D 570 .8 .C8 M435 Copy 1 MASSACHUSETTS TOMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE NOVEMBER 1, 1917 BOSTON WRIGHT & POTTER PRINTING CO., STATE PRINTERS 32 DERNE STREET MASSACHUSETTS COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT OF EXECUTIVE COMMIHEE NOVEMBER 1, 1917 BOSTON WRIGHT & POTTER PRINTING CO., STATE PRINTERS 32 DERNE STREET 1917 0. of D. FEB 25 1318 REPOET TO MASSACHUSETTS COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY BY THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. A previous report dated March 17, outlined the or- ganization of the Massachusetts Committee on Pubhc Safety and scanned the field of possible activities. At this time it is impractical to point out in final detail the work of the Committee or to fix successful accomplishments. Suffice it to say that the model laid down in the organization and development of the Mass/chusetts Committee has been largely followed in other parts of the country. Its prompt activities enabled the State to secure something like adequate supplies and equipment for the National Guard of the State, and in general to survey and marshal the resources of the Commonwealth even before a state of war was declared to exist with Germany. Much has been accomplished of importance which cannot be set down here. Some things are briefly recounted. SAW-MILL UNITS. It is fitting that the first expedition which left New England in aid of the nation from which New England has taken her name, her traditions, and from whose Islands a large part of her population has sprung, should have been a pioneer expedition. Men from our forests and rivers, equipped by the six New England States, aided by seventy-seven firms and individuals, have, as a result of the initiative and organization of the Massachusetts Committee on Public Safety, gone to aid the AlHes in supplying the western front of war with necessary lumber and material manufactured from the historic forests of England and Scotland. The reports of the efficient work of these saw-mill units which have come back from abroad, revolution- izing as it does the slow methods of Europe, are ample justification and reward for the expense and energy required to send them. The saw-mill units consisted of 360 officers and men, 120 horses and 10 portable saw mills with complete equipment. The expenditure required, in addition to the general expense incurred by the Massachusetts Public Safety Committee to organize, equip and place on board ship these units, is as follows : — 10 portable mills and equipment, Horses and equipment, Logging camp equipment, MiUmen and woodsmen. Packing and storage, . Passport expense. Transportation, Miscellaneous, Total, . $46,848 38 43,659 71 25,725 13 7,797 30 1,813 31 621 60 1,412 00 1,298 82 $129,176 25 It is perhaps worth recording here the text of the cablegram sent by the committee to a representative of the British government tendering the gift of the saw-mill units. April 23, 1917. Understanding skilled lumbermen needed in England to supply timber for forces in France, New England gladly offers its services to Old England in assembling men and material for ten complete working portable saw-mill units, all to be shipped from Boston, each unit to consist of thirty experienced men with portable saw mill, ten suitable horses, harnesses, wagons, saws, axes, other tools and camp equipment ready for business on landing, men all civilian volunteers with capable man in general charge. The cost of the portable mill, horses and all equipment, including freight and other expenses, to steamer side, about and not over $10,000 per unit. Wages per month per unit about $2,000. Have not yet consulted lumber companies because not certain English govenuiient would desire these outfits, but sure New England would want to contribute five of these outfits delivered at steamer side. We assume if desired English government could arrange space on steamer sailing from Boston. We prefer men and outfits all on same steamer. The official reply of the British government to this tender was received from the British Ambassador at Washington in the following letter : — British Embassy, Washington, D. C, Mat 16, 1917. I have received a telegram from the foreign office stating that the war oSice accept with gratitude your generous offer of ten complete saw-mill units for work in England. The war office request me to convey to you an expression of their high apprecia- tion of the very welcome co-operation of the New England States in this matter; and I wish to add a word of personal thanks to the gentlemen who initiated a movement of such immense prac- tical importance to the successful prosecution of the great struggle in which our two nations are so happily united. I have the honor to be, sir, Your obedient servant, Cecil Spring-Rice. SETTLEMENT OF LABOR CONTROVERSIES. A far-reaching activity of the Committee on Public Safety has been its successful intervention in disputes between employers and employees on questions re- lating to the conditions of the employment of labor and to wages. The recognized position of the com- mittee as a dominant force under war conditions in Massachusetts, and the remarkable personnel of the representatives of the committee who have dealt per- sonally with the problems presented, have been the essential factors in the success that has crowned the efforts of the committee. Some of the threatened strikes and controversies which have been handled with satisfaction to all parties are as follows : — Gloucester Fishermen's Strike. — Men were seeking bet- terment of conditions and increase in wages. Federal govern- ment for month had tried to settle controversy, but made no headway; roughly, 3,000 men were involved. Strike