The labor argus. [volume] (Charleston, W. Va.) 1906-1915, 1907-11-07

cusscs Mr.. Taft at some length in
the current issue of the American
Federationists. as follows:
Mr.. Taft is continuing his speech
making tour in the Orient. AS an
avowed aspirant for the president
tial nomination, the expression of
his views on public questions as
sumes Importance in public estima-
ton, because such utterances are
Indicative of his future policy
should Mr.. Taft's aspirations find
fultillment in the highest office
within the power of the people to
beStow.
Our discussion in the last issue
of the American Federationist of
Secretary Taft's position on the in
junction as wrongfully applied to
Labor, was widely quoted and COM
mented upon by the daily press of
country. The editorial was repro.
duced with approving comment in
many of the weekly labor papers
and official journals of national un-
ions.
Expressions of approval from
various gatherings of labor indicate
how strong is the feeling that the
injunction abuse must be remedied
hot perpetuated as is the avowed
intention of Mr.. Taft.
Our protest against Mr.. Taft's
expressed desire to continue and
extend the application of the in
junction to Labor, has been receiv-
ed with variety of comment by
the daily press. At this time it is
unnecessary to recount in detail its
attitude. We consider their com
ment. whether favorable or other
wise, an indication of how greatly
the public is concerned and inter
ested in the abuse of the injunction
power against which Labor, as the
victim, has every reason to vigor-
ously protest.
On account of lack of space we
were unable to deal with all phases
OF Secretary Taft's recent injunc-
ton utterances in the last issue Of
the American Federationist. They
will receive consideration now.
Dir. Taft was rendered a banquet
by the business men of Seattle on
the evening before he was to sail
for the Orient. 1t was there that
he let himself loose, and as h S
press agent declared, s'sailed right
lnto' labor on the injunction ques
ton.
He assailed the men active in the
movement to secure justice for the
tollers, who in these efforts would
not for their lives do an injustice
to their fellow-men. But this is of
minor consideration.
The fact is that Mr. Taft charged
labor with an offense which he
could not help knowing was untrue.
tie charged that it was labor's pur-
pose to create "a privileged class
Of wrongdoe1s.'
What did Mr.. Taft have in mind
to accomplish by that utterance ?
Nhat had he in mind to chargeg
1he first question we have already
answered. To place the money
power for any umbrage which it
may have taken at his other re-
marks.
The second question requires
some further consideration. There
was no necessity for his reference
10 lhIunctlons in labor disputes. 1t
was not on the tapis for considera-
tlon. 1t was not apropos of any
matter under discussion, or of his
mission" as candidate for the
presidency 1t was as unprovoked
and uncalled for as it was unneces-
sary.
But what did Mr.. Taft have in
mind to charge labor with doingg
Are the working people of our
country wrongdoersf They pro-
duce the wealth of our country;
they work and work, and for theil
work receive the pittance of mis-
eraole reward; they make oul
country blossom like a rose, yet
many live in tenements, slums, and
s"eatshops; they make our coun,
Try beautiful, strong and powerful
ana yet are denied by him and his,
Ine Justice which the Constitution
oi our country guarantees them oi
equality, with all other citizens,
before the law.
If the workingmen of our coun.
Try Will not bestir themselves an6