league the commander has done nothing else but devote all of his time to the disabled soldiers for the last three years. Officially his salary for so doing is $6,000 per year, but he says he has never collected more than $150 per month of it. He "Incidentally, Commander in Chief Nolan was pinched here at 2 a. m. drove his automobile into a pole at Atlantic and Boston Avenues, and smashed both the pole and the automobile. But, as in the war, he wasn't hurt. He was an hour late for his hearing yesterday morning, so he will get it at 9 this morning. He is charged with reckless driving for treating the pole so roughly. "From Boston comes the information that all sorts of charges of misuse of the disabled soldiers' league have from time to time been made against Commander in Chief Nolan, as well as intimations that interests opposed to the soldiers' bonus bill aided his original organization efforts." YOU HAVE FORGOTTEN THE GREAT WORLD WAR Because you can walk; you can ride; you can work; you can eat; you can :sleep. YOUR LIFE IS NOT ALL BEHIND YOU Because you have never had your lungs and throat scorched and burned with poison gas. You are not bent and broken-shell-shocked and maimed. Here are five excellent quality pencils. We had to pay for them. They are useful to you. One dollar is more than they are worth, but if you will send it, the profit will help us in our fight to better the sad lot now confronting the disabled soldier. Come on-follow your generous impulse-right now-your check is preferable, or send a dollar bill. JOHN T. NOLAN, Commander, National Disabled Soldiers' League (Inc.). P. S.-If you keep the pencils without sending the dollar —?— No you wouldn't do that! By a decision of the revenue department contributions made to this organization, being a charitable one, may be deducted before computing income tax. Checks should be made payable to the National Disabled Soldiers' League (Inc.). The books of this organization are at all times open to inspection. John T. Nolan, Massachusetts, national commander; Michael E. Large, Pennsylvania, national vice commander; Samuel J. Reed, New York, national vice commander; Jeremiah O'Connor, Massachusetts, national vice commander; James F. McCann, Pennsylvania, national treasurer; Kenneth D. Murphy, New Jersey, national adjutant. National Disabled Soldiers' League (Inc.), New Yorkth National Headquarters, Washington, D. C.-Advisory board: Hon. Thomas W. Hardwick, Georgia ; Hon. Thomas E. Campbell, Governor of Arizona; Hon. Lee M. Russell, Mississippi; Mrs. R. Emmet Digney, first national president War Mothers of America; C. N. Haskell, New York; Mrs. Elizabeth Carr, editor, War Mothers' Magazine. DISABLED VETS MEET [By the Associated Press] ATLANTIC CITY, June 27.-The National Disabled Soldiers' League opened its convention at the Traymore at 11 o'clock to-day. Conduct of the Veterans' Bureau is one of the principal topics slated for discussion. The disabled soldiers are not pleased with the way the bureau has been managed, and more startling charges of alleged malfeasance of Federal John T. Nolan, of Massachusetts, the national commander. Major SHAW. Mr. Chairman, will you call Mr. Bettelheim? TESTIMONY OF MR. EDWIN S. BETTELHEIM, JR., CHAIRMAN, NATIONAL LEGISLATIVE BUREAU AND DIRECTOR NATIONAL SERVICE BUREAU, VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS (The witness was duly sworn.) Major SHAW. Mr. Bettelheim, you are connected with the Veterans of Foreign Wars in what capacity? Mr. BETTELHEIM. Chairman national legislative bureau and director national service bureau. Major SHAW. How long have you held that position? Mr. BETTELHEIM. I have been chairman of the national legislative bureau since May, 1921, and director of the service bureau since 1923. Major SHAW. In your duties are you required to be in attendance on congressional committees concerning matters of legislation affecting soldiers and sailors of the World War? Mr. BETTELHEIM. I am. Major SHAW. At these hearings have you known of the presence at any time of the commander of the National Disabled Soldiers or other officers of that organization? Mr. BETTELHEIM. I have attended hearings on matters of legislation of interest to exservice men, and I personally have never seen any representatives of the National Disabled Soldiers' League at any of those hearings. Major SHAW. Have you ever made any investigation of the National Disabled Soldiers' League? Mr. BETTELHEIM. I have; yes, sir. Some time ago we had a complaint from Indianapolis-that was in March, 1922-in which the National Disabled Soldiers' League advertised in the "Billboard" under date of March 18, 1922. They advertised their organization, saying it comprised the American Legion, World War Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Thirty-eighth District Auxiliary. The advertisement contained two pictures, one of a man with campaign hat, saying he had "19 months overseas" service, and I drew attention to the overseas hat for campaign man; and a similar picture which seems to be of some man in navy uniform. Mr. CONNERY. Not to interrupt you, but a man could be in the Quartermaster Corps and wear a campaign hat. Mr. BETTELHEIM. Overseas? Mr. CONNERY. Yes, sir. Mr. SIEGAL. I do not want to interrupt, Mr. Chairman, but if this is an advertisement of the National Disabled Soldiers' League, of Indianapolis, as it appears on the face of it, it is a separate and distinct organization and has nothing to do with this organization and its officers. We do not know anything about it, and it is in no way connected with the matter which you are investigating. It is a separate and distinct organization, evidently organized by some people about whom we know absolutely nothing. The name on the paper shows that. Major SHAW. I think it is pertinent to the investigation, Mr. Chairman. Mr. SIEGAL. How can it be pertinent to the organization when we know nothing of the organization here? The CHAIRMAN. What is the heading? Mr. BETTELHEIM. It is headed "National Disabled Soldiers' League (Inc.)