The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1886-05-18
THE CHICAGO ANARCHISTS
JUDGE R0GERS'S CHARGE 10
The GRAND JURY.
What Constitutes Freedom Of Speech
Liability fer HaraBgues and
Incendlary Speeches.

NhANANNt ALL'I Abal - AAo kAohNA
jury which will investigate the recent
labor riots in this city were given the
case to-day. The courtroom was
crowded with people. Comment was
freely made On the appearance OF the
jurors who responded to the call of
their names. The impression was
that they we're a good-lo ,king, intelli-
gent body OF men. Judge Rogers
made his charge substantially IS fol.
lows:
THE JUDGES CHARGE.
ave hear a g cd deal lately OF what
constitutes freedom of speech. There
is no constitutional right for men to
assemble and engage in wild harap CUES
and inCendiary speeches. These men
must be held responsible for what
they incite others TO do. That is the
spirit Of the law. 1t is only your
province to deal with orime-with acts
that have been committed, neverthe-
'esS, the history Of the last few days
will make II necessary for me
to advert to other matters
than the sexual commission of
crime, as well as the commission of
ofienses against the law The bill OF
rights OF the State OF Illinois incoypo.
rates the general principles OF the c IN
slitut'on Ct the United States. Men
may assemble and discuss these mat.
teri, the constitutional right OF free
dom OF speeCh, but they are held re.
fporsb,e for what they say. Ii men
are melted to riot, arson, and other
unlawful acts, the men responsible
for this may bs held answersbe
for the results. Mere lockers
on are not the ones only,
but the men who advised the
commission OF the crime are the
guilty parties as we'll. The principles
OF law inculcste the doctrine tnat
men who teach riot, who incite un-
Law full gatherings to incendiary set are
responsible for the effects of their
ranliugs. A red flag is public
men c.. II is an emblem that no
quarter will be given. The police have
a right to suppress these people to
prevent the commission OF crimes.
They have the right 10 quell all such
disturbances and the police and
the chief magistrate OF the city
did their duty when the time came,
and acted like men--.he noblest work
of God" Before quoting the law on
the subject Judge Rogers advelted to
the recent labor troubles. He said
"Ihey have attracted the notice OF the
county at large, but | don't want to
lay the trouble TO ady one nationality.
1t is not nat onalitieP, but individuals,
that are to blame. 1t IL not
the Irish or the Germans or
the Bohemians as a nationality,
All these people love peace. Men
have right to strike. They have q
right to quit work II they please, but
when they go one sep further and
say that others have not the right 10
work they violate the law and can be
punished. 1t is not only the principals
that may be held responsible but the
accessories az we'll. He or they who
stand idly by after having advised the
violence committed may be held
equally toIbame with the principals"
Judge Ro2e's then dismisstd the
jury, who retired to their 1oJm end
went into session. The day wse 80 far
gene that nothing was done by the
body further than ID perfect its organ
izAtlon aud arrange the duration OF its
hours.