corwith, New York. Mrs. Ellen Louise Warren, District of Columbia. Leslie P. Kefgen, Michigan. Edward A. Mulrooney, Delaware. Frank Estabrook, Idaho. Joseph H. Edgar, New Jersey. James F. O’Neil, New Hampshire. Rev. Fr. Frederick J. Halloran, New Jersey. James T. Crawley, Mississippi. Chas. Stafflinger, New York. Arthur F. Lamey, Montana. Sherman Child, Minnesota. To serve until November Meeting 1940 Osborn E. McKay, Panama. (Vice Jeremiah F. Cross—resigned) Lloyd H. Jameson, Michigan. Darrell T. Lane, Utah. Mrs. Harriett Hoffman, Iowa. Dr. E. C. Mitchell, Tennessee. Legislative Committee Dr. H. B. McBurney, Pennsylvania. Irving A. Jennings, Chairman, Arizona. Ralph H. Stone, Ohio. A1 Lyons, Colorado. To serve until November Meeting 1942 Glen R. Hillis, Indiana. Irving A. Jennings, Arizona. 66 DIGEST OF MINUTES NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING

National Defense Committee Area Directors Warren H. Atherton, Chairman, California. Northern—Fr. John M. Sellinger, New York, Frank E. Lowe, Vice-Chairman, Maine. Eastern—Dennis H. Haverty, Massachusetts. Southern—Luther W. Maples, Mississippi. Advisory Members Central—J. G. Allen, Pennsylvania. General Frank Parker, Philippine Islands. Western—Thomas W. McManus, California. Thomas A. Thornton, Pennsylvania. Rufus H. Bethea, Alabama. General Members General Charles H. Cole, Massachusetts. Arthur H. Pette, Connecticut. Colonel George J. Schultz, Delaware. Dr. L. E. Thompson, Colorado. To serve until November Meeting 1942 William J. McMorrow, Massachusetts. Charles W. Schick, Illinois. Charles N. Barber, Vermont. Kenneth Cramer, Connecticut. Robin S. Kirby, North Carolina. Joseph H. Leyden, Colorado. Advisory Members Investment Policy Committee General Frank T. Hines, Utah. Clarence E. Cross, Chairman, Illinois. Mrs. William H. Corwith, New York. Mrs. Ellen Louise Warren, District of Columbia. To serve until November Meeting 1942 Edward A. Mulrooney, Delaware. Earl F. Knoob, California. P. N. Hiatt, Florida. Mrs. Harry I. Smith, National Chairman Junior Auxiliary, Endowment Fund Corporation Missouri. Members Mrs. F. W. Bartling, National Chairman, Education of War To serve until January Meeting 1943 Orphans, American Legion Auxiliary, Wyoming. Dr. Carleton B. McCulloch, Indiana. Milo J. Warner, Ohio. Legion Publishing and Publicity Commission Raymond J. Kelly, Chairman, Michigan. Emblem Committee Frank C. Love, Vice-Chairman, New York. Roy L. Cook, New Mexico. To serve until November Meeting 1942 To serve until November Meeting 1942 Jerry Owen, Oregon. Roy L. Cook, Chairman, New Mexico. Raymond Fields, Oklahoma. Harry C. Jackson, Connecticut. Overseas Graves Decoration Trust Lawrence Hager, Kentucky. Raymond J. Kelly, Chairman, Michigan. Frank C. Love, New York. Stephen F. Chadwick, Vice-Chairman, Washington. To serve until November Meeting 1940 John R. Ruddick, Treasurer, Indiana. Vilas H. Whaley, Wisconsin (Vice Judge Philip L. Sullivan, re- Frank E. Samuel, Secretary, Kansas. signed). To serve until September 24, 1942 Advisory Members Raymond J. Kelly, Michigan. Glenn H. Campbell, Ohio. To serve until term of office expires Clarke Howell, Jr., Georgia. John R. Ruddick, National Treasurer, Indiana. Sam L. Latimer, Jr., South Carolina. Frank E. Samuel, National Adjutant, Kansas. C. S. Ramsey, North Carolina. Sam W. Reynolds, Chairman, National Finance Committee, George Dideaux, Arizona. Nebraska. Marksmanship Constitution and By-Laws James W. Woolrey, Director, Colorado. Carl