The Washington times., 1909-10-13

week TO have been up today BY one
Of our papers I see that probably the
decision Is to be rendered tomorrow.
Respect for Judiciary.
"AH 7 can say. and all anyone can
say with becoming dignity and under
standing Of the gravity Of the situation
and the care with which one must use
words, is that / am sure that nothing
might utter tonight would influence
in any way a decision which probably
has already been reached and for the
delivery of which the judges are but
awaiting an opportUne moment.
II have the greatest respect for The
judiciary Of our country I have con-
hdence In their integrity, no matter
what their decision tomorrow may be-
I know that they are men, human be-
ings, and just as liable 10 err as any
other man on earth, and ] say this with
respect not only to the three justices Of
the District Court Of Appeals, who have
no doubt already reached their decision
but with reference to the judiciary gem
orally.
Il have no hesitsnCy in saying that it
is my conviction that not only did Judge
Wright err, but that he was prejudiced
against the men who were before him"
The greatest demonstration of the
evening occurred here. many of the
vast audience arising TO their feet and
waving hags IN unison with their re-
peated shouts When the applause had
subdued Mr.. Gompers continued
Refers to Higher Court
II has been limited that higher courts
may take cognizance OF all the facts
IN the case and treat Il. if so desired
or deem proper, in the nature of original
proceedings. modifying the sentences of
the lower court
Il do not want 10 be q hero or
near-hero; have no desire TO be bonn
bastic or defiant, but ] say this ad-
visedly and with knowledge Of the full
responsibility IL conveys, that IN so far
as 1 am concerned and ] think 1 also
speak for John Mitchell and Frank Nor
rison-I believe the imposition Of
lighter sentence will not alter the case
on jot Either we have free speech and
free press in this cOuutTy--Or we have
not The imposition Of a fine of 1 cent
or Imprisonment OF one hour for the ut
terance Of a mans conscience and faith
would amount TO a denial Of the right
of free speech and free press.
81 shall not attempt 10 argue the case.
] content myself with the bold, plain ut
teTauce that the constitutional guar
sntee of free speech and free press were
put in the Constitution for purpose.
i was not necessary that we be given
this privilege for the purpose Of singing
the praises of the powers that be- No
man needs a constitutional guarantee in
Russia 10 sing the praises of the Car.
Freedom of Speech Important.
The history OF the human race was
full of fyranuy and the denial TO tie
people OF The right OF expressint, b.
mouth or in the press their opinions
When our people established a Govern
Uent they remembered these and recall
ed that they had omitted This Vital
question In framing our Constitution.
Therefore. the FIRST amendment to- that
instrument was that guaranteeing rnr
right of freedom OF speech and press.
THAT means something. We do not
need this right to- please those iu au-
thOrity. those jntrusted for the time
being with the authority Of Government
Tt was guaranteed that mer might feel
free 10 say things that displeased. and
demand for reform coming from the
people Is generally ALWAYS dizfasfrr.T
TO those intrusted with government.
authority.
We do not wart TO be immune fr0r~
responsibility Tor our statements aud III
that has been said which is treason ar.
lbeious, then try as COR whar We have