." Mr. SIEGAL. On the bottom it has the names: "Ray Marsh Brydon, director; Georgie Carson, treasurer; and H. Fletcher Campbell, secretary." Mr. BETTELHEIM. I presume that these men are directors of this "circus." They are advertising a circus, and they are probably some committee; I don't know. Of course, I am not qualified to say what these men are, but they are out under the heading of "National Disabled Soldiers' League (Inc.)," and they purpose to be composed of Veterans of Foreign Wars; and we take exception to their stand. The CHAIRMAN. Of course, I do not see any objection to introducing this here, because Mr. Siegal, you can prove on cross-examination that they do not belong to your organization. But you are trying to save time? Mr. SIEGAL. Yes, Mr. Chairman. And, on that point, I want to call your attention to the further fact that the police officer at Atlantic City stated that the reason they investigated the National Disabled Soldiers' League was because they received a telegram from a man named Eppilly, who claimed to be commander of the National Disabled Soldiers' League of New Jersey. I am making the statement now that we are not connected with this organization. The CHAIRMAN. It may go in if it is not too long. (The Exhibit was marked "Bettelheim No. 1," and is as follows:) EXHIBIT BETHLEHEM No. 1 [The Billboard, Mar. 18, 1922] National Disabled Soldiers League (Inc.), comprised of American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, World War Veterans, 38th Dis. Aux., members, invite offers from concessioners, from gentlemen earning their living with high-class stock wheels and grind stores, properly conducted, with their wares elaborately displayed. 19 months overseas. 14 trips on seas. The strongest, most reputable ex-service men's organization in the world offers just a limited amount of space at Tomlinson Hall, in the city of Indianapolis, during the week of April 10 to 15. The evenings from 7 p. m. to 12 p. m. and matinees Wednesday and Saturday from 1 p. m. to 5 p. m. On the 11th of January, 1922, a movement was perfected by the best societies of this city and fostered by this auspices, whereby the unemployed, disabled and ex-service men who are down, out, and ready for the count, could be provided for. The Hon. Gov. Warren T. McCray, Mayor "Lew" Shank (everybody's friend), and every civic, fraternal and social body of this city at once gave their moral support. The city council gave $1,000. Eighty-four wholesale produce merchants offered unlimited supplies of foodstuffs. Eleven meat packers called in and asked what was needed. Coal merchants opened their bins unsolicited. Persons who have not felt this "business depression sent in clothing. All of this for the boys "who hit the ball" when needed, but have been lost in the shuffle since prohibition, Muscle Shoals, disarmament conference, and the German indemnity have become the topics of the day. Now, boys, with all due respect to promoters and indoor bazaars you may have played this winter that have proven total blanks, bloomers, or those that did not get the nut, get wise to yourself, play this date and start the season with a smile. We will permit concessioners with stock wheels, such as candy and teddy bears and grind stores of every description, operated in wonderfully constructed 10-foot booths, artistically decorated with colonial col-. umns and cluster lights furnished by ourselves. The fees will be $75 for wheels, $40 for grind stores; one-half on reservation of space, the balance payable upon the opening of the show. Don't dicker. Don't chew the rag. Don't waste our time. Don't write if you can not afford to sit in where you are due to hold a royal flush. The merchants are begging for this same space, but as the director, secretary, and treasurer are in the recognized show business themselves, why naturally their associates get first chance. Correspondence from side show men and free acts accepted, but not needed, as we have contracted with Marsh's Museum (20 living human oddities-20), Marsh's famous midgets (six small and intelligent people-six), Georgie Car son's Greenwich Village (25 syncopating shimmying sirens-25), Princess: Pakaloes' Hawaiian echoes (8 native entertainers-8), Big Roma's fat folks frolic (a ton of avoirdupois) and DeLane-the mystery, with Pythona and Reptilla (possibly something conceived but never before presented). Seven. big free acts have been contracted, but we are ready to cancel ones to be replaced by others of a more sensational nature. Each evening gifts, such as floor lamps, electric washers, bedroom suits, etc., donated by Indianapolis merchants, will be given away. On Saturday night a Chevrolet touring car will be presented to the holder of the lucky number. On the opening date a street