Mr. Walsh of Pennsylvania, suggested that the A.E.F. knew what it was doing when they called it the American Legion.  “Let us honor them and respect them by calling it the American Legion,” he urged.  Colonel E. Lester Jones, of Washington, stated the name had been considered by the committee most carefully and—­

But why go into all the arguments.  The motion to call it the American Legion was carried amid cheering and as such the name will go down into the history of things well done for America.

CHAPTER VII

THE LEGION WON’T MEET AT CHICAGO

We have arrived at what is the most significant event of this session of the caucus, if not of the entire gathering.  The caucus has already shown its spirit in ousting the Soldiers and Sailors Council because, in its opinion, it could not measure up to one hundred per cent.  Americanism, and now we shall see what the same simon-pure brand of red, white, and blueism is demanded of the second largest city in the United States.

It came about in the most dry, matter-of-fact way.  Let the minutes of the meeting form the introduction for it.

THE CHAIRMAN:  “Next is the report of the Committee on the Next Meeting Place and Time.”

SECRETARY WOOD (reading):  “From the Committee on Next Meeting Place and Time, to the Chairman of the American Legion; action of the Committee.

“Meeting called to order at 10:30 A.M. this day at the Shubert Jefferson Theater.

“Charles S. Caldwell, of New Mexico, unanimously elected chairman.

“Frank M. Ladd, Jr., of Alabama, Secretary.

“The majority of the States being represented as per attached list voted unanimously for Chicago as next meeting place.  Date being set as November 10, 11, and 12, 1919.

  “Respectfully submitted,
  “CHARLES S. CALDWELL, Chairman,
  “FRANK M. LADD, JR., Secretary.”

MR. SEXTON (of Illinois):  “When you consider your place for your next convention tell Chicago what you want, and in response to that Chicago will answer you.  ‘We will give you whatever you want.’”

Then the excitement started.  Mr. Dietrick of Pennsylvania moved to amend the report of the committee.  “By striking out the word Chicago and substituting therefore the city from the State which furnished more soldiers than another state—­the city of Pittsburgh.”

This elicited great applause—­especially from the Pennsylvania delegation.  Mr. Stems of Louisiana got the floor—­

“I want to tell you what took place in that committee,” he said.  “The committee selected a place to the best interest of this organization and not to the best interest of any one specific locality, and the question was argued in a very quiet, organized, gentlemanly manner.  A number of the delegates put up towns that did not get enough support to get the meeting, so they withdrew their names.  It