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THE LIFE PRESERVER Official Journal of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE ABOLITION OF CAPITAL PUNISHMENT

VOL. 1 OCTOBER, 1915 No. 2 STATE OF UTAH vs. JOSEPH HILLSTROM

Stay of 16 Days Granted Defendant

Association Efforts Prove Effective

Joseph Hillstrom, sentenced to die October 1, at Salt Lake City, Utah, for muder, was granted a reprieve of 16 days by Governor Spry of that State. The intercession of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE ABOLITION OF CAPITAL PUNISHMENT, together with other humanitarian persons, doubtless moves Governor Spry from his determined stand to let the law takes its course.

Despite the maxim "every man shall be deemed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt," this defendant was convicted on the weakest, most feeble and admittedly doubtful testimony of the vacillating witnesses of the State.

The Associations agile and vigil officers lost no time in endeavoring to secure a reprieve or possibly a communtation of sentence for the unfortunate condemned. Counselor Reinhardt prepared a comprehensive brief, setting forth arguments upon which he contended that the accused had not recived a fair, unprejudiced and impartial trial. Copies were forwarded to Robert A. Lansing, United States Secretary of State, and W. A. F. Ekengren, Swedish Minister. A telegram was received from the latter which follows: "National Assn. for the Abolition of Capital Punishment, 291 Boradway, N. Y. C.: "Your letters of the 22nd and 25th have been received. I have appealed to the Governor of Utah both directly and through the Secretary of State for stay of execution. (Continued Page 2, Column 2)

THOU SHALT NOT KILL Study this picture, which is typical of what is considered an ordinary incident at Sing Sing Prison. The cold-blooded scheduled killing of a person by due process of law. The LIFE PRESERVER welcomes statements of what this picture suggests to you.

[*THOU SHALT NOT KILL!

I'M WITHIN THE LAW.

DEATH HOUSE - SING SING Couresy of "ROUND THE COURTS" *]

2 THE LIFE PRESERVER

The Life Preserver

Published and distributed monthly by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION for the ABOLITION of CAPITAL PUNISHMENT NATIONAL ASSOCIATION for PRISON REFORMS, AFFILIATED. 291 Broadway, Room 1401, New York City. I. Baer Reinhardt, President and Legal Advisor. Jerome B. Sabath, Secretary and Treasurer. Mable A. Gluck, Assitant Secretary. Leo Kenneth Mayer, Historian and Editor.

Vol. 1 October, 1915 No. 2

STOLEN FRUIT No Nation can be better or wiser than its best citizens and none is as bad as its worst inhabitant. —The Truth Seeker.

Georgia's coroner's jury is to be credited with refraining from deciding that Frank lynched himself. —Boston Transcript.

The wholesale denunciation of Georgia's citizenry should not be made too sweeping. Remember it is the State of Tyrus Raymond Cobb's navtivity. —Ohio State Journal.

What the coroner's jury really meant was that Frank "came to his death by hanging at the hands of persons whom the jury wishes to to remain unknown."— * * *

THANKS FOR THE COMPLIMENT Editor, "The Life Preserver," 291 Broadway, New York City. Dear Sir: I have received and carefully perused "The Life Preserver" of September. It is the first and only publication of which I know that seeks to abolish Capital Punishment. I congratulate you on your initiative and upon the excellence of your paper.

I wish you much success and shall be pleased to receive the subsequent editions.

Sincerly yours, LILLYAN KRAMER, 264 Albany Ave., Brooklyn, N. Y. September 28th, 1915.

(Continued from Page 1)

Yesterday the Governor answered that while he considered the trial of Hillstrom perfectly regular and fair he is prepared to consider the postponement question if anyone can point to anything new that would weaken the case of the State. I telegraphed him again, renewing my request, and using along with that, argument similar to that used by your lawyer. This last telegram has not as yet been answered. You will probably know of the results, however, through the press.

"W. A. F. EKENGREN, Swedish Minister."

Simultaneoulsy with the receipt of the foregoing message Frank L. Polk, Acting Secretary of State , wired the following: "Jerome B. Sabath, Secretary, 291 Broadway, New York:

"Department has very carefully considered your letters, September 22nd and 25th, and enclosure with latter regarding proposed execution John Hillstrom at Salt Lake City, Utah, but is unable to perceive any ground which would warrant its intervention in the matter. However, you are informed that request of Swedish Minster for department's assistance in obtaining postponement of execution has been communicated by telegraph to Governor Utah, with expression department's wish that it be given careful consideration.

"FRANK L. POLK, Secretary of State."

Letters were written and telegrams flashed throughout the country to have the life of this man spared. On September 30 the news of a 16-day stay, granted by Governor Spry, was received by Secretary Jerome B. Sabath.

TO OUT-OF-TOWN RESIDENTS When visiting New York you are cordially invited to make your headquarters at the office of the Association, Room 1401, 291 Broadway. Receive and dictate your mail there and make yourself at home. Everyone will lend a helping hand to make your stay pleasant.

The Association endeavors to prevent the carrying out of the death sentence in every case. It will give preferred attention, however, to any one requesting its assistance.

THE LIFE PRESERVER 3

WORDS BY THE EDITOR

It is to be regretted that so important a subject as Capital Punishment has received such little thought on the part of society as a whole.

The infliction of the death penalty for capital crimes is a most important subject and should be carefully considered and weighed from all points of view. What is the argument in favor of Capital Punishment?

The theory of retaliation has passed into the oblivion and no argument in favor of this hideous punishment can be found in its antiquity. The argument that punishment by death is a deterrent to murder has proven to be a fallacy. If it did surely the thought of death would have prevented the last premeditated murder.

