Boycott Damages and Labor Unions
A boycott case, which will be of interest to both sides in the labor controversy, was recently decided in Dublin, Ireland, in which a shopkeeper whose business had been injured by a boycott of the United Irish League, has won a suit for $27,500 damages, after trials before four different courts. The damages were assessed against ten of the local leaders of the league. While the boycott is a frequent and open instrument of the labor element in this country, it is interesting to note the position taken by John Mitchell, president of the anthracite coal miners' union, before the arbitration commission. Judge Gray asked Mr. Mitchell whether the union authorized or sanctioned the use of the boycott upon merchants who supply the necessaries of life to non-union workmen. Mr. Mitchell guardedly replied that the union as such did not sanction such action; but upon further questioning admitted that local unions did at times advise their members to do that very thing, tho he declared that he himself did not encourage or sanction it. It is perfectly apparent, however, that his sanction or approval is not necessary to the employment of that weapon by the unions; that they employ it when and where they will.