MR. HAWKINS (of Oklahoma):  “The great State of Illinois stands unchallenged in the patriotism of its soldiers throughout the world.  I am only sorry that you didn’t leave enough patriots at home to elect a patriotic mayor of that great city.  You are in the embarrassing position of having a man who has repudiated the things we went out to die for.  Either you have got to repudiate us or repudiate him.”

“We’ll repudiate him next time when the boys get home,” shouted several of the Illinois crowd.

Then other speakers tried to make it plain that the Legion’s attack was solely against the municipal head of Chicago, but some of the men of Illinois let the incident rankle.  How it came out (and it was ended happily) will develop.  Meantime the attention of the caucus was diverted from the Chicago incident by the manifestation of that desire which is in every true American’s heart, namely to be a booster for his own home town.  In less time than it takes to tell it, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Atlantic City, St. Louis, Pittsburgh, Indianapolis, Kansas City, and Chicago were being voted upon.  While the delegates were voting, a small body of soldiers and sailors were gathered together in a wing of the theater, seriously discussing the incident which was developed by Colonel Herbert’s speech.  They desired that it should be made more plain to everyone just what Colonel Herbert meant and that the millions of patriotic simon-pure Americans who live in Illinois should not take undue umbrage of the incident.  Therefore while the vote on the convention city was being counted, Colonel Luke Lea was recognized by the chairman and asked unanimous consent to present for consideration the following resolution: 

“RESOLVED, That the action of the caucus of the American Legion in refusing to accept the invitation to hold its next convention in Chicago is no reflection upon the splendid patriotism of the men and women of that great city, who have loyally proved their Americanism by supporting our Army and Navy and all war activities.

“BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this caucus records its admiration of the valor and heroism of the thousands and thousands of Chicago’s sons whose pure patriotism has been proven on the battlefields of France.”

“I would like to say something in support of the motion,” Colonel Lea said.  “It is very proper for me to offer it for I had the privilege of serving for three months with the great Thirty-third Division of Illinois and I know what wonderful soldiers they are.”

The resolution was adopted by unanimous vote.

No booster ever had a better time than had those who attended the St. Louis Caucus.  Local pride assumed its highest pitch during the vote, and at length Minneapolis won it.  The date was set for November 10-11-12th.

Just before adjournment Colonel Herbert arose to a question of personal privilege.