The Anaconda Standard from Anaconda, Montana • 36

GREAT DRIVE THIS WEEK BY AMERICAN LEGION TO ENLIST ALL WAR VETERANS AMERICAN LEGION AND LABOR UNIONS LIORE THAN FORTY THOUSAND YOUNG MEN OF MONTANA ELIGIBLE TO MEMBERSHIP i Legion's Attitude Is Fully Stated in Resolutions Passed at Helena. y1 Campaign of American Legion Week Will Have as Its Object the Signing of All of Them on the Rolls of Some Legion Post Eighty-three" Posts" "in" State" Are Ready to Leap Into Fray of Getting Those Not Now -4- Membcrs-Into-Gainp. 1 7Vhty, it it for joining a post, but who are victims of inertia. These men, and they are eligible to become legionnaires, they approve of the legion's principles; they have always intended coming in, but they have simply put off doing so for the same reason of inertia, that keeps men from taking out enough insurance or making their wills." The state drive is expectedr, to reach men in the most inaccessible places. Any 15 ex-service men can form their own post by getting together and applying to national headquarters for application blanks.

It is believed -that no locality is so thinly settled that4t annot carup 15 former fighters, who can band together for social and legion purposes. Montana posts of the legion have been organized for little over a -year Governor Stewart has proclaimed the week of May 17 to May 22 Amer lean Legion week. Mayors of various cities throughout the state have ol lowed the governor's action byL issuing proclamations commending the membership drive which starts to morrow. Forty-four thousand men in Montana are eligible for membership in the American Legion, according to statistics compiled by the war de partment. Of this number xo.ouu have affiliated themselves with the 83 posts of the legion already organized in the state.

It is to bring the remainder'- into-the- big- civilian army that the drive to be conducted this week was When the drive is brought to a close next Saturday State Commander Charles E. Pew expects to be able to report to- national- headquarters-that Montana veterans are behind the legion 100 per cent Acting with the state commander in the direction of the drive are Donald R. Moffet, Billings, state vice commander: Ben W. Barnett, Helena, state adjutant; Mose S. Cohen, Butte, state finance officer; Herbert M.

Peet, Harlowton, state historian, and Ralph V. Scott, state master at arms. Membership Week. National headquarters has designated this as membership week. 2.

EyerT one of the 83posts in Montana is expectedt6irieupof the jump off, to keep going In spite of difficulties and not to stop until the day designated -iorconsolidating the gain. r- Forty-nine departments in the United. States will go over the top together. In each department the state organization will be responsible for the drive within its jurlsdiction.Gen- ADJUTANTS ATTENDING CONFERENCE AT HELENA THIS MONTH The following resolution was unaifl- mously adopted by the meeting of ppBt adjutants of Montana posts of the American Legion held at Helena on May 3, 1920: "Whereas, As is evidenced by newspaper comments and expressions from labor-unions, there -seems to be-some uncertainty among unions as to the attitude the American Legion toward organized labor, and, "Whereas, Direct, charges have been made that the American Legion is unfriendly to organized labor; and, "Whereas, More than 75 per cent the membership of the American Legion are either members of labor unions or are essentially interested or in sympathy with the legitimate aims of organized labor; and, "Whereas, The American Legion in Montana has never at any time taken any official action of any kind in any manner detrimental to such organizations; and, demonstration or act of any individual members which mighty be construed as contrary to those principles has been without" sanction of the legion as an and, "Whereas, It is the desire of the American Legion Its attitude of friendliness toward the legitimate principles and purposes of organized labor be made clear to the labor unions of Montana; be it "Resolved, By this convention that the American Legion of Montana is in entire sympathy and accord with the principles of unionism and all law- ful alms and purpose of organized Itwaaordered-thataopy-f this resolution be mailed to each post in the state and that each post deliver a copy thereof to each labororgan-izatioh within its 't. STATE ADJUTANTS HOLD BIG MEETING About 40 adjutants of Montana posts assembled at Helena on Monday, May .3, to attend a conference to discuss matters pertaining to adjutants' work and to make j.lans for the coming membership push, and the big state convention to be held at Livingston on June 28 and 29.

