Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-03-06

John Mitchell. vice president Of the
American Federation Of Labor. today
declined to give to Judge Wright Of the
District Supreme Court any assurance
that he expected hereafter to lend
adherence to the decrees of the judicial
tribunals Of the land" To do 60, he
declared. would be an admission that
he had heretofore failed to comply with
lawful DEGREES. Mr.. Mitchell said he
had rather be convicted Of contempt
than be acquitted on any other ground
than the facts In tho case.
Mr.. Mitchell's Letter.
Mr.. Nitcheirs letter to the court fol-
lows:
Judge Wright,
Sir: At the close OF my ross-examfna-
ton in the contempt proceedings tnsti-
tuted against Mr.. Gompers, Mr.. Morrison
and me, the court stated that I was free
at any time before these proceedings
closed to give expression to the court,
either orally or in written communication,
upon the subject of the following recon-
mendations: The court strongly recon-
mends that you consider again the pro-
priety Of acquainting the court before
these proceedings close with your con-
viction, whether you ought, and whether
you expect, hereafter to lend adherence
to the DEGREES OF the judicial tribunals OF
the land in matters committed by law to
their jurisdiction and power
Says Pledge Would Indicate Guilt.
IT have given the courts recommenda-
ton careful thought and serious consid-
GRAFTON, as q result OF which 1 desire to
say that believe statement by me that
r 70 ad n
the DEGREES of the judicial tribunals Of
depreciation than that I have heretofore
failed or refused to comply with the law
full DEGREES of the court, and that my evil
dence in this proceeding was not truthful
and sincere and in keeping with the facts
In the case. I am not willing to make
any statement that would impugn my own
testimony. l am not willing by any de-
vice or subterfuge to attempt to deceive
the court or secure an acQuittal by any
other means than those OF the evidence
and the truthfulness Of my testimony.
Indeed, 1 should feel more contentment
If convicted, conscious of the rectltude OF
my course and the truthfulness of my
evidence, than IL acquitted on any other
ground than the facts as they have been
presented to the court and the law as 1t
has been enunciated by the higher tri-
bunal. Yours respectfully.
The letter was dated February II, at
Mr.. Mitchelrs home in ..iount Vernon, n.
Y. Attorney Jackson r. Ralston, for the
labor leaders, presented it in open court
to Justice Wright this morning.
The presentation Of the letter OF Mr.
Mitchell ends the taking of testimony
In defense and in proof of the charges OF
contempt Of court.
Hearing Will Begin Monday.
|! The hearing before the full bench of six
justices will begin next Monday. and is
expected to occupy the court throughout
the week.
A number of preliminary motions will
probably be argued Monday, and the
reading of the voluminous testimony will
then be begun. Judge Alton b. Parker
| of New York will mage the opening argu-
ment for the labor men, and Attorney
jackson II. Ralson will close for the ac-
cused. Arguments on behalf Of the COM
| mittee of prosecutors will be made by
| Attorney Daniel Davenport of Bridge
mort Conn and ATTORNEY j. j. Darling