Omaha daily bee., 1908-12-25
APPEAL NOT HEARD TILL MARCH

WASHINGTON, Dec. 24-The whole
question Of the sentencing for contempt OF
court OF President Gompers. Vice Presi-
dent Mitchell and Secretary Morrison Of
the American Federation OF Labor, by
Justice Wright In the supreme court of
the District OF Columbia yesterday will
be threshed over at a meeting OF the execu-
tive council of the federation to be held
in this city on January II next.
This meeting. while a regularly scheduled
one, will be notable undoubtedly because
of the vital issues affecting labor involved
in the action of the court. Resolutions
sustaining the attitude of the leaders of
the big organization with its 5000 odd
councils and 100000 members will be sub
mitted for action and the policy of the
federation in view OF the courts action
and scathing arraignment carried In the
decision will be outlined.
Policy Not Yet Outlined.
President Gompers was not in his office
today and no Information was given out
there as to where he could be found. Sec
retafy Morrison, who was given the light
est sentence OF the trio of leaders-six
months-was at the federation headquar-
ters, however, busy with his routine du-
ties. Active steps in the framing OF the
fight against the carrying out of the sem
tences are not likely until next week and
Secretary Morrison said today the plan
so far as the officials OF the federation
themselves foresee Is to do nothing about
Il until after the holidays.
'cIt seems" said Mr.. Morrison, that In
the District OF Columbia there is really no
limit to the sentence that can be imposed
for contempt OF court. In great many
states there is limit. In New York. for
instance. six months is the maximum.
A..1 rhnan ~
every effort to sustain our right TO a free
press and free speech. believed and l
am confident. that the position taken by
the federation is right, and that the clti-
gems of this country will ratify the attitude
OF the federation in this matter.
'T believe that they will give to the
trades unionists the same rights and priv
ileges that are being accorded TO trades
unions IN Great Britain, provided for
~ fhe. trades union act adopted there two
years ago. Mr.. Gompers referred to that
act IN his speech to the court yesterday.
Under that act union cannot be mulcted
in damages on account OF a strike"
Plans for Appeal.
1t 10 not likely that arguments on the
appeal viii be heard In the court OF appeals
Of the District Of Columbia until March.
and perhaps not then.
ing OF Justice Wright. and further ap-
peal to the supreme court of the United
States Is granted, the case necessarily
would not come UP for decision in the
highest tribuntl IN the land until the fall
term, which begins next October.
The ruling of Justice Wright was the
absorbing topic OF conversation here today
and both sides are preparing for a legal
battle which. 1t is believed. will add an
important chapter to the already famous
case.
Protests sent President.
Many kilograms have reached the White
House from labor leaders in all parts OF the
country. protesting against the sentence
imposed upon Gompers. Mitchell and Morri-
SON The president has turned all OF them
over TO Attorney General Bonaparte for
such consideration as It may be determined
to give them. 1t Is expected that the presi-
dents mail on this subject will be heavy
for the next few days.
The president and attorney general will
read all OF the testimony in the case and
win then decide what action. II any, will
be taken.
Message from Mr.. Bryan.
william ]. Bryan was chief among nearly
two score OF men who today sent messages
expressive OF their cordial sympathy tC
President Gompers. Vice President Mitchell
80 Secretary Morrison Of the Federation
u Labor.
The messages. which voiced tho senti
ments OF persons in almost every avenue o
labor, convey feelings OF regret over tn,
courts decision, extend moral and finan
eial sympathy and express indignation.
Mr.. Bryan, In a telegram dated Pitts
burg. Pa, says; Sorry to read decision
You did your duty in testing law. Gla,
you are taking appeal"
What action on the part OF organize,
wage earners will, In your opinion, be mos
useful to re-establish freedom OF the pres
and OF speeoh?' asks ]. B. Perham, presi
dent OF the Order OF Railroad Telegraphers
In a telegram from st. Louis addressed 4
Mr., oompers.
Perhaps one Of the most unique amon
the messages is that from J. s. Parry o
Oklahoma City, who after expressing regre
over the decision declares:
stay with the baggage. right must pre-
vail"
w. d. Mahon. president OF the Amalga
mated Association OF Street Railway EN-
ployes. located at Detroit. Mich. expresse
sincere regret at what he calls ''an unjus
and un-American sentence upon the labo
leaders He says;
AVu @ie Sleery the victims OF Juose
made law. which 10 wholly unconstitu
tiond 1t should be carried to the highes
court and contested to the bitter end an
We pledge you the united support OF ou
association to that end"
The declaration is made by John r Al
pine. president Of the United Assoclatio
OF Plumbers OF Chicago. that the decisio
will bring organised labor closer togethe
and says the common people win prov
loyal to Messra GOmpers. Mitchell an
Morriaon.
On bshaR OF the international Steam Fit
ters association. President ]. J. sulliva
expresses Indignation on verdict and cor
veys sympathy TO defendants"
That history viii place the names
MesssrA Gompers. Mitchell and Morriso
on the roll Of honor with those men VIII