To say that the conference was a meeess is 'ifr-very---mfldlTr-as SILVER BOW LEGION POST PREPARED FOR BIG DRIVE lf? i fL the good that was accomplished through this "neetinga! not be-oveir-estimated, as the adjutant, who is often referred-to as the 1 1 1 about the war for democracy," says a soldier publication. "The war isn't finished. When we got Cut of uniform we hadn't finished anything except saying "Yes, sir; No, sir." A lot of us are. just milling around, complaining about the H. C.

of L. and the government and letting the world drift along. When we were 'demobbetT we let our brains take a rest. (They ought to be rested up. We ought to be ready to resume our duties as citizens.

"Because we fought for America we added power and opportunity to our ordinary responsibilities as citizens. By acting together we can accomplish almost anything that we believe is right for this the greatest of nations. We have not only the Chance, but the duty, for great accomplishment. "The first step to power is through union. We have had many months in which to watch the performances of our comrades who have already organized.

We have seen that by organization they have already accomplished some good for the wounded and disabled, some steps toward adjusting compensation, many steps toward good feeling and comradeship, many toward more education and better understanding of national problems." rt I A LEMUEL BOLISS National adjutant of ttfo American Legion, If Tl 'i. 'Vtl sss. ILs. II the top: 'Every man in the post has appointed himself a. committea of one o-b rin g-two or-mort- of-h is- hu dies into the post.

They are going to capture as many as possible of the 4,700 ex-service men who are not members of the Butte post. "Those "who are overlooked in the first drive will be singled out in subsequent drives until every eligible man in the county is back in the outfit" with his buddies. Not juntil the veterans present a solid front will the members of Silver" Bow post be satisfied with the results. Officers who are directing the operations are: Commander Ed Bassett. Adjutant Emmet O'Brien.

Junior Commander Horace Casey. Finance Officer Escort John Troup. XIi8tOFiin'M Tiler Miller Rushford. t-haplamFatherffuga-- Surgeon Dr. P.

H. McCarthy. Most of them have had battle experience, QnfliaaifirmersailQrwho made numerous trips through the mine-infested seas with troopships, All were nominated because of their conspicuous service, and although at the time of their election the post was composed largely of men who did Tnet-have-an opportunity- to-eee service on the other side, these men paid the overseas veterans a high compliment by electing every one who was a candidate to the office he sought. An ample supply of up-to-the-minute reading matter is always at hand; comfortable chairs for reading or lounging dot the reading room; the floor is richly carpeted; a player piano with hundreds of rolls of classical and the latest popular music and a magnificent phonograph with numerous records help the members to while away the hours. Across the room from the reading section are two pool tables and on the stage are card tables.

The entire floor of the auditorium has polished- and waxed until it is recognized as one of the best dance floors in the city. On dance nights the furnishings of the room are removed and the entire floor is given over to the followers of Terpsichore. Many other means of entertainment are provided, such as smokers and impromptu entertainments. With a greater and more active membership the legion wjll undertake an active part in the life of the community. Already the influence of the present body is being felt.

Another form of activity that promises to grow as the service men take hold of tUeir responsibilities is the perpetuation of that which is best in American tradition. One form of this activity is already manifest in the program that is being prepared for the observation of Memorial day. Commander Bassett is chairman of the nine patriotic or-r ganizations having the program in charge. Other members of the legion are taking up the work being laid down by the fast-thinning ranks of the G. A.

and in a fewyears the responsibility of perpetuating the IXYER BOW POST, American A Lesrioh7 the largestrthe mosH 7iFogrsrveand the gressive post in the state, expects to Quadruple its membership by the time the drive cir new members is brought to a close on Saturday, May 22. The drive will open Monday "for rbne- week every inembet cf Ihe jjosLwimirecUiia en- C. E. PEW Commander American Legion of Montana. ergy toward bringing into the fold the 6,000 or more ex-service men who are credited to Butte and contiguous territory.

