New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-06-01
Well Known Men Plan to
Combat Anti SemitiC"
Tendency in Guard.
GENERAL STOTESBURY
HEARS WITNESSES
Sergeant in Battery F Admits lie
Doesn't Want Hebrews in
His Company.

The alleged display OF anti-Semitism
by the National Guard may lead 20 the
formation of a Jewish regiment. The
leaders behind the proposed organlza-
ton, among them many well known
Jews, feel that such regiment is be-
coming necessary. At the end of the
examination into charges OF discrimin-
alton before Adjutant General Stotes-
bury in the state arsenal yesterday,
the plan took a firmer hold. Nothing
will be done if the anti-Semitic ten
denotes are eradicated, it was an
nounced. The regiment, If formed, will
be patterned after that started in
Philadelphia three months ago.
The investigation started with the
testimony of Max J. Klein, of e4S Union
Avenue, The Bronx, who appeared as
complainant against Howard +. Sulli-
van, of Battery d, Second Field Artil-
lery. Klein alleged that Sullivan re-
jected his application to join the bat
terry because of racial discrimination.
This was on May 10,
Says Jews Tried TO Harsss Him.
In answering Klein's charges Sullivan
made a statement in which he said that
eight or nine young Jews had applied
for enrolment TO him after May 10, not
because they wanted TO join for "the
love of country and its defence" but to
harass him. In refuting the charge
Maurice Simmons employed the term
frame up" Sullivan Immediately
grew wary and denied that he meant
he had been the subject OF frame
up"
81 am glad" returned Simmons, Ito
get an expression like that from an
official Of the national guard to indi-
cate to the Governor of the state and
the people the frame OF mind of many
Of our officers"
Klein, according TO Sullivan, insisted
on joining the battery when he was
told there was no vacancy. Mr.. Sim
mons then showed that since Klein had
been told this Sullivan had added
seventeen men TO his battery. Sullivan
then asserted that he mad right to be
arbitrary in his judgment and that ap-
pearance counted great deal with
him.
Commanders Can Use Discretion.
General Stotesbury asked if it was
not true that the general objection was
due to the Jewish character as por-
trayed by cartoonists and depicted Cd
the stage.
"Men are being rejected simply be-
cause Of their BIRTH" declared Mr. Sim.
mons.
General Stotesbury said that com
pany commanders have certain dscre-
tionary powers in organizing their
companies. These powers have to be
exercised to prevent the breaking up of
an entire company if Objectionable
characters should be admitted, he
pointed out. He said, however. that
these powers should not be used
against any persons because Of their
birth or creed
Lester j. Wrinkle testified that he
felt Lieutenant King, of Battery f.
had disseminated against him. Philip
Schwartz, of GIL Whitlock Avenue. The
Bronx, testified that he was told bv
Lieutenant King that he was "tbe
ideal type when he applied for enlist
ment. After learning he was a Jew.
however, the officer lost all interest,
the witness said.
A. J.. Nathan, a member OF Mayor
MitcheFs Preparedness Committee.
also testified. Mr.. Nathan is the senior
member of Nathan & Tucker, of 1877
Fifth Avenue. silk merchants. OF Mr..
Nathan's 200 employees, he said. TWEEN
ty-two are members of the national
guard, He himself has made three at
tempts to enlist, but has never been re-
fused because of health or character.
"A man doesn't have to be -
fool" added Mr.. Nathan, "to know Of
the feeling against Jews in the Ma
tional Guard of New York"
Admits Anti-Jewish Feeling.
Thomas T. Patterson, sergeant Of
Battery +, was the first national guard
witness TO admit an anti-Jewish feel
| ing.
81 don't care for the Jews" he said.
81 don't want them in my company,
and | would now do all | could to keep
them out They are nasty. sarcastic
and boisterous, although | would not
say they make bad soldiers"
"All Irish are not angels" suggest
ed Mr.. Simmons.
'Nor all devils" replied the witness.
The sergeant then added he referred TO
the manners Of the race and not the
religion.
Others who testified we're Lieutenant
King, Nathan W. Friedman, Morris Al
bernstein. who served as bodyguard to
President Roosevelt during the James
town Expositon; Morris Hornerand
Ralph J. McQuade. The examination
will be continued June 7.