organizing the Legion is Lieutenant Colonel Bennett Clark, son of the late Democratic Speaker of the House of Representatives.  Colonel Roosevelt is sufficient authority for the assurance that the movement is neither partisan nor political.  He calls it “an association which will keep alive the principles of justice, freedom and democracy for which these veterans fought.”  Viewed in that sentimental, ethical and patriotic light, it is a commendable undertaking.  The American people will wish it well, and be glad to see it flourish....

Norfolk (Va.) Dispatch, April 9, 1919.—­If the American Legion now in process of organization by young Colonel Roosevelt and his associates, clings to the principles of foundation and holds by the purposes proclaimed by its founders, it may become a mighty force for good in the land.  It will be composed of several millions of comparatively youthful Americans, a large percentage of whom will be voters, while virtually all will have demonstrated their readiness to fight their country’s battles with weapons far deadlier than bullets....  This assumes the legion will fulfill the part it has undertaken to play in the country’s life.  If it should degenerate into a selfish protective body, it will be worse than useless.  But there is little reason to fear it will fall so far below its ideals while there is every reason to hope it will be a powerful factor in helping the country to find itself again.

New Orleans Item, April 14, 1919.—­The American Legion through the tremendous influence and mighty power of 3,000,000 organized fighting men, is certain to shape and control the destinies of the nation in years to come to an extent of which the wise will refrain from even suggesting a limit.  With the announcement by Lieutenant Colonel Theodore Roosevelt that the “Legion will be interested in policies, but not in politics,” the opinion may safely be hazarded that the great political parties of the country are due to have new mentors, from whom they may be forced to look anxiously for their cues.

Primarily among the announced purposes of the Legion is the perpetuating of those principles of justice, freedom and democracy for which its members either fought or stood ready to fight.  On the field in France or in the training camps at home, the millions of America’s best manhood have learned intimately and well a new lesson of individual and national responsibility.  Such lessons, at the cost they were obtained, are not to be forgotten or lost.  The ideals of the fighting men of the states, producing the valor and the power which made the American Army irresistible, and the revelations by fire of new realizations and brotherhood and of world and national citizenship are surely to be felt in the calm, happier times of peace.

Philadelphia Record, April 10, 1919.—...  If, as Colonel Roosevelt predicts, the membership shall eventually comprise