In Fannings book, entitled "Capital Punishment," George Shrady, in espousing the abolition of the death penalty, writes, "No sooner is the crime committed than the legal advisor is consulted and in a majority of cases, fulfills his promise to obtain a verdict of acquittal. The criminal classes know this and act accordingly. An experienced criminal lawyer of New York is quoted as saying "that of nearly six hundered cases of murder, of which he was counsel, scarcely a score were punished." The lesson which this teaches cannot be misinterpreted and the criminal who is actually sentenced and executed is looked upon more as an unfortunate victim of the law, than one who justly deserved his punishment. Environment and passion is the cause of most killings by a person who has lost self-control.

The carrying out of the death penalty creates violence, riots, lynchings and uprisings against the law.

Mention need only be made of the recent case in Georgia, which need not be named. Before the Governor of Utah had decided to intervene in the Hillstrom case he took precautionary measures by placing machine guns and armed guards around the penitentiary, in which elaborate preparations and designs had been made for the carrying out of the judgment. It is reported that the executive even went so far as to have guards placed around the church in which his daughter was being married to prevent any harm from being inflicted on the bridal party.

At this opportune time it might be well to quote from a message sent to the legislature of Kentucky by Governor Beckham: "I recommend that you provide that all executions of the death penalty be done in the Frankfort Penitentiary. The hanging of a man in the community where he was tried produces a sensation, a nervousness and excitement upon a part of the people and it has a brutalizing effect upon the large numbers *** who witness it."

Captial Punishment is barbaric, falacious antiquated and should find no place in this state of civilization. Abolish it before another person goes to his death by virtue of it.

A NOTE OF THANKS

For the courtesy extended the Association, in the Hillstrom case, we express our appreciation to Honorable W.A.F. Ekengren, Swedish Minister, and Frank L. Polk, Acting Secretary of State.

JEROME B. SABATH, Secretary. For the Association

AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE

Lest you forget, be advised that the October quarterly meeting will be held on the 30th of this month at the Prince George Hotel, at 8 o'clock, P.M.

If you have not already responded to your invitation please do so forthwith. Seating accomodations are being arranged only for those signifying their intention of attending this meeting. For the third and last time you are urged to advise the secretary at once how many seats should be reserved for your party. As only a limited number of non-members can be invited, please comply with this request.

4 THE LIFE PRESERVER

PERSONALS By the Secretary

Leo Kenneth Mayer, the overworked historian, is again contemplating taking a much needed vacation. Contemplation is as far as he ever gets about THAT vacation.

The person who said "all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy," evidentally never was an organization secretary.

Abraham Rosenbluth, one of the energetic members of the Association, has been appointed Chairman of the Legislative Committee. Capitol papers please copy.

The Editor will appreciate contributions for publication, which will be used in the earliest available issue. All letters must by signed, as anonymous communications will not receive attention.

Should debaters or speakers desire material for debate or lecture in favor of the Abolition of Capital Punishment, address the Editor. He will be pleased to furnish data gratuitously. The Association will furnish speakers on the subject of the Abolition of Capital Punishment, if application therefore is made to the Secretary a reasonable time in advance.

NOTICE

In order to expediate the transmission of telegraphic messages to the Association of its officers, it is requested that such communications be forwarded over the lines of the Postal Telegraph Company.

This association, like all other active organizations, incurs considerable expense, the most important items of which are rent, stationery, postage and office help. This expense is sustained by the dues of the members and voluntary contributions. We have but one class of active membership, the dues for which are $6.00 per annum. This sum includes full membership privileges in both the National Association for the Abolition of Capital Punishment and its affiliated association the National Association for Prison Reforms. We welcome the moral and financial support of any person interested in these progressive movements, either in the form of active members or contributors in any sum they may feel able to afford. The "Life Preserver" is mailed monthly to all members and contributors without any charge. Notices of meetings are mailed to all members and contributors two weeks in advance of the date set. All communications should be addressed to the Secretary.

If you are not a member, become one. If you are a member, get us one. Use the following in any event.

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION for the ABOLITION OF CAPITAL PUNISHMENT 291 Broadway New York

National Association for Prison Reforms, Affiliated:

I, the undersigned being in hearty accord with the movement to abolish the death penalty in the various States of the Union, do hereby apply for enrollment in your organization, for which please find enclosed herewith the sum of $ to pay for my dues for in advance.

Name.......................................... P.O. Address...................................

Dues, $6.00 per Annum, Payable Semi-Annually in Advance

The Association endeavors to prevent the carrying out of the death sentence in every case. It will give preferred attention to any one requesting its assistance.

All requests for aid must be made in person at the office of the Association. It is advisable to make an appointment by mail or telephone in advance, whenever possible.

NEW DEPUTY WARDEN AT SING SING

Elihu C. Church has been appointed Deputy Warden at Sing Sing Prison. Mr. Church is about 34 years of age, posseses a pleasing personality and is imbued with a proper importance of the work which he has been chosen to perform. Mr. Church refused to express his opinion on the subject of Capital Punishment beyond saying that he has very definite views thereon. He seems to be very determined and strong willed and ought to "make good."

If you are not a member, become one. If you are a member, get us one. Use the following in any event.

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION for the ABOLITION OF CAPITAL PUNISHMENT 291 Broadway New York

I, the undersigned, being in hearty accord with the movement to abolish the death penalty in the various States of the Union, do hereby apply for enrollment in your organization, for which please find enclosed herewith the sum of $ to pay for my dues for in advance.

Name . . . . . . . . . . P.O. Address . . . . . . . . . .

Dues, $6.00 per Annum, Payable Semi-Annually in Advance.