The post already numbers 1,100 active and 300 inactive members. A large percentage of these are over seas veterans. Every branch of the military forces of the United States irs represented, from the men of the air service to the men who manned the ships, the fellows who fought the battles and the men who backed them up in tho production sections of the army. The drive i not entirely local. It is part of a national drive to enlisi the 3,500,000 ex-service men who are not members of any patriotic organization.

The principal object is to bring all former soldiers into one big organization for the purpose of bettering their own interests and to promote the ideals for which they took up arms. Silver Bow post, commanded by Ed Bassett, has made preparation for the start cf the drive. The lines are drawn and the regiment of veterans are waiting for the word to go over I1 11 1 1 fi ri i FRANKLIN D'OLIER National commander American Legion. only. Their growth has been arebeing constantly granted.

But, at the present rate of growth, it will be four' or five years before the warriors in the state are all banded together, and It is to expedite this growth that the. drive is oemg prosecuted inis weeK. The American Legion is the most representative body in its community. It "is a cross-section of American community life, and numbers among its members men of all classes, bankers, business men, clerks, mechanics, miners; employes and their bosses; tenants and their landlords; men who sell goods and Who buy them; consumers Men of all interests, they are, but men of common interests, too; the mutual weirare or eacirotner, tne welfare of their Each post constitutes a forum where the ideas and the ideals of all sorts of men can be -voiced frankly. Each post has opportunities fop "result-getting only possible in an organization so completely representative and so completely democratic -Wonderful progress has been made by those posts already organized in the state.

Most of them are housed in commodious clubrooms, which are the social centers of their communities. The members areunot only supplied with the latest and best literature, but are urovlded with manv forms diversion and entertainment not found outside of a similar body intervals, at which members voice theirviews. The activities of jthese posts Is already apparent" IrTthe leg islatipn which has Jeenpresentedto. congress through the national organ- FOR EX-SERVICE MEN Here's what you have been looking now let's get busy. 1.

Have you received -a proper discharge? 2. Have you received your bonus of $60? 3. Have you received your full travel pay of 5 cents per mile? 4. Have you received your lost baggage? 5. Have you received your Liioerty bonds that you subscribed for while in the 6.

Were the allotments paid to the proper persons tne proper amounts? 7. Do you wish any information regarding your insurance? 8. Were -you disabled In the serv ice? 9. If so, are you drawing compen sation for disability? 10. Are you in need of medical care or treatment? 11.

If disabled, do' you wish to take vocational training? 12. Are you out of employment? 13. Have you received your victory button issued by the government? 14. Do you know of any tubercular soldiers, sailors or marines? 15. Do you know of any insane soldiers, sailors or marines? 16.

Have you received all the clothing and equipment coming to you? 17. Were you overseas on or after July 11. 1919? 18. Do you know that government insurance is best for service men? 19. Do you know the American Leeion is doinsr this for you? 20.

Have you any grouch, growl or grumble about anything connected with your service career? If so, phone, write, wire or call and see your nearest adjutant. RALPH V. SCOTT State master at arms, American Legion. I 11' IS I 1 traditions of the G. R.

and Spanish-American war veterans will devolve upon the boys of 1917-19. The employment bureau established In the adjutant's office is one of the most successful projects undertaken since the organization of the Butte post. Emmet O'Brien, director of the work, has already placed thousands of men with numerous concerns in Butte. He is in contact with practically every employer in the city, and men recommended by him have been given preference in jobs they applied for. His activities are not confined to members of the legion only, but extend to every ex-service man who makes known his wants.