was settled and vessels immediately released, thus increasing largely the supply of fish and reducing the price considerably. Market- Garden Teamsters. — About 300 men engaged in handling produce from markets. Strike settled and the diver- sion of produce to other markets prevented. If strike had not been settled produce coming from south and Texas would probably have gone to New York, Philadelphia and Baltimore for market. Freight Handlers connected with International Long- shoremen's Association. — Men worked at Mystic Wharf Docks, Charlestown, and Hoosac Tunnel Docks, East Boston, taking freight after it had been handled by longshoremen. Con- troversy settled. If strike had not been settled, probably 10,000 freight handlers and longshoremen, through sympathy, would have become involved. Maintenance of Way Employees of the Boston & Albany Railroad. — These men consisted of all the trackmen on the Boston & Albany, together with several foremen. Controversy finally settled. International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local No. 104. — This controversy was in connection with the differ- ences with this union and the Edison Electric Illuminating Com- pany. As the matter had close connection with government affairs it was finally decided to have the same handled through Wash- ington. This was done and grievances were satisfactorily ad- justed. Plumbers' Controversy at the Cantonment at Ayer. — This matter was brought to our attention through the Plumbers' Local Union, and after several conferences with the contractor on the job at Aver and the government representative, the matter was handled directly from Washington. The men were given a forty-four hour week and double time for overtime. Threatened Strike at General Electric Company Works at Pittsfield, Mass. — Conference between the General Electric representatives and the men brought about a settlement which averted probable walkout of about 20,000 men. Floating Hospital. — About August 25 the non-union fire- men, oilers and deckhands employed on the Boston Floating Hospital, a ship owned by a private corporation, which takes needy sick infants and their parents for all-day trips down the harbor, struck. The ship was about to leave the wharf at the time these men struck, with approximately 300 infants and their parents on board. The good offices of the Seamen's Union, Marine Engineers' Union and the Firemen's Union were sought and eventually procured. These respective unions supplied men to take the places of the men who had struck, and the ship was enabled thereby to proceed on its business as usual. Massachusetts Chocolate Company. — This controversy involved the engineers and firemen at work in the factory. The question was left to Mr. H. B. Endicott to arbitrate, and after hearing all the facts in the case a decision was rendered in favor of the employers. Work on Government Appraisers' Stores, Northern Avenue, Boston. — The controversy came about because of the discharge of an apprentice on the job, and involved something like 700 men. After men were out a week the matter was satis- factorily adjusted. Fore River Shipbuilding Works. — Men involved were en- gaged in constructing new storehouse, new machine shop and new boiler house at Fore River Shipbuilding Company, Quincy, Mass. The Aberthaw Construction Company were contractors on the job. Contractors secured an injunction against the unions, but the matter was finally referred to this committee and satisfactorily adjusted. Controversy arose because of the employment of union and non-union men on the job. New England Fuel and Transportation. — This contro- 8 versy had to do with firemen and oilers employed on the steamers of this company. Both these classes of men who were members of the I. W. W. which threatened to leave ships unless all men became members of the I, W. W. American Federation of Labor was requested to assist in this matter by having men be- longing to their organization placed on the ships. This they did, and the matter was finally adjusted. Boston & Maine Machinists and Helpers, Boiler Makers and Helpers, Blacksmiths and Helpers, Railway Carmen and Helpers, Sheet Metal Workers, Pipe Fitters and Helpers and Electrical Workers. — This controversy had to do with the differences of about 3,500 men in the mechanical inspection and other outside departments of the Boston & Maine Railroad. The men demanded a flat increase of 8 cents per hour in their wages. On September 8, after a conference lasting several days, Mr. H. B. Endicott awarded the men an immediate increase of 5 cents an hour. The balance of the claim was left for adjustment, and Mr. Endicott was chosen as the arbitrator. Both sides have submitted evidence bearing on the balance of the claim of 3 cents, and the matter is now pending. Lynn Shoe Controversy. — This matter involved questions which had been pending since last April, and 26 factories and ap- proximately 12,000 hands were affected. A joint committee rep- resenting the employees, consisting of representatives of the allied Shoe Workers' Union and the United Shoe Workers of America, together with a committee representing the Lynn Shoe Manufacturers' Association, Inc., requested the committee to take the matter up. The result was that all parties interested signed an agreement to return to work on Monday, September 24, at the same wages as paid at the time of the lockout in April; agreement was also made between all parties interested that there would be no strike or lockout for a term of three years. Matter of pending prices was left to Mr. Endicott to arbitrate, and the same is now pending. S. A. Woods Machine Company. — The men in the employ of this company claimed that they were not being paid the