in under the Selective Service Act in connection with the draft problem. In addition to the locating of registrants, the division, on request, conducted investigations on a number of Local Boards, and also investigated thousands of cases involving deferred classifications, where the result of the investigation placed the registrant in Class 1-A and made him available for immediate service.
At the specific request of the commanding officer of the local branch of the Ordnance Department, Chicago division conducted a total of 536 investigations of officers and employees of the Ordnance Department in Chicago. Similar work was done for the Bureau of Investigation.
Chief Gunn concludes his simple and convincing narrative
with a few division figures:
In conclusion I would say that at the headquarters of our
units we employed sixty-six stenographers and clerks who were
directed by thirty-one able men who gave their entire time,
days, nights, and often Sundays, without one penny from our
Treasury, to the direction of this work. In addition to this, we
maintained eighteen captain's offices, the average monthly expenditure
of each being in the neighborhood of $300. Exclusive
of this, our average monthly expenses were about $7,000,
which money was raised both from our own membership and
from subscriptions of individuals and commercial houses.
We have been insistent at all times that our men should set a patriotic example to all others in accepting active service when liable or able. This is evidenced by the fact that five hundred and fifty of our members are now in the service. I have no hesitancy in saying that for loyalty, ability, judgment, and willingness to serve their country, I do not know, nor do I believe there can exist, a more splendid body of men than is contained in the membership of our Division of the American Protective League.
Follows the statistical record of the work accomplished
by the Chicago division of the American Protective League
up to January 21, 1919:
Neutrality cases investigated. 43,026
War Department-all branches.
Character and loyalty investigations 3,739
American Red Cross.
Character and loyalty investigations 115
Illinois Volunteer Training Corps.
Character and loyalty investigations. 141
