New-York tribune., 1919-09-15
will come in conjunction with to-
morrow's conference between the labor
leaders and Mr. Curtis


day to that reference in Samuel Comp
ers's statement of yesterday in which
he pointed out that "when policemen
accept charters from the American
Federation of Labor it is with the dis
tinct understanding that strike action
will not be resorted to, as no obligation
Is assumed which in any way conflicts
with their oaths or duty"
This passage was interpreted as an
admission that the agents of the Fed
Grafton Of Labor in Boston who permit
ted the policemen to strike had COM
mitted blunder and have put the Fed
Grafton in distinctly uncomfortable
position.
In the light of Mr.. Gompers's state
ment local labor leaders, it was said
to-day, had no right to make promises
of sympathetic strike to the police
men. This fact may prove strong
obstacle in the way Of any sympathetic
strike action which, it is reported, was
discussed to-day at an executive session
Of the Central Labor Union and may
general strike threat. The entire mat
ter, however, it was believed to-day,
hinges on Tomorrow conference.
Gompers Meets Mccarthy
Frank Mccarthy. organizer of the
American Federation of Labor in this
city. who is believed to have been most
instrumental in precipitating the
strike of the policemen, left here this
morning for New York, on an urgent
call from Samuel Gompers, who de-
sired to confer with him to learn
the situation at first hand. Mr..
Gompers' action was interpreted by To-
cal labor leaders, at the meeting Of
the Central Labor Union to-day, as
bp 80
70 Boston to take personal charge of
the troubles of the policemen. and to
extricate the Boston Central Labor
Union from the difficult position in
which it finds itself, as sponsor of the
policemen's strike.
This theory was dissipated however
when Mr.. Mccarthy returned to Bos-
ton tonight and announced that Mr.
Gompers was on his way to Wash
ington.
The result of decisions at the meet
ing of the Central Labor Union this
afternoon were kept secret. 1t was
learned, however. that many delegates
expressed themselves in favor Of q
sympathy strike.
The organizations affiliated with the
allied printing trade will take q strike
vote tomorrow; the telegraphcrs will
vote on Tuesday, and the electrical
workers on Wednesday.
1t was announced at the meeting of
the Central Labor Union that the re-
suits of the strike votes will be known
at the meeting of organization next
Sunday.
Rein statement of the locked out po-
lcemen was demanded tonight at a
meeting of the members of Boston Lo-
cal 100, National Federation of Postal
Employees. Resolutions were adopted
EXPRESSING the sympathy Of the Fed
"ral employees with the policemen.
Copies of the resolutions were sent to
- .e4A.r Coolidge. Mayor Peters, Po-
-ip1or Curtis. the Boston
Central Labor Union and the Massa-
-....-~o. Lie Federation of Labor.
Chamber for New Force
Although it was felt strongly in
some quarters to-day that everything
POSSIBLE should be done to ameloratc
BE punishment inflicted on the strik-
ll.;; policemen, at least in special cases
where extcnuating circumstances may
exist. the Boston Chamber of Com
mercc made public q statement, in
which it expressed itself against any
reinstatement OF the men, and urged
that the city authorities continue their
efforts toward organization Of new
Police Department. The Chamber Of
Commerce opposes the atfiliati2n Of po-
hcemen with the American Federation
Of Labor, but would not obj ject TO their
forming union, provided they promise
to take no strike action in the enforce
ment Of whatever demands Trey may
make. The Chamber Of Commerce
statement follows:
"Whcn the knowledge of the affilia-
rion Of the Boston police with the
American Federation Of Labor became
public the Boston Chamber of Com
mere, Immediately placed itself on rec
ord IS utterly opposed to such atilla-
tion.
''It rroffered its services to the pub
lie authorities with view to aiding in
the maintenance OF public order in the
event of a police strike,
Favored Committees Plan
4 at would have welcomed acceptance
Sf the plan presented by the Mayors
committee and accepted by the Mayor,
founded upon the principle (D that
the police union disassociatc itself
from the American Federation of Labor
CD; that they effect their own oreani-
zation, which should, fundamentally,
have no power to strike (3) that such
grievances to the authorities and to the
public through the medium Of a
citizens committee. which should as
certain and reach facts and make rec
concentrations upon which public
opinion could be formed.
"The Boston Chamber of Comme rec
is, however, of the opinion that in view
of the failure to take such action, and
by reason of the fact that the patrol
men deserted their posts of duty, they
thereupon placed themselves in posi-
tion where the consequences of their
deliberate acts must rest upon and
follow them.
''In view of the fact that their vote
to strike was substantially unanimous
the consequence of that act must like
wise be universal.
sin the opinion of the Boston Cham
Der of Commerce there remains nothing
for the public authorities to do save tC
reconstruct and reorganize the police
force, and, as q condition precedent, te
deny reinstatement to the men who
left their posts Of duty.
Urges Attractive Remuneration
eve are Of the opinion that the au
thorities should take such action al
may be necessary to assure prope
working conditions and proper remu
neration so that the Boston police ser
vice will attract men Of the highes
stamp and in whom the communit,
will have complete Confidence
"Above all we bclN the polio,
force should be so rcor lNlized that tn,
public may be insured against tn,
repetition of any abandonment of ser