The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-03-20
ANARCHIST AWAKENING.
THE CHICAGO REDS HAVE AN IN
DOOR SUNDAY PICNIC.
Refreshments Consist OF the Usual
"Feenf und zwanzig Beer" and a
Big Proportion OF Hot Blooded and
Windy Oratory.

CmcAoo, ILL.,, March 10.-'T am an an
archist; let them strangle me II they dare"
shouted Albert Curtin, the anarchist ed
itor, to the crowd assembled ina North Side
hall last evening. Anarchy was having a
holiday, with no attempt at concealment.
II was the seventeenth anniversary Of the
French commune, and the "reds" had an
indoor picnic. The Central Labor union
assumed the responsibilities OF the affair,
and arranged the program, which was
termed "a commune festival" There were
fully 800 persons present, including all
the prominent anarchists in the city, and
the relatives OF some Of the men executed
last November.
The red banner Of the Central Labor
union fiuttered at the entrance to the hall.
AT each side'of the stage were pedcstals
dnped In blood-red bunting and bearing a
card inscribed, November H., 1887. !"
These bore the busts OF August Spies and
Louis Lingg. Each head was encircled
with wreath of myrtle, sash OF the same
somber leaves, entwined with red ribbons,
being knotied dagonally across the breast.
Later in the evening lie size bustoil paint
ings of Spies, Parsons, Lingg and Fischer
were in turn displayed upon the stand and
received with transports OF delight.
Alter long program OF songs and reci-
tations, the FESTIVAL address" was an
nounced, and its deliverer, Curtin, was
received with tremendous cheers. lie
spoke in German for over half an hour in
/ A Tl.a L..
stance OF his remarks was rs follows
"Nive Ia commune. Aye vive In COM
munc. This glorious sentence Numbered
upon the ears Of the tyrants and money
grabbers seventeen years age. The world
trcmblcd at the sound. The thieves Of the
boursc, the pulpit and the press shook like
autumn leaves in n high wind"
Curtin then gave what he said was an
account OF the events OF the commune
how the French and Prussian tyrants
combined 10 crush out "the patriot prolc-
tarians," and how at the fall workmen,
their wives and children TO the number Of
at least $4,000 were slaughtered.
"Ihis orgie OF blood finished" he con-
tinucd, "how the money bags, aristocrats
and the priests shook with laughter. How
they boosted OF the downfall OF the sup
porter OF the whole social system. Did
they laugh with reason? Did they kill an
archy at the stamping out Of the commune?"
["No, no." and ironcal laughter from
all parts OF the hail.
"No, indeed" Numbered Curtin.
anarchy and socialism have marched
right onward. Our principles are abroad
in the world and are undying They can
not be stamped out.
The orator then reverted 10 the trial and
execution Of the Chicago anarchists, aud
worked his auditors into white heat.
"What say you, you citizens OF this glori-
ous republic, 10 The murder OF your breih-
rcn2 Have they spread terror in our
ranks? DO We kiss the hands that shed
the best blood among us? DO we groyel
before those who have placed our cham.
pions beneath the cold sod or behind iron
bars. Are there no longer anarchists in
Chicago? There IL one-I am an anarch-
ist. let them strangle me II they dare.
Applause and shouts lasting nearly two
minutes. And | am not the only one.
Wclivc and will live 10 act, M becomes us.
The combat between barbarity and Justice
Is not ended. Past events were needed 10
strengthen us for the struggle. There has
been too much wind in our agitation too
much merrymaking. We have talked and
danced while our oppressors have worked
and alaid up nights TO find means for our
continued enslavement. The fruition Of
their labor has lvcn the erection Of five
gallows trees, and their hircling press
laughs and tries 10 persuade them that they
have reached the end"
Curtin then spoke OF the conspiracy
laws enacted by the last Legislature Of
Illinois, aud said; "Thc man who would
obey OF allow himself 10 be cowed by such
bastard laws Is coward mud poltrvon. "
lie closed with n strong appeal for renewed
action and union among the radical host.
''rhe time has come when We must range
ourselves in scrricd ranks. No beating
about the bush. II we are anarchists, lei
Us avow II 10 the world. Our martyrs live
In our midst. Long live anarchy! Long
live socialism, Viyc In commune" Tire.
mcndous applause and excitement
The body Is more susceptible 10 benefit