The Rise and Fall of Anarchy in America: From its Incipient Stage to the First Bomb Thrown in ChicagoMcLean, George N.
History
The Rise and Fall of Anarchy in America: From its Incipient Stage to the First Bomb Thrown in Chicago
McLean, George N.
Anarchists -- United States; Haymarket Square Riot, Chicago, Ill., 1886
There was no doubt from the beginning that the supersedeas asked for in
behalf of the condemned anarchists would be granted. Capt. W. P. Black
and Hon. Leonard Swett, who had been retained to present the petition
and make the argument for a new trial, met Chief Justice Scott at
Bloomington by appointment, Nov. 25, 1886, and he directed the writ of
error to issue. The only thing of substance which Justice Scott said
at the entering of the order was to call attention to the following
language in Mooney vs. The People, CXI. Illinois, page 388--an opinion
by the full court:
Recognizing to the fullest extent the rule of law that the
jury in their deliberations are judges of the facts and the
weight of the evidence in criminal cases, yet the law has
imposed on the court the solemn and responsible duty to see
to it that no injustice is done by hasty action, passion, or
prejudice, or from any other cause on the part of the jury.
This duty the court may not omit in any case.
[Illustration: RICHARD OGLESBY. _Governor of Illinois._]
It is almost needless to state that the anarchists were well
pleased with their temporary reprieve, and opportunity to have their
able counsel argue for a rehearing of their case. The arguments were
finished March 18, 1887, before the Supreme Court at Ottawa, States
Attorney Grinnell and Attorney General Hunt appearing for the State.
The decision was rendered Wednesday, September 14, before the full
bench of Supreme justices, being read by Judge Magruder, of Chicago. It
will thus be seen that the Supreme Court gave the questions at issue
full and ample consideration during a period of nearly six months. The
courtroom was crowded by an expectant throng, and the announcement of
the decision was foreshadowed by impressive solemnity. In a condensed
review like this it would be manifestly impossible to give a decision
comprising upwards of 60,000 words, and covering every point and detail
of the case. It is sufficient to state that the decision was unanimous
on the part of the justices. Even Justice Mulkey, who was thought to
lean toward a new trial, declared that, after having fully examined the
record and given the questions arising on it his very best thought,
with an earnest and conscientious desire to faithfully discharge
his whole duty, he was fully satisfied that the opinion reached
vindicates the law and does complete justice between the people and the
defendants, fully warranted by the law and evidence.
Chief Justice Sheldon made the following announcement:
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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