H. Smith, Chairman, Michigan. To serve until November Meeting 1942 To serve until November Meeting 1940 Carl H. Smith, Michigan. John T. Newman, Kentucky. James W. Woolrey, Colorado. To serve until November Meeting 1941 W. L. Fagan, Jr., New Jersey. Thomas W. McCaw, Ohio. Walter F. Day, Washington. To serve until November Meeting 1940 John F. Holmes, Indiana. V. M. Armstrong, Indiana. Louis A. Landreville, California. Carl G. Ekenberg, Illinois. Graves Registration Arthur Snyder, Arizona. George L. Sweeney, Georgia. Mancel Talcott, Chairman, Illinois. Robert E. Moore, Missouri. To serve until November Meeting 1944 Charles Sluder, Nebraska. Charles B. Wagner, New York. B. H. Cromer, South Carolina. Allen McCombs, Pennsylvania. Ex-Officio E. F. Wojahn, Wisconsin. Thomas M. Owen, Jr., National Historian, Alabama. R. B. Patterson, Texas. Dale Fisher, Kansas. Sons of The American Legion P. N. Hiatt, Chairman, Florida. Foreign Relations Committee To serve until November Meeting 1944 Wilbur M. Alter, Chairman, Colorado. P. N. Hiatt, Florida. To serve until November Meeting 1940 O. K. Armstrong, Missouri. Committee on Education of Orphans of Veterans Anson T. McCook, Connecticut. General P. C. Harris, Director, Georgia. Wilbur M. Alter, Colorado. DIGEST OF MINUTES NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING 67

National Pilgrimage Ben T. Watkins, Georgia. Boise Riggs, Idaho. Horace W. Lineburg, Chairman, District of Columbia. Jerome Munie, Illinois. Wm. P. Kershner, Vice-Chairman, District of Columbia. John M. McShane, Indiana. To serve until November Meeting 191/0 M. Y. Kinne, Iowa. Jones Cox, Virginia. Alcee S. Legendre, Louisiana. Fred Rice, Virginia. John W. Healy, Maine. Dr. W. D. Clodfelter, Maryland Paul M. Higginbotham, Maryland. Ben W. Barnett, Montana. B. M. Casteel, Missouri. Edwin W. Luther, District of Columbia. Judge William E. Handley, Ohio. J. Franklin Wilson, District of Columbia. Colonel Lynn G. Adams, Pennsylvania. Joseph L. Koehl, District of Columbia. George L. Taylor, South Carolina. Richard H. Viancour, District of Columbia. Ben J. Dean, Texas. John A. Long, District of Columbia. Robert B. Crawford, Virginia. Guy C. Nadeau, District of Columbia. D. Elwood Caples, Washington. C. Lee Spillers, West Virginia. Trophies and Awards Adna G. Clarke, Hawaii. John E. Cash, Chairman, New Jersey. O. D. Hollenbeck, Ohio. To serve until November Meeting 1942 Harold Smith, New Hampshire. Charles Davidson, Montana. John J. Burkhard, Wisconsin. Walter H. Sharkey, Rhode Island. Ray B. Townsley, Indiana. Donald Wakefield Smith, District of Columbia. National Contests Supervisory Committee Ray Pearson, Kansas. Chester S. Wilson, Minnesota. Matty B. Bain, Chairman, Pennsylvania. To serve until November Meeting 191/2 Veterans’ Employment Committee Jack Crowley, Chairman, Vermont. Matty B. Bain, Pennsylvania. J. M. Henry, Minnesota. To serve until November Meeting 191/2 Chester D. Fuller, New York. Lawrence J. Fenlon, Illinois. Irwin H. Jones, Washington. Resolutions Assignment Committee Spencer S. Boise, North Dakota. Forrest G. Cooper, Chairman, Mississippi. Veterans’ Preference Committee To serve until November Meeting 191/1 Executive Committee F. L. Tarmann, Illinois. Frank A. Mathews, Jr., Chairman, New Jersey. Forrest G. Cooper, Mississippi. To serve until November Meeting 191/2 Hector Staples, Maine. Clarence W. Lambert, Rhode Island. Aeronautics Commission James F. Carens, Massachusetts. John D. Sullivan, Chairman, New