Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-11-12
Makes a Comparison.

If the enlisted musicians Of the naval
establishment have a right TO compete
with members OF the musicians union
then the hricklayers. carpenters plumb
erS, machlnists and other craftsmen who
are enlisted in the United States army
nave the same right and they may when
not on active duty, perform outside work
In competition with civilian craftsmen
The Marine Band is part of the navy
equipment. Mr.. Feeney declared. land I
am surprised thai the Attorney General
should have given such a decision. We
members of organized labor have no OBJ
lection 10 the Marine Band playing out
side engagements when it does not come
INTO active competition with union mu-
sieians The Marine Band is under the
Navy Department. and | am opposed to
the decision. and will work for the adop-
lion by Congress Of A more specific state
ment in the law as an amendment"
John P1Storio. manager of Pistorio's
band, who was delegate from the mu-
sicians local of this city 10 the recent
national convention of the musicians was
pronounced today in his opposition to the
decision His father, who died several
years ago. was one OF the members of
the original Marine Band and served
with II for many years.
Declared a Navy Band
The Marine Band is certainly a navy
band" Prof Pistorio said The MEM
hers when entering the band are re-
CURED To enlist marines and the ma
rlnes are certainly part of the navy
and very important part, too The Ma
rIne bandsmen are paid as marines: they
draw the rationS issued to marines: they
are entitled to the privileges of the Naval
Hospital; they are under naval discipline,
and when they leave the naval service
they are given marine discharges and
Who will say they do not wear the uni
of ffsn
service
Prof. Historic remarked that the matter
las been placed in the hands of William
l'onc. nusician-lawyer. who is a men,
Der OF the Musicians Local Union He
said il was Mr.. Donch who prepared the
appeal To President Roosevelt which
called forth the decision of Attorney Cen
eIal Ronaparte
7. NJ. Ring. publisher Of the Trades
Inionist. said the decision seems to him
I" be = subterfuge. So far as the Marine
Band being i part of the navy is CON
Cerned.
Will Take Unfair" View.
The band is in equity q part OF the
navy, Mr.. Ring added. The law saws
navy bands shall not take private con-
tracts 10 play music. In my opinion en-
listed musicians should not be tllo--ed to
enter into competition with citizen plav-
ors who earn their living at the profess
sion. Although the Central Labor I-nion
Is divided on the matter of permitting the
Marine Band To play in private, yet a
large majority of the delegates will re-
sara the Marine Band as unfair when IT
undertakes to accept private contracts in
competition with outside musicians"
number Of other labor leaders while
they expressed disapproval OF the de-
cislon. declined TO h. quoted, preferrins
10 let their unions deal with the matter
in their meetings.
Friends of Band Speak.
Several friends OF the Marine Band ex
II essed satisfaction with the ruling oe
the Attorney General They said the
Marine Band is unique. There has never
been such an organization Of musicians
before, and perhaps there will never he
again. should the band 20 out Of exist,
ence, they explained.
1t Is national band" one of its we'll
leader is 10 have In the organization tha
best musical talent obtainable This cam
not he accomplished at the pay Of marines
that IS now given the members There
tor. II i sought TO allow them Ia ac
c"pt outside engagements lin order that
they may support their families ADEQUATE
~ IL order 10 meet the requirements Of
fl" ldN II may hc Il good idea 10 reorean
re tne band along other lines. and If
H-ttSSiliE, change Its name. The Marine
Band mas Tor a great many years been II
feature OF the Capital city, and lis
friends desire that il may be continued
- II has gained international fame of
winch We are justly proud