The Bennington evening banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 19??-1961, 1919-09-10

Commissioner Curtis, state appOintee
and had called upon the state guard
to assist in maintaining order Cover
nor Coolidge this afternoon called out
the fourth brigade.
Boston, Sept. 9.-Taking advantage
OF the absence of police protection
a mob in South Boston tonight was
reported to be breaking windows in
stores and looting. superintendent
Crowley, government inspectors and
30 Metropolitan park police officers
were rushed to the scene. With the
approach of the inspectors and park
officers the stone-tbrowing stopped.
A hasty survey indicated that there
had been no extensive looting, but
that few articles had been taken
from show windows.
Crowds gathered at several points
in the downtown district and the
West end and few windows were
broken, but there was no attempt at
looting. Some of the windows in the
Dudley-street police station were
broken by boys.
1t was announced that the volun-
teer policemen would be called on
duty at o'clock tomorrow morn
ing. Officers of the police depart:
ment did the work Of patrolmen to-
night, assisted by few patrolmen
who had not Joined the union.
Union members of the police force
went on strike tonight Carrying out
their threat to walk out II Police Com
missioner Curtis disciplined any of
their number for joining the union,
they reported at the evening roll-call,
turned in their equipment and pro-
ceeded to Fay hall, in the south end,
for meeting
Fay hall is the headquarters Of the
Boston carmen's union, and the po-
licemen's union has met there since
its formation few weeks ago. It
was understood, that the strikers were
to receive full instructions from their
leaders tonight as to how they should
conduct themselves.
Several hours before the strike
went into effect it was known to the
authorities that it could not be avert
ed. Preparations were hastily COM
pleted for carrying out emergency
measures for the protection of life
and property.
superintendent of Police Crowley
said that more than 500 men had
been recruited for volunteer police
force. The volunteers, the superin-
tendent said, had been sworn in as
special Officers and when called for
duty would be equipped with badges
and revolvers. and those on night
service would be given clubs. For
several days former Superintendent
Pierce, assisted by police captains,
has been instructing the volunteers
in police duties.
All the able-bodied men among the
200 retired patrolmen were available
for service. Gov. Coolidge in
structed 100 metropolitan park po-
licemen to report for duty in the city.
State police officers were detailed to
Keep sharp watch for criminals
who might attempt to take advantage
of the situation to enter the city.
Banks and large business houses
have organized guards from among
their employees, many of whom are
returned service men. These guards
have been made special policemen
and armed. Federal authorities have
taken precautions for the guarding
of all government property.
There are 1914 patrolmen, including
special officers, in the police depart
ment The announcement of the un-
ion strike showed that 1886 men
had participated in the balloting and
union leaders claimed still larger
membership The SO captains, in
spectors, lieutenants and sergeants