York. To serve until November Meeting 191/1 H. Weir Cook, Vice-Chairman, Indiana. William T. Comer, Florida. (Vice Joseph H. Leyden, resigned.) To serve until November Meeting 191/2 Members David S. Ingalls, Ohio. To serve until November Meeting 191/0 John Dwight Sullivan, New York. Solomon Crasnick, Maine. George Broome, Texas. R. V. Gay, Michigan National Convention Liaison Committee Harry I. Ginsburg, Virginia. James P. Ringley, Chairman, Illinois. Ramon C. Julia, Porto Rico. To serve until November Meeting 191/1/ Lindsay C. Lamb, Indiana. Irving J. Loucraft, Massachusetts. Alton T. Roberts, Michigan. Charles J. McCarty, Massachusetts. To serve until November Meeting 191/0 Lewis B. Maier, California. Leo J. Duster (Logan resigned), Iowa. Edward L. Marthill, District of Columbia. Frank Ritter, New York. Uniform Code of Procedure William H. Siemering, Wisconsin. Halsey W. Stickel, Chairman, New Jersey. Lewis L. McCormick, Louisiana. To serve until November Meeting 191/2 Jerome Thompson, Arkansas. Halsey W. Stickel, New Jersey. Lawrence Hinkley, Colorado. John P. Benson, Delaware. To serve until November Meeting 191/0 James A. Haley, Florida. Edmund L. Jones, West Virginia. (Vice W. Elliott Nefflen, Arthur B. Dillon, Georgia. resigned.) T. J. Barnes, Georgia. Law and Order Committee Terry Prater, Idaho. Richard Hartshorne, Chairman, New Jersey. Fred C. Miller, Maryland. Executive Committee Philip Kurtz, Maryland. Wade LaBoon, Oklahoma. To serve until November Meeting 191/1/ Frank A. Weber, Pennsylvania. Hayes Kennedy, Illinois. Ed Riedel, Texas. To serve until November Meeting 191/0 Leo Temmey, South Dakota. Benjamin L. Wolfson, Maryland. Liaison Committee With Child Welfare Committee Members James R. Favret, Chairman, Ohio. To serve until November Meeting 191/0 To serve until November Meeting 191/0 James R. Favret, Ohio. Clarence Simpson, Canada. R. G. Smith, Colorado. To serve until November Meeting 191/1 John R. Fader, Delaware. Lawrence H. Smith, Wisconsin. Curtis L. Sparkman, Florida. D. V. Addy, Michigan. 68 DIGEST OF MINUTES NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING

Sons of The American Legion Special Committee Fred H. Hauser, New Jersey. Charles Kohen, District of Columbia. Miller Ainsworth, Chairman, Texas. B. W. Wall, Rhode Island. To serve until November Meeting 191(0 Dr. C. A. Ross, Missouri. George Johns, Wyoming. Jules Fields, Missouri. Earl Todd, Kansas. F. M. Poindexter, Montana. Frank D. Rash, Kentucky. J. A. Anderson, California. Matthew J. Murphy, Illinois. A1 Guasti, California. Louis G. Ratcliffe, North Carolina. G. Howard Mahon, South Carolina. William Regan, New Jersey. John J. Sweeney, New York. Irving Belth, New York. Distinguished Guests Committee William Burke, New York. Miles Kennedy, New York. Michael Kelleher, Chairman, Massachusetts. William Lewis, New York. Winthrop Robinson, Vice-Chairman, New York. Philo Anderson, Oregon. Harry B. Ahrens, New York. W. C. Allen, Oregon. Jacob Ark, New York. Ray Scoffren, Oregon. J. Hugo Smith, Michigan. W. D. Hollingsworth, Oregon. William H. Vanderbilt, Rhode Island. Carl Moore, Kansas. William N. Campbell, Maine. J. Fred Johnson, Alabama. Louis J. Canepa, California. Otto Anderson, Connecticut. Thomas H. Carens, Massachusetts. Howard W. Cutler, Maryland. Monty J. Carole, France. John R. Decker, Colorado. Percy B. Chamberlain, Pennsylvania. Harry L. Cloud, Louisiana. Juan Lastra Charriez, Puerto Rico. Vinton D. Cockey, Maryland. Earl