Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-04-27
POSITION TAKEN BY LABOR
VIEWS REGARDING CASE OF
WESTERN MINERS.
Samuel Gompers and Others Sign Res
olutions Which Appear in Recent
Issue Of Federationist.

Ever since President Roosevelt wrote his
second letter characterizing Meyer Hay
wood and Pettibone, the western miners
charged with the murder of Gov. Steunnen-
berg, as undesirable citizens there have
been numerous attempts made to secure
from Samuel Gompers, president OF the
American Federation of Labor, an express
sion of his views on the matter. To all in
quiries he has invariably made response
that he has nothing to say at this time.
1t was ascertained by The Star today that
Mr.. Gompers has already spoken in strong
terms about the Haywood Moyer-Pettibone
case and that his statement is supported by
eight vice presidents, representing as many
international labor bodies. and the secre-
tary, Mr.. Frank Morrison, and treasurer,
John b. Lennon of the federation.
Following is the resolution adopted by
the executive council of the A. F. l.. at Its
recent meeting, and which appears in the
current number of the tederationist, off,
cial organ of the federation. under the
headline, "Moyer-Haywood-Pe Out
rage"
Regarded as Brutal.
1t was resolved, by the executive coun-
Gil of the American Federation of Labor
that the brutal kidnapping of Messrs. Meyer
Haywood and Pettibone from their homes
and without any decent regard for their
lawful and natural rights; taken to Idaho
and there imprisoned; charged with helm
Gus crime, justified the belief gaining
strength In the minds of our people by
the long incarceration of these men with
out trial. that a conspiracy exists to convict
them of the heinous crime regardless OF
their innocence.
That we demand and call upon all our
fellow-workers and fellow-ctizens to de-
mand for Messrs. Meyer. Haywood and
Pettibone the application to them of the
principle Of square deal-that is, a fail
trial by an impartial jury of their peers
and before an unbiased judge.
That we extend to MeSsrs. Meyer, Hay
wood and Pettibone the expression Of oul
confident belief in their innocence of the
crime with which they are charged and
assure them of every assistance within ou1
power to the demonstration of their in
nocence before the world.
List of the Signers.
The men who signed these resolutions and
the trades they represent are as follows:
Samuel Gompers, president, cigarmakers
James Duncan, first vice president, granite
cutters; John Mitchell, second vice presi-
dent, miners; James O'Connell, third vice
president, machinists; Max Morris, fourth
vice president, retail clerks; Denis A
Hayes, fifth vice president, glass blowers
Daniel ]. keefe. sixth vice president long
shoremen; William D. Huber, seventh vice
PRECEDENT, Brotherhood of Carpenters; Jo-
seph F. Valentine, eighth vice president
molders; Joseph B. Lennon. treasurer, tail
ors, and Frank Morrison, secretary, print
ers.
This states the position of the Federation
of Labor said a local leader today, land
states it In no uncertain tones. The duty
of the federation is now made plain and
emphasized by the highest leaders-the
very generals-of the trades unionists, and
we are anxiously watching the outcome