Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1916-12-21
DREXEL BIDDLE
ALLY OF FTREMEN
Founder of Bible Glasses to
Enlist Co-workers in
Campaign
BIC BOOST TO CAUSE
Will Lay Question Before Direc-
tors Of Organization Bear
ing His Name

Anthony J. DrexeI BiddIe, founder OF Tho
Bible Glass movement which bears hia
name, has entered the lists ne q champion
Of the nremen Of Philadelphia In the cam.
raign they are waglng on behalf OF more
tolerabie working conditions and an in.
crease IN salary that will enable them Ia
keep abreast with the requirements OF their
position.
Mr. Blddle IN his enthusiastic support oi
the hremens movement promises not only
hts own energetic personality, but TO call
into action the united potency Of the various
divisions Of the Drexel Biddle Bible Glasses
throughout the city.
In making announcement OF his intention
20 take up the campaign on behalf Of tho
nremen Mr.. Biddle said:
II have beon greatly Impressed by the
story OF the firemen and the living con-
dtlons they are forced 90 endure. I have
always been Interested In the life Of n fro
man but until laat Sunday evening when
/ attended Bible class meeting In Holy
Trinity Parish House, I did not realize Just
what Philadelphia fireman had to con-
tend with Lieutenant james Eckert, Of
Engine Company No. i5, was ono OF the
speakers at that meeting The facts MS
he related them made deep impression
Upon me. ] felt that no one would be-
lieve. unless he had looked into the matter
as l have, that conditions such aa have
been brought 10 light since this campa Rn
began could really exist They certainly
going 10 do everything within my power to
bring about n bettering OF the fremens CON
dillon.
mot only nm / going 20 work person.
ally toward this end. hut intond 10 inter-
est the members Of the Drexel Blddie Bible
classes In the campaign, for I believe II II
matter which they rightfuly should take
up In the interest OF Chr.stinnlty and n
betterment OF aocinl conditions in our city.
II purpose laying the cause Of the fire.
msaa hAFg
no that they in turn can bring Il to the
attention of their respective div sons and
have the several ward committees all over
the city take action in the campaign
II was one OF the signers TO the citizens
petition which wns presented 60 Mayor
Smith last month and which In st II in his
hands for consideration. While he has not
committed hmfelf on the subject. l am
assured thnt the firemen have such public
support and have aroused interest In their
behalf TO 20 great an extent that they arc
Virtually certain to obtain what they nro
seeking and which they aro Justly entitled
to. As for myself ! must say that I feel
IL an honor to be enrolled In tho distin-
Buished company OF sigrers to that peti.
tion which went to tile Mayor, and I do
not think that the city's chief magistrate
can fail 10 be favorably Impressed by the
weight and influence OF the business men
and other representative citizens who volun-
tnrily attached Their names To that nppll.
cation. II was n roster worthy OF the cauHs
In which II was enlisted. and the subse
quent demonstration OF public sentiment on
behalf of our fremen is ample proof that
popular demand lies back OF their Efforts"
Another prominent advocate OF the fire.
Tnen's campaign for every fourth day on
duty and salary Increase Is the Rev. Dr.
John T. Reeve, who Is pastor OF the Fourth
Presbyterian Church. Forty.seventh and
kingsesslng avenue. This congregation is
one OF the largest OF its denomination in
West Philadelphia.
Hugh Black, former Receiver OF Taxes, and
for many yearB a leading figure In the Re
publican politics of South Philadelphia,
today placed himself on record as n strong
advocate OF the flremen's campaign