The Washington times., 1919-09-03
POLICE UNIONGASE
MCOURTTONORROW
lcontlnued Ion e onel

Continued from Page one)
other labor organization. I believe
that only a very small minority has
any other intention.
Certain interested persons are en-
deavoring to persuade the men TO
defy the authorities by telling them
that the Commissioners have no right
70 issue such an order, and the ike.
They also are telling the men that
the Commissioners are blufnng.
90 not believe that the sensible men
on the force win believe any such
things-even from the unpaid lips OF
q millionaire lawyer or from the
columns. Of a newspaper owned by
that lawyers client.
Cant BE ReapPOiated.
Men on the force have certain
nights and advantages Of retirement
and pensions which they will lose
forever IL they are dismissed. The
law says that no person dismissed
from the Metropolitan Police force
may be reappointed to an office
therein. Men will think twice be-
fore they follow the advice Of per-
sons who would have them forfeit
such advantages.
II believe only a handful viii
stick to the union. Most OF the
men on the force will prove them
selves stfu TO be what they always
have been, honest and courageous
men wholly devoted to their duty
q the pubic welfare.
As soon as this question is settled
I am confident that the committee
81 Congress viii take up the salaries
hfil and take such action as viii
assure the members OF the police
department a better and more
equitable salary scale"
Men Are Retieena.
.. A canvass OF al the police precincts
IN the city was made BY The Times
yesterday. Police on duty at the
VARIOUS precincts were asked whether
tkey would stick to the union.
In the majority Of cases the men re-
ftsed to give an answer. stating they
Eere undecided. There were a num-
her OF men who stated they would
alick with the union as long as it ex-
tsted. Another small portion admitted
they we're going TO resign from the
hnion.
II the court grants a hearing and
fules in favor OF the Commissioners,
q Z. DrReger, president OF the union,
sid today, the union would withdraw
al affiliations from the American
Federation Of Labor, as ordered. II
she ruling favors the union. Mr..
ilraeEer said. It viii continue its af-
siliations.
Since the meeting OF the union held
last Thursday night twenty resigna-
lions have been received from mem
beers OF the force. The men gave no
Feasons for withdrawal from the
sinion.
At the present time the member
ship 70 the union numbers COS pri-
YATES, taking in almost every man on
Abe force. There are nineteen appli-
Nations for membership EtilI pending.
order Il ExpIales
The order OF the Commissioners
as officially received by the police
yesterday afternoon. Captains Of
zach precinct gave a short talk to
ahe men, explaining the order The
captains stated a serious situation
cOnfrOnted the men, which called for
quick action. They told the men
forms would be given them in the
siext two days to Ill out In these
forms every policeman viii answer,
with yes or no, this question: sAre
eou member OF a police association
iafiliated with any outside labor or
sgGnizationT The answers must be
the hands OF the heads of each
preeiuct by midnight September Z.
FIun suspenIioaa.
Every policeman who answers the
question on the form in the ahirma-
tive viii be suspended from the force
Ior dtsObedience OF orders by order Of
Elhe Commissioners.
President Draeger issued the fol-
9owing statement last night, giving
9easons why the policemen are or
,nanizing:
Present wages: $I1O a month for
4rst three years, including bonus;
basic pay $50 for these, three years.
500 a month for fourth to eighth
years, including bonus; basic pay 500
,for these four years.
$50 a month after eighth year, In
rluding bonus: basic pay $40 a month
For the first grade these wages are
equal only to what S55 would buy in
I914 $50 q month in 1914 for the sec
sUhd grade, and to $65 a month for the
highest grade.
: ? On these wages the police must buy
their own winter and summer uni
5orms, which at present prices are
E27.50 for summer and $675 so for win
ser. and they must support their fam
SHES. Washington Is now one OF the