Evening star., 1919-09-25
Tells of D. c. Employees Pay.

At the outset Of the hearing yes
terday afternoon Mr.. Gompers told
| the committee that the rate of pay of
employees of the District government
had been fixed back in 1854, and that
they had been allowed to benefit un-
der the bonus" provided by Congress
only after the war began. He said
j that the employees of the federal gov
ernment here had only had their sal
aries increased after they had or
| ganized and presented their pleas to
Congress through their organization.
The Federal Employees Union is anil
lated with the American Federation
| of Labor.
He said that under President Cleve-
| land an executive order had been is
sued denying federal employees the
right to engage in political ac-
tfvities for their own benefit; that
under President Roosevelt another
employees the right of petition to
Congress-. and that this order had been
issred also by President Taft.
But men must have some avenue
through which to voice their griey-
ances and demands for Improved con-
sssatns sa1a o ns Mr. assss ns.outon
cut OF the pay of policemen here af-
iliated with the American Federation
of Labor or any other outside organi-
Sation. Mr.. Gompers pointed out there
was nothing in it to prohibit the men
from remaining members Of the union,
even though they were not paid. II
the union or the federation were
wealthy, he said. 1t would be possible
for them to finance the men and keep
them on the job as policemen under
such . law.
He pointed out that the Commis-
sioners have ordered that the men
must give up their affiliation with the
American Federation of Labor OF. give
up their jobs. and that this IL matter
now before the courts. II the order Is
sustained. he said, then this Myers
resolution would be superfuous.
United states step into this matter -
he asked. He said that the policemen
had afIiliated with the American Fed
GRAFTON Of Labor voluntarily and they
could withdraw from 1t 1T their own
free will. il they desired.
'sIf they sever their relations, the
American Federation Of Labor will
still continue to work in their inter-
ests.n he said.
Seen as Substantial Aid.
30 YOU think that the policemen
will receive substantial aid through
the American Federation Of Labor!'
asked Senator Sherman.
YES" was the reply.
Senator Sherman wanted to know
how. Mr.. Gompers said that the red
Grafton. through the Central Labor
Union. would endeavor to have the au-
thorities grant the requests OF the po,
| licemen; that committees would call
upon the authorities. and upon MEM
bers of Congress and congressional
.But if the requests still were not
granted, what then" inquired Sena-
! tor Sherman.
ANY reasonable, lawful steps that
might seem necessary to bring about
favorable action would be taken" an
swered Mr.. Gompers.
They might extend to elections,
suggested Senator Sherman.
| yes" said Mr.. Gompers. there
would be nothing to prevent such ac-
| ton.
| Senator Sherman asked what would
| the voters should not comply with the
.Tt is unthinkable that the voters
would not grant relief to the police
men," was the reply. He admitted,
however. that the action of the voters
| election was held.
Not Aware ,of Court Action Plans.
l OOmQeI9 LSSIlucu t1ldt no HAO
not known Of the proposal to go into
the courts to halt the operation Of
the Commissioners order relating to
the police until after such action had
been taken.
Mr.. Gompers said, in reply to ques-
i tions by Senator Sherman, that he
did recognize q difference betweea
employees Of private concerns and
employees of the public, such as the
police. Private employees, he said.
might strike as last resort to OBJ
tain better conditions. He said he
/ recognized no such right on the part
Of the police. He said he had been
informed that the police here have a
clause In their constitution prohibit
ing strikes.
'They have not the right to strike
under their constitution, and they
don't want that right. he said.
Mr.. Gompers, questioned by Senator
led mp to the police strike in Boston.
q strike. but a lockout Senator Sher-
man asked II there had been any
general order to the men to quit
work by the police commissioner. Mr..
Gompers said there had not. In 30
many words, but that the commissions
tive.
II feel sure" said Mr.. Gompers.
that the policemen here would not
strike. I am in hopes that the Conn
miedonere' order will be rescinded.
But II not, and the, court. In its de-
cfnon, amrms the order. II may ana
| matter for this time. But that will
i nat DrAyent the Cert - T.ahor Iyni0n