The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1899-03-19
SUNDAY. MARCH 10. 1899.
UNDER WHICH FLAG /?

When the famous anu-injunction bill
was introduced in the Virginia Legisla-
iure on February 2, 1895, the Richmond
DISPATCH explained that this bill was
'designed 10 carry out the declaration
Of the Chicago platform against govern.
ment by injunction. and to render i'm
possible IN this State those sweeping in
Junction orders which have become 50
common IN recent years in some Of the
States Of the Union"
As II 10 emphasize that statement, ON
February 18th, 1893, the Dispatch printed
On interview with Hon. Il. W. Saunders.
patron of the bill. in which that gentle
man said that under this statute the
Chancery Courts Of Virginia will be ut
terly unable 10 make operative those
sweeping injunctions which have been
issued by the courts in other States, and
which have occasioned so much unfavor-
able comment In the past few years
Or. Saunders then went on 10 say that
sit is not likely that the gathering Of
Virginia citizens desiring 10 march, or
marching, along the public highways Of
the stae, In order 10 make effective pro
tests against oppressive conditions Will
b. enjoined by a Virginia court, but even
II an Injunction Is issued it cannot be
operative. Government by injunction is
rendered impossible in Virginia. il has
been rendered impossible IN Kansas by
Similar legislation" God save the markD
In conclusion. Mr. Saunders urged that
other States follow the example set by
Virginia and Kansas, and said that 'as
bne state after another falls In line the
Increasing force OF circumstances viii
make the cali for the passage OF Fed
nral statute imperative. The day is not
far distant when the passage of such
statute Will furnish a complete vindica-
Hon Of the Democratic party from the
hspersions cast upon 60. for its bold stand
for liberty. when St denounced in its ma
tional platform those blanket injunctions
by which the Chancery Courts have
sought 10 interfere with the liberty OF
the subject and 10 hinder American ciu-
tens rom the exercise OF inherent and
lnalienable rights
Mr. Saunders, in short. was determined
that the public should understand that
bis bill was introduced as legislative en-
Actment OF the multiplication plank Of
the Chicago platform. and his idea was
that each Democratic State IN the Union,
following the example Of Virginia and
Kansas. should make similar enaciments
and that the powers of the courts should
be ourtailed. whether or not. Mr.. Saun-
Gers also left no doubt as 20 his inter
probation Of this plank OF the Chicago
platform. lie not only admitted, but
Father boosted OF the fact that it was
Resigned 10 limit the powers OF the courts.
Ills argument was that the judges had
100 much power. and that they had
lbused IL.
But what did the Court OF Appeals, IN
o unanimous opinion. say? Let Judge
Keith answer. We quote:
That IN the courts created by the Con-
butution there Is an inherent power OF
fell-defence and sclf-prcseryafiOn: that
this power may be regulated, bat cannot
Dc destroyed or 50 FAR diminished as TO
b. rendered Intellectual by legislative enc
bciment; that II Is power necessarily
resident in. and 20 30 exercised by the
Court Itself. and that the vice OF an act
which seeks 20 deprive the court OF this
Inherent power Is not cured By providing
for SIS exercise by jury; that while the
Legislature has the power 10 regulate
the jurisdiction OF Circuit, County. and
Corporation courts. II canot destroy,
while II may conhne within reasonable
bounds. the authority necessary 10 the ox-
ercise OF the jurisdiction conferred.
Such Is the reply Of the highest court
of Virginia 10 the Chicago platform and
20 the argument Of Mr.. Saunders in its
favor. This court, composed Of men who
have always AFFILIATED with the Democratic
party. ana who were elected to the high
position which they hold by the Demo
cratic party, puts The stamp OF It's disap-
prova upon that plank or the Chicago
platform. and says that It's enactment
into law 10 contrary 20 the Constitution
and Q menace 10 courts Of justice
what v the Democratic party OF yE-