The Washington times., 1902-02-02
Opinions of Lieut.. Santelmann,
Leader Of the Marine Band.

Leader OF Ule MARINE DdllI'
MY position regarding the resolution
now before the Labor Committee of the
| House relative to preventing enlisted
| men from accepting private engagements
is one CT principle rather than interest
of course I do not deny that were
| such legislation enacted it would prove
the deathblow to our organization so far
as maintaining its standard above
mediocrity.
But the Marine Band is only a small
consideration in this affair. the real hard
ship coming upon the enlisted men Of
the army and navy whose pay is that of
a private soldier and to whom the least
little extra compensation is of conse-
uuence Moreover. these bands are many
times in cities where there are few mu-
sicians of any degree of excellence. In
such cases the loss would be entirely on
! the side of the public.
To be brief. my claim is:
81 That the act now before the Labor
Committee of the House is unjust class
discrimination of Il most narrow de-
scription, and as such in violation Of the
Constitution OF the United States.
-. That it would deprive the public Of
the services of musicians essential for
the advancement of musical art in our
city.
"3 That it is a most dangerous prece-
dent, and if allowed to obtain recogni-
tion in the case of enlisted men of the
Regular Army and Navy of the United
states. would shortly extend to the Ma
tional Guard, and from them to all de-
partments of the Government service.
In support of our claims wish to call
attention to several features of the pro-
posed measure that have not been pre-
yiously brought before the public.
LAS placed before the Labor Commit
tee this resolution only affects the en-
listed men of the regular service. Com
missiOned officers, surgeons, and doctors
OF the army and navy, together with all
the civil employees of those departments,
are exempt from its provisions and free
to enter into competition with civilians in
any profession that does not interfere
with their officia! duties or obligations.
In other words, all employees of the
Government except the enlisted men are
to remain in possession of all their
vested rights as citizens of the United
States. To the rank and file who re-
ceive the least pay for their services.
and in Seturn give their all-yes, even
life itself-for the Government, the free
dom OF all other citizens in this respect is
to be denied.
This legislation is urged by the AmeEi-
can Federation OF Musicians, national
organization affiliated with the American
Federation of Labor.
'In fact, to be as brief as possible the
American Federation of Musicians has or
ganized 4 conspiracy TO deprive the en-
listed men of our Government from en-
joying rights that they freely accord TO
all other citizens. And the only eX-
cuse that they can offer is that the oath
of enlistment constitutes Il bar to mem
Dership in their organization for the rea-
son that the sworn obedience to their
officers often brings the soldier, sailor.
or marine into conflict with his union.
In other words Just as in many cities
there are inhabitants who can never per
mt Il lpllttIIGn ~ pd5o Nl'uoul biDNtI-
ing upon him with black looks or assail-
ing him with unkind words. so these peo-
pie prosecute their campaign against the
enlisted man OF the regular service.
If the true animus of their actions be
not Of this origin, then what can be the
motive? Unless they contemplate coming
in conflict with he armed force Of the
United States. Wy should there be any
difference between the soldier, sailor, or
marine and any other emplOye OF our
national seryice2
Il will also mention incidentally that
the Marine Band has always endeayored
to maintain the prices and regulations
established by the local musicians OF our
city. and will take no exceptions to any
proposed measure that will regulate the
terms upon which Government employees
may accept eng. gements so that it shall
be lust and fair to all concerned.
Therefore it is upon principle as well
as in the interests OF my band that |
am opposing the proposed legislation. The
question has been asked II | would with
draw my opposition in case the Marine
Band were exempted from the provisions
of the act. Ny answer was unhesitatingly
Not for / consider the interests OF the
Marine Band of secondary Importance
when question involving such vital
principles of right and wrong are at
stake. WILLIAM SANTELMANN."