The citizen. (Honesdale, Pa.) 1908-1914, 1909-03-05
Taft'S Inaugural Address.
The Labor Question,

There Is one other matter to which l
shall refer. 1t was made the subject
of great controversy during the elec-
tion and calls for at least a passing
reference now. My distinguished pred
ecessor has given much attention to
the cause Of labor, with whose strug-
gle for better things he has shown the
sincerest sympathy. AT his instance
congress has passed the bill fixing the
liability Of interstate carriers to their
employees for injury sustained in the
course Of employment, abolishing the
rule Of fellow servant and the common
law rule as to contributory negligence
and substituting therefor the so called
rule Of comparative negligence. 1t has
also passed a law fixing the compen-
sation of government employees for
Injuries sustained In the employ of the
government through the negligence of
the superior. 1t also passed a model
child labor law for the District Of Co.
lumbia. In previous administrations
an arbitration law for interstate COM
merce railroads and their employees
and laws for the application of safety
devices to save the lives and limbs of
employees of interstate railroads had
been passed. Additional legislation Of
this kind was passed by the outgoing
congress.
wish to say that, In so far as can,
I hope to promote the enactment Of
further legislation of this character.
l am strongly convinced that the gov
ernment should make itself as respon-
sible to employees injured in its en-
ploy as an interstate railway corpora
ton Is made responsible by federal
law to its employees, and shall be
glad, whenever any additional reasona-
BILE safety device can be invented to
reduce the loss of life and limb among
railway employees, to urge congress
to require its adoption by interstate
railways.
Use of lnjunotions Necessary.
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 num-
Der from most needful remedy avail
able to all men for the protection of
their business against lawless invasion.
The proposition that business is not a
property or pecuniary right which can
be protected by equitable injunction is
utterly without foundation in prece-
dent or reason. The proposition is
usually linked with one to make the
secondary boycott lawful. Such a
| proposition is at variance with the
American instinct and will find no
support, in my judgment, when submit
ted to the American people. The sec.
ondary boycott is an instrument OF
tyranny and ought not to be made
legitimate.
The issuing Of temporary restrain
ing order without notice has In severa
instances been abused by its incon
siderate exercise, and to remedy thi!
the platform upon which l was elect
ed recommends the formulation in {
statute of the conditions under which
such a temporary restraining ordel
ought to issue. A statute can an(
ought to be framed to embody the bes
modern practice and can bring the sub
ject so closely to the attention Of th'
court as to make abuses of the process
unlikely in the future. American peo
pie, If understand them, insist tina
the authority Of the courts shall b,
sustained and are opposed to an.
change in the procedure by which tn,
powers Of court may be weakened
and the fearless and effective admin
istration Of justice be interfered with
Having thus reviewed the questions
likely to recur during my administra
tion and having expressed in sum
mary way the position which / eXpec
to take in recommendations to coz
gress and in my conduct as an execu
tive, I invoke the considerate sym
pathy and support of my fellow citi
zens and the aid Of Almighty God II
the discharge Of my responsible duties