ENPages
Page 1
Brooklyn N. Y. July 30th, 1914. Wm. Spry; Governor of the State of Utah. Dear Sir, The 14th A. D. Socialist Party of Kings County, Brooklyn, State of New York; in regular session held July 29th wishes to voice its protests (the courts) in the case of the people versus Joe Hill. We demand that are comrade be granted an appeal and a new trial before an impartial jury. We feek that if our Comrade is granted a new trial, he would then be able to prove his innocence, and reverse the former predjudiced decision. Hoping that you will grant Joe Hill a new trial, which act eill signify to us that you will stand for the principles of truth, justice and humanity we are
Yours for a better system of society, Samuel Orner Sec. of the 14th A. D. S. P. 260 South Fourth St Brooklyn New York
Page 2
467 Pacific st., Brooklyn, N.Y Sep. 23, 1915
Hon. Wm Spry, Governor of the State of Utah.
Dear Sir:- It rests with you to save the life of Joseph Hillstrom sentenced by the Courts of Utah to be shot coming Oct. 1st. Aside from having a signed enclosed Petition I wish to state my personal sentiments in the matter. You have undoubtedly read Joseph Hillstrom's letter as published in Salt Lake Telegram of Aug 22 last. I conclude from said letter, but not exclusively, that the writer can not have committed the crime of which he is convicted. I am personally not a member of the I.W.W., though I confess to the world my sympathies for the fundamental ideals and final aims of that organization. So long as no motive has been shown for the crime charged against Joseph Hillstrom I contend that he is innocent. It is impossible for a man of Hillstrom's character to have committed such an imbecile and degenerate act.
Page 3
2. This I must believe until a motive is shown and and proven. Civilization has absolutely nothing to gain by snuffing out the life of Joseph Hillstrom. Should it come to pass it would, of course, be nothing new. Like acts have happened in past history. But it should not now be necessary so long as you can prevent it. Surely none but craven vultures would condemn your decision of setting aside the sentence in this case and give Hillstrom the opportunity to prove his innocence, which as yet has been denied him. Selfish (in)humans stop short at nothing. I believe Hillstrom to be a victim of such. Were I convinced as to Hillstrom's guilt, I scarcely think I would offer a word in his behalf unless the circumstances surrounding the crime would prompt me to do so. Hillstrom is better alive than as a martyr of mal-justice.
Very Respectfully Yours, Arvid Olson
Page 4
Swedish Minister
Page 5
TO THE HONORABLE WILLIAM SPRY Governor of the State of Utah Salt Lake City, Utah
THE UNDERSIGNED, all being citizens of the United States, and whose addresses are set opposite their names, having been informed concerning the recent trial and conviction of one Joseph Hillstrom, (also known as Joe Hill) by the District Court of Salt Lake County, Utah, for the alleged killing of J.S.Morrison and his son, Arling Morrison, in Salt Lake County, Utah, On January 10th, 1914, and of theaffirmance of the Judgement of conviction of said District Court by the Supreme Court of the State of Utha [sic], hereby make appeal to your executive clemency on be-half of said Hillstrom, and request that you grant him a pardon, for the followingreasons, to-wit: That the said Hillstrom was denied by the Judge of the said District Court of Salt Lake County that fair and impartial trial which is guaranteed to all citizens of the United States by the Constitution thereof, and the laws of the State of Utah,in that the said Court denied to him the privilege of being defended by counsel of his own selection, or of conducting his own defence, and that he has therefore been deprived of the benefit of counsel. Because the conviction of said Hillstrom was obtained upon flimy and wholly insufficient evidence, the said trial being a mockery of justice and the verdict rendered therein due wholly to prejusdice prevailing in said Salt Lake County against Hillstrom because of his activity in the labour movement NAME ADDRESS
