Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-11-12
APPEAL TO SUPREME COURT
Writ of Certiorari Most Probable of
Three Ways.
BUSINESS BEFORE LABOR BODY
Washington Delegation Asks That
Federation Aid in Effecting
Change Of Inauguration Date.

TORONTO. November IL - President
Gompers devoted some time today to ex-
planning to the. convention. of the Ameri-
can Federation of Labor the status of the
contempt proceedings under which he,
Vice President Mitchell and Secretary
Morrison have been sentenced to terms in
jail
Mr.. Gompers said there were three
ways in which the case could reach the
Supreme Court Of the United States-by
writ of error, by writ of certiorari, or by
writ of habeas corpus after the defend
ants had been placed in Jail. Mr.. Com
pers expressed doubt whether a writ of
error was available in the District of
Columbia. He said that If the course
was decided upon by the defendants at
torneys, the Supreme Court might grant
a writ of certiorari, In view, Mr.. Gompers
said, OF the generally accepted opinion
that this case ought to be brought to the
highest court of the United States in
order that the principles involved may
be tested
The speaker was doubtful whether the
principles involved could be properly
brought before the court by writ of
habeas corpus.
Not Sure of Escaping Jail.
Either we have the right of free
speech and free press or we have not"
said Mr.. Gompers. and We want the
court to say SO. Whether we will go to
jail 1 do not know. 1 have an abiding
faith In the justice of our cause. and 1
can only express the hope that the
higher courts Of our land will immor-
talize themselves by the reincarnation
of the Magma Charta and the Constftu-
ton of the United States"
An extension Of fifteen or thirty days
will be asked for by the defendants.
and the conference with their counsel
will be held soon after the convention
adjourns In order to determine what
steps shall be taken in their defense.
No committee reports were ready for
presentation at today's session.
An appeal for moral and financial sup
port from the striking garment workers
in St. Louis. Mo-. was read and deferred,
several resolutions were presented, and
at 1910 o'clock the convention adjourned
until tomorrow morning.
Change in Inauguration Date.
The Central Labor Union of the District
of Columbia suggested that the influence
of the federation be used to change the
date Of the inauguration of the Presi-
dent of the United States TO a later
and more suitable date than March
4. The Trades and Labor Assem-
bly of Ottawa would have the federation
indOrse the strike of the United Mine
Workers of America in the province OF
Nova Scotia, and the International Typo
graphical Union asks. that the federation
enjoin upon its membership the duty OF
combating the scourge OF tuberculosis
Among the resolutions was one present
ed by the International Brewery work
mems Union advocating an amendment to
the constitution OF the federation to pro-
vide that neither the executive council
nor officers of the federation shall be per-
mitted to interfere with the international
affairs of an International organization.
and shall never use state or central bodies
to take sides in matters which are to be
adjusted by the international unions
themselves.