A. D. Bearman of Memphis was unanimously re-elected Grand Master of the Progressive Order of the West at the closing session of the convention at which funds were appropriated for various national institutions. The convention has been in session at the Hotel Netherland Plaza since last Sunday. Overcoming his own recommendation not to appropriate Funds, Mr. Bearman made an eloquent plea in which the delegates were personally asked to contribute to Palestine and other Jewish activities.
The budget of $30,444 for the coming two years was adopted There was a great deal of discussion at the meeting of the committee on resolutions which took up the question of appropriations preceding the convention. Mr. Bearman’s appeal to contribute to major Jewish needs settled the question.
Mendel N. Fisher, representing the American Palestine campaign, made an appeal to the convention and he was given $500 for the fund. The purposes of the Progressive Order of the West were modified so as to include social education and a national program for Jewish youth.
Support of the Roosevelt Industrial Recovery Act was pledged in a series of resolutions embracing endorsement of the Palestine Emergency Fund and support of the Ort Tool campaign. Cooperation with the American Jewish Congress and support of the World Jewish Congress was pledged.
An elimination of medical examinations for life insurance policies of less than $100 and an extension of the insurance feature to include a twenty-year life policy were put into practice by the passing of resolutions to that effect.
The final session was taken up with a report of investments by Harry Felberaum. A resolution was unanimously adopted stating that the funds of the organization be invested in United States government bonds. Louis Jaffie of Chicago and A. A. Schwarzbach read 100 resolutions dealing with various phases of the work of the organization.
I. Mathis of St. Louis was installed as first vice-Grand Master. Other officers elected included Syman L. Brody, Chicago, second vice-Grand Master; Jacob L. Spector. Philadelphia, third vice-Grand Master, and Sam Maurer, New York, fourth vice-Grand Master. Morris Shapiro of St. Louis was re-elected grand secretary.
Chicago was chosen as the next convention city.
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The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.