New-York tribune., 1918-11-20
RedFlagOrder
May Be Defied
By Socialists
Leaders Will Meet Satur.
day to Test Mayors eau
tocratic" Action

The Board of Aldermen yesterday
took action which makes almost GER
tain the passage next Tuesday Of an
ordinance prohibiting the use of the
red flag in parades or assemblies and
imposing punishment of $25 fine or
ten days In jail, or both. on any ono
who waves the Socialist emblem.
Not having heard of the contemplated
action by the aldermen. the leaders
of the Socialist party yesterday de-
voted their attention to Mayor Hyan's
order instructing. the Police Depart
ment not to permit red flags in pa
rades. This order was sent to Police
Commissioner Enright yesterday.
S. John Block, state chairman of
the Socialist party, said the Mayors
order was "autocratic" and "worthy
of the late Kaiser" He declared that
the party leaders would meet at the
Rand School. 7 East Fifteenth Street,
Saturday night, when steps would be
taken to test the Mayors right to is
sue the order.
Keneally Introduces Resolution
Alderman William P. Keneally, of
Manhattan. the Tammany leader, in
troduced a resolution, which In the
absence of the unanimous consent nee
essary for immediate passage, was re-
ferred to the Committee on General
Welfare. Alderman Algernon Lee, So
cialist, furnished the objection.
l. The resolution reads:
"In addition to Federal, state and
city flags, the display OF other flags
should find welcome in all parades and
public gatherings, except that for the
/ preservation of the peace and to safe
! guard the people against the dangers
/ Of exhibitions which lead to disorder
and riot. the red flag, recognized as a
gressions, is hereby expressly forbid
/ den, under pain of fine of S25 for
each offence or Imprisonment in the
city prison for ten days, or by both
such fine and imprisonment of the
person or persons found guilty of a
violation hereof"
"The Mayor is not only acting stu
pidiy. but he is not acting in good
faith said Alderman Lee, referring
to Hylans order. "I'll bet he'll not
forbid the use of the green flag Of the
Irish. nor the flag of the Papacy. nor
the Masonic hag nor the Zionist flag" "
Carrying out the Mayors order,
Chief Inspector John Daley yesterday
issued the following instructions to
the police:
extreme vigilance must be exer-
cised in regard to parades, meetings or
assemblages held by the Socialists. an
archists, pacifists, |. w. W. and bodies
of similar character. Precinct COM
manders will Immediately report to
inspectors. and inspectors will report
through the borough inspectors to the
chief inspector, the time and place
when any such parades, meetings or
assemblages are to be held.
Red Flags Prohibited
"These parades, meetings or assem-
blages must be properly policed, and
red flags. banners. signs, etc. of a
seditious character, or seditious or
reasonable language, or other mani
festations that are calculated to cause
or promote disorder or hostility toward
the United States government must be
prohibited"
The order had scarcely been issued
when the following notice was posted
in Socialist headquarters:
"Verboten. The red flag is still fly
ing on tho Hc,ise of Parliament in vi
emma. 1t also flew for time in front
Of the Union League Club while they
etill thought Russians were allies. In
spite Of the fact that the National Un-
security League tries to forbid the red
Aag in public that very flag flies in
Russia, Germany, Austria, Bulgaria,
Rumania, Sweden and Holland, and VIII
aoon ay at embassies in Washington,
D. G."
Assistant District Attorney Alexan-
der I. Rorkc, who prosecuted Bouck
White for burning the American flag
At a. the the Church Of the Social Revolution
} rnore than two years ago, yesterday
~ave out a statement In which he said
New York is "honeyeombed with self
appointed 1sa.1hvs Mus".s md Ien Ienines who are
eo"s TO- X. bench. at the bar, in the pulpit
In city dopnrtments. among aldermen
.tatn Legislators. in Congress and oc.
s.a- Sstrs IN eontres Of learning"