The Washington times., 1919-10-28

Up FIGHT FOR
BOX LUNCHES
Central Union Names Commit
tee to Protest Rule Against
Street Vendors.
By BILL PRICE.

The Central Labor Union, including
the representatives OF the unions of
Federal employees, last night unani-
mously raised issue with the District
COMMISSIONERS as to the enforcement of
regulations regarding the sale of
boxed luncheons from vehicles on the
streets.
Not only did the union go on record
as opposing strict enforcement of this
regulation. but appointed strong
committee 10 visit the Commissioners,
make It's views known there, and re-
quest public hearing, at which Gov
ernment workers and all others who
desire may have the opportunity to
voice their opinions and state facts.
1t was indicated at the meeting last
night that organizations OF Federal
employees and of civic bodies and in
dividuals viii act in remonstrance
against the attitude of the Commits
sioners, taken recently. and eulmin-
Ating in the Arrest Saturday of
box luncheon vendor. Commissioner
Brownlow was not present at the
meeting of the Commissioners which
acted on the matter.
OufErowth of War.
The box luncheon industry here is
the outgrowth of war conditions, and
has nourished.
The idea was suggested to Clarence
Wilson, who was then food admins
traitor, and he saw in it possibilities OF
helpfulness TO war workers and the
general public. The question arising
wss as to conflict with police regula-
tions requiring that vendors using
vehicles shall not occupy stands on
the streets. except in duly designated
places, for longer period than neces-
sary to make a sale. after having
been approached and stopped for that
purpose.
Mr. Wilson at that time presented
to the District Commissioners his
view that every possible avenue of
competition should be opened to the
pabfic to obtain midday or other
naals at the lowest possfble prices.
Acting upon this suggestion the Com
mlsisoners permitted the placing Of
luncheon boxes on the streets with
eut requiring them 10 be moved In
. few months the industry had grown
tmmensely and today thousands of
these lunches are sold all over Wash
ington 1T prices which purchasers
maintain save considerable money.
In May last the Commissioners took
The matter up again and came to the
conclusion that the war privilege
thus granted should be revoked and
vendors required to place their
boxes In movable vehicles which must
conform to the regulation and keep
moving except when stopped TO make
saleg. There was, however. more or
less Of q general understanding that
II the spirit OF the law was reason
sbly complied with there would be
no literal enforcement
Arrest Made Saturday.
No arrest was made until Satur-
day when q vendor IN the negihbor-
hood Of the War Risk Bureau was
notified to furnish bail for his ap-
Dearance In court Investigation
brought out the fact that for some
time there has been direct and in
direct pressure upon the Commits
sioners and the Police Department
from War Risk officials and persons
having concessions for the operation
Of restaurant privileges to stop vend-
ing of all kinds near the bCjlding and
to enforce. the regulations literally.
There were likewise complaints
from other cafe proprietors. restau-
rant proprietors and business men
with locally established places, object
ing TO the failure to enforce the reg
ulations
The commissioners recently notified
the largest concern in Washington in
the box luncheon business that II
would have to comply with the reg
ulations.
MI Wilson. who now Is at the head
OF the fair price committee in the
District. visited the commissioners
ana expressed his opinion that the
general public is still vitality con-
cerned IN the matter of prices; war
Prices stiil prevailing in Washington,
ana that the greatest leniency should
be shown TO vendors who were serv-
ing the public at prices regarded as
reasonable and fair.
Would Give Monopoly.
The unanimous view by speakers on
the subject In the Central Lahor
Union meeting last night was thar
the commissioners should amend the
regulations or suspend them 40 that
poorly paid Government employees and
the public everywhere should nor he
denied the benefits that would 49,
from sharp competition; that n str.at
vendors are finally shut out virt,,si
monopoly viii prevail in food nrtsa-
in the War Risk Bureau and sI.a.
where.
Delegate John Schmidt, from ,,.