Omaha daily bee., 1915-12-10
Musicians' Union ReJoinder.


OMAHA, Dec. S.-To the Editor of The
manager of the Ancient Order of United
Workman band attempts to Justify the
action of the Ancient Order Of United
Workmen relative to a recent protest.
Many statements are made wherein
excuses are offered, but l fail to find
any statements which tend to justify the
action. Instead, the statement Is made
that Mr.. Finn does not state facts when
he says that our protest was against en-
ploying union bands" The manager of
the band does say, however. I'VE protest
most forcibly any action Of the city
commissioners granting to any one class
of musicians the exclusive right to public
concerts"
Speaking OF music in its competitive
sense, there are only two classes OF
musicians, the union class and the nom
union class. The action OF the city COM
missioners in this instance was to the
effect that only one certain class would
be employed, the union class. II the
protest In question was not directed
against the one class of musicians which
were to be employed. then may ask
what class OF musicians was the pro-
test directed against.
The band manager now states that the
lodge could not accept the proposition
of the Musicians union. as In dong so
the lodge would be just as liable to
criticism from their non-union members
as they are at present from their union
members, hence that the lodge took the
only stand that was left, neutrality
Entering the speculative field and thereby
commercialising the lodge Is surely some
neutrality.
Speaking OF paying taxes, the weight OF
votes and the right Of lodge members TO
get an equal share OF the money expended
by the city. why confine this matter to
music alone; In all fairness would 1t not
be lust as reasonable TO form the lodge
members, who are mechanics. into groups,
give them lodge designations. say "A. o.
u. w. carpenters" "a. o. U. w. plumb
ers," etc, and demand that they be
given an equal show with other mechanics
( in the money the ci,y expends in the
construction OF public bu ldings and in ell
public improvements. II such demand
| be not granted would II not be Just as
reasonable to then enter the same neu-
trality contest.
Regarding the previous knowledge of
Mr.. Finn with reference to the position
| of the lodge in this matter, will say
| that the Musicians union has been in
/ formed as follows; The lodge can not
| dictate 10 any member In individual or
personal matters" The action OF the
Individual Is not being questioned in this
instance; Il Is the action OF the lodge
| itself that the Musicians union contends
Is unfair In this matter. No sarcasm"
/ or attack" on the Ancient Order of
| United Workmen is intended. but II Is
the desire to draw the attention Of the
fair-minded man and lodge member TO
the unfair position taken by the lodge
band promoters. Do you think, frater-
nal brother, that the interests Of your
lodge requires that the lodge band leave
the lodge circles and enter the speculative
field? Da you think that your order Is
benefited when the members OF your
lodge band split up into various groups
and attempt to secure musical engage
ments. not as individuals, mind you. but
as a group OF lodge members using the
prestige and strength OF the name OF
your orderg Don't you think that such
procedure is commercialiEing the order,
bringing Il into disrsputs and going en-
tirely beyond the sublime objects and
tensts OF your order?
The Musicians union are OF the opinion
that most Of the members Of al fratsr-