New-York tribune., 1909-11-09
GOMPERS ENDORSED
DEFIANT ATTITUDE.
Federation Of Labor Approves
HIS Criticism of Judges.

Toronto ont. Nov. s-That the American
Federation Of Labor intends 90 stand by
President Samuel Gonpers and his officers.
John Mitchell. vice president. and Frank
Morrison. secretary. in their Eight 90 svade
the jail sentences imposed for contempt Of
court was indicated te-dsy by the attitude
Of the drIegates in attendance a. the twen-
tv-niHth annual convention here.
n Is apparent that the committee on the
presidents report win recommend that the
case he carried 70 the United states SUI
preme Court-at least tbs is the expressed
opinion of many Of the delegates
The delegates vigorously applaudsd salient
points in MIR. CiompeTss report. summariz-
ing the Bucks stove and range injunction
case and the contempt proceedings which
followed His statement that he and his
colleagues should have been tried by
jury rather than subjected 20 the caprice
Of judge who solely determines the surii-
cheney Of the charge. the guilt of the de-
fendant. and who imposes punishment as
his whim may prompt" struck a TaTtic-
ulsTly responsive chord.
Mr. Gompers, in his report which took
three hours 20 deliver. discussed wide
range Of labor issues. including Veport
Of his recent investigation OF labor condl-
tions abroad. This report and those OF
Secretary Prank Morrison and Treasurer
John r. Lennon. which followed. showed
that organized labor had made substantisl
gains in The last year and that the funds
Of the federation are at high tide, with
balance Of slss.S0s IN the srsssury.
Mr.. Ciompers contsnded thst his casa in
Wolves the constitutional right of free
speech and a free press and declared that
the whole people are aroused 70 the ssri-
business Of the situation. He said in part;
repeat and emphasize this fact. that the
doctrine that the citizen must Weld cbedi-
standing that order transcsnds inherent.
natural, human rights guaranteed ~ ths
repUsnant - liberty and human freedom
and that y IS the duty. the imperative duty'
70 protest
Wright in delivering his opinion upon m
guilt of the men charged with dlsohsying
the terms cf the Injunction. the fact that
% he given OUT. IN asvancs, the whole
mocksry and formally of asking us
whether We had snv reasons 20 assign whv
sentence should not be pronounced when ne
rad determined on the sentences IN ad.
vance; al these. as well as the matter ana
ma nner of the arra ngenent for the scene
and the delivery of the opinion and sen
teuce, indicated the unfitness Of the man 70
wear the judicial robe and occupy the ,u-
The struggle is far from ended Eternal
vigilance ever was and always VIII be the
price of the liberties Of a people Let no
one doubt my great respect Tor the judi
ciSry 81 our countrv. 7 have confidence in
their integrity. no matter what their de-
risiOD still they are human beings, and IS
such liable 10 err. 7 Say this with respect
nor only 70 the three justices of the Dis
trlCt Court OF Appeals, but with reference
- the judiciary generally.
Concre'Alv stated. the decision If the
CVIrt declares that, no matter whether the
Injunction OF Justice Gould was right or
obey. Against thar concept. az Least for
When q Judge 50 far transcsnds his au-
tfority and assumes functions entirely be-
Nond his power and jurisdiction, when q
Judge viii set himself uH as the highest au-
thaTitv In the land. invading constitution
ally guaranteed rights OF citizens: when a
iudgs will go so far in opinion. decision and
action that even judges Of the Court Of
Appeals have felt called upon 70 charac-
Tsrize his action aS ''uTwarre NED and
foolish" under such circurns Jances " IS
the duty Of the citizen 10 refuse obedience
and 10 take whatever consequences may
eusue.
The delegates were welcomed ~ SIR
James Whitney. Premier ~ Ontario, w
l.. Mackenzie King Minister Of Labor:
Joseph oliver. Mayor Of Toronto. Dr
Reaume. Minister OF Public Works for On
taTio and William Checking. president OF
the Trades and Labor Congress Of Canada
and president Of the Toronto District Labor
Council