New-York tribune., 1921-01-04
Putnam Kissed
As 81 Police
Guard Meeting
For Second Time Disorder
Marks Attempt Of Pub.
Usher to Speak ON England
and u. S. to Brooklynites
Booed Throughout Talk
Boisterous Laughter Mocks
Remarks: Denies Blaming
the Irish Sympathizers

Major George Haven Putnam, speak
ing last night at the Erasmus Hall
High School, Flatbush Avenue, Brook
lyn, was booed and hissed throughout
his address. He received similar re-
ception there last fall
He spoke on The Relations Between
England and America" The booing
continued until he reached the end of
his address, despite the fact that
twenty-five uniformed patrolmen, two
lieutenants, three sergeants and q
police inspector were on hand to main
tain order.
Outside Of the police, there were
about 200 persons in the audience
With night sticks drawn, the patrol
men were scattered through the au-
dlence and their presence enabled
Major Putnam to finish his address
At the conclusion Of the meeting
Ernest Crandall, superintendent Of
public lectures for the schools Of
Brooklyn, described Major Putnam's
reception as the worst demonstration
of Kissing that he had ever heard.
Slips Quietly From Hall
Major Putnam slipped quietly off the
speakers platform and left the hall
during the address of DR.. r. Ferguson,
a representative of the Board of Edu-
cation, which brought the meeting to n
close The police remained until lights
had been extinguished.
The police guard was summoned in
the fear that the reception given to
jor Putnam would be similar to that
l%.1 lxsx
at the same school building on the
question of England and America.
Last nights audience apparently went
to the meeting to stage a demonstra-
ton, and because of the presence Of
.he police bad to confinc their demon
stration to coughing, booing, Kissing
and outbursts of derisive laughter
Interrupted by Laughter
The first Kisses were heard when
Major Putnam, in speaking Of the War
of 1912, described the entrance Of
America into that conflict as a "poli+i-
cal mistaKe." Prolonged "booes" greet
ed his reference to the Revolutionary
War, and at every opportunity he Was
interrupted by shouts and boisterous
laughter.
lie spoke in appreciation of the pur-
pose Of the League Of Nations and de-
ciarcu Lnat he was OF tIc OPINION tnat
Ireland ought to enjoy freedom similar
to that Of New York State At the con-
clusion Of his address the audience was
permitted to ask the speaker ques-
tions.
One woman who addressed him de-
clared that she wished it made plain
that the majority Of those who were
not in sympathy with the speakers
were not Irish sympathizers
but Americans, and descendants Of the
Revolutionary leaders.
Denies Blaming Irish Sympathizcrs
Major Putnam, in answering one Of
her questions, denied that he had said
the IRISH sympathizcrs had been re-
sponsible for the disturbance on his
previous appearance at Erasmus Hall
High School.
Before Major Putnam began his ad-
dress, Mr.. Crandall said that he de-
sired the audience to know that the
Board Of Education would not be re-
sponsiblc for anything said at the
meeting by the principal speaker.
Members Of the Fiatbush Chamber
Of Commerce, watch passed a resolu-
ton some tine ago extending public
apoloyy TO Major Putnam for the re-
ception given him st his previous ap-
pcafancc at the school. attended the
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