The Idaho recorder. [volume] (Salmon City, Idaho) 1886-1927, 1907-05-02
ROOavElTS ISLANDER! !.


In commenting yesterday upon the
action of the president la designat-
ing Messrs. Meyer and Haywood rs
undesirable citizens" and In refer
ring to the demand OF the labor
unions In all parts OF the country
for an explanation OF this statement,
this newspaper had no idea that be-
fore II went TO press the executive
would issue long communication
upon the subject.
This latest letter OF the executive
virtually makes his ofYense even more
marked, ana his remarks are certain.
iy most unjust.
II Is a cleverly composed letter,
but Is full OF the rankest kind Of So
phistry.
He starts out with prelude, which
lays down a general principle with
which everyone agrees, and that 10,
justice should he administered fairly
and inpartially.
Naturally, every person who reads
this part OF his article will say that
Is true
Then he attempts To- lead his read
ers To believe that he has not pre-
JUDGED the case OF these men by call.
Ing them undesirable citizens, I"
when, as a matter or fact. II bis first
statements are correct he Is con.
demned by his own words.
In referring to Messrs. Meyer.
Haywood and Debs, the president
says "They stand as the represent
tatiyes of these men, who, by their
public utterances and manifestos; by
the utterances OF the papers they
control and inspire, and by words
and deeds of those associated with or
subordinated to them, habitually APP
pear as guilty OF Indictment TO or
apology for bloodsbed and violence. :"
Now, let US see Just how far-reach.
ing the above statement Is and what
IL really means. Messrs. Meyer and
Haywood, as the head officers Of the
Western Federation Of Miners. are
representatives OF every man con.
nected with the Butte Miners union,
so that the president charges this
great body of workers In this city ms
habitually melting bloodshed and
violence.
No greater SANDER could be uttered
against the Butte Miners union.
which Is everywhere recognized as
the most peaceable, intelligent and
reasonable labor body In the United
States.
According TO the executives libel,
the miners OF this great mining cen.
ter are not simply once In awhile In
citing bloodshed and violence, but
they are "habitually'' doing so, and
che word "habituaily" IN this con
aection means that IL Is the custom
of these underground workers TO ad
yocate murder.
That statement Is No positively un
true that 10 does not need refutatior
where the high reputation OF thu
Butte Miners union Is known.
Further than this, can any reason
ably contend for al instant that IL Il
fair 10 Messis. Meyer and Haywood
10 have the president say that thes'
men facing most serious charges arr
the representatives OF those whit
'babltually appear as guilty OF In
element to or apology for bloodsbe'
and violencey"
II these head officials OF the West
ern Federation Of Miners are guilt!
OF the charges made against them
they certainly ought to receive TIN
most condign punishment that th'
iaY knows, but IL Is not for the pres
ident TO jump at the conclusion tina
they committed the crime charged
against them and TO act as Judge an
jury.
| Every fair-minded man wants 4
see these defendants receive an abso
lutely impartial trial, so that what
ever the verdict may be the pabli
can feel that IL Is Just one.
In the light Of these expressions Q
the president, IL already seems e,
tremely doubtful II be has not mad
IL impossible for these men 10 receis
an impartial trial.
While protesting that he Is shown
no bias. he gives the world to undel
stand that 10 bis view these defent
ants are undesirable citizens" an
they would not be so regarded
the executive " he thought they wei
. innocent.
without saying 80 openly he COT
yeys the impression Just as efectiv'
. lly. that he believes these men |
rave committed the crimes wi,
which they are charged.