The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-09-14
TUESDAY. SEPTEMBER. Il, 1897.
PENNsYLVANIAs GOVERNORS PROC.
IAMATION.


In his proclamation issued Saturday
last. admonishlng an good citizens
against aiding OF abotting unlawful pro
ceedings Of any sort, the Governor of
Pennsylvania said:
Il do hereby notify them that the lives
and property of American citizens Of the
Commonwealth will be protected; that
the laws Will be enforced that the hum
blest citizen Will boz protected I'm his
right 10 earn a livelihood and in the en-
ioyment OF his home and family, and that
tho safety of life and property Will be
guaranteed TO an, at whatever cost, and
/ DO hereby command all persons engage
cd in rlOtous demonstrations and uulaW-
ful conduct. threatening the peace and
dignity Of the Commonwealth of Pennsyl-
vania. 20 disporse forthwith 10 their re-
spective places OF abode. warning them
that persistence JIM violence or unlawful
assemblage will compel such use OF the
military arm of tho Commonwealth ass
may bee necessary TO enforce obedience
10 the laws and the maintenance of good
order"
These are notable words, worthy Of tho
Chief Executive OF q great State like
Pennsylvania. The lives and property
of American citizens will be protected
against mob violence at whatever cost.
There is not TO be one spot upon Penn
sylvanias soil whore the law is not sue
prone and there IS not 10 De one human
being in any quarter Of the State who
docs not yield implicit whether cheerful
or noD obedience 10 that law. This is
the sentiment which should inspire every
right minded citizen. and tho man who
is wanting in II is 90 be compelled 10 act
as though his mind were properly or
dored. Governor Hastings was especially
right to proclaim that the humblest man
IN Pennsylvania will be protected i'm his
right 20 earn a living I'm the enjoyment
Of his home and family
This humble man is no more 10 be de-
prIved OF his right 90 labor for any one
who offers him wages that ne is willing
70 accept than tho proudcst man OF
wealth is 10 be deprived Of what is his.
The poor mans right to sell his labor for
what be IS willing TO take for il is just
as sacred as the rich mans right TO ride
over his lands ana enjoy tho sights OF
his fat cattle, sheep and horses. The
entire power Of tho State is to De used
TO secure to each his right and no man
or set OF men is TO Doe allowed under any
circumstances whatever, TO deprive either
of that right.
This proposition lies at the foundation
Of all society and we can have no social
order of amy sort unless it is acknowl-
edged and accepted by all
President Gompors. of the American
Federation Of Labor, after bitterly de-
nouncing the killing OF the men in Penn
sslvania last Friday. said:
''rho men were marching on the public
highway. :hcy had as much right TO
march 90 Latlmcr. or any other place
on the public highway as tho shorn OF
Governor Of Pennsylvania. or the Presi-
dent or the United States. The mine
operators. in the madness OF their sup
posed power. and In their enort 10 en-
slave labor, have used judges and courts
10 give the color OF law TO the most ia
grant violation OF the constitutional
rights of the people. Sherins and depu-
ties. taking their cue from their supc-
riors. nave carried out this policy. and
killed men exercising their rights under
the Constitution and the law.
Mr.. Gompers IS not acting wisely 10
make these utterances az this time. II IL
Do a fact that the sheriff ordered his de-
puties 10 fire when there was not reason
Tor firing he ought 20 be held 20 the sever
est account for his act and no doubt he
will be. But Mr.. Gompers should re-
member that the sheriff and his deputies
were representing the law. and. until evil
dence is produced that they disregarded
the law and wantonly destroyed human
life. the prescriptions that he did no more
than what his duty required OF him are
all upon his side. The statements so far
made remain uncontradlcted, that the
sheriff construed tho assembly as riot
Gus one. according 70 the laws of Penn
sylvania. and that. as those laws COM
Inanded him TO do In such cases. he or
dered the assembly 20 dispense. IL was
It's duty 10 disperse when the sheriff d.
gSeIsd u. aud. GQm that g2meRt t2Er