The Washington herald., 1914-03-11
A Dia.renee a 0pia;sn.

reOrudry IL printed an eoitOfidi
view that class legislation directed against citizens in one
walk of life and in favor citizens in another walk unwise
and would meet the dsapprova of the American public What
we referred to of the proposal specifically to ex
empt from the operations of the Sherman anru act certain
worthy citizens who have the good fortune be either members
OF labor unions or else engaged in farming.
We alluded to the of such provision by President
Taft and also the reluctance with which President Wilson
indorsed similar provision when was attached as rider to
appropriation bill reluctance which President
Wilson set forth fully in writing. He explained in effect fur
thermoe that though the necessity for signing the appro
signature had he convinced that there ample funds
available for the prosecution of all offenders under the law be
they farmers, laborers manufacturers what not.
The day after editorial appeared received and gladly
printed letter from Mr. Samuel Gompers president OF the
American Federation of Labor presenting in very forcible
the arguments favor of this legislation of which
do approve We also received copies of resolutions adopted
by the Central Labor Union of Washington and by two
other local labor unions demanding that retrac the editorial
in question. g..
Within few days thereafter few of merchandise ad
verers began to tell that of our labor friends had
threatened to boycott their particular stores if they continued to
advertise in the columns of The Herald.
that"
There fairly big question involved in all his-wich is,
Have reached time in this country and in this city of
Washington when the expression of opinion the part OF
he publisher of this newspaper subjects him 10 threat
enng boycott and loss of business? Must agree with
Mr. Goers in all economic theories or else run the
risk of having the bread taken out OF his mouth:
Talk about the age of the depots that period of Italian
history the fourteenth century which John Addington
Syond has so brilliantly described Why the Italian despots
pkers their ideas compared with you, Mt Gompers!
No, Mr.. Gompers, please think the situation over
calmly We have intention of entering into any conspiracy
against the prosperity and welbeing of union labor just be-
cause their ce does not think as we DO The suggestion OF
conspiracy against prosperity because do not think
you do Mr. Gompers is reugnant to and we trust to
all fair-minded persons.
The Washington Herald. than OCCASION has
differed with the policy of the President OF the United States
and has said edoray with full emphasis. On the other
hand has frequently found itself entire accord with Mr.
Wilson's and has expressed itself Within the past
few days has taken occasion ndorse heartily his position
tolls Several The Herald
expressed its editorial opinion that the President displaying
the wises craftsmanship in his handling of the Mexican prob
lem Since then that situation has changed for the We
believe that and serner measures demanded and
have said editorially.
We fecitated the President upon tine successful carrying
out OF his tariff programme and praised his efforts in the
direction OF reform of the antiquated and inadequate
rncy system at the same time asserting our belief that the
GlassOwen bill being hurried unnecessarily and whou
sufficient consideration to insure perfect measure
The Herald has presumed express opinions antagonc
those of the President of the United States has presumed
likewise express opinions opposing those of pre
dent of the American Federation of Labor We claim the right
of free speech refuse believe exercising
tempt be made the life and prosperity of this
paper through threats made to its patrons
For you Mr.. Gompers The Herald enertains the high
respect recognizes that the condolences reposed by
union labor throughout the country well deserved We
perfectly well that you devoted the interests of
labor and doing all forward those interests But
you human just like all the of rai of DUST
and and then make mistake, just the rest of do
Perhaps you convince that your doctrine is
right and is wrong We are open to conviction The col
of The Herald open you
But until you convince otherwise still OF this
opinion That the American people do not approve of class g
laton that farmers among most prosperous citizens,
enlightened and energetic and do ask require any spe
cial privilege that manual workers. that great body of
skill whose hands guided by the cunning and ingenuity
of their brans far strong and selfrepecing group
of men, standing straight upon their feet need special
exemption from the laws of the land.
Lastly Mr. Compers if express the astronomical opinion
that planet Mars inhabited and you happen think that
is unnhabted please don't become annoyed with
suggest to anybody that dagger our fifth rib
If differ and then in theories, Mr. Gompers
let be pleasant about it Perhaps you right about exempt
ing labor unions from the operation of the law We don't think
so; but perhaps wrong Anyway there in
tomaawkng each other difference of opinion especially
both American labor get the squaest deal in
world
The Washington Herald produced by union labor. The
publisher of The Herald has for maintained extensive
publishing establishment in New York. operated exclusively by
union labor We believe firmly the labor union but ase
and always will be, opposed to class legislation.
n. B-We worked with hands, Mr.. Gompers, before
took up newspaperng.