New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-06-17


tend public meetings, barricade the
doors. arrest men by the score and
use clubs. bayonets, loaded swag-
gersticks and revolvers 20 beat
back people in the streets?
This question has been raised by the
widespread complaint that soldiers are
attempting TO exercise arbitrary police
mower in New York. The general ale
cation is that young soldiers in uni
form. but with their insignia and rank
concealed. have invaded dozens Of
peaceable meetings, disturbed the
sneakers. actually provoked people to
riot and locked the doors 20 detain
men without registration cards. 1t IS
charged further that on their own
initiative they have charged crowds IN
the street. as after the Arlington Hall
meeting Friday night.
Although the rioting by 500 East
side women in City Hall Park yester-
day was ostensibly against registra-
ton for the state census, the police
believe that it, too, was actuated by
resentment against the activities OF
uniformed soldiers.
Defence Command Accused
The sth Coast Defence command men
are said 70 be the most active in brand
ishing weapons, although marines and
members OF the regular army are
charged with creating disorder.
Scores of citizens arrested By sol
der. have been dismissed by magis-
trates. Magistrate Koenig, in the Es-
sex Market court, yesterday, after
listening 20 charges brought by Private
Samuel 3. Goetz, of the sth Coast Dc
fence. against a man he had arrested
severely criticised the militiamen for
their activity at East Side meetings.
IN my opinion" said Magistrate
Koenig. ct is the militiamen, by their
boisterous conduct, who have provoked
a great many Of these disturbsnces
The militiamen have shown themselves
20 be entirely unfit by temperament and
Judgment 70 handle disturbances on the
Eas, Side. The police are the compe-
tent and proper authorities
SAYS Soldiers Do Harm
Magistrate Krotel. in dismissing the
charge against a siXteen-year-old boy
who was arrested by Private Morris
Fhrlich. said "the soldiers are making
too many arrests without proper
grounds"
THE soldiers are doing more harm
than good" said a prominent police Of
fetal 70 The Tribune yesterday. IF
thew would stay away from the
meetings there would be no dis
order. The sooner the soldiers are
kent away the more likely we are 20
oyar+ serious trouble. But If they
keen VI their arrogant attitude trouble
will result sooner or later
A. Major General Bells headquarters
-, Governors Island yesterday II was
s+.-ed that mo regular army soldiers
bavs been authorized 10 attend meet
i,cs" Colonel Elmore F AUSTIN
commander of the 5th Coast Defence
rrofo.sed TO be ignorant Of the actions
- his soldiers at meetings. Our
elders are not permitted 20 attend
meetings in uniform" he said. II
.sov have been disorderly or exceeded
.be;r authority they will be severely
disciplined" o.
Oacjals Of the United States District
A++ornev's Office said it was fact that
.oldiers went 10 the meetings in their
private capacity and without au-
thority."
CompIaints Filed With Mayor
Seven instances where soldiers are
alleged 20 have disturbed meetings
were given by julius Gerber, secretary
Of the Socialist Party, in complaints
eled with Mayor Mitchell and Police
Commissioner Woods. Rebecca Shelly
|TsiIa Fave Secor and A. r. Gold, organ
,zers of last Friday nights mass meet
90 81 the PEOPLES Council at Arlhg
Ton HALL. also cited Instances, WINE
complaints came from many IN
WbIe the crowd streamed from an
.,t;.draf. meeting Friday night az Ar
G-.oa Hall St. Marks Place, uni