Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-09-08
JACOB HALES OFF DUTY
Charged With characterization and
Lack of Efficiency.
NATTER TO BE INVESTIGATED
Objection to Proposed Increase in
Work Believed to Be Pri-
mary Cause.

A bombsheu was exploded in the camp
Of the organized bookbinders OF this city
this morning when the announcement was
made that Acting Foreman OF the Bindery
of the Government Printing Once Harry
F. Ashton had suspended from his posi-
ton there Jacob Haies. a bookbinder. 1t
was said that the suspension Of Mr.. Hales
went into effect at $50 O'Clock this morn
ing soon after he had reported for duty
for the day. The fact that the suspended
workman is a high officer OF the Interna-
tional Brotherhood of Bookbinders has
lent added Importance to the matter. He is
said to be member Of the international
general executive board.
The statement was made to Star re-
porter by an official of organized labor in
the District that as soon as Mr.. Hales
had donned his apron this morning he
gathered up the books he had assisted to
bind yesterday and was about to turn them
in, when Mr.. Ashton came along and. seiz-
ing one of the volumes, examined 1t closely
and then. turning to Mr.. Hales remarked
properly performed.
To this Mr. Hales is reported to have re-
piled that he would prefer for some other
person than Acting Foreman Ashton to pass
said he regarded himself as fully COM
petent to determine whether the work per-
formed in the bindery was of the proper
quality, and he resented Mr.. Hales' In
situation that he was not competent
Judge Of the same. He thereupon informed
Mr.. Hales that he was suspended from
duty. and the latter put on his coat and
left the building.
Result Of Inquiry.
When a Star reporter called at the gov
eminent printing Office this afternoon to
make some inquiries about the matter the
was informed that the public printer was
out Of the city. Capt. Brian. he chief
clerk. said he did not know anything about
the alleged suspension o: AIR. Halls
The matter was generally discussed In
labor. circles today. It was said that the
bookbinders employed In the government
printing office held a largely attended meet
ing last night and conferred with members
Of the arbitration board Of the Bookbinders.
Brotherhood In relation to the output Of
the government bindery and the stint 1t
Is alleged the binders have to perform.
It was also said that rather vigorous
language was used in denouncing the sys--
tenn that is being inaugurated in the bind
cry as to the amount Of work the men are
required to perform, and that Mr.. Hales
was outspoken In his opinion of the system.
Some Of the workmen allege that 1t was
because Of Mr.. Haies' attitude at the meet.
ing that he was marked for suspension.
Mr.. Hales' Brief Statement.
Mr.. Hales said this afternoon that IL
there were any imperfections in the work
he submitted, this morning for inspection
1t was not due to him alone. as another
binder. technically known as a "backer,''
had been employed on the same job.
( 1t Is understood the matter Of Hales'
suspension will be referred to the book
binders International organization, Of
which he is an officer.
officials of the government printing Of
flee decline to discuss the case in the abb
sence of Mr.. Stillings.