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
"The jury, through Osborne, its foreman, presented their
verdict to Judge Gary this morning. When the result became
known the detectives, who mingled freely with the crowd on
the street, set up a loud cheering, and the judge became very
pale--he did not expect such a demonstration. Grinnell, on the
other hand, evidently expected such a verdict, and presumably
with cause. Marshall Field and men of his stripe have entirely
too much money. What do the people say to this verdict? They
will look upon it as being impossible--incredible. We were not
inclined to believe it at first, but we soon became convinced.
Captain Black instantly made a motion for a new trial, which
Grinnell did not oppose, and Judge Gary will hear this
motion next term. If he overrules the motion, an appeal will
be taken. We are not in a proper frame of mind to say more
to-day."
THE VERDICT
fell like a bolt of lightning into the midst of Socialistic and
Anarchistic circles, believing as they did, that punishment could
only be inflicted upon the perpetrator of the act of hurling the
bomb. No wonder that consternation sat darkly upon each sullen brow
like the pall of impending doom, as slowly from the jury came those
words of fearful import which set them face to face with death, the
verdict was applauded by the foreign and American press. Twenty-five
representatives of reputable labor unions met condemning the action of
the Socialists and thereby endorsing the verdict of the jury.
The Socialists of New York held indignation meetings denouncing the
verdict and expressing sympathy with their unfortunate brethren of
Chicago. Mrs. Black, in a letter dated Sept. 22, prophesied that in
case the sentence was executed widespread revolution and destruction
of property and life would immediately be inaugurated. On the 27th
Capt. Black served a notice upon State's Attorney Grinnell for a new
trial, on the ground that the verdict was not in keeping with the law;
also that the court had allowed improper testimony, and had erred in
his instructions. 1,191 men were called to serve as jurors in the case
before the twelve eligible men were secured, and even then it was
claimed by the defense that only ten of the twelve were competent.
On Friday, Oct. 1st, the Attorneys for the defense began their
arguments for a new trial, drawing largely upon their imaginations
to supply evidence in the case. They endeavored to introduce false
affidavits from one Orrin Blossom, of No. 2,961 Wentworth Avenue, and
A. Love, of La Grange, to impeach the testimony of Gilmer. But the wary
State's Attorney Grinnell had one move to make which blocked their
game. He had counter affidavits from Orrin Blossom and Love proving
that Love was not in the city on the night of the Haymarket riot after
six o'clock, and that he never saw _Harry Gilmer_.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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