Evening star., 1919-09-18

Commissioner BrovpIow told the
Senate committee that upon tE4 Qcc4e
sions he had discussed at lenEth with
President Wilson the proposed anil
with the A. F. l. He had told the
President that. in his opinion. the
most serious aspect Of such an amlia-
tion would be the natural weakening
OF the confidence of the people in the
neutrality Of the police force IN case
Of Industrial disorders or disturbances
growing ont Of strikes.
Prevent Police Afi1iation.
Commissioner Brownlow said the
President had agreed with him IN
these suggestions ana had also ap-
proved the plans of the District Com
missioners to try to prevent the ami
fation of the police force with the
Federation of Labor.
Commissioner Brownlow took oc-
easion again to urge upon the com.
mite: the absolute necessary .Sa OF
granting an increase of pay to the
policemen. He said the policemen are
correct in their claims that their
present salary is insufficient for liv-
ing expenses. He said the ponce
force of the District is one of the best
in this country. and 1t should be main
tanned at the highest stage OF eh-
cheney.
Chairman Sherman of the commit
tee said that he and other members
Of the committee would gladly assist
Commissioner Brownlows efforts at
all times in behalf Of increased pay
for the force.
Commissioner Brownlow explained
that before taking any steps in this
case he had conferred with President
Wilson, because of the fact that II
was likely to prove a national ques-
tion. and that he always took UP
with the President local affairs which
At the outset of the hearing today
Policeman L. E. Draeger, president OF
the po1icemen'S union, was recalled
to the stand to be questioned by Sen
ator Sherman as to the motive OF an
appeal by the policemen's union to the
Congress should not meet the demands
of the policemen's union. AS the re-
suit of sharp questioning, statements
were made by the witness in effect
that the policemen's union would ap-
peal to the federation of labor for as
sistance only in legal and persua-
sive sense to bring their influence on
Congress in a proper manner to en-
able the men to get what they wanted
Object to Secure Hearings.
But You would set the American
Federation of Labor against Congress
in order to get what Congress might
have refused your asked Senator
The witness replied in the affirma.
tive, but that 1t would not be done ir
an inimical way, but only perhaps t.
secure more complete hearings. HI
would not expect the Federation Of
on members of Congress.
ARE you aware" said Senator
Sherman. that it is customary fol
the agents of the A. F. l. to make
threats against congressman who dt
not do their will?'
The witness said he had no knowl.
edge of such custom, whereupoT
Senator Sherman asserted that they
do do II. and that he. himself, hai
been boycotted four times.
Commissioner Brownlow review eC
the action of the District Commits
sioners In the steps they have taker
thus far to prevent the affiliation OF
the policemen with the Federation Of
Labor. He declared he had no OBJ
lection to the policemen organizing
for the advantage of collective repre-
sentation in efforts to better them
selves. His only objection was theil
aGliation with labor organization.
Found No "No-Strike" Clause.
Commissioner Brownlow said his at
tention had first been called to tn,
possibility of amalgamation after tn,
meeting of the Federation of Labor il
Atlantic City last summer. when tina
organization reversed its form O.
policy and decided to admit policemen.
unions to membership. He had talked
with mayors of Boston, Buffalo. De
troit and New York. about the situa
tion that might be presented by sucl
an affiliation, he said.
It was after he had begun his effort
with committees Of Congress in behal
of increased pay for the men that
committee of the policemen's uniol
called on him regarding their pro
spective joining the labor organization
he testified. He told them they mus
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