Big Meeting

Five big days in Omaha, 37,155 War veterans registered, and two-thirds again as many estimated present but not registered--such was the 7th annual convention of the American Legion. The high spots:

Coolidge. The President appeared before the second meeting of the convention and spoke. (See THE PRESIDENCY) That afternoon he reviewed the parade of legionaires.

Aeronautics. The chief fighting matter before the convention was Col. William Mitchell's aviation charges. A large section of the convention was for taking a stand directly behind. A bitter contest was feared. The Aeronautics Committee struggled for three days with the question of formulating a resolution. It turned out finally an endorsement of Col. Mitchell's plan for a single Department of National Defense with coequal Army, Navy and Air branches. The convention endorsed this and saved a fight.

Mitchell. Representative Frank R. Reid of Illinois telegraphed the convention: Col. Mitchell has retained me to act as his counsel. The national questions involved in his court martial make it imperative that the American Legion participate in the defense. The Legion can supply many witnesses and much material evidence in his behalf and for the national welfare. Will you select some of your best lawyers to assist in case of trial and appoint a committee empowered to act? Wire me names of lawyers and committee selected so I can arrange for a conference.

Peace. The World Peace Committee reported favoring U. S. adherence to the World Court and a year's "study" of the League of Nations. The report was sent back by the convention and altered to read as favoring adherence to "a" permanent court of International Justice. So it was approved.

"Big Joe." Succumbing to the chilly winds of Omaha, Big Joe, aged 150, massive mascot of the Florida delegation, turned over on his back and died. On the lawn of the courthouse the alligator was buried with ceremonies.

McQuigg. New York, Illinois and Ohio contended for the favor of choosing the next National Commander of the Legion to succeed James A. Drain. But there was no great spirit in the campaigning, for the Mitchell issue overtopped all others. On the last day of the Convention the struggle was decided in a single ballot. John R. McQuigg of East Cleveland, Ohio, 59, whitehaired, banker and lawyer, former engineer in the A. E. F. (with rank of Brigadier General) was elected. His vote was more than twice that of his competitors. His attitude on the Mitchell question may be gathered from his statement: "The American Legion has not and will not commit itself as a body to the support of Colonel Mitchell or his theories."

Auxiliary. The Women's Auxiliary of the Legion, also in convention, elected Mrs. Eliza London Sheppard of San Francisco as its head. Her brother is the late famed he-man writer, Jack London.

Future Meetings. The 1926 Convention of the Legion was awarded to Philadelphia and the 1927 meeting to the homing place of all good A. E. F. men, Paris.