same rate of wages as was paid to men in other concerns doing the same class of work. Several conferences were had between the em- ployees and the representatives of the company, and the result was that the matter was satisfactorily settled, the men agreeing to return to work under a bonus system. Coal Teamsters. — A threatened strike of the coal teamsters, chauffeurs and helpers was prevented through the good offices of the committee. The men asked for an increase in wages and a change in hours. After conferences between a committee rep- resenting the various coal dealers of Boston and vicinity, and representatives of the Coal Teamsters, Chauffeurs and Helpers' Union, the question was satisfactorily adjusted. Market Teamsters. — On October 2 the question of a further increase to the market and commission-house teamsters was put up to the committee, and after several conferences between the representative of the men and the representative of the Team Owners' Association the matter was settled by arbitration. Car Cleaners. — About October 1 the question of the differ- ences between the men and women employed on the Boston & Maine Railroad as car cleaners and the road was brought to the attention of this committee. The men were seeking an increase approximating 4 cents an hour, and the women sought an increase approximating 2| cents an hour. It was suggested to the men that they confer with the officials of the road and see if any offer would be made which could be accepted. This suggestion was carried out. Freight Handlers. — On October 1 the freight handlers con- nected with the Boston & Maine and Boston & Albany Railroads presented new demands to these respective railroads calling for approximately $3.50 a day, nine-hour day and double time for overtime. The matter was brought to the attention of this com- mittee. Several conferences were held with officials of both roads without any result being arrived at. The men threatened several times to quit work at both the East Boston and Charlestown piers, but Washington through Mr. Stanley King, Special Assistant to the Secretary of War, finally took the matter up, and an arbitration committee, composed of Mr. Stanley King, Dean Edwin F. Gay of Halyard University, and INIr. Martin T. Joyce of the American Federation of Labor, was chosen, the men agreeing to abide by whatever decision was arrived at by this arbitration committee. The arbitration committee held several conferences, and finally on 10 October 16 presented their findings. The men, however, on receipt of the award refused to accept its terms. The matter was again brought to the attention of this committee, and Mr. H. B. Endicott had the committees representing the men confer with him. After this conference the respective committees took back to the men Mr. Endicott's suggestion about accepting the award and return- ing to work, and on October 17 the Boston & Maine freight hand- lers agreed to accept the award and return to work. On October 19 the Boston & Albany men agreed to accept the award and return to work. Stove Mounters. — On October 10 the stove mounters em- ployed by several large stove companies in the city presented demands which in the main called for an increase in wages, time and a half for overtime and a nine-hour day, and the right of seniority. The matter is now in conference. Petticoat Workers. — On October 18 the controversy in con- nection with the strike of about 40 women and about 10 men in the factory of the Superior Petticoat Company was brought to the attention of the Public Safety Committee, and a conference was arranged between the interested parties, but before the same was held, word was received that the matter had been satisfactorily settled by mutual agreement of the parties involved. Railroad Stations. — On October 24 the threatened strike of about 5,000 station employees of the Boston & Maine Railroad was brought to the attention of the committee. The men were asking for the following : — 75 cents a day increase. An eight-hour day. Payment for holidays. AboUtion of probationary periods. Establishment of definite minimum rates. A committee representing the men had held several conferences with the ofiicials of the road without any satisfactory conclusion being arrived at, and made an ultimatum to the road that unless their terms were complied with they would order the men out at 10 A.M. on October 25. The question of having the matter arbitrated was brought up, and the committee representing the men agreed to the suggestion and drafted a letter to the railroad officials 11 embodying it. The railroad officials have agreed to accept Mr. Endicott as one of the three arbitrators, the other two to be picked, one by the railroad and one by the men themselves. Aberthaw Construction. — On October 19 the question of the differences between organized labor and the Aberthaw Construc- tion Company on the work at Squantum in connection with the building of destroyers for the government was brought to the at- tention of this committee. Both sides were requested to appear before the Committee, which they did. Organized labor was represented by representatives from the entire building trades of Massachusetts. The principal point under discussion was the re- fusal of the Aberthaw Construction Company to conduct the work under open-shop conditions. The union representatives claimed that many of the men who would be employed on the job would be aliens and men who had not taken out their first papers and de- clared their intention to become citizens. They also claimed that this was one of the first things demanded of a man before he is al- lowed to become a member of any labor organization. The Aber- thaw Construction Company was willing