Page 1

[Letterheaded from the California Home Rule in Taxation Leage, Los Angeles Branch]

August, 18, 1914

Governor William Spry,

Salt Lake City, Utah.

Dear Sir:

This is respectfully to protest against the execution
of the death sentence in the case of Joe Hill, and to bespeak
for him your clemency.

We feel that the sentence against him was unjust, the
proof being very clear that he was without malice and with
no criminal intent.

He is a straightforward conscientious young man, unselfishly
devoting himself (however unwisely or rashly it
may be deemed) to the cause of human freedom and justice.

His over zeal, his rashness, and unwisdom, would be
amply punished, we submit, by life imprisonment - and surely
the great state of Utah could feel its interests fully
protected without taking his life - and could afford to be
merciful in this case, we hope.

Respectfully and earnestly we ask you to spare his life.

[signatures]
James H Griffs . Secy
Henriette Hovey
Helen Murphy
Ruby Gailey
R.E Chadwick
Anne Hartestone