The Washington times., 1919-08-28

VOTE TONIGHT
IS UNCERTAIN
Officials Can't Forecast Result
of Order to Withdraw From
A. +. of L.

A division Of opinion today is ex-
isting in the minds Of many members
Of the City Policemen's Union as the
time nears for the meeting tonight to
decide whether to accede to the re-
quest Of the District Commissioners
to withdraw all affiliation with the
American Federation OF Labor.
When the meeting is called at Mu-
sicians' Hall, 1905 z street northwest,
this evening, II Is expected many OF
the older members OF the union will
vote to withdraw from the A. r. OF L.
Many OF the younger members of
the union, however, today asserted
they were in favor Of continuing con-
nections with the outside labor or
EaniSation.
Officers Of the union admit they
cannot forecast the result Of to-
nights vote.
BrOWnIOW Threatens.
Commissioner Brownlow today gave
out the following statement:
The Commissioners statement Of
policy with respect to the affiliation
Of 4 policemen's union with any 9TH
er labor organization was made in
advance Of the issuance of an order
on the subject in the belief that the
members Of the force would them
selves see the wisdom Of the Com
missionsrs' action and cooperate
voluntarily. II cooperation cannot
be secured in this manner a formal
order on the subject will issue"
There Is no doubt that the Com
missioneFs are determined to have
their policy carried out. Commits
sioner Brownlow said today q defi-
mite plan OF action had been formu-
lated in event the union men did not
comply with their request. What
action was planned he would not
state.
"we have issued a request" said
the Commissioner, "and we will issue
as many orders as necessary to have
terminsd that no police union in
washington shall affiliate with any
outside labor organisation"
Seven Out of Ten fer AffIMation.
Ten members Of the police force,
belonging to the union, were asked
today their opinion Of the decree OF
the Commissioner.
Out OF this number seven replied
that they would vote tonight to re-
main with the federation. These seven
men all are new members of the force,
The other three men replied that
they were uncertain as to what they
would do tonight. One said:
'I have been q member of the po-
lice force for tWenty-seven years and
1 have not failed to opey any order OF
the Major or Commissioners. I do
not think I will disobey an order this
time. 1 am old and will have to look
out for myself. If it comes to a
and there are chances OF
me losing my job will resign. from
the union. ] am also thinking OF the
retiring pension"
Also Fears For Pension.
Another policeman, on the force for
some years, said:
'I would not want to lose my
chances for q pension. While am
uncertain as to whether the Commits
sioners are right or wrong I will not
stay with the union If there is a
chance It will cost me my job"
One Of the younger members Of the
force said:
when 1 Joined the union Joined
It to stick. I am going to vote to
stay with the federation. do not
believe we are being treated fair.
Even IL lose my job tomorrow. I
will stay with the union"
Another member Of the force said:
'I have heard many policemen give
their opinion. Many Of the older men
are doubtful as to what to do. Most
Of the young men are in favor of
sticking with the federation.