to allow the work to go on under open-shop conditions; that is, employ both union and non- union labor and sublet contracts to both union and non-union contractors. The matter was finally referred to Washington, a committee representing the various building trades of Massachu- setts going on there for a conference. At the present time the matter is still pending, the men refusing to work on the job and the Aberthaw Company doing what they can to push the work along. Automobile Mechanics. — On October 20 the controversy in connection with the question of establishing an eight-hour day for the automobile mechanics was brought to the attention of the committee. A conference was held with the various large auto- mobile dealers and representatives of the union. A suggestion was made to the automobile dealers that they consider the matter of granting the men an eight-hour day, which they agreed to take up. 12 rOOD ADMINISTRATION. Long before the passage of the National Food Control Bill the increase of food production in Massa- chusetts was systematically begun. A complete recog- nition of this work came in the appointment of the executive manager of the Massachusetts Committee on Public Safety by the President as National Food Administrator for Massachusetts. Under the Com- monwealth Defence Act Mr. Endicott had held a similar position by appointment of the Governor, and under the system of Federal control now in force the merger of State and Federal activities is complete. The increase of the food supply in Massachusetts in excess of the normal output of the State is notable. County food committees have been organized through- out the State. Farm bureaus and agricultural schools have been utilized. Organized town committees com- posed largely of women have stimulated farm produc- tion through family gardens, boys' and girls' gardens, through canning, preserving and other forms of con- servation. A large amount of agricultural literature and instructions for increasing the food supply and saving it have been distributed. Special campaigns on various branches of the food supply, such as milk, poultry, pigs, sheep and other farm products, have been directed and financed. The proper use of fertilizer has been demonstrated. Methods of training teachers and workers in co-operation with recognized schools of farming have been undertaken. Lecture tours and ex- tension schools in cities and towns reaching audiences which averaged over 100, and in many cases several hundred, have been successfully held. Methods for the distribution of food products have been studied and put into force. Censuses of food production and consumption have been taken. Insect and fungous control specialists have been sent out. An effective 13 campaign teaching the advantageous use of fish as food, conservation of wheat, meat and of poultry, has been carried through. Massachusetts has started the move- ment for an extra fish day each week, and the com- mittee has taken the responsibihty of voting the necessary money to extend the railway track to the new fish pier, an improvement long needed to bring our sea foods readily to market. The result is that Massachusetts this year shows an increase of more than 20,000 acres of staple crops on farms, an increase of 200,000 home gardens, a very large increase in the value of the food supply, and a saving of at least $50,000 to the gardeners of the State in the price of seeds by locating seed stalks when apparently none were available. Industrial corpora- tions have, through the leadership of the committee, provided their employees with gardens. Credit has been provided for the growing and marketing of crops. Labor for planting and harvesting has been supplied. The poultry slaughter which was going on in Massa- chusetts has been effectively checked and idle hatcheries started again; milk production increased; food thrift centers in cities and towns established; better co- operation between bakers and consumers of bread brought about; supplies for canning and conservation of food made available; harvesting machinery pro- vided; bulletins of instruction and warnings against the pitfalls of gardening distributed; information as to the storage and winter preservation of food distrib- uted with wide effect; public or community markets estabUshed; methods of inteUigent grain purchases and transportation advocated. The wise and effective activities of the National Food Administrator for Massachusetts are supple- menting the work begun by the Safety Committee which started the increase of the food supply in Mas- sachusetts. 14 MOBILIZATION OF SCHOOL BOYS FOR FARM SERVICE. In connection with the food control in Massachusetts the Safety Committee has organized numerous groups of school boys, largely under military discipline of a milder sort, to aid in the cultivation and harvesting of the increased farm and orchard areas of Massachu- setts. Many hundreds of boys were employed at rea- sonable salaries and a movement started which will bring beneficial results in industry and health to the boys and produce an important economic effect. A large and hitherto undeveloped source of farm labor has been discovered. With salaried supervisors instead of the uncontrolled volunteers of this year's experiment, with training classes to produce leaders in efficiency among the boys, with State support and with proper standardization of camp equipment, supplies, commis- sary and business methods, the effective work of this year will in the future be greatly increased. In com- parison with the amount of money which was required to finance the mobilization of school boys for farm serv- ice, and provide cantonments for their housing, the re- sults obtained are very striking. The crop of