It
will be an army in which the self-respect of the common soldier
will be recognized. The returning soldier has no use for anyone
living here who is not wholly American, and is for expelling the
unnaturalized alien wherever found. Loyalty to the Nation is
fundamental in the soldiers' view.
The Nation must safeguard itself and make a distinction between
citizens who offer themselves and their all, and citizens who,
for whatever reason, withhold some part of their allegiance.
Brutal treatment of conscientious objectors is neither civilized
nor necessary, but a differentiation is created by such
residents themselves, and there should be corresponding
differentiation in rights and protection. This is one of the
subjects that the returned soldiers have at heart.
_Post Intelligencer_, Seattle, Washington, May 21, 1919.--...
The American Legion will be a political force in the nation as
it has a perfect right to be. No organization of its character
is to be held together by the cohesive power of reminiscence.
Something more binding is required, and that something will be
forthcoming whether anyone outside the Legion likes it or
not....
The American Legion will be made up of intelligent young men who
will have a community interest and whose interest can only be
furthered by united action.
Pages:
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221