C: Oct.-Nov. 15, 1915

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song and music and good will to all?

A man who sings can not kill; where there is music in the heart, murder can not dwell.

Because his first counsel were incapable, his persecutors biased against a man of his type, and his trial a farce, should he pay for it, with his life? Because his pursecutors are also the Brand of Pardons to decide upon his fate should an innocent man give his life for it?

Because he wants no mercy, asks no pardon but requests a new trial where, he promises, to prove his innocence—should he die?

Should Hillstrom be compelled to bring ruin upon a woman or else lose his life?

Is it possible that a man of superior inteligence like Hillstrom should commit murder even for cause; is it plausible that he would commit murder without cause? Not knowing the man there could be no desire for vengeance; burglery not being the aim, is it not plain that the motive for the crime must rest in other quarters, and that its just a stroke of ill-luck that Hillstrom should have been implicated, while the real culprit is at large. Circumstantial evidence should not convict a man to life imprisonment, much less should it ever be allowed to rob a man of his life.

What we, really, all ask is a new trial for Hillstrom, but if this is impossible, may we not beseech you, esteemed Sir, to commute his sentence to imprisonment for life.

The truth, in time, will float to the surface, but give us time, so that that truth does not come too late. With kindest regards and many thanks, I am yours very sincerely Jamie U. Carliph

Last edit about 2 years ago by MaryV
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Jennie D. Carlipli, 5316-16 Ave., Brooklyn, N.J.

Dear Madam:

Your communication, written on behalf of Joseph Hillstrom, has been by the Governor, filed with the State Board of Pardons, which board, under the laws of Utah, acts upon applications for pardon and commutation.

In order that you may be correctly informed as to the facts entering into the appeal of this case to the Supreme Court of Utah, I am enclosing a copy of the decision of the Court for your perusal.

Very respectfully,

Secretary to Governor.

Last edit about 3 years ago by jancrane
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Nevado Ia Nov 8- 1915,

Gov. Spry Salt Lake City

Govoner Spry, We dont see why, Joe Hill should die

Would you a man of means and Brains Try to tie us workers down with chains.

We have at last opened your eyes, And if Joe Hill dies we want to know the reason why.

Would you shoot a man's life out, When there is still left a lot of doubt.

Yours for a fair trial John Clark William Shaffter

Last edit about 2 years ago by MaryV
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Portland, Oregon, 11- 10- '15.

Hon W.E. Spry Gov. Utah

Dear Sir: Have been following the case of Joseph Hilstrom as State of Utah pretty closely and, altho it is not an unusual thing for the "powers that be" to encroach on justice to get one who has been true to the working class, am surprised and enraged at the inroads you make on it (justice) in your state. You not only have no reliable evidence that he is guilty of the crime for which you intend to execute him, but you use still more unfair means in attempting to connect him with crimes in San Pedro and elswhere which he never committed at all. Your purpose in this is, no doubt, in the hopes of creating public

Last edit about 3 years ago by jancrane
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sentiment against the unfortunate man, and to make it appear the execution is on general principals more than on any evidence that you have. The fact that he was compelled to retain- by the court- two attorneys whom he had attempted to discharge for very good reasons, shows that the entire legal machinery were corrupted against him. Alas, the fact that he was refused the privelige of speaking for himself at the time of his sentence, sustains the above conclusion. A more flagrant violation of human rights can not be charged against Russia.

There is no doubt in my mind that this young man is intitled to a new trial with an unbiased judge on the bench and a jury on the docket who have not been picked

Last edit about 3 years ago by jancrane
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