The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-11-12
THE ANARCHIST ANNIVERSARY.


CHICAGO, Nov. 1.-The first anniversary Of
the hanging Of the Anarchists was observed to-
day by the Chicago sympathizsrs, but not
within the limits Of the city. Police regulations
prevented any procession or flying Of red bunt-
ing, and there wss outbreak Of any kind.
About five thousand peopls-men, women and
children-gathered individually at the depot,
and two big trains carried them to Waldhsim
Cemetery. On the way to the cemetery the
crowd resembled anything rather than people
bent q melancholy errand. Joking and
chatting was the order Of the day all the way
out None Of the persons who gained notoriety
through connection with the Anarchist trial
wsre present, except Spiess sister Gretchen
nnd the daughters of George Engsl Mud
in tie country was IS effectual as the
police in the city in operating against
any procession from the cars to the graves,
and the chilly winds sweeping across the bleak
prairies sucircling Wsldheim Cemetery added
to the general discomfort. One thing. however.
was an unqualified success-ths floral tributes
were of the most elaborate character, and in
cluded contributions from thirteen different
Turner societies. Among the flowers blood-red
ribbons were conspicuous, and the inscriptions
accompanying them were such as: "For Free
dom and Right "To the Pioneers Of Truth and
Justice. and ITO the Martyrs. Our Thanks"
The first speech was by Robert Retzel, Of
Detroit. Compared with the rantings heard a
year ago on the same spot, his remarks were
tame. In fact, there was not single incsndiary
phrase in his entire speech. He dropped into
poetry quite frequently. He held that year
ago on the graves of the Anarchists the mourn
ers were at once plaintiffs and judges 1t
not quite apparent to him how long
the working people would be permitted to bury
their dead without the capitalistic power bring
ing bayonet and boodshed among sthe graves.
In this manner the speaker held forth for the
better part Of half an hour. Children from the
Socialist Sunday schools OF the city sang, in
childish mechanical fashion. hymn in praise Of
the Martyrs" When sne sound. of the chill
dreu's voices had ceased, the chairman. George
Scbilling. proceeded to that which was to be the
center Of attraction and attention, letter from
Albert X. Parsons to his children. addressed to
them with request that 1t should not be opened
or read uotil the irst anniversary of bis execu-
tion. Perfect quiet ca me over the assembly as
the letter was read. as follows:
DUNGEON No. 2. Cook COUNTY JAN,
CHICAGO, Nov. 4, 1887. 5
"My Darling, Precious Little Children. Albert
sons-As write this word. blot your names
with tear. We never meet again. Oh, nv chill
dren, how deeply, dearly your father loves you!
We show our love by living for our loved ones.
We also provo our love By dying, when neces-
sary, for them. OF my life and the cause Of my
unnatural and cruel death you will learn from
others. Your father is a self-ofered sacrifice on
the altar OF liberty end happiness To you I
leave the legacy Of an honest name and duty
well done. Preserve emulate it, be true to
yourselves, and you cannot then DO false to
others. Be industrious, and sober, and cheer
full Your mother-O she 10 the erandest,
noblest Of women-love. honor and obey her
My children, my precious ores. / request you
to read this parting message each recurring
anniversary OF my death. In remembrance OF
him who dies not alone for you. but for the chill
dren yet unborn. Bless you. my darlings. Fare
well. Your father, :
ALBERT r. PARsoSs'
The letter was something of disappointment
to the listeners. There was no approach to any
of the usual catch-words OF the revolutionists.
1t was too plain and father-ike. Hence, the
effect was not notable. It was simply one of
sadness that spread over the assembly, to be
soon dispelled however. by the opening words
of the speech which followed. The speaker,
William Holmss old friend of Parsons.
struck chord that had not vibrated for long
time. "Frends and comrades, he began, with
an animation that sounded like old times on the
lake front, when the groups were out in force
and the harangues were ell Of the coming
revolution The effect on the crowd was in
startaneous. They all pricked up their ears
doomed TO disappointment The speaker was
moderate In his remarks until the peroration
was reached. Something moro was evidently
necessary to round out the speech with, and
after comparing ''the movement for the emanci-
patton OF labor" 60 all sorts OF shining objects
he wound up by saying that it would flame like
the fire in the bsrricadee of the city streets" The
expression caught the audience. Half OF them
did not understand line OF the speech, or the
meaning OF the last entence, but the suggestion
of force in the words "barricade' and 'fre7
aroused burst Of applause. The speaker urged
all present TO put their shoulders to the wheel
and help accomplish the work for which the Eve
martyrs had died.
Joseph Labadie. o Michigan Anarchist who was
to deliver the principal speech OF the day, failed
TO put In appearance. There much talk
of war, and soldiers and glory in the last
speech. which was delivered by Paul Grottkau,
editor of several German socialist papers.
bis principal theme vas the 'smalluess' OF the
working classes that had allowed the Anarchists
Co be murdered" The "hypocrisy and tyranny
OF the ruling classes was one OF bis fAvorite
terms The proper way to honor the dead men.
he said. was to lead to . successful issue the
movement which they had died for.
chorus OF three hundred male voices con-
cluded the programme in dirRs-liks song that
formed Citing conclusion 10 the ceremonies.