The Topeka state journal., 1909-03-04

ligence. 1t has also passed a law fix
ing the compensation of government
employees for injuries sustained IN the t1e
employ of the government through the
negligence of the superior. 1t also
passed a model child labor law Tor
the District of Columbia In previous
administrations an arbitration Jaw loE
interstate commerce railroads and
their employees, and laws for the ap-
plication of safety devices to save the
lives and limbs of employees of inter
state railroads had been passed. Ad-
ditionai legislation of this kind was
passed by the outgoing congress.
I wish to say that in so far as can,
I hope to promote the enactment OF
further legislation of this character.
I am strongly convinced that the gov
ernment should make itself as respon-
sible to employees injured in its employ
as an interstate railway corporation
is made responsible by federal law to
it's employees; and I shall be glad,
whenever any additional reasonable
safety device can be invented to re-
duce the loss of life and limb among
railway employees, to urge congress to
require it's adoption by interstate rail-
ways.
The Labor Question.
Another labor question has arisen
which has awakened the most excited
discussion. That is in respect to the
power of the federal courts to issue
injunctions in industrial disputes. As
to that, my convictions are fixed. Take
away from courts, if it could be taken
away, the power to issue injunctions
in labor disputes, and it would create
a privileged class among the laborers
and save the lawless among their
number from most needful remedy
available to all men for the protection
of their business against lawless in
vaSion. The proposition that business
is not a property or pecuniary right
which can be protected by equuaDle
injunction is utterly without founda-
ton in precedent or reason. The pro-
position is usually linked with one to
make the secondary boycott lawful.
Such a proposition is at variance with
the Am merican instinct and Will hnd
no support in my judgment when sub
mitted to the American people. The
secondary boycott is an instrument of
tyranny, and ought not to be made
legitimate
The issuing of a temporary restrain
ing order without notice has in several
instances been abused by it's incon-
ziderate exercise, and to remedy this,
the platform upon which I was elect
er recommends the formulation in a
statute OF the conditions under which
such a tenn porary restraining order
ought to issue. A statute can and
ought to be framed to embody the
best modern practice, and can bring
the subject so closely to the attention
Of the court az to make abuses of the
process unlikely in the future Amer !
lean people, il understand them, in
sist that the authority OF the courts |
shall be sustained and are opposed to |
any change in the procedure bs which |
the powers of a court may be weaken |
ed and the fearless and effective ad- |
of justice be interfered /
with.
Having thus reviewed the questions |
likely to recur during my administra- /
ton, and having expressed in sum- |
mary way the position which 1 ex- \
pect to take in recommendations to |
congress and in my conduct as an exc I
eutive, I invoke the considerate SYM /
pathy and support of my fellow citi- !
zens, and the aid of Almighty God in /
the discharge of my responsible du |
les