The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1917-05-14
HONOR OF UNIFORM
Is UPHELD BY LAW
Discrimination Against Soldiers
Illegal, Says Mrs. MacLennan.

Determination against soldiers
and sailors in uniform by theater
managers, cafe proprietors, and pro-
prietors OF similar establishments,
reported from time to time through
out the country, is a violation of the
law. and this was pointed out today
by Mrs. Russell n. MacLennan, presi-
dent of the Society for the Protection
OF the Dignity and Honor of the Uni
form of the United States.
Mrs. MacLennan was discussing
the. recent visit to Washington of
the sailors OF the French cruiser
the greatest courtesies by Washing
tonians.
An American seaman. quoted by a
Washington newspaper at the time,
stated that wearers of the American
uniform were unwelcome in certain
restaurants and similar places In
Washington.
Penalty II $500.
i 81 can only hope that this seaman
was uniformed" Mrs. MacLennan
continued. "Since March l., 1911,
there has been on the statutes q bill
described as follows: Pub. 436, H. r.
23,o15, entitled an An act to protect
the dignity and honor of the uniform
Of the United States The penalty
for discriminating against the wear
ers OF the uniform is $500 upon con-
viction-
at such discrimination Is practiced
in Washington the soldiers and sailors
have redress. They should at once re-
port, with evidence, such cases to
their immediate commanding officers.
/ am sure the Department of Justice
would welcome prosecuting their
cause.
81 am glad Of this opportunity OF
correcting any wrong impression In
the minds OF the public in general and
the wearers OF the uniform in par
ticular.
THE time seems apropos also to
call attention to the men who have al
ready thrown themselves into the
work of doing their Bit with patri
otic fervor It would seem to be q
patriotic acknowledgment on the part
of the proprietors or managers OF
places Of public entertainment to &C
cord some special privilege to those
upon whom devolyes the safety OF the
nation.
Special Recognition
'Tn New York, Boston, Portland
, Me-, the men of the army, the navy
: the marine corps, and the national
gnard are accorded special recogni
tIon by the ushers and attendants, anc
as the National Capital has not sci
the example, the least II can do is Il
follow that set by the cities have
mentioned.
London theaters of the highes'
class, 1 am informed, have felt, as DE-
: our cities mentioned, that with thu
Z possibility Of their men being called
, away from the comforts OF home ant
! with non-combatants depending upor
: them for protection, this matter OF &C
4, cording special recognition to the uni
) form Is entirely a fitting tribute L
= the spirit OF the times.
RIpIing's Verse.
'T am reminded Of a Rudyard Kip.
: ling verse. so aptly describing th'
feelings of the British toward theil
7, Tommy Atkins before and after th'
Boer war. II will be recalled tha'
Britain had great difficulty in secur'
ing enlistments toward the close o.
the Boer war and this inspired thu
verse 1 have in mind:
"'Oh. it's Tommy ere
And it's Tommy there
, And it's at i'm in the snout'
FBut it's Savior OF the country
! When the guns begin to shout"
Further protection OF the dignit!
and honor of the uniform is containet
3 in the national defense act Of Angus
20. 1916.
J ut is pleasing to know that gu
: wearers OF the uniform are adequate
3 ly protected by legislation. 1t shoult
: not be necessary. however. to fore
public places Of entertainment to wei
4 come our men. II should be spon
taneous. The rank and file come from
: the best and cleanest Of our younI
=. manhood"