parade led by the Indianapolis mounted police and with the 45-piece Fort Harrison Band, 65-piece Boy Scout Drum Corps, 52-piece Indianapolis News Newsboys' Band, Indianapolis Military Band, Scotch Hilander Kilty Band, 15-piece Clown Band, Tangley Calliope and the Una-Fon, with the entire personnel of the show and combined organizations who are supporting the move will be a feature. General admission, 10 cents. How can it miss. We will guarantee and prove a 60,000 advance ticket sale or your space free gratis. Wire, write the National Disabled Soldiers' League, 16 United Building. Circle 7426. Alex (Dad) Williamson, Frank Jackson, C. B. (Bud) Drake, Jack Miller, communicate. Positively no concessions operated by committee. Demonstrators and floor privilege dealers, what have you to offer? Ray Marsh Brydon, director; Georgie Carson, treasurer; H. Fletcher Campbell, secretary. Mr. BETTELHEIM. No, Mr. Chairman. Of course, it is up to them to deny it if they see fit. The CHAIRMAN. Of course. Mr. BETTELHEIM. This seems sort of prima facie. This is the controversy that I believe was referred to by Captain Miller. It happened in Indianapolis. We remonstrated against their including our organization in their organization because our organization don't believe that their organization is a worthy organization. Major SHAW. By that you mean the National Disabled Soldiers" League? Mr. BETTELHEIM. The National Disabled Soldiers' League. Mr. BETTELHEIM. That is the one I have reference to. I believe they are the same. From time to time various members of our organization have written to us, asking us about the activities of this organization and what we know about them, and our reply has always been that we have never seen them active in any veteran affairs. The only thing that we know about them is that they are having a great many squabbles among themselves. Major SHAW. As evidenced by this? Mr. BETTELHEIM. Yes; and as evidenced by, I believe, a squabble between two conventions here in Washington and one man suing the other man-Nolan being sued by Lovenbein and Lovenbein being sued by Nolan-and their activities in this pencil-selling campaign. Our organization does not consider them an organization worthy of being associated with veteran organizations. Major SHAW. Is your organization one of those included in section 19 of the World War veterans' act? Mr. BETTELHEIM. It is; yes, sir. Major SHAW. You say you have made unfavorable reports on the National Disabled Soldiers' League (Inc.) when you have had occasion to make reports? Mr. BETTELHEIM. Yes, sir. Major SHAW. Have you had any reason to feel any particular opposition to the National Disabled Soldiers' League other than the natural one which would result from feeling that the interests of the disabled veterans were prejudiced by an unworthy organization? Mr. BETTELHEIM. No. To be real frank with you, I have neverseen the officers of the other organization, except that Mr. Lovenbein sometime back was a member of their organization. He is the onlyman I have ever seen. But I have never seen them actively connected with anything. Major SHAW. You have been in constant attendance at the hear-ings on the Veterans' Bureau? Mr. BETTELHEIM. Yes, sir. Major SHAW. Do you know of any extended appearance of the representatives of the National Disabled Soldiers' League at the Veterans' Bureau? Mr. BETTELHEIM. No; I have never seen them there. Personally I don't see how they could function in behalf of the ex-service men,. unless they were qualified to appear before the Veterans' Bureau and other bureaus, because you have to go up there before the board of appeals, and unless you are qualified to appear before the board of appeals in behalf of these men, why a man is foolish Major SHAW. There is positive inhibition of law against the representative of any organization appearing before the Veterans' Bureau except those that have been recognized? Mr. BETTELHEIM. Yes. Mr. CONNERY. Mr. Bettelheim, you haven't any knowledge at any time of any representative of this organization appearing before the World War Veterans' Legislative Committee? Mr. BETTELHEIM. I have been at almost all the hearings, as you know, Mr. Connery; I think I have missed probably one day or probably two days of all the hearings, and I have never seen them there at all. Mr. CONNERY. And even, as the counsel says, although they would be prohibited from going in on the subject he spoke about, they would not be prohibited from appearing at the hearings of the World War Veterans' Committee? Mr. BETTELHEIM. No. Mr. CONNERY. They could come in and sit down and say anything they wanted during the past two years? Mr. BETTELHEIM. Yes. Also they could have done the same thing before the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce years back, and also the Finance Committee of the Senate. Mr. BLACK. In making your investigation about this advertisement did you find any connection between the advertisement and the organization here in Washington; were you enabled to trace them? Mr. BETTELHEIM. No; I did not attempt to trace up that. Mr. BLACK. You do not know, then, of any connection between the organization represented by Nolan and his associates and the ones who advertised this Mr. BETTELHEIM. Circus? Mr. BLACK. Yes; circus. Mr. BETTELHEIM. No, sir; and I have never heard them refuted.. Mr. SIEGEL. Did you ever call it to their attention? |