Evening star., 1902-01-03
MUSICIANS PLEASED
Recognition of Union by President
Roosevelt
MARINE BAND Was IGNORED
Music Engaged for White House
Christmas Dance.
TWO STATEMENT MADE

Great satisfaction prevails among the
local members of the craft of musicians.
ccasioned by news to the effect that Pres
ident Roosevelt has signally recognized
their union. An official communication
rrcm John Pistorio. president Of local
union No. 161 of musicians of Washington.
which was received by George C. Mach
man. first vice president of the American
Federation of Musicians, In Baltimore,
conveys this Information.
Mr.. Pistorio says in his letter that Pres
ideut Roosevelt ignored the Marine Band
and engaged Haley's federation for the
Christmas dance at the White House.
In all previous years the Marine Band
has played at the Executive Mansion, it's
members, 1t is presumed. being paid extra
for their work. said Mr.. Nachman. "Of
course, he is reported to have said. the
union musicians receive the union rate of
wages. which will come out of the expenses
Of the White House. We regard this ac-
tion of the President Endorsement of
union labor. which deserves more than
dinary recognition and comment. Mr..
Roosevelt in his recent message approved
the work of union labor. and was the first
President to ever speak specifically in COM
mendation of labor unions. and his action
in dispensing with the non-union labor of
the Marine Band and in hiring men who
play music for a regular living is in line
with his previous course.
To some persons this action of the Pres
ident may seem inconsiderable. but to us it
is distinct triumph of our ideas and for
organized labor Several months ago.
through long continued effort, We succeed
ed in having the Marine Band barred out
of the Washington theater orcheStras. and
now union musicians play at all of them at
union wages.
Reason for Opposition.
We are against the Marine Band be-
cause II is non-union- Its members work
At pay less than union rates. but when
they did extra work at theaters and at the
White House on state occasions they re-
ceiNed an extra wage, and thereby pre-
vented union musicians from earning a
living II takes some courage to break
away from established custom. The
Marine Band has been an institution in
connection with White House functions,
and the President has displayed COM
menda BILE force of character in dispensing
with a cherished institution. We are all
certainly grateful to him for what he has
done.
HE, at least of all public men, has the
courage of his convictions. Many of our
statesmen have helped labor with their
lips. but not with their acts
Prof. HaIey's Statement.
Prof William A. Haley, leader of the
federated musicians who played at the
White House for the Roosevelt Christmas
dance. said to an Evening Star reporter to-
day:
Il am not thoroughly in accord with the
interviews alleged to have been given out
by George G. Nachnan. first vice president
of the American Federation of Musicians.
While it is true that 1 was summoned to
the Executive Mansion by President Roose-
Welt several days prior to December 25 and
asked to furnish the music for the Christ
mas dance, | do not know why the music
OF my band was preferred to that of the
marines
Il, however, played for two state occa-
sions at the hite House during President
MCkinleyS second term. The first time
was at an informal dinner given by the
late President and Mrs. Mckinley, April
Q. 1901. and the second occasion was din
ner given by the President to the Cuban
commissioners. A number of the members
oI the Marine Band. including the leader.
Mr. Santelmann, Were out of the city at
the time on concert tour
This state OF affairs did not prevail.
however. at the Roosevelt Christmas dance,
as all of the musicians attached to the
Marine Band We're in Washington at the
time. Mr.. Mckinley paid for the music
furnished out of his own pocket, and I re-
tain his check. being Ioath to cash it.
don't want TO go into the discussion
whether the employment of my musicians
was occasioned by President RooseyeIt's
desire to favor union labor. but do know
that the present executive is favora bly, in
clined toward labor and will do all in his
power to encourage it
Prof santelmann's Views
Prof. Santelmann. the leader of the
Marine Band. said today that it was his
impression that the reason President
Roosevelt sent for Haley's Federation Mu-
sicians was to avoid bringing out the men,
bers of he Marine Band on the night of a
holiday
1t was Mr. Roosevelts DESIRE he said
that they should be allowed to remain
nome with their families. and not be COM
PEELED To play for social function at the
White House.
Il do not think" concluded Prof Santel-
mann that Mr.. Roosevelt's action had
awning to d" with the labor fight now be-
ing waged between union musicians and
the Marine Band