San Diego Labor Troubles
By Editor
San Diego and Her Troubles.—We get reports of both sides from San Diego. Two gentlemen enter earnest protest, declaring that our report of the troubles there does San Diego great injustice. Our report was gathered from three sources: reports from political and class papers, from a temperate speech by a labor-unionist, and from conversations with reputable gentlemen who were eye-witnesses. One writes us that our report was substantially correct. It was certainly a mild statement compared with some reports we read. Both of our critics admit that there may have been unnecessary violence, but seem to think it justified by the contumacy of the men who defied the city ordinance. For defiance of proper city ordinances we have no defense to make. Even tho the ordinance were unconstitutional, it brought hardship upon none, and applied to all classes equally, and should not have been resisted. But in view of the disagreements, we thought we would wait the report of Mr. Weinstock, Governor Johnson's representative; but one of our critics intimates that this will amount to nothing, as Mr. Weinstock had no authority to secure testimony. Out of this trouble have grown, we understand, several suits at law. We will wait for the determination of the courts. In the meantime let us say: If we have misrepresented San Diego authorities, we are sorry. It certainly was not our purpose to lead influence in the lightest way to lawlessness or injustice or anarchy. We are making no plea for any class; we do not believe in lawlessness, anarchy, or treason; we have no prejudice against San Diego; we do believe in free speech, a boon of inestimable value, and fundamental to free government. We hope that in the settlement of the question in court, justice will be done.