New-York tribune., 1902-12-06
TIE WoRKMAys RIGHTS AS CITIZEN

The suit begun by William Potter. the Schenec-
taGy painter who was expelled from labor union
for membership in the National Guard, may re-
store him to good standing in the ranks of Or
ganized labor and enable him TO make living,
but il does not touch the more important ques-
ton of the disloyalty OF organized labor to the
government under which it fourishes. Potter's
contention is that he expelled from the
uDiop in violation of its constitution. The union
is voluntary association. which is conceded
by him, free 10 make IFS own rules of member
ship and expel all those who do not conform
to them, just as a social club or a church can
prescribe its qualifications. The club or church
or union, however. must live up TO its own
rules. and a member who is deprived of his
rights under them may sue TO recover those
rights. This is what Potter is doing. If he
can show that be was lawlessly expelled the
courts may compel the union to take him back
but even then it would be possible for the
union 10 amend its constitution more regularly
than it is said TO have done and compel its
members 10 choose between afiiation with it
and service in the National Guard.
This is all that the complaint. so far as out
lined in the dispatches, seems to involve We
not sure, however. that the power OF an
equity court might not go further. Even a
voluntary association has no right TO make
rules contrary 10 public policy. A voluntary
association which compelled its members 10
undertake subversion Of the government would
be nanfestly subject to dissolution The labor
nnion, when il forbids members TO serve the
government in enforcing its authority is mega
lively attacking that government 1t might
equally well forbid its members 10 pay taxes
or 10 serve on jures. II is interfering with the
operations of the State.
A citizen has certain natural rights which he
cannot be made 10 forfeit as a condition of men,
bership iT any association. We suppose a So
ciety might be formed OF vegetarians which
could expel any member who ate meat though
every man has natural right TO eat meat if be
wants 10. But We do not believe that a So
ciety formed for other purposes. as a political
club organized 10 advocate certain partv prin-
ciples. labor union formed TO improve the
condition of wage-earners would have anv
power TO amend its constitution and authorize
expulsion for eating heefsteak members
Eastronomic habits have no proper relation TO
the ayowed objects of the association and
he might reasonably ask protection against in
yasion of his natural rights under cover of regu
lating labor conditions or advocating political
principles. even though il might be proper for
persons 10 organize for the express purpose of
discoursging meat diet Now, mans relations
10 the State are no proper subject for labor
union regulation A rule farbiddiDg member
ship in the National Guard is mere arbi-
trary infringement of the laborers personal
rights. and might well be set aside by the
courts We are aware that this question Of the
limits of equity jurisdiction is q difficult one
Lawyers disagree about it. aud laymen will be
slow TO formulate any definite opinions on the
subject We do not pretend to say how far the
~srts may properly go. We merely suggest the