Evening star., 1903-07-14
MAY APPEAL TO COURT
ELKS RESENT FIGHT AGAINST
MARINE BAND.
Say They Propose to Abide by Con-
tract, Which Was Made Last
February.

Among the local members of the Benevo-
lent Protective Order of Elks there is not
the least apprehension that the long stand
ing controversy between the American
Federation of Musicians and the United
States Marine Band will in any way inter-
fere with the grand parade of the order to
be held in Baltimore, Md, Wednesday Of
next week. 1t is the opinion that the order
sent out by the labor organizations prohib-
itinS any band affiliated with it from par
ticpating in musical event with the
Marine Band will not be adhered to. In
the event that the Elks' parade is marred
by the controversy, it is declared that they
and the labor officials will meet before the
bar of Justice
The dispute between the Marine Band
and the labor union is well known to the
people of Washington, having originated
in this city. The labor officials say that
as the Marine Band is paid by the govern
ment, and is military organization it
should not be allowed to accept private en-
gagements, thus competing with the civil
ian musicians and crOwding them out of
the field. Notwithstanding these protests.
the Marine Band is regarded as a great
drawing card to any event of Importance.
The labor officials have made war on the
Marine Band whenever possible. Trouble
was narrowly averted at the dedication of
the st. Louis exposition. several months
ago, when. it is stated. the American Fed
Grafton of Musicians issued an order pro-
hibting affiliated organizations from par
1clpating in the event because of the pres
ence of the Marine Band.
The O:tier Rescinded
The order. however, was rescinded and
union musicians associated with the mem
bers of the Marine Band on that occasion.
Subsequently. it is stated, the labor union
modified its original order. under which
the union nI only
from participating in any parade or musi
cal event in which the Marine Band is to
take part except when eScortinS the PreS
dent of the United States.
Trouble in connection with the ElkS pa
rade has arisen, and the union bands have
informed those in charge of the demonstra-
ton that they have been forbidden to par
ticipate. because the Marine Band is to
accompany the delegation from Washing
ton Lodge of ElkS to Baltimore. Md and
because of its presence in the parade.
When the preliminaries for the parade
We're being made some time ago contracts
We're entered into between the committee
OF the Elks and the various bands. A like
contract. it is understood was entered into
between the Washington Lodge of Elks and
the Marine Band in February last. The
labor leaders have been informed of the ex-
istence of such an agreement between the
local lodge and Uncle Sans aggregation
and formally notified that if they fail to
carry out their part of the contract with
the order legal proceedings will be insti-
tuted in the courts
Mr.. John G.. Maxwell chairman of the
ElkS local committee. stated to a Star re-
porter this afternoon that the contract
between his lodge and the Marine Band
was made in February. and that the lodge
intended to stick by it even though every
union band should drop out of the parade
in Baltimore. Among the local members Of
the order there is feeling of obligation
to the members of the Marine Band, ac-
COrding to Chairman Maxwell. and it is
their desire to extend them many cnlr-
tesies possible. Al almost every E,lks'
memorial held in this city. Chairman Max
well stated the Marine Band has con-
tributed its service free of charge and
it Is for this reason that there is d dis
position to stand by the band.
Over a Century Old.
One hundred and five years ago the band
against which the is being waged
was organized. The anniversary of the
founding of the now famous aggregation
was tittingly observed yesterday at the
marine barracks IN this city.
The act under which the band was Gre
ated was passed by Congress in 1913. and
signed by President John Adams July IL
that year. Within two days the personnel
was completed and was composed of six
teen members. The musical Instruments
at this time were flies and drum, with a
drum major, and striking resem-
bIance of the civil drum corps that are
seen in the various cities now.
Lieutenant Santelmann, the director. in
tI.,