The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1909-10-27
CAN'T SCARE HIM
Union Men of Washington Discussing
Gomper's Challenge
LABOR CHIEF DEFIANT

Great Greeting Tor GOmpcfS, Nno
Has Just Returned From a Trip to
Europe-He Makes a Great Speech,
in Which He Ably Defends the
Freedom of Speech and Press.
The Washington Herald says the
| Knignts of Labor of that city, after
participating in one of the most re-
markable demonstrations ever &C
corded a returning leader on Wednes-
day of last week, are now awaiting a
decision Of the court Of appeals in
the noted Gompers-Mitchell-Morri-
son contempt case and in discussing
the virtual challenge to the courts
uttered by Samuel Gompers on the
platform at Convention hall Wednes-
day night. After speaking of the
labor candidates in Europe. MI.
Gompers said:
But we are passing through a
| crucial period in our own country.
l refer to the instance possibly in
your own minds tonight. One of
the speakers, l believe it was Mr..
De Nedrey, referred to an impend-
ing court decision. Well. l was I'M
der the impression that this was to
he rendered a week ago, but l un-
derstand that bereavement in the
| family of one of the honorable
judges delayed it for one week. |
thought that week to have been up
today. BY one of our papers l see
that probably the decision is to be
rendered tomorrow.
"All 1 can say, and all amy n
can say with becoming dignity and
understanding of the gravity of the
situation and the care with which
one must use words, is that I am
sure that nothing l might utter to-
night would influence in any way a
decision which probably has already
been reached and for the delivery of
which the judges are but awaiting
al opportune moment.
Il have the greatest respect for
the judiciary of our country. l have
confidence in their integrity, no mat
ter what their decision may be. |
know that they are nen, human be-
ings, and just as liable to err as any
other man on earth, and l say this
with respect not only to the three
justices of the district court of ap-
peals who have no doubt already
reached their decision, but with ref
erence to the judiciary generally.
4 have no hesitency in saying that
it is my conviction that not only did
Judge Wright err, but that he was
prejudiced against the men who were
before him.
ut has been limited that higher
courts may take cognizance of all the
facts in the case and treat it, If so
desired or deemed proper, in the ma
ture of original proceedings, modify
ing the sentences of the lower court.
II do not want to be a hero or a
n%ear-hero; 1 have no desire to be
bombastic or defiant, but 1 say this
!adwisedfy and with knowledge of
the full responsibility it conveys,
that in so far as l am concerned, and
[ think l also speak for John Mitch
| ell and Frank Morrison-I believe
the imposition of a lighter sentence
will not alter the case one jot: Eth
er We have free speech and free press
in this country-or we have not. The
imposition of a fine of one cent or
Imprisonment Of one hour for the
| utterance Of a mans conscience and
faith would amount to a denial of
the right of free speech and free
press.
II shall not attempt to argue the
case. l content myself with the
bold. plain %utterance that the consti-
tutional guarantee of free speech and
free press were put in the constitu-
ton for a purpose. 1t was not neces-
sary that we be given this privilege
for the purpose Of singing the praises
of the powers that be. No nan
needs a constitutional guarantee in
Russia to sing the praises of the
car.
The history of the human race
was full of tyranny and the denial
to the people of the right of express
ing by mouth or in press their opin-
ions. When our people establish
ed a government they remembered
these and recalled that they had
omitted this vital question in franz
ing u constitution. Therefore, the
first amendment to that instrument
was that guaranteeing the right of
freedom of speech and press.
That means something. We do
not need this right to please those
in authority. those entrusted for the
time being with the authority of
government. 1t was guaranteed that
men might feel free to say things
that d%ispleased, and demand for re-
form coming from the people is gen.
orally always d~istasteful to those
entrusted with governmental author
ity.
1--WE do not want to be immune
from responsibility for our state
ments and If that has been said which
is treason or libelous. then try us
for what we have said; but We deny
to king or to court the right to
enjoin us in advance from express