Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1907-12-14
New Yo'k's Ex-Governor Scores
Numerically Presidents Policies.
ASK WHY BULLETINS ON HONESTY?


| CONCORD. ~ H.. Dec. 13.-Former
Governor Frank s. Black. of New
York, was the principal speaker at
the annual meeting of tho New Hamp- |
shire Bar Association held in tho SUI
premc Court room in this city. Vice
President Edwin +. Jones. OF Man
chester. presided.
Mr.. Black began by reviewing the
unrest md apparent dissatisfaction
with national law as applied to prcs
cnt conditions" He then spoke In
part as follows:
| Are not these changes In line with
the direct tendencies OF the latest pol
iclos ana agitation? Am wrong
when | say that the Constitution
seems less regarded as guide and
shield, and moro in tho nature of n
lhindrance?
Am | wrong when say that the
conduct and teachings of tho most
powerful influence In the country are
expressive of impatience and con-
tempt for thia ancient sarcguard7
\ Whore is tho end and what will
1t be?
in n time of such success ana
plenty as Inns never seen its exam
pie In all the ages of the world tho
spirit of unrest now stalks abroad.
and is any man SO dense he does NOT
know unrest to be the seed OF revo-
luton?
1.-THE public is headed down the
crowd
"Not Fair Play, But Power"
lila cry Is not Justice. but popu-
larlty; not fair play, but power He
acts not to command respect. but to
draw tho crowd. There Is only one
test of right and wrong for him, viz,
what does tho majority want? No
matter what may como tomorrow II
he can be choered today.
And how previously that man errs
who believes all applause synonymous
with popularity. Applause may come
from fear as we'll as love. The knee
bends just the Same to gain n favor
as to show respect.
IA demonstration quito as often fol-
lows the grotesQue ns the intelligent.
Men seldom seek instruction where
they go for entertainment
wild and Undiaested P.oposaie."
But what Is the renson-or, II there
Is no renson, what Ia the excuse-
for the wild and undlgested proposals
now fluttering from so many lines z
we have read that tho President
OF the United Statos Is In favor OF
law making employers liable for in
Juries to their employees, no matter
how the Injury results.
That proposal arouses greater
wonder than respect. It could serve
only to open new field to the indo-
lent and vicious. 1t would mean that
any servant might submit to such In
jury as he chose. It's extent and char
acter being always within his own
control, and the employer. wlthou,
fault or knowledge. should make
compensation to hIs faithess om-
ployc.
Criticism of the Courts.
"Wo have read with establishment
and dismay the criticisms from the
same high source OF the conduct OF
tho courts. Was this because those
courts had proved recrcant TO their
high duties? Had they failed to per-
form tho vital functions they were
created to perform? Not in ono In
stance. They have hewed to the line
with that integrity and learning which
has characterized the American courts
from the birth OF the republic.
| why Is tho clamor SO persistent
for tho enactment OF new laws an
the bestowal OF more power? Have
tho old laws proved ineffoctive? One
single illustration Is enough.
Sherman Law Praised.
In July. 1880. the so-caled Sher-
man ANTITRUST law was enacted. 1t,
stands on the books today and the
most substantial checks administered
to tho trusts have been applied unaer
It's provisions. The Northern Securi-
ties case. the Joint Traffic Association
cases. the action against the Beer
Trust--all under tho Sherman law OF
1890.
"The Sherman law is criminal
statute. 1t provides that persons
committing tho acts therein enumer-
ated shall be doomed guilty of mis-
demeanor and on conviction thereof
shall DO punished by fine or impris-
onment. or both. In the discretion OF
the court.
mo Malefactor Is Disturbed"
III the law Is plain and ample ana
yet no malefactor Is disturbed, Is |
there any way to account for this
rank neglect except by the insIncerl-
" OF those who make tho threats?
Integrity In public office has been
the rule In tho United States and not |
tho exception. Why has II become
necessary In late years to sing tho
constant song OF Official rectitude?
What is tho need for public off,
cial to begin each day with bulletin
to the public that he still continues
honest? These habits which de-
scribe and condemn havo had most
unsalutary influence on the public
mind.
Sadly interrupted Progress"