Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-09-12
MORRISON ON THE STAND
TESTIFIES FOR THREE HOURS
IN LABOR CONTEMPT CASE.
Doesn't Recollect Some Things.
Gompers in Tilt With At
torney Davenport.

Frank Morrison, secretary of the Amer
lean Federation of Labor, was on the
witness stand three hours last night be-
fore Albert Harper. who was appointed
by Justice Gould as examiner to take
testimony relative to the charge against
Morrison Samuel Gompers. president,
and John Mitchell. vice president of the
federation, that they were In contempt of
court for alleged violation of an order
forbidding the publication of the name
of the Bucks Stove and Range Company
of St Louis, Mo. in the I'VE Don't Pa
tronize'' list of the federation.
The hearing proceeded slowly. Morri
sons testimony being intended as a
foundation for subsequent examination.
Jackson III. Ralston and F. l.. Siddons
represented the federation. Judge Alton
h. Parker. also of counsel for the fedora
ton, was not present. Morrison will con-
clude his testimony Tomorrow afternoon
and will be followed by Gompers
The testimony was virtually rehear-
sal of matters of record in the case
Mr.. Morrison said he remembered JUS
tice GOuld's opinion and was familiar
with the contents of the injunction sub
sequenty issued by the court forbidding
the publication of the stove company's
name in the I'VE Don't Patronize" list.
He remembered that Justice Gould re-
fused to modify the order. but had no
special recollection Of a resolution passed
at the Norfolk convention of the fedora
ton relative to campaign of education
among laboring men," with special ref
erence to President Van Cleave of the
stove company.
report of the convention proceedings, Sec
rotary Morrison said he. knew that such
resolution was offered and adopted.
He refused to say whether he in CO.
operation with President Gompers. en-
deavored to carry out the spirit of the
resolution.
Circular in Evidence.
In support of the charge of contempt
Attorney Davenport offered in evidence a
copy of a circular. issued by the officials,
calling on labor organizations throughout
the country for funds to aid in the de-
Tense.
The examination of Mr.. Morrison was
halted by a colloquey raised by Attorney
Ralston with Attorney Davenport. The
latter. it was asserted. was bringing in
extraneous matters.
You can't decide this case" retorted
Mr.. Davenport. Il intend to dwell upon
all matters that will show the animus of
these defendants"
The closing of the day hearing yester
Daniel Davenport and Samuel Gompers.
Mr.. Davenport had said that every effort
would be made to expedite the hearing SO
that Mr.. Gompers would not have to
make a special trip back here to testify.
Will Write More Editorials.
ooh, I'll be back all right" interjected
Mr.. Gompers. I'll have some more edi-
torials to write"
We'll, don't write any more like this
one" said Davenport holding aloft an
article written by the labor leader about
the stove company.
Don't you forget it, said Gompers
heatedly when you can stop me from
writing my honest convictions, it'll be
sorry day for me. You won't deny me
the right of free speech, nor will the
courts do it, 1 believe
Mr.. Gompers after the hearing said he
believed it was the plan to let the hearing
drag along until the elections were over
The examination will be resumed tomor-
row.