Evening star., 1903-07-21
was not one at the trial who was his friend

was not one at the trial who was his friend
save his counsel.
took his action without waiting to hear the
side Of the bookbinders, and we are OF the
firm belief that a presentation OF their slde
to him will cause change In his attitude
We realize that President Roosevelt Is a
friend of organized labor and that he de-
sires the increased efficiency of the service
In all its branches. In this matter mis-
take has been made by having only one
side of the contention presented to the
executive
"In his personal character Miller was a
most offensive man. His language was vi
cious and foul and he never hesitated to
abuse, in the most open manner, the ofh-
cials of the printing Office from the public
printer down. In saloons and other public
places he used the vilest expressions
against Mr.. Palmer and other of his su-
periors and as task master was utterly
without reason. The work that he imposed
upon the binders was frequently beyond
human power to. accomplish.
The information that he had been REIN
stated came very Unexpectedly to the union
and action has not yet been taken. But
decision of the case final, but will ap-
peal in a presentation Of the true facts Of
the case. When these facts come to the
attention of the President we feel that
there will be a reversal of his decision. The
local arbitration committee went into ex-
ecut1ve session this morning to consider the
matter"
What Secretary Garrett Says.
Speaking to reporter for The Evening
Star on the matter. William M. Garrett,
the secretary of Columbia Typographical
Union. No 1O1. said:
There is no question that President
Roosevelt has been fair at all times with
organized labor. and we are not of the
opinion that he wishes in this instance to
reverse this rule. 1t seems that there has
simply been unfortunate error made
in the manner of dismissing Miller. When
the union makes it's counter charge this
may be rectified. The binders claim that
Miller imposed upon them greater tasks
than-they were able to accomplish Being
unfamiliar with the task of bookbinders
1T is not possible for me to criticise this,
but it would seem that 1t must be SO or
they would not have complained.
He Is said to have endeavored to devise
ways to get more work from the men than
they We're capable Of doing, and to have
made himself otherwise obnoxious. Or
ganized labor has no desire to dictate the
policy OF any government department. but
1t does wish to and will assert its rights.
Miller was charged with doing many things
for the benefit OF himself alone and at the
same time to have spoken disparagingly of
the union of which he a member. l
am not personally familiar with all these
details. but presume them to be correct.
The matter would not come within my
jurisdiction for any action whatever but Is
entirely within that of the Bookbinders
Union"
Secretary Cortelyou was not desirous OF
expressing an opinion on the controversy
that has ended with the reinstatement OF
Miller. He said that the matter had, as far
1t concerned his immediate office. come
to an end. and under no circumstances
could he be expected to make any comment
on the action of the civil service commits
sion. through which Office the case came to
his official attention.
Belief of Some officials.
1t is the consensus Of opinion among men
of official position who are acquainted with
the case that the error lay in the manner
in which Miller received his discharge, and
not in the direct fact of that dismissal.
They do not, rule. uphold Miller in his
contest with the Brotherhood of Bookbind-
ers, being generally of the opinion that his
dismissal was for the betterment of the
service, but the general expression Is that
it should have been made upon some other
ground than that of his expulsion from the
local union of bookbinders and his fight
with that organization.
In the circumstances there was nothing
else for the President to do than order his
reinsta tement after the request had been
made by the civil service commission in Its
reply to the public printer. but there Is
every reason to believe that he will like
wise listen to anything the union may have
to say to him on the. subject of the dismis-
sal and reinstatement.
Important Meeting Of the Union.
The arbitration committee of Local Union
No. of the International Brotherhood OF
Bookbinders met today and called a meet
ing of the union for tonight at o'clock at
Odd Fellows Hall. 1t will be the purpose
of this meeting to decide what action is 10
be taken because of the reinstatement of
Miller in the printing Office. No officer of
the body has authority to call a strike, and
an official said today that no strike was In
tended, but, he add, significantly:
1T is violation of the rules of our or
ganiZatiop to work with an expelled MEM
ber Miller is an expelled member. The
the action of any of the government Of
ticials in this matter. but feel that differ
ent conclusion would have been reached il
the bOokbinders side of the controversy
had been heard before final action
Another officer of the local union said to
a reporter for The Star
Level headed men understand that in
the premises nothing could have been done
by the President but what he did The law
is clear and concise that point and cam
not be avoided. Miller was technically dis
charged because he had been expelled from
our union and of course that is in violation
of the civil service rules and regulations.
Strike Not Expected.
But there are other acts of which he has
been guilty that worse than any he
committed against our organization. Those
will be brought against him and we have
no fear of the final result. / do not ex-
pect a strike. but our members cannot work
with man who has been expelled from the
order.
Reports were current that the entire force
of the bndery would walk out the moment
Miller came back and applied for his posi-
ton. but no word has yet been heard
from him and 1t Is not thought likely that
such action will be either suggested by
members or found necessary at the meeting
tonight.
MURDERER HILLS CASE.
No Advices Received of Action Taken