Evening journal. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1888-1932, 1915-08-13
MR.. Wales EXPLAINS
WORTHLESS FINANCIALLY

WUhlnLGSD TlNHNUlhbbI
Leonard p Wales. attorney, who !
was taken to task by the Central
Labor Union for remarks attributed
TO him at a meeting Of the Street and
Sewer Department. II being alleged
that he declared during the discus
sion over the picket matter that
Tabor was worthless financially" in
an open letter denies that he made
any such statement as quoted in the
central body's letter.
His letter follows:
August Z. 1915.
Central Labor Union. 3 East Seventh
street. Wilmington, Del.--Mr. John
Rein. Jr.. recording secretary.
Dear sir: | have your letter Of the
Ord inst, and am glad that you have
given me the opportunity TO correct
false impression arising from GER
tain remarks attributed to me at the
last meeting Of the Street and Sewer
Department ! made no such state
ment as quoted in your letter. name
ly. that labor was worthless finan-
cially." and ] am not a little sur
/
charges me with so doing II has
never been my purpose or practice to
insult other people. however much I
might differ with them in my views
upon any question. / believe in the
dignity of honest labor. and in the
right of the laboring men 10 organize
for their protection and advancement
| also believe that organized labor
has the right TO seek an adjustment
Of any dispute through peaceful and
honorable methods. but whenever
force and violence are resorted TO. or
questionable methods are employed,
to secure recognition Of its demands,
organized labor becomes not only
fair subject of criticism, but its
methods-at least where they lead TO
disorder and breach OF the peace
call for regulation or restriction. In
my judgment picketing Immediately
In front Of, or at the entrance to any
place Of business, is no more iusti-
fable or correct in principle. than IL
would be 10 practice the same thing
inside or on the premises themselves.
The spirit and purpose OF such
method is 10 accomplish something
not by peaceful persuasion. but by in
territorial injury. and It is in absolute
disregard of one of the cardinal
maxims Of the law. viz. So use your
own rights as not to interfere with
or iniure the equal rights of others
Naturally ! am not expecting YOU TO
agree with me upon this subject. but
l hope that we can differ without los
ing in self respect or respect for each
other
Referring particularly 10 the state
ment which YOU charge me with maxi
ing, you will recall. no doubt, that
the words worthless financially"
we're used while l was discussing the
first reason In support OF the pro-
posed resolution. This reason was.
substantially. that persons conduct
ing a duly licensed business had no
adequate remedy or protection. under
the law now existing, In case of inter-
ference, or attempted interference.
with such business through so-called
peaceful picketing" After mention
ing q number of offenses, in the mis-
use OF the public streets and side
walks, made punishable by a fine
none Of which, however, applied 10
the present situation-I stated that
there was also no adequate remedy
by civil action for damages against
the persons acting as pickets, as In
most cases they were worthless finan-
] cially. j. e., a verdict against them
would be OF no avail, and therefore
/ such action would be nugatory. The
! expression worthless financially" Is
synonymous with execution proof"
and means simply that those 10 whom
the term Is applied own no property.
clear OF exemption or encumbrance,
which can be levied upon and sold to
satisfy debt or damages.
feel sure that neither your own
counsel. who was present nor the
Directors Of the Street and Sewer De-
partment misunderstood the remarks
in question. and with this explana-
ton. believe you will realize that
your criticism was unfounded and I'M
just
Very truly yours,
Leonard r. Wales.