Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-01-17
LABOR ASKED TO GIVE
A. F. L. Needs Funds for Con-
tempt Case Appeal.
TREASURY NOT AVAILABLE
Finances on Hand Not Applicable to
Unusual Purpose.
PUBLIC STATEMENT ISSUED
Friends of Cause Invited to Contrib
ute for Defense of Gompers,
Mitchell and Morrison

Organized labor has been asked to con-
tribute funds to press to a final issue the
appeal in the contempt proceedings
against President Samuel Gompers, Vice
President John Mitchell and Secretary
Frank Morrison of the American Fedora
ton of Labor.
Before final adjournment of the eXecu-
tive council of the American Federation
of Labor, yesterday afternoon, the ap-
peal was promulgated. 1t states:
1.-The American Federation of Labor
as its name signifies, is a voluntary body,
composed of national, international and
local unions and of which attends to its
own trade business, financial and otherwise
and retains it's complete and individual
authority and autonomy: while the re
lationship and purpose of the federation
to the affiliated bodies is to assist them
in carrying out trade betterment, to
take the initiative in introducing and
urging the passage of desirable leglsia-
ton, and to promote the general welfare
No Funds Available.
'It is thus seen that the American
Federation of Labor can not be consid-
cred as holding or having funds in the
ordinary routine of its business for other
and important epoch has occurred in
which extra funds are essential; and an
earnest appeal for financial aid is here
with made to you, and which Will no
doubt meet with your prompt and liberal
response.
You know that Samuel Gompers, John
Mitchell and Frank Morrison have been
declared guilty of violating an injunction
issued by the Supreme Court of the Dis
trict of Columbia. and that Justice Wright
of that court has sentenced them to
terms of Imprisonment of twelve. nine
and six months, respectively. Pending an
appeal they are out on bail.
The original injunction, issued on the
application of the Bucks Stove and
Range Company. has been appealed to the
Court of Appeals of the District of CO.
lumbia. We have authorized our attor
neys also to take an appeal against JUS
tice Wright's decision.
I'VE hold that Messrs. Gompers, Mitch
ell and Morrison have not violated tn.
terms of the injunction, but. instead, have
exercised their right of free press and
free speech These are cardinal princi-
our country and by our states, and to
the maintenance and perpetuity of which
we pledge and will exert our every effort
May Have Much Need.
'As stated there are now two appeals
and the other from Justice Wright's de
cision. Should an adverse decision be
reached in either or both appeals it will
be essential to make further appeals to
the Supreme Court of the United States
Surely no member of organized labor
other fair-minded man can rest conten
unless the principles involved in these
cases are determined by the highest tri-
bunal In our land.
1--WE have already expended large sum:
in these cases, and the plaintiffs attor-
neys have not only publicly boosted Of
causing such large expenditures on ouI
part, but have asserted that there ar,
more to come We have exceptionally
able attorneys in Alton 3. Parker and
Ralston & Siddons, who will carry the
cases to their logical and final conclusion
but ample funds must be provided to per-
init this to be done.
From the expressions of our fellow
workers and friends in all walks in life
we find that they are in absolute accord
with us in the determined stand taken by
Messrs. Gompers. Mitchell and Morrison
in the assertion of their and our in
alienable rights Of free press and free
speech. and the determination that these
cases be pressed to final determination.
To Fight to End.
VI course, we Will 0Snt Tor our rights
through every legitimate and constitu-
tional channel which our system of legis-
lation and law procedure permits to rec
tify the injustice of which we complain
And in the meantime, In having these
cases appealed and determined, we are
confident that we are pursuing the course
which commends itself to the men of
labor and other friends of human justice
Eternal vigilance is the price Of liberty
In order to permit of proper defense of
liberty and freedom as guaranteed to all
citizens we appeal to all labor and to all
friends TO make financial contributions
for legal defense in these cases before
the courts. President Gompers and his
colleagues are on trial for your rights CO.
equally with their own. Every liberty
loving citizen in or out of the ranks of
labor should consider this situation and
appeal as their own personal concern, and
response should be made accordingly
Upon the injunction abuse, the Denver
convention of the American Federation
of Labor declared That we will exercise
all the rights and privileges guaranteed
to us by the Constitution and laws of our
country, and insist that it is our duty to
defend ourselves at all hazards This ap-
peal for funds is issued in accordance with
that declaration