Speech 66
INJUNCTIONS IN LABOR DISPUTES

FROM THE PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE AT THE OPENING OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE FIFTY NINTH CONGRESS, DECEMBER 5, 19O5

THERE has been demand for depriving courts of the power to issue injunctions in labor disputes.  Such special limitation of the equity powers of our courts would be most unwise.  It is true that some judges have misused this power; but this does not justify a denial of the power any more than an improper exercise of the power to call a strike by a labor leader would justify the denial of the right to strike.  The remedy is to regulate the procedure by requiring the judge to give due notice to the adverse parties before granting the writ, the hearing to be ex parts if the adverse party does not appear at the time and place ordered.  What is due notice must depend upon the facts of the case; it should not be used as a pretext to permit violation of the law, or the jeopardizing of life or property.  Of course, this would not authorize the issuing of a restraining order or injunction in any case in which it is not already authorized by existing law.