◆ SpookStack

ae eg Ft eat a > ) They defied it. To hold a United States court in contempt is an insult to the United States itself; it comsromises all law and invites cb rule. On the next day, November 26th, they filed a motion to discharge and vacate the rule, alleging lack of jurisdiction. After full argument and consideration, the court overruled the motion. The deferdants then Pleaded not guilty on the contempt charge, and the court proceeded to trial. The Government presented eight witnesses who supported the allega- tions as to contempt. No witnesses were called by the defendarts, The court found each defendant guilty of eriiinal, as weil as civil, contempt. It found that the defendants, by nerzitting the notice of November 15, 1946, to remain outstandirz had instigated, induced and encouraged the miners to interfere with the Government's operation of tne mines; had completed the calling of the strike by failing to obey the court's order; had interfered with and obstructed the exercise of governmental functions by the Secretary of the Interior; and nad interfered with the court's jurisdiction, The court found that bituminous coal was indispensable for the continued operation of our national economy and that the work stoppage caused and continued to cause irrepararie injury to the United States, to the people of the United States, and to its industry and economy, Thereafter, the court imposed a fine on defendant UMVA of $3,500 ndant John L. Lewis of $10,000. The Government's ,0OO and on de prayer for a preliminary injunction was granted. The fine imposed on the Union was based on the injury resulting from its action as well as on its ability to pay. The testimony showed -~-12-