Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-03-12
NAVY MEN ANGERED
Marines in Uniform Barred
From Local Theater.
Department TAKES NOTE
Action Following Investigation to
Be Announced Monday.
STATEMENT BY MR.. CHASE
Within His Rights in Denying Ad-
mission to Persons in Other Than
Civilian Dress, Re Declares.
Department TAKES NOTE
STATEMENT BY MIR. CHASE

Assistant Secretary Winthrop of the
Navy Department, who Is investigating
the charge that the management OF
Chases Theater in this city discriminates
against enlisted men OF the Army. Navy
and Marine Corps. in uniform. said that
the action of the department in the mat
ter would be announced Monday. He has
received the statements Of several sail
ors and marines 10 the effect that they
had been denied admission to Chase's
Theater because of their uniforms. and
has called for the statements Of other
enlisted men. who are said to have been
denied admission on the same ground.
He said that the statements so far re-
received completely substantiated the
charge filed by Mrs. Gallagher of Dewey
Auxiliary, United Spanish War Veterans.
that three sailors and two marines were
denied admission to the theater last
Thursday after having purchased tickets
for the same. All the evidence SO far OBJ
tanned at the department shows that the
men were perfectly sober and well be-
haved and that their uniforms were neat
and clean. -. 1t shows also that the wear
ing of the uniform was the expressed rea-
son for the exclusion Of the men.
In the course of an interview with AS
sistant Secretary Winthrop yesterday
Mr. Chase said he was clearly within his
rights In determining who should and
who should not be admitted to his the
ater and he admitted that soldiers, sailors
and marines in uniform had been denied
admission to certain parts of the theater,
where. he said. their presence was not de-
sired. Nurses in uniform have been. he
civ yorIx inA oAr AO n
matter of. fact, he said, he would exclude
President Taft or Mr.. Winthrop or any
body else should they apply for seats
wearing sweaters, riding suits or other
inappropriate costume.
Naval officials Indignant.
The navy officials are clearly indignant
at the declared policy Of Mr.. Chase
which they regard as a positive insult to
the military service OF the government
They say that the enlisted personnel Of
the Army. Navy and Marine Corps Is
made up of high grade of Americans,
who are being educated to fight the bat
ties OF their country, and that the govern
ment will protect them in this matter as
well as In any other where they do not
offend against the laws of the country
The main idea lie to demonstrate that the
UNIFORM OF soldier, sailor or marine 18
badge OF honor and shall not be used
to subject the Wearer to humiliation or
disgrace. One naval officer pointed out
today that In most Eur0pean1 cOuntries
all the places of public entertainment are
open to men in military uniform, and that
In several places they even are en-
couraged to attend by the sale of tickets
at reduced prices
It is stated that several patriotic So
cieties in this city have taken up the
cause OF the enlisted men and are back
ing the Navy Department in its efforts
TO prevent any discrimination against
them. AS result Of the personal repre-
sensations of some OF the members, Sen
ator Chamberlain has promised to en-
deavor to secure legislation making
such q discrimination q misdemeanor la
the District Of Columbia and the terri
tories of the United States.
Although not intended as a threat
against Mr.. Chase. 1t IL broadly intimated
that unless he changes his policy against
the enlisted branches of the Army. Navy
and Marine Corps it may be found ex-
pedient to terminate his lease or refuse
to renew II for the further occupation
of the government land on which his the
alter is located. No drastic steps will be
taken In the matter. however. unless 1t
Is found to be justified by the carcum-
stances.
Mr. Chase's Explanation
Mr.. Chase when asked today regarding
the two marines not admitted to the the
ater last night stated that the reDort was