The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1913-05-17


'JUDIC1AL PERSECUTION"
No workingman should permit himself to be deluded
with the idea that the against Samuel Gompers
John Mitchell and Frank Morrison suits involving
three citizens of the States three members of
trade unions.
These merely incidents in a mighty struggle
involves the question whether court has the right
to issue an order against making statements OF
wrong the public platform publishing them in the
public press.
This struggle has been waged in form another
ever since of America became nation
The present contest may have weared some, but the
opponents of free and free speech alert
ever prize is worth striving for They have
anxious to have the principle of court usurpaton
accepted that overtures have been made to Gompers
Mitchell and promises that the against
them would be dropped if they would to obey
future judicial ORDERS
But the three officers of the American Federation
alert to the Importance of the issue
involved. They recognize that they are but mere in
cdents in the present day struggle They know that
the opponents of labor PRINCIPLE established
courts exercise discretionary power the
utterances and the public press.
The American Federation of Labor has repeatedly
Endorsed the position faithfully by
pers Mitchell Morrison. There will be surrender
compromise, for eternal vigilance is the price Of
liberty
If the courts succeed in Furnishing these three
high in the ranks of American trade unions they
by become the masters of
citizen in the land.
such labor contends that It there is ground
for action at ALL it should be by civil and not criminal
proceedings. The New York World, usually unfriendly
to trade union philosophy sums its criticism of the
decision of the Court Appeals of the District
of Columbia follows:
lit is possible to indorse the and words Of
oho1I andM in hia huf
of the District of Columbia
They not dealing appropriately with citizens
in the wrong. They carrying a personal
feud which has already received most impressive
buke. They judicial last-dtchers who introduce
ing reprsal into what they call the administration
justice"
The New York Times, which usually be depended
to knock the knuckles Of labor whenever oppor-
tuny Affords while taking it's accustomed position
lave to the Federation officials, delivers cleverly
worded rebuke to the court. The Importance of the
criticism is it's That part the editorial dealing
wholly with the court is follows:
AN appeal will be taken, and there is oppor-
tunty for both Mr.. Gompers and the entire community
to reconsider their positions soberly To speak candidy
there is danger that the courts will be private
purposes, the Legislatures have been, unless halt
shall be called. The Supreme Court annuled the first
sentences for contempt in this
for contempt was used as means of punishment In q
private proceeding. The main ohense conspiracy
constrant of trade but judgment given for contempt
of court motion Of private counsel That was not
action by the court for the protection it's dignity in
the interest of the public rather than ITSELF When
this error was corrected another mistake was made
The court referred inquiry regarding its dignity to pr
vate counsel and the sentence is far reduced
that the practically again. It is by
means that appeal may not again success
full In that and IT, the reduction the sen.
tence shall prevent another remand for retrial the
efficiency of the lower courts in protecting dignity
leaves something to be desired in the botb
the court and the public."
Boston concern which keeps an elaborate cost