The Detroit times., 1908-08-06
ARMY OFFICIALS FIRED
FROM PARK
FOR RECRUITING

ter in the parks, and I don't think
the mayor has any right to give any
one, even though II be the United
States government, a permit TO VIC
late the law. However, X application
were made to me for permit | should
be very glad to grant II, IL. In my
opinion, the recruiting poster does
not come under the restriction.
"As to the permit issued by Mayor
Thompson, have not seen 1t, nor has
anyone in my office, and the police
man, under the circumstances, acted
within his rights"
Lieut.. Kelly's letter to the mayor
follows;
Honorable VIM. b. Thompson. the
Mayor, City of Detroit:
Sir--I have the honor to inform you
that. taking advantage OF the author
ity you were kind enough TO grant me,
during the past week, 1 stationed twJ
soldiers. members OF the recruiting
party. in Grand Circus park. for ire
purpose OF soliciting recruits Tor the
United States army The soldiers Wee
at all times neatly dressed In white
uniforms and carried portable easel
on which was displayed the recruiting
poster. At least one OF the soldiers
was stationed at the side OF the re-
cruitlng poster at all times. ana II was
sign board. The soldiers were also at
all times gentlemanly and we'll behaved
as | promised you they would be. There
was nothing In the appearance OF the
men or the sign to Offend the mo II
fastidious.
on Wednesday last. these men were
ordered by one OF the special policemen
stationed at Grand Circus park. to re-
move the sign. They offered TO show
your permit but were told that II made
no difference whatever. that they had
orders to allow no sign or ADVERTISING
matter whatever within the limits OF
the park. The men Immediately with
drew. When the matter was reported
to me, | visited the park and Inquired
concerning this order. and was in
formed that IL was due to general m
structions only, and when | showed
your permit | was Informed that they
would be allowed to continue unless
orders came from higher authority 20
remove them.
They remained In the park al day
Thursday and nothing was said To them
but this morning they were ordered. bV
special park policeman No. l37, to re-
move the sign. | believe this officer
was acting upon orders Of the Commits
sioner OF Parks and Boulevards
I wish To inform your uOnor that this
method OF advertising for recruits has
been tried ia most OF the large cities
and 20 the best or my knowledgs per
mission TO display these signs when
soldiers are stationed with them. has
never been refused. rather. that ia
every instance. the soldiers have re.
ceived the active cooperation OF all
the city officials and police depart
ments.
The purpose 8 not only TO advertise
for recruits. but TO get In closer touch
with the people. to answer all qu-S
tions concerning the army which may
be asked. To correct any misibforma
tion concerning the army. and indi
fectly TO advertise the army a. . whole
II 7 should have asked my permits
sion from the Honorable. tine Commits
sioner OF Parks and Boulevards. con
only plead ignorance or routine, a.
believed thai had your honor not the
authority TO grant the necessary per
NIT. the matter would he referred "a
the proper official. but that a permit
from you would be received by all SUBJ
ordinates In a proper spirit 81 harmony
l wish 20 state that. rather than have
been the means OF causing your honor
sued by you ignored and disregardcd I
should never have Instituted thir meth
od 81 Advertising In Detroit. and would
prefer 20 flPcontinue II n cannot
hnvc the holm and cooperation (aetivo
and passive5 % all the CITY offNials
and their subordinates, whose depart
ments are touched
May ] ask your honor 10 cause tnts
matter 10 be looked into. I SHOULD be
pleased NJ, any time so call upon y0nr
honor or any city official who would
scheme and the results obtained in
other cities
Very respectfully
IOHN ". KELLY
First Lieut.. 18th Infantry.
Recruiting Officer