The times-news. [volume] (Hendersonville, N.C.) 1927-current, 1937-07-22
LAW is STILL SUPREME IN NORTH
CAROLINA Hn,,ral

CANOLlNA %l1EIA
The position of the State of North Caro-
lima with reference to labor troubles, up
risings, insurrection, revolution, efforts OF
groups of citizens to coerce other groups
or individuals-in fact, all the, problems
and difficulties which have been shaking
government to its foundations in several
other States-the position of North Caro-
lima, we assert, has been made plain by
several public statements by Governor
Hoey. These statements were so sincere
and plain that even the densest of the radi-
cal agitators ought to be able to grasp
their meaning. H.. .. ~-...
To the words of the Governor may be
added the statement made from the bench
by Judge Sinclair of the North Carolina
Superior courts, in a hearing in a labor
flare-up in a Lumberton cotton mill. Here
is what Judge Sinclair said:
Employees have right to stop work, to join
labor union and to strike. On the other hand,
employees have the right to work and to refuse to
join union or a strike. And it is the duty of the
police authorities to protect both classes of en-
ployes in the exercise of such rights. Members OF
the union have right to persuade other employees
to join the union to join a strike by use Of
methods that are peaceful and not calculated to
disturb the peace but they do not have the right
to resort to methods of intimidation annoyance.
An employee is entitled to the same protection in
his right to work as another is to his right to strike
The strikers have the right to picket in lawful
manner and they have the same right to the public
streets for that purpose that any other citizen has,
but they do not have right to intmidate or OBJ
struct or annoy an employee going to or from his
work or while ne is actually engaged in work, nor
do they have any right to invade or trespass upon
any property or premises of the employer.
at Is the duty of the police authorities to pro-
tect striking employees in their effort to induce other
employees to join strike that of members of
the union to persuade others to join the union, as
long as they pursue lawful means to such ends but
it is not less their duty to protect every man in
his right to work and to protect such workers from
insult, intimidation, obstruction, annoyance while
at work or when proceeding to or from their work.
They are entitled to free ingress and egress to and
from their work, without interference, intimida-
ton, or annoyance from any one. II any member
of the law-enforeng authorities refuses to furnish
such protection to the rights of any employee,
whether a member Of union or not, and whether
a striker or not, he would be amenable to the law
and subject to prosecution for neglect of official
duty-and the courts are always open to any one
who has complaint to make. ''
"Bpt It Is the duty of the police authorities to
maintain peace and order upon the streets and pre-
vent any conduct calculated to produce breach of
the peace and this must be left to their sound dis
cretion. It is not only impossible, but the courts
have no power under the constitution to control or
direct the police authorities to when and how
they shall exercise their discretion in the perform
anee of these duties. If for any reason the local
authorities after ehausting their resources, can
not maintain law and order and protect the lawful
tights of all concerned, both workers and non
workers, as well as the property owners, then it
will become their duty to call upon the State to
furnish such force as may be necessary for that
purpose. ~,t d,
"But In the midst Of Industrial strife and bitter
controversies with which certain portions of the
country torn today, it is well to remember that
North Carolina has not abdcated It's duty nor sur
rendered its power to protect the rights Of all alike
the employee and the employer, the union mem
Der and the non-union member, the striker and
the worker; others may do as they may, but in
North Carolina the law is supreme and the State
must exercise such authority may be necessary
to maintain law and order within its borders and
to protect human rights and property rights and
the right Of every free man to work without mo-
lestation or hindrahce by any one"
The foregoing is about as plain as the
English language can make it; and every
citizen should read it several times and
then file 1t for future reference -
The right of worker to quit work, or
strike is generally recognized; but the
country seems to be infested with people