The labor argus. [volume] (Charleston, W. Va.) 1906-1915, 1909-01-21


posed of National, International
and Local Unions, each of which
a1tenos TO Its own trade business,
financial and otherwise, and re.
talns its complete and individual
authority and autonomy, while
the relationship and purpose of
the Federation to the AFFILIATED
bodies IS to assist them in carving
out trade betterment, to take the
initiative in introducing and urging
the passage of desirable legislation,
and to promote the general welfare.
1T IS thus seen that the American
Federation of Labor can not be
considered as holding or having
funds IN the ordinary routine of
It's business for unusual PURPOSES.
A most unusual and important
event has occurred in which extra
funds are essential, and an earnest
appeal for financial aid is here
with made to you, 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 Columbia.
and that Justice Wright, of that
court. has sentenced them to terms
OF Imprisonment of twelve, nine,
and SIX months, respectively.
Tending an appeal they are out on
bail. The original injunction is
sued on the application of the
Bucks Stove and Range Company
has been appealed to tho Court of
Appeals of the District of Column
Ola, and we have authorized our
attorney also to take an appeal
against Justice Wright's decision.
We hold that Messrs. Gompers,
Mitchell, and Morrison have not
violated the terms of the injunc-.
tlon,, but instead have exercised
their right of free press and free
speech. There are cardinal prime
pies guaranteed by the Consti-
tuition of our country and by our
states, and to the maintenance and
perpetulty of which we pledge and
Will exert our every effort.
AS stated, there are two appeals
pending. One upon the original
injunction and the other from Jus
tice Wright's decision. 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 or other fair
minded man can rest content I'M
less the principles involved in
these cases are determined by the
highest tribunal in our land.
We have already expended large
sums in these cases, and the plain
tifl's attorneys have not only
boosted of causing such large ex.
pend1tures on our part, but have
asserted ''therc are more to come. -
We have exceptionally able at
torneys in Honorable Alton B.
Parker and Messrs. Ralston and
Siddons, who will carry the case
to their logical and final conclusion
out ample funds must be provided
to permit this to DC done.
From The expression of our
fellow workers and friends in all
walks of life we find that they are
in absolute accord with us in the
determined stand taken by Messrs.
Gompers, Mitchell, and. Morrison
i'll the assertion of their and our
inalienable rights of free speech
and the determination that these
| eases be pressed to final conclusion.
OF course, we will fight for our
rights through every legitimate
and constitutional channel which
our system Of legislation and law
procedure permits, to rectify the
injustice of which we complain.
and in the meantime. in having
these cases applied and determined
we are confident that we are pur-
suing the courts 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 free
dom 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 triad for your
rights co-equally with their own.
and every libertyloving citizen in