The times-news. [volume] (Hendersonville, N.C.) 1927-current, 1937-03-04
DICTAToRs AND THE COURTS

The late Huey Long was an absolute dc
tator in the State of Louisiana. His dicta-
torship was as absolute as the reign OF any
man who is dictator in any one OF several
European Countries. The lives and prop
erty of the. people of Louisiana were at
the mercy of Long and no citizen who OPP
posed him was safe in the State or could
hope to get justice in any court.
Yet. Huey Long always acted according
to claw" and had court decision or court
order back of every step taken. How did
ne do it?
By the very simple process of owning
the judges and controlling the courts OF
Louisiana. Long sought and secured the
power of appointment of judges and then
proceeded to pack the courts with his pup
pets. After that he had smooth sailing.
Any court ruling or verdict desired by
Long, no matter how absurd or oppressive,
was forthcoming after a hearing before
one or more of his judges.
1t is stated as fact of record that Long
exacted signed resignation at the time OF
appointment of every Judge; then II
Judge failed to serve Long or rendered
verdict against his interests or to which he
objected, Huey would pull down that
Judges resignation, make it public, and the
Job was done.
Examination of the records of MuSsollm
and Hitler will disclose tactics similar to
those employed by Huey Long. The trick
is an old one and was not originated by
these foreign dictators or by Long. 1t has
been employed by tyrants throughout the
history of the world.
MuSsolini and Hitler came to their pres
ent positions by the same route that landed
Huey Long in the dictatorship Of Louisl-
ana. and at this late day, each of these
tyrants is fond of the camouflage of court
action and orders and the pretense that
whatever is done is done according to law.
Of course the outside world is aware of the
fact that no court in either of these coun-
tries would take action against the will OF
the dictatorS. Mussolini and Hitler own the
Judges and control the courts in their coun-
tries.
The history of dictators and other ruling
tyrants from the beginning of recorded
history matches the records o. present day
dictators, including Louisiana's Long. Al
ways they have been opportunists, taking
advantage of conditions-of depreSsions
unrest, the troubles of their people, and
turning these conditions to their personal
advantage and power. Always they have
proclaimed themselves the friends OF the
masses and have opposed and fought the
so-called favored classes. Always the!
have been slick demagogues and tricksters
Always they have proclaimed devotion u
law and their undying determination t
pursue a course strictly according to TIT
statutes and orders of the courts. Thei
they have managed to get control OF tn
courts by hook or crook and thereafte
their roads were broad and comparatlvel,
smooth. Everything was done according U
laws-laws cooked up on the orders OF TN
dictator - and when there was no Law
handy, what so simple and easy as cour
Interpretation of existing law according Z
the 'views of the dictator? sp'asp,,...
When men invested with great politica
power attempt to get control of the judi
ciary and the courts, the hour has struc
for those who love liberty and value tn
privileges which have been enjoyed by.
great people under the American systel
Of government, to ACT-promptly and d.
cisively. -.-a