one large fruit company was alone brought to harvest through the assistance of one camp of school boys, the value of which harvest was many times greater than the ex- penses, salaries, care and equipment of all the boys who were mobilized throughout the entire State. A detailed report on this important subject has been printed and may be obtained at the State House. FUEL SUPPLY. Early in May the Committee on Public Safety began to take steps to better the coal situation in Massachu- setts and New England. From the start all the North 15 Atlantic States were considered as one group, and activities centered at the State House, Boston, which became and has continued the general office of fuel ad- ministration in New England. A committee known as the New England Coal Committee, composed of thirty members, four or five from each State, was organized, the appointments from each State being made by the Governor except in the case of Rhode Island. It was quickly found that the annual New England consump- tion of 10,000,000 tons of anthracite coal and 20,000,000 tons of bituminous coal coming into New England by water and rail would never reach New England this year unless a strong magnet was applied at once. ''Bottoms" had disappeared owing to war conditions. Waste of effort was apparent in the handling of ocean- going tugs. The rail facilities were largely diverted elsewhere. Due to the energy of the New England Coal Committee, conditions began to shape themselves in such manner as to insure to New England her winter supply of coal. The United States Shipping Board was inclined to seize tonnage in New England without appreciating the gravity of the coal situation here or how dependent this section is upon ocean transporta- tion. Eventually, however, the Shipping Board formu- lated a program at the request of the New England Coal Committee enhancing the efficiency of ocean- going tugs in service on the North Atlantic coast. Eventually, also, special trains composed solidly of coal cars were organized through the skill of the com- mittee to transport coal direct from the mines to various New England railroad centers where the trains are broken for the first time and the cars distributed to dealers in each railroad district. These trains are run in addition to the regular movement of coal in mixed trains. Prompt co-operation in unloading has been instilled into the various agencies of the consumers. 16 It is fair to say that the New England coal situation has been safeguarded by the activities of this com- mittee. Some remote places in the countryside pre- senting special difficulties in transportation, or whose coal supply had not been placed in other years through reliable channels, have suffered and are still suffering more difficulty than the general situation would seem to make necessary. Efforts are being directed by the United States Fuel Administration, which has appro- priated the New England organization, started by the Massachusetts Committee on Public Safety, to relieve every distressing instance of shortage. The United States Fuel Administration in New England is con- trolled by special fuel administrators for each State, who in turn are under a Federal Fuel Administrator for New England, and the Federal Fuel Adminis- trator for all New England is the chairman of the Massachusetts Public Safety Committee. Dr. Garfield was appointed Fuel Administrator by the President on Aug. 3, 1917. The New England Coal Committee antedated his appointment in its organization by nearly three months. It would have been manifestly impossible otherwise to pass success- fully through the coming winter with an adequate supply of coal. By the early organization of this enterprise, by the investigation of each case or complaint on its own merits, by a sufficient canvass of the situation in ad- vance the committee has been enabled to secure a greater supply of coal at tidewater points adjoining the coal fields, to improve loading and unloading facilities, and to cut out waste and delay. The matter of domestic fuel economy and power plant economy has also been taken up. The coal reserves are too low, prices are unsatisfactory and the situation is made worse by lack of individual foresight on the part of 17 many consumers. Strong effort has been made to discontinue for the time being expensive electrical advertising, to eliminate unnecessary fires, to en- courage the people to put up with temporary incon- venience, rather than to face during the winter a serious shortage of fuel. MASSACHUSETTS' CONTRIBUTION TO THE FIGHTING FORCES OF THE NATION. The Massachusetts National Guard and the Naval Militia had long been recognized as among the most efficient volunteer organizations of the whole country. From Revolutionary times to the recent demonstra- tion along the Mexican Border, Massachusetts has been ever ready to serve, and foremost to get into the fighting. February, 1917, however, found Massa- chusetts with her soldiers badly equipped, and with her due allotment from the War Department of neces- sary supplies lacking. The very first activity of the Safety Conimittee undertook to cure this defect. Through its efforts requisitions for equipment for the Massachusetts National Guard, aggregating $200,000, were honored at Washington. This was the last allot- ment made by the Military Bureau before the War Department issued instructions that no further allot- ments were to be made. Congress having adjourned without making the necessary appropriations to equip existing United States troops. Massachusetts then lacked about $750,000 worth of equipment. At the instigation of the Safety Committee the Governor and Legislature of Massachusetts promptly appropriated $1,000,000, which was made available to purchase supplies. The Safety Committee at once took steps to secure these supphes, with the result that the Mas- sachusetts National Guard and Naval Mihtia went into the war properly manned and equipped. 