New-York tribune., 1910-08-25
STRIKE ST|RS GRAND Jury
Inquiry To Be Made Of Violence
Among Garment Workers.
BOTH SIDES OFFER THEIR AID
Proposed Investigation E1cep-
tional in Not Being Sug-
gested by Court.

The large number of cases of assault
and general violence during the garment
workers strike which started early last
month has prompted the grand jury TO
make an investigation, which will be
started to-day.
Acting District Attorney Frank Moss
was informed of the grand jury's inten-
ton yesterday, and at the request of the
foreman, John D. Moore. subpCenas were
issued for officers of the employers and
the employees organizations involved. as
well as for Deputy Police Commissioner
Bugher, several police inspectors, patrol
men and special policemen whose duties
have brought them in contact with the
strikers and the strike breakers.
AS soon as Mr.. Moss heard from the
grand jury in the matter he consulted
with Judge O'SuIlivan, of General Ses-
sions, who told the jurors 10 go ahead
and that he and Mr.. Moss would be at
their service for any assistance that they
could render.
During the day ex-Assistant District
Attorney Hartford Marshall, counsel for
the Cloak, Suit and Skirt Manufacturers
Protective Association. the employers or
ganization, conferred with Mr.. Moss, and
promised to supply any information de-
sired from the point of view OF MS
clients in the controversy.
The acting District Attorney also com
municated with representatives of the
International Ladies Garment Workers
Association of America, the strikers or
ganizaticn. and was promised aid from
that source.
Efforts of the manufacturers to keep
their shops in operation have resulted in
many clashes between the strikers and
the men employed in their places, and
more than five hundred arrests have been
made since July 7, nearly all of strikers.
for violence and disorder.
Besides trying 10 place the responsible
ity for continued disorder the grand jury
Will endeavor to learn whether or not
any statute in restraint of trade. such
as the Donnelly anti-boycott law, has
been violated by either side.
The investigation is exceptional in the
fact that it is being started by the
grand jury. Most of the matters inquired
into by the grand jury are called to its
attention by the District Attorney or the
Judge sitting In Part l of General Ses-
sions. who charges the jurors at the
opening of the term of court
1t was announced yesterday on behalf
X,
Association that they believed the pro-
posed investigation was the result of COM
plants of manufacturers who wanted TO
reopen their shops that they had not ade
uuate police protection, in consequence of
which their old employees who were willing
to return were afraid TO go to the factories.
A statement was made by the executive
committee of the association after meet
ing al the Hoffman House that the letter
of acting Mayor Mitchell 10 Police Commits
soner Baker directing him how to conduct
his department in relation to the strike
was little less than an invitation to the
strikers to indulge in acts of violence, and
continues:
Prior to the issuance of that letter the
police had been vigilant in insisting that
pickets keep moving and that not more
than three or four men congregate in one
spot. Since the letter reached Commits
sioner Baker the police have practically
kept their hands off the strike. They have
allowed gatherings that they never before
would have permitted and have stood idly
by while the beginnings of fight were
forming under their very eyes. 1t IS not
felt that the fault is with the uniformed
men. They have only obeyed orders, and
the grand jury intends TO inquire into the
reason for the issuance Of such orders and
into the results that have followed obedi-
ence by the police to them
Alexander Bloch, chairman of the settle
ment committee of the strikers. denied that
since acting Mayor MitChel'S letter was
written the police were not giving as ade-
quate protection as before.
The only difference is that the police are
following the instructions OF the head OF
their department now instead of the in
structions of the manufacturers, he said.
In other words, they are not taking sides.
and every fair minded person will con-
cede. notwithstanding the exaggerated re
ports of the manufacturers, that the strike
is a wonderfully quiet one considering the
large number of workers involved
Five more members OF the manufacturers
association were reported by the strike
TO have settled with the union
Delegates from labor unions. benevolent
associations and other bodies met last
night in Clinton Hail. No. Isl Clinton
street. to devise ways and means for aiding
the strikers. and the meeting elected vari-
Gus committees for the purpose