New Britain herald., 1918-01-04
SOCIALISTS BEHIND
 WORKMEN'S SOCIETY
Documents of Anti-Military Or
 8aniZatiOn Sent to Hartford
FORMER PRESIDENT TALKS
Anthony Bachman Dismissed from Sick and Death Benefit Fund for Applying for Position in Police Department.

Prompt action is expected in the disclosure made yesterday concerning the attitude of the Wor<nen's Sick and Death Benefit Fund society," whose aims were made known by a local member who appeared before ! the Second district exemption board yesterday afternoon. Documentary evidence showing the society to be pro-German with anarchistic tenden- ces have been seized and are now in the possession of the State Council of Defense. The matter will be carried further to the attention of the federal , authorities, who will take the neces- Sary steps to clean out this Orsani- zatiOn.
 It IS reported on good authority to- day that, on learning of the serious predlcament they had become en- meshed in through joining the organi- zatlon without realizing just what the clause meant concerning Joining the United States Army or Navy, several of the members have already rendered their resignations and many more are expected to do so within a few days
 President Abused
 The Herald learned through good authority today, that the Workmen's Sick and Death Benefit Fund is fos- tered and conducted through the so- cia1ist party, and all it's bylaws and teachings are governed by the party leaders. A former member told a Herald reporter today that up to two years ago he was aligned with the society, but during the presidential campaign things became so warm that he decided to leave the organization. One of the features that hastened his T no member shall have the right to vote for any candidates other than those of the socialist party. He fur ther stated that the law regarding joining the army and navy did not ap- ply particularly to the United States but to all countries. No member was permitted to accept a place or posi- ton where uniform of authority was to be worn. During the campaign many meetings were held in (Which presidential candidates were assailed, and the government of America came in for tirades of abuse.
 Joins Police Force, Dismissed
 for any sums advanced.
 One of the most prominent mem- bers of the organization several years ago was Anthony Bachman, now a member of the New Britain police de- partment, at that time working as a baker. Bachman took an active in- terest in the workings of the order until an opportunity presented itself for his appointment on the supernu- merary force. At this time he was president of the society. Tn some manner the members learned of Bachman's intention to file a petition for appointment as an officer and he was at once brought before a special meeting and questioned Admitting that he was to apply for the police berth, Bachman was treated to some scathing criticism, but he stood firm in his statement about the police posi- ton and as a result he was summarily dismissed from the Wcrkmen's Sick and Death Benefit Fund
 There is reported to be three branches of the organization in this city, two for the German-speaking ele- ment and the other for English-speak- ing members. The meetings of the latter are said to be held in Booths block where the socialist Forum holds it's sessions.