18 Preparations to recruit the Massachusetts forces to war strength were early made by the committee, and, due to the vigor and efficiency of its able Subcom- mittee on Recruiting, in a remarkably short time after the necessary authority from Washington was ob- tained for this purpose the entire increment was added, with the exception of an average of about two men to a company, whose places were left vacant to enable company commanders to accept the services of specially qualified recruits when need or opportunity offered. The health and comfort of Massachusetts soldiers were not neglected. Important sanitary improve- ments were made by the committee at Framingham, at the Watertown Arsenal and at other places where troops were quartered. A committee of dentists was organized to co-operate with the Safety Committee to care for the teeth of soldiers found to be in bad condition. Over 800 dentists were enrolled in this volunteer service, and more than 15,000 operations had been performed upon the mouths of soldiers by July. The committee provided many thousand dol- lars' worth of dental equipment which was installed in armories throughout the State, thus enabling this work to be carried on. The committee undertook the con- struction and operation of a school of training in naval aviation at Squantum. Hangars were built and the field made ready for the activities of the Navy De- partment of the United States. A successful school was founded, actually turning out flyers. The physi- cians of Massachusetts were catalogued, and a record of qualifications made for their service in case of need. The necessary equipment for Base Hospital No. 5 was purchased by the committee and sent to France for use at the western front. All these activities have had their result. Massachusetts to-day is again in the van in national service. Because of the fact that her 19 National Guard was ready, the government at Wash- ington once again has sent into field service at the front Massachusetts soldiers among the first of all. Somewhere in France her soldiers are marching to- day. Somew^here in France units and organizations raised exclusively in Massachusetts are giving service for their country. Somewhere in France Massachu- setts, to her everlasting honor, is upholding the cause of civilization. LEGISLATION. The important legal questions which arose from the dual nature of the Federal and State governments were at once taken up by the Safety Committee. The Legislature of Massachusetts responded loyally to the situation, making two separate appropriations of $1,000,000 each, to be expended by the Governor and Council. The following laws were passed by the Legislature and approved by the Governor to meet the emergenc}^ which had arisen : — An Act to authorize the Governor to increase temporarily the force of the District Police. Approved March 2, 1917. By this act an adequate police force was made available to safeguard important property throughout the State. An Act relative to the maintenance of horses for the National Guard. Approved March 21, 1917. An Act relative to pay of officers and enlisted men of the Volun- teer Militia and to militia allowances. Approved March 22, 1917. An Act to provide for the organization of a Home Guard in time of war. Approved April 5, 1917. By this act it became possible to secure a State Guard to take the place of the National Guard drafted into Federal service. At the present time approximately 10,000 volunteers have been uniformed, drilled and organized into companies and regiments, and are acting as reserves to safeguard the peace and property of Massachusetts and to stimulate and train younger volunteers for national service. 20 An Act to provide for training in the duties of citizenship in the public schools. Approved April 11, 1917. An Act to provide aid for certain dependent relatives of soldiers and sailors of the Commonwealth in the Federal service. Ap- proved April 16, 1917. By this act dependents may receive a maximum of $40 per month in needful cases. An Act authorizing the publication of information concerning the national flag, flag of the Commonwealth and similar matters. Approved April 16, 1917. An Act to provide State pay for soldiers and sailors from this Commonwealth in the volunteer service of the United States. Approved May 2, 1917. By this act each non-commissioned officer, soldier and sailor mustered into the military or naval service of the United States as a part of the quota of Massachusetts for service in the United States or in any foreign country is to receive the sum of $10 per month. This payment is in addition to his Federal pay. An Act to authorize cities and towns to make certain emergency appropriations in time of war. Approved May 17, 1917. By this act localities were enabled to appropriate money to purchase mili- tary equipment and supplies and to take steps to conserve the health, to protect persons and property, and to conserve the food supply and facilitate the raising and distribution of food products. An Act to authorize certain organizations to drill and parade with firearms. Approved May 25, 1917. By this act the wider development and training of various organizations for patriotic purposes was made possible. An Act relative to the compensation of employees of the Com- monwealth in the military or naval service of the United States during the present war. Approved May 25, 1917. An Act granting the consent of the Commonwealth to the ac- quisition by the United States government of Little Hog and Calf Islands in Boston Harbor. Approved May 25, 1917. An Act authorizing the Governor to incur emergency expenses incident to the existing state of war. Approved May 25, 1917. This act provided for the raising of $1,000,000 as an emergency war loan and was in addition to the direct appropriation of $1,000,000 made by the Legislature under chapter 202 of the Special Acts of the Legislature of 1917. Approved March 9, 1917. 