Part 24 (1/2)

At that same meeting, Theodore Roosevelt, Jr., refused to accept official leaders.h.i.+p of the organization because he desired to allow no ground for any charge that he wished to utilize it to further his political career.

Such action by the Legion and by one of its most prominent members warrant its organizers in working to enroll all the men who served during the great war.

If this path is followed the American Legion will be a force for good in the country's affairs as well as a bond of fellows.h.i.+p among those who were members of the largest army ever raised by this republic.

_Manchester_ (N. H). _Union_, May 27, 1919.--... In spite of all that has been written and said it appears there still remains some mistaken idea and prejudices concerning this organization. The purposes of the American Legion are:

1. To uphold and defend the Const.i.tution of the United States of America.

2. To maintain law and order.

3. To foster and perpetuate a one hundred per cent. Americanism.

4. To preserve the memories and incidents of our a.s.sociation in the Great War.

5. To inculcate a sense of individual obligation to the community, state and nation.

6. To combat the autocracy of both the cla.s.ses and the ma.s.ses.

7. To make right the master of might.

8. To promote peace and good will on earth.

9. To safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles of justice, freedom and democracy.

10. To consecrate and sanctify comrades.h.i.+p by devotion to mutual helpfulness.