Coffman, California. Russell Shephard, Pennsylvania. Harry E. Ransom, Wisconsin. George Danker, New York. Cancellation of Post Charters Hugh Duffey, New York. Dr. Herman Danker, New York. The cancellation of Post Charters, as recommended by the Spencer S. Eccles, Utah. respective Departments, was confirmed. The list of Posts Walter File, New York. whose charters were canceled follows: G. Decker French, Iowa. A. E. Giegengack, District of Columbia. Department Name of Post No. Location Frank Gordon, Oklahoma. Indiana Abe Martin 244 Nashville John E. Gorey, Massachusetts. Iowa Ray Steckman 458 Brandon R. C. Greenland, West Virginia. Milton Haas, New York. Nebraska G. P. Cather 141 Bladen William Halloran, New York. Hilmer Anderson 167 Axtell General Roy Hoffman, Oklahoma. Paul Phelps 182 Peru W. P. Powers. L. Noble Lund 196 Uehling James F. Kehoe, District of Columbia. Ralph A. Piper 202 Wood River Frank Kelly, Massachusetts. Mac-Sax-Sloane 211 Belvidere John K. Kennelly, North Dakota. Sucha 302 Leigh Thomas Mason, Jr., District of Columbia. Bender-Reese 330 Johnson George W. Milliken, Massachusetts. Cairo 333 Cairo Louis Patkin, Massachusetts. John Lamere 345 Winnebago Henry Rosnosky, Massachusetts. Ohio Cheshire 457 Cheshire Matthew P. Scullin, Massachusetts. John E. Short, California. Texas Alvin Mauney 15 Gorman D. B. Stanbro, Massachusetts. Jesse Dycus 332 Liberty Hill Frank J. Webb, Ncrth Dakota. Alabama Clay County 106 Lineville Robert C. Vance, Connecticut. Russell County 28 Hurtsboro Major Thomas Bannigan, Connecticut. McKenzie 44 McKenzie Joseph Schmid, Pennsylvania. Leeds 46 Leeds Harry M. Kalmine, Pennsylvania. Community 54 LaFayette David Jamieson, Pennsylvania. Stevenson 57 Stevenson M. J. Kane, Pennsylvania. Fairfax 68 Fairfax Wilkes Davis, Mississippi. Samuel Johnson 75 Flomaton Marshall Scott, Idaho. Millport 107 Millport Joseph Joffe, Montana. Guin 116 Guin Edward Sharkey, California. Ardmore 124 Ardmore William R. Brennan, District of Columbia Bibb County 128 Centerville James T. Morris, Kentucky. Collinsville 138 Collinsville Leo Vogel, New Hampshire. Lee West 83 Union town Herman Nami, Texas. Brilliant-Boxton 129 Brilliant Clement Kennedy, Massachusetts. Cottonwood 140 Cottonwood Robert Dow, Massachusetts. Georgiana 126 Georgiana John Flynn, Massachusetts Garden Green 109 Pell City Paul Julian, Maine. Robertsdale 141 Robertsdale DIGEST OF MINUTES NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING 69

Cancellation of Squadron Charters Introductions The cancellation of Squadron Charters, as recommended by Among guests introduced during the sessions were Charles the respective Department, was confirmed. The list of Squad- R. Anderson, Chairman, Board of Appeals and Review, rons whose charters were canceled follows: United States Civil Service Commission, and Edgar H. Bur- man, National Commander of the Jewish War Veterans of Department Name of Post No. Location the United States. * * * * Illinois Wilmette 46 Wilmette Stupey-Smith 501 Highwood Following an expression of appreciation on the part of the Peter Umathum 412 Woodstock National Commander for the earnestness and attention given Bayard Brown 337 Genoa to the program, the meeting adjourned at 2 :25 p. m. Friday, McDonough County ... 6 Macomb Douglas County 27 Tuscola November 24, 1939. Gillespie 567 Gillespie Lawrence 28 Lawrenceville McLeansboro 106 McLeansboro Anthony Wayne 176 Fairfield £ John O. Sattler 587 Pinckneyville ‘FRANK E. SAMUEL, \ National Adjutant. J