The Washington herald., 1909-04-20
GOMPERS APPEAL ON
Judge Alton B. Parker Opens
Argument.
NO PRECEDENT FOR SENTENCE
Former Democratic Nominee for the
Presidency Declares Case OF Labor
Leaders Is One of the Most ImPor-
tant In which He Has Ever En-
Eaged-Specifc Proof Required.

Declaring that it was perhaps the most
important case in which he had ever been
engaged, Judge Alton B. Parker, who was
once the candidate Of the Democratic
party for the Presidency. began argu-
ments yesterday before the District Court
Of Appeals in the appeal Of Samuel Com
pers, John Mitchell. and Frank Morri-
son from the sentences Of twelve, nine
and six months. respectively. imposed on
them BY Justice Wright. Of the District
Supreme Court, for alleged contempt OF
court.
Little in the way OF dollars and cents
is involved. Il Is true" said Judge Par
ker IN opening his argument. but on this
case depends the punishment and dis
grace OF. three men, well known TO your
honors. whose private lives are without
biemish. and who have a following not
exceeded by any men outside Of political
life"
Sentence without Precedent.
Judge Parker contended that the sen
tenee Of one year imposed on Mr.. Com
pers is without precedent
And this sentence is imposed. he said
without the court being able TO place
its finger on any single overt act com
mitted after the order went into effect
TO further continue the boycott
Judge Tafts opinion in imposing q sen
tence Of six months on PheIan in cOnnec-
ton with the Debs cases was quoted al
length by Judge Parker in support Of his
declaration that the history OF the courts
/ showed no sentence for contempt IN ex'
cess Of six months.
I Attorney Jackson II. Ralston assisted
Judge Parker as counsel for the labor
! Headers. Daniel Davenport IS associated
/ with Mr.. Darlington.
/ Former Assistant Attorney Genera
James NJ Beck was admitted 20 practice
before the District Court OF Appeals al
1.-THE beginning Of the hearing He VII
make the closing argument for the Buck:
Stove and Range Company Of s. Louis
/ The appellee in the case. Il was in favor
/ Of this company that Justice Could ISSUED
I the Injunction against the boycott claimed
I 70 be practiced by the American Fedora
ton OF Labor. The alleged violation o
tthe Injunction was the cause OF the sen
/ fences imposed on the labor leaders by
/ Justice Wright
VIII Require Specific Proof.
That the Court Of Appeals viii requir'
/ specific proof Of combinations OF n,
alleged boycott after the Injunction va
/ issued. vas indicated by a question aske'
/ by Chief Justice Shepard He interrupted
/ Attorney Darlington as the latter wa
making his argument. and asked him Z
/ he could show specific acts in furthersnc,
/ Of the boycott. Mr.. Darlington replies
that he was confident the record woul'
show such acts. but that he would ex
anime It over night and have his argu
ment on that point prepared by tbh
morning
Samuel Gompers and Frank Morrison
sat side by side IN the court room. listen
/ ing ettentiveIy 10 every word spOkel
! bv counsel for both sides A number o
/ local labor leaders were IN the room.
+ Attorney for the Bucks Stove and Rang
4 Company asked the court 20 dismiss n
/ appeal on the ground that It was I'm
/ properly presented. No action was take
| on the motion, and hearing on e va
I merged with arguments on the merits 0
/ the appeal
! Adjournment was taken Until this morn