The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1919-10-27
RED-BLOODED AMERICANISM
rs THE NATIONAL NEED

Mr.. Timothy Shea, who says he represents the Brotherhood
Of Locomotive Firemen and Enginemen, has served notice on
the congress that it need not take the trouble to enact the pend
ing strike Legislation, as the organization he speaks for will no"
observe it.
There may be varying opinions concerning the wisdom of
Mr.. Shea's ultimatum, but there can be no reservation to an
unqualified admiration of his frankness.
Il. Shea's announcement is illuminating. 1t opens up a
wide vista Of possibility for the relief of the veXed, harassed
and weary congress,
1t suggests the possibility OF permitting each individual and
organization to propose and enact his own legislation, and the
right to veto any measure failing to meet the unqualified
approval Of the person it affects, The congress would be thus
relieved Of the responsibility of initiating Legislation. There
would be no longer cause for debate concerning the wholesome
ness of legislation. If any Individual desired a piece OF leglsla-
ton it would be proposed and passed without argument or ques-
ton. If any individual objected to the passage of legislation all
he would have to do would be to inform the congress and it
would be quite effectively vetoed.
Mr. Sheas announcement may appear somewhat brutal to a
squeamish public. Labor lacks the smooth, suave manner and
the diplomatic men affected by the big interests.
The big interests would have been guilty OF no language
So harsh as that employed by Mr. Shea. 1t has a different man
ner of approach. 1t has a different argument to make. 1T would
get results, perhaps with more expense, but with less publicity
just as effective but not so uncouth.
N II is the unseen hand of the big interests that works when
a curious public inquiries the fate Of some beneficial legislation
that has dropped from sight; it is this same unseen hand that
inserts a joker in a measure that has its effectiveness destroyed
BY the delft operation; it is the unseen hand that gives the body
Of the bill a significance that will not stand the test of consti-
tutionality.
There is no difference in the intention Of Mr.. Shea, who says
his organization will not recognize a law, and the intenton Of
te corporate interests WHICH ueleat the purposes OF a law. 1t IS
merely a difference in procedure, +
" y
Law is merely the rule Of conduct of people in organized
society
When the law is ignored or violated the government has
failed.
y tc government lacks the power to enforce the observance
n : +" IS utterly mpotens and no longer deserves respect.
Whence comes this diminishing respect for law and for
courts; lhere IS no mystery about its origin. 1t is not the
inequality OF the law so much as the equality of the law. There
rs 100 many persons who believe they are above the law or out
OF reach OF the arm of the law.
. ~ Una there IS too much restriction of freedom of
speech or action, but because there is too rorcb l;hou, " =.
comes from those who fail to distinguish between their rights and
the rights of their ~neighbors. 'fs"S Nu
Inc law is a thing to be observed and rcvered and wha,
me law is attacked openly or i~nsidiouslv, or when i il ;on "~i
WIN IMMUNITY it has received a thrust in its ytals
somewhere at the tountainhead of this government there Is
neeo 10 inject red-blooded Americanism in the strong r;oht arm,
OF the nation, 81" W" '''o"s ''s"t arm