21 An Act to codify, revise and amend the laws relating to the militia. Approved May 25, 1917. By this act, and earlier execu- tive action of the Governor, the Adjutant-General's office was reorganized and a military council created to insure the greatest possible efficiency in the land and naval forces accredited to Mas- sachusetts. An Act relative to State pay and other benefits for certain soldiers and sailors. Approved May 25, 1917. An Act to provide for the better defence of the Commonwealth in time of war. Approved May 26, 1917. Under this act the Governor appointed the executive manager of the Massachusetts Committee on Public Safety as Food Administrator, and is au- thorized to take practically any needed action to safeguard the interests of Massachusetts when occasion requires. SOCIAL EVILS AND MILITARY CAMPS. Massachusetts contains a new city, rising out of the bushes in the township of Ayer, with a male popu- lation equivalent to that of a city of upward of a hundred thousand people. The social needs which are thus presented call for alert thought and prompt action. To meet this situation in advance of organiza- tion by competent authorities a small committee has been appointed to investigate and report to the Execu- tive Committee. Through agents of the committee data are being col- lected daily and attempts made to put the military and civic agencies in touch with facts and bring about corrective results. Too much cannot be said of the helpful work by the members of this committee. Here is a work in which the public should be vitally interested. 22 OTHER ACTIVITIES OF THE COMMITTEE. Many temporary activities in advance of proper organization by the United States government for war preparedness were undertaken by the Pubhc Safety Committee. Trucks and motor cars have been listed and several complete units of specially qualified men prepared for mobilization in the Quartermaster's De- partment of the United States Army. A plan for emergency help and equipment has been completed. The efforts of various patriotic societies have been co-ordinated in part under the Red Cross and in part under the supervision of the Safety Committee. The general problem of hygiene, medicine and sanitation has been considered and met, and an industrial survey made in co-operation with the United States govern- ment to enable a fuller participation and a larger output of materials needed for the prosecution of the war. The purchasing department organized by the Safety Committee was a large factor in securing the necessary military equipment and supplies both for the National Guard Regiments and for the newly created State Guard. Publicity and education in patriotism have not been neglected. Through the co-operation of many foreign-born but patriotic Ameri- can citizens the work of patriotic assimilation and Americanization has been going forward. The stirring war messages of the President have been translated into many languages and widely circulated. Meetings have been held in various parts of the State not only to educate and inspire citizens in performing their concrete duties, like garden planting, bond buying and the like, but also to instil the larger patriotism which is necessary for a clear view and a triumphant ending of the war. Co-operation with the Boy Scouts has been undertaken as a method of introducing boys to 23 the farm and increasing home patriotism. The closest relationship has existed with the National Council of Women in all their many activities and successful work in conserving the resources of Massachusetts. Fortunately there has been no need of putting in use concentration camps for aliens, but the field was gone over by an adequate committee and plans prepared to meet such a contingency. The Safety Committee early became a factor in the organization of the Coast Patrol and Naval Reserve. For many months the offices of the committee were a clearing house for recruits for naval training and aviation. One of the first things done by the Safety Committee upon its organization was to lay a clear plan for the transpor- tation of troops and supplies within the State from point to point. Thanks to the co-operation of the railroad systems all this work has been effectively accomplished. LOCAL COMMITTEES ON PUBLIC SAFETY. Of the 354 cities and towns in Massachusetts all of the cities and 245 of the towns have in co-opera- tion with the Massachusetts State Committee ap- pointed local Public Safety Committees as follows : — Attleboro. Beverly. Boston. Brockton. Cambridge. Chelsea. Chicopee. Everett. Fall River. FiTCHBURG. Gloucester. Haverhill. HOLYOKE. Cities. Laavrence. Northampton, Leominster. Peabody. Lowell. Pittsfield. Lynn. Quincy. Malden. Revere. Marlborough. Salem. Medford. SOMERVILLE. Melrose. Springfield. New Bedford. Taunton. Newburyport. Waltham. Newton. WOBURN. North Adams. Worcester. 