Montana labor news., 1938-04-28
Clarence barrow

The death Of Clarence barrow removed an
outstanding apostle of tolerance, liberty ana
Justice from American life. This view was
concisely expressed in the following tribute
by William Green, president OF the Amerl-
can Federation Of Labor:
'Organized labor mourns the passing OF a
true friend in the death of Clarence barrow.
He was Americas pioneer labor attorney
during a period when few lawyers dared to
champion labor's cause. His devotion to
progressive ideals, his fearless and independ-
ent thinking and his %outspoken advocacy OF
the rights of the doWntrodden made him a
notable figure in American history"
A strong sympathy for the underprivileged
and a desire to secure at least an approach
to Justice for those in the lowly walks OF life
became Darrow's underlying principle IN
early manhood and remained his guiding star
during his entire career.
It was in 1898 when he was thirty-seven,
that Clarence barrow reached the fork IN
the road and had to decide whether he would
devote his legal talents to the service of cor
porations or ally himself with the interests
of the workers. He was then counsel for the
Chicago and Northwestern Railroad. That
was the year of the American Railway Union
strike, headed by Eugene V. Debs. The rail-
roads involved, including the Chicago and
Northwestern, many of whose workers par
ticipated in the strike, secured a federal court
Injunction against the union activities, and
Debs had been indicted for conspiracy.
Debs asked barrow, who sympathized with
the strikers, to defend him. This was the
decisive point in Darrow's life. Two courses
were before him. He could follow a brilliant
career as a corporation lawyer, or he could
take the Debs case and become counsel for
the defense" not only in that case but in a
host of others involving fundamental human
rights. Darrow did not hesitate. He acted
as Debs' counsel in the conspiracy case-and
resigned as counsel for the Chicago and
Northwestern Railroad.
From the date Of the Debs case barrow
began a forty years career in defense OF
many whose victimization was sought by sub
versive elements among American employ
ers.
His devotion to tolerance and justice char
acterized all of his efforts in the legal field.
1t was his conception that the only justice
worth while was justice tempered by SYM
pathy and humanity.
After he retired from legal practice Oar
row wrote "The Story Of My Life" In the
chapter entitled Toward the End of the
Trail" he said:
81 have always felt sympathy for all living
things, and have done the best l could to
make easier the lot of those wayfarers whom
Ihave met on my journey through the world
I have judged none, and therefore condemn
none. believe that I have excused all who
are forced to live awhile upon the earth. ]
am satisfied that they have done their best
with what they had"
Nor did barrow boast about his owr
achievements for his fellow beings. In ap-
praising those accomplishments he said he
was reminded Of what Simon is reported
to have said when Jesus came to his boat II
the early morning, Master, we have toilec
all night, and have taken nothing"
barrow has often been described as a cynit
in his conception of human nature while a
the same time loving his fellowman. He was
actuated by mercy and throughout his entire
life pleaded the cause of the poor. Clarence
barrow could not have a more fitting epitapf
than this. In his death, American institu
lions and principles have lost an ardent dis
ciple, but the memory of what he did to up
hold them will not soon be forgotten.