The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1908-05-02
supreme court NOT Above /.
HONEST CRITICISM BY LABOR
Great Tribunals Most Severe Critics Have Been Judges h
Court lsef-Dssenting Opinions Have Been
Spirited, Clear and Unnnstakable.
Jefferson and Lincoln Paid Their Respects the Court in Nj
Uncertain Language-Labor declines to Assent to
-. %.~ the Establishing Of ongarchy

Some Of the papers are severely
condemning the trade unions for what
they term: Opposition to- the Su-
preme Court in describing labor,s at
titude. on some recent decisions hand
ed down from the nations greatest ju-
dicial tribunal.
They know better.
On the contrary. while protesting
against it's injustice, it has always
been stated by our leading defenders
that we accepted the decision as the
law Of the land D..
Labor Worlds Position.
The Labor World, upon the delivery
Of the decision in the "Hatters case,''
expressed it's belief in the integrity
and honesty Of the court in it's desire
to construe the laws and legal prin-
ciples SO as to insure equality of right
and immunities.. But, at the same
time, we ventured to criticize the rea-
soning Of the court, to point out some
mistakes Of fact and logic.
Is this opposing the court in any
Objectionable sense?
Has not the court been criticized be-
fore by Democrats, by Republicans, by
Populists, by Independents?
!, Was not the income tax criticized ?
Was not the Philippine tariff and
flag decision criticized, even by prom
inent members Of congress?
Since when has the supreme court
been above temperate and fair criti-
cism?
What law or doctrine is there to
prevent a citizen, whether in public or
private life, or the editor of a news
paper or magazine. from expressing
his opinion as to the Justice or sound
ness of court rulings?
Dissenting Opinions Severe.
Our rabid and dishonest critics, have
either forgotten, or else choose to ig-
more, the fact that the judges Of the
supreme court itself have criticized its
decisions. Dissenting opinions are
certainly not exceptional, and some Of
them have been severe, spirited and
highly controversial. ~ -
In the income tax decision the ma
Ejority judges displayed much feeling
in refuting the. arguments Of the ma
jority, and: the press Of the country
commented at the time on the earn
estness and spirit with which the
court was "opposed.'' :.
The Lottery Case.
In the lottery case the chief justice,
in dissenting, told the court that it's
construction of the constitution tend
ed to preserve the for monty of that
charter, while destroying it's substance
and meaning.
In the Arago case (Robertson vs..
Baldwin, the dissenting opinion ar
raigned the majority decision and
opinion Of the court as enforcing sla-
very.
These instances can be multiplied
indefinitely.
Were the minority judges opposing
and, attacking the court in these
cases.?
Did any one assail them for their
vigorous dissent and outspoken criti-
cisms?
No; many cordially indorsed their
attitude and praised their candor and
independence, as, indeed, they de-
served to be praised.
Opinions Of Statesmen.
It perhaps, would not be out Of place
in this editorial to reproduce the
opinions Of two OF Americas most em
inent statesmen, on the assumption of