THE AMERICAN LEGION.

The University will read with interest this morning the proposal of Lieutenant-Colonel Roosevelt, reprinted elsewhere, in regard to the establishment of a Harvard branch of the American Legion--the legion of veterans of the war. We believe that there is a decided need and place for such a Legion, and that it will merit and receive the support of college undergraduates throughout the nation; we can but feel however, that the establishment of a branch at Harvard, or any other university, is neither practical nor desirable.

Plans for the Legion as outlined show that it is to be essentially democratic and non-partisan. It must not become a second Grand Army of the Republic, interested only in politics and old soldiers' rights. The real aim must be constructive; it must perpetuate a purpose which will grow even after the men who fought in the Great War are dead. We must not allow the great moral principles for which America went into the war, and which have not received their due recognition at the peace conference, to be forgotten. And any nation-wide organization which is to stand for such ideals must include the college men of the country.

But it is questionable if this support can be best given through college organizations. An ex-soldier or officer will desire, to become affiliated with one "camp," which includes his own home town, rather than with a college group that lasts only the four years of his stay in Cambridge. The value of the separate units will lie in their permanence; a Harvard Legion would have a transient membership. Then, too, we doubt the interest which the average student, occupied with many other activities, would take in such a branch organization. Let us support, the American Legion by all means, but let us support the founding of permanent local posts rather than create subordinate branches in the colleges.