This here fella was Illinois Governor John Peter Altgeld, and in 1896 was the guy who pardoned all the Haymarket Square "Bombers" that were still breathing (4 were hanged), saying their imprisonment and was unconstitutional. Born in Germany, he came to the US at the age of 2, and served in the Civil War on the Union side. Altgeld was a Judge in Chicago, a business leader and Democratic Party dude.He had also refused to call out the state militia against the Pullman Strikers. The then Attorney General Richard Olney wrote an injunction against the strikers, and demanded that President Cleveland call in the US Army.
As Governor, though he was often accused of using the state militia too often in most labor disputes, Altgeld decided the Pullman Strike was a legitimate action, and stood up to these fat-cats, he ended up being labelled an anarchist and a socialist.
As Governor, though he was often accused of using the state militia too often in most labor disputes, Altgeld decided the Pullman Strike was a legitimate action, and stood up to these fat-cats, he ended up being labelled an anarchist and a socialist.
What interests me about this guy was that he started out pretty mainstream and anti labor. But because the White House was determined to get rid of ALL labor organizers, along with any new foreign immigrants (especially Jews ---see the political cartoon below), he became a progressive.
SO ... let's go rock Cheney's limo, and set fire to it. Just for shits and giggles.
2 comments:
In memory of Frank Little, I'm there. Being born in close proximity to Butte, MT and all leaves a distinct pinkish glow.
count me in.
that's two of us.
quite a crowd.
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