The above are only some of the means of recreation provided, and the responsibilities devolving upon legion members. As the membership grows and the views of the organization are expressed the national and state bodies, working through tiheir locals, will be In a position to do the things that Americans want done. The American Legion is the organization that is striving to attain these ends. Only with a greater membership can a better citizenry be evolved. "It is a good time to take stock and find out.

what each of us is doing hrTJraonT'espoHBlble-Toithe-TeBoraa and routine matters pertaining to his T)ostrand-the-way-the-work-is-doner and the amount of work considered at the meeting held In Helena recently proved that the ex-service man and woman take great pains in selecting their personnel to guide the destinies of their organization. The army and navy pep was shown in all instances and it will be carried back to the posts in putting Montana on the map in American Legion membership. A beautiful silk post banner is to be presented to the post securing the largest number of members according to the number of ex-service men credited to the locality in which such post is organized, and keen rivalry is being started among many members in different posts in securing the largest amount of members for which the posts will make 'proper recommendation. Montana now has 83 posts of the American Legion, with approximately 10,000 paid-up members, and it is ex- pected that the membership push week will double the present strength, and all efforts will be put forth to accomplish the result necessary. DRIVE IS ORDERED AT NATIONAL MEET The big nation-wide membership push for the American Legion was first recommended by the national executive committee, but when the stamp of approval was placed on this idea by the national conference -of state adjutans, who met at Indianapolis on April 22, 23 and 24, national headquarters felt that it would be a big success, since the department and post adjutants will be largely responsible in putting the drive over.

Russell G. Creyiston, who is director -of organization at the national headquarters of the legion and who will have charge of this membership push, is very optimistic as to the result in obtaining 1,000,000 new members, and the state adjutants attending the national conference gave Mr. Creviston a vote of confidence and assured him that no stone would be left unturned in their respective states to make this push accomplish the -mark set. BEN W. BARNETT State adjutant American Legion of Buttk It ir i I ws -v.

H. M. PEET State American Legion. cralship and staff work will have full play, but it will be the driving power of the regiments and C6fnpanies on the city and county lines which will directly produce the new members. 'This is a good time to fret into the American Legion," says Commander Pew- in' his message to ex-service men in the state.

"If you have ideals, beliefs, convictions of what is good for yourself, your friends, your town, state or. nation, those ideals are futilo unless you share them with others. Alone you will make no progress. Alone you are an' atom. united you are a power.

Mix in with your buddies, "Only one man in '20 is eligible to join the legion. It is perfectly safe to say that hundreds of thousands of loyal Americans would give a good deal if they were eligible, by reason of active army, navy or marine corps service, to come into the legion. But they cannot, and is only ths 44,000 men "in Montana who are privileged to take advantage of the drive. Will Capture All. "The legion intends to make every effort to capture men, and there are of.

them in the United who have every facility MOSE S. COHEN Of the state finance office of legion at Butte. THE SPRING DRIVE The whistle wiLl blow onr-May 17. On that day .9,000 batteries will open up simultaneously on the extended front between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. On that day the 9,000 posts of the American Legion will go into action on a common zero hour.

They are going to capture as many as possible of the three and a half million odd former service men who are not members of the American Legion. The drive will start May 17 and end May 22. -National headquarters has designated this period as membership week. Every one of the 9,000 posts is expected to line up for the jumpoff, to keep going in spite of of the terrain and not to stop until the day designated for consolidat-ing the gain. Forty-nine departments will go over the top together.

In each -department the state, organization will be responsible for the drive within its jurisdiction. Generalship and staff work will have full play, but it will be the driving power of the regiments and companies on the city and county lines which will directly produce the new members. The campaign will show the comparative power of accomplishment of the' American Legion in each of the Each state will be judged by the showing it makes. The pride of post and state should be the same sort of fighting pride which made every American' division every regiment defend and uphold its reputation always. Each post, each state will be relied upon to hold its own in the totals of the new members obtained between May 17 and May 22..