24 Towns. Abington. Dalton. Holbrook. Acton. Danvers. Holden. Acushnet. Dartmouth. Holliston. Adams. Dedham. Hopkinton. Agawam. Deerfield. Hudson. Alford. Dighton. Hull. Anaesbury. Dover. Ipswich. Amherst. Dracut. Kingston. Andover. Dudley. Lancaster. Arlington. Duxbury. Leicester. Ashburnham. East Bridgewater. Lenox. Ashby. Easthampton. Lexington. Ashfield. Edgartown, Lincoln. Ashland. Enfield. Littleton. Athol. Fahnouth. Longmeadow. Ayer. Florida. Ludlow. Barnstable. Foxborough. Lynnfield. Barre. Framingham. Manchester. Bedford. Franklin. Mansfield. Bellingham. Freetown. Marblehead. Belmont. Gardner. Marion. Berkley. Gay Head. Marshfield. Billerica. Georgetown. Mashpee. Bolton. Gill. Mattapoisett. Bourne. Goshen. Maynard. Braintree. Grafton. Medfield. Brewster. Granby. Medway. Bridgewater. Great Barrington. Merrimac. Brimfield. Greenfield. Methuen. Brookfield. Groton. Middleborough. Brookline. Groveland. Middleton. Burlington. Hadley. Milford. Carver. Halifax. MiUis. Charlton. Hamilton. Milton. Chatham. Hampden. Monson. Chelmsford. Hancock. Montague. Chesterfield. Hanover. Monterey. Chilmark. Hanson. Montgomery. Clinton. Hardwick. Mount Washington, Cohasset. Harvard. Nahant. Colrain. Harwich. Nantucket. Concord. Hawley. Natick. Conway. Hingham. Needham. Cumimington. Hinsdale. New Braintree. 25 Towns — Continued , New Marlborough. Rowe. Tyringham. Newbury. Rowley. Upton. Norfolk. Royalston. Uxbridge. North Andover. Russell. Wakefield. North Attleborough. Rutland. Walpole. North Brookfield. Salisbury. Ware. North Reading. Sandisfield. Wareham. Northborough. Sandwich. Warren. Northbridge. Saugus. Warwick. Northfield. Scituate. Water town. Norton. Sharon. Webster. Norwell. Sheffield.. WeEesley. Norwood. Shelburne. Wellfleet. Oak Bluffs. Sherborn. Wenham. Oakham. Shirley. West Boylston. Orange. Shrewsbury. West Bridgewater, Orleans. Shutesbury. West Brookfield. Oxford. Somerset. West Newbury. Palmer. South Hadley. West Springfield. Pelham. Southborough. West Tisbury. Pembroke. Southbridge. Westborough. Pepperell. Southwick. Westfield. Petersham. Spencer. Westford. Phillipston. Stockbridge. Westhampton. Plain ville. Stoneham. Westminster. Plymouth. Stoughton. Weston. Plympton. Stow. Westport. Prescott. Sturbridge. Westwood. Princeton. Sudbury. Weymouth. Provincetown. Sutton. Whitman. Randolph. Swampscott. Williamsburg. Raynham. Templeton. Williamstown. Reading. Tewksbury. Wilmington. Rehoboth. Tisbury. Winchendon. Richmond. ToUand. Winchester. Rochester. Topsfield. Wrentham. Rockland. Townsend. Yarmouth. Rockport. Truro. FINANCIAL STATEMENT. The financial statement of the work of the Massa- chusetts Committee on PubHc Safety is satisfactory. Through the generosity of citizens $100,000 was con- tributed for such uses as the committee might desire. 26 In addition, the $2,000,000 appropriation by the Legis- lature is available for emergency war expenses. This fund is being disbursed by the Governor and Coun- cil on the recommendation of the Safety Committee. These recommendations are made a careful matter of consideration and record. A large proportion of the expenses which Massachusetts assumed in advance of Federal appropriation to fill the gap and prepare the State has now been met by the Federal government. When the enormous amount of work which has been undertaken and carried forward is considered, when the results accomplished are weighed, it must be a matter of astonishment as well as gratification that the amounts expended have been so small. War expenses from the creation of the committee to Oct. 20, 1917, showing the amounts finally expended out of the total funds available to the committee, have been as follows: — Construction and operation of School of Aviation Training at Squantum, Mass., " . $32,750 78 Dental equipment, medicine, etc., for care of teeth of Na- tional Guard, 6,545 48 Veterinarian supplies, 227 00 Rubbers for National Guard, tent flooring and providing temporary housing, 2,587 51 Cost of recruiting, advertising and other expense, . . 4,570 82 Equipment for Base Hospital Unit No. 5, . . . . 5,395 50 Medicine, emergency supplies, etc., for National Guard, . 1,440 99 Industrial survey, 560 91 Installing sanitary system at Framingham, .... 16,767 40 Military instruction for officers and non-commissioned officers, prior to ordering into Federal service, . . 2,231 28 Food campaign : — Cost of activities of county agents, 11,386 96 Enrollment of women for conservation of food (Hoover pledge card), 1,396 20 General committee expenses, including poultry, milk and insect campaigns and general costs of efforts to place high school boys in farm service, 16,020 23 New England Coal Committee, Massachusetts' propor- tion of expense, • ■ 2,831 94 Committee for prevention of social evils surrounding mihtary camps, 801 04 . 27 Massachusetts' contribution towards cost of equipping saw- mill units for England (see Note 1), .... $12,000 00 All other costs incurred by the General Committee, includ- ing cost of furnishing quarters occupied in State House, wages, office expenses and committee activities not otherwise reported, 33,183 22 Cost of uniforms and equipment for Massachusetts State Guard (see Note 2), 118,005 56 Total expenditures incurred by Massachusetts Com- mittee on Pubhc Safety paid by Commonwealth of Massachusetts, ' . . $268,702 82 Note No. i. — The entire cost of equipping the saw-mill units for England has been $129,176.25 up to date, of which amount the cost borne bj^ other New England States and sundry private parties has been . 117,176 25 Note No. 2. — Other expenditures for equipping and main- taining the Massachusetts State Guard, which have not been directed by the Massachusetts Committee on PubHc Safety but are payable by Commonwealth, . 28,510 05 Total expenditures, ....".... $414,389 12 Respectfully submitted, JAMES J. STORROW, Chairman, CHARLES S. BAXTER, HENRY B. ENDICOTT, WALTON A. GREEN, LEVI H. GREENWOOD, ROBERT F. HERRICK, EDMUND W. LONGLEY, GEORGE H. LYMAN, GUY MURCHIE, J. FRANK O'HARE, JAMES J. PHELAN, A. C. RATSHESKY, JOHN F. STEVENS, JESSE STEVENS, Adjutant-General {ex officio), CHARLES F. WEED, Nov. 1 1917. Executive Committee. I iRRARY OF CONGRESS immmm ^ 020 933 456 2