By JOEL ELLIOTT
Staff Writer Wednesday, January 24, 2007

Staff Writer

Two veterans' organizations fighting for possession of a pair of bronze Civil War cannons are squaring off in preparation for the next skirmish, which could take place in court.

The cannons disappeared from the grounds of Togus Veterans Affairs Medical Center as long as half a century ago. They were discovered by Winslow antiques dealer Todd Violette two years ago in Richmond, where they were mounted in front of the Emerson-Lane American Legion Post 132.

Violette became concerned that the cannons -- exposed to the elements and scrubbed clean of their protective patina by a well-meaning but misguided Legion post member -- were deteriorating in the Legionnaires' custody.

Togus is seeking the cannons' return, but Legionnaires said they won't allow that, even if it means chaining themselves to the 1,200-pound guns.

Both sides are exploring their legal options for what could be a messy battle.

Togus Police Capt. Arnold Ridley, who conducted an initial investigation, said the effort to retrieve the cannons apparently stalled when Togus' general counsel Bruce Williams took over the case.

"I'd love to see these cannons back where they belong," Ridley said. "I've put a lot of time and effort into this investigation."

Ridley said Togus revived its quest when articles on the matter appeared in Tuesday's Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel. Now, Williams said, he is waiting for the Legion to make a move.

"At this point, we were really hoping that the Legion would do the right thing -- the right thing being to return them to Togus," he said.

But the Legion has no intention of returning the cannons, according to Lester Dearborn, commander of the Richmond Legion post.

"The cannons that are at Togus; the members of my post have taken up fundraisers to pay to maintain them," Dearborn said on Tuesday.

"So for them to say that we can't take care of them is laughable."

As the two sides define their positions, the American Legion state leadership is keeping its distance from the fray.

"We do not micromanage the individual posts," American Legion Department Commander Donald Simoneau said. "This is something that goes on within that post, and I have no authority to step in and tell them what to do."

Simoneau said his office will provide Post 132 with political support if members ask for it.

All four members of Maine's congressional delegation took a similarly hands-off approach, either urging for compromise or declining comment.

"These cannons are an important piece of our nation's history and should be preserved," Rep. Michael H. Michaud, D-2nd District, said. "I believe that the Richmond American Legion Post and Togus understand and support this need, and that they will quickly reach a solution that protects the cannons and satisfies all parties."

Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, said through spokesman Kevin Kelley that she is "hopeful that the two groups can work toward a solution, the goal being that the Legion post is treated fairly and the public interest served."

Both Rep. Tom Allen, D-1st District, and Sen. Olympia Snowe, R-Maine, said through spokesmen that they were communicating with various parties involved in the dispute, but declined further comment.

Violette, the man who called attention to the situation in the first place, is urging that Legionnaires return the cannons in order to halt their deterioration.

"The fact is that these historical cannons must be preserved for future generations. They can't be replaced," he said.

"No one questions that members of the American Legion are honorable people -- so I hope they will do the right thing."

Joel Elliott -- 861-9252

jelliott@centralmaine.com