Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-06-28
GOV. ALTGELD LAUGHS.
He Says the Newspapers Cannot Cut Through
His Hide.

He Says the Newspapers Cannot Cut Through
His Hide.
A reporter who called on Gov. Altgeld Of I'LL
noia inquired if he had any thing to say as to the
attacks made on him by the Chicago morning
papers because Of his action in pardoning the
anarchists. The governor laughed rather
immode rately, and replied that he bad not seen
the papers vet. and intimated that he was alto
gether indifferent to their comments.
LET them pitch in and give me the devil, If
they want to-" he said. "They could not cut
through my hide in three weeks with an AK
In addition to this the governor had nothing
to say.
Opinion in Chicago is divided as to the gov
ernor's action. Some of the best lawyers do
not hesitate to declare that it was all right and
to denounce the trial Of the anarchists as a
travesty on justice.
At least one of tire pardoned anarchists,
Samuel Fielden, has resentment against any
one connected with his trial and imprisonment.
My intention is to forget the past, to let the
dead past bury its dead, and begin life all over
again, said he yesterday morning as he sat in the
parlor Of General NJ NJ. Turnbull, chairman Of
the amnesty committee. 81 have never hurt
anybody vet, and do not intend to begin now.
l do not like to be hurt myself. and. though /
have been badly hurt myself, do not feel like
subjecting those who are to blame to the same
family during my imprisonment to mar the
happiness of our reunion, except that my
children have grown older. l would rather
have a two-year-old than a -year-old.
No, l have no plans laid out for the future.
NV wife is very anxious that we should return
to England, but think that is wholly imprac-
, ticable. Stlll, l cannot say anything positive
about II. l will have to consult my friends
and think over the whole matter before l de-
eide on anything"
In appearance Fielden is strong and healthy,
and looks younger than his forty-six years. He
talks huently, although in a subdued manner,
and his doctrines have been considerably modi-
fed.
II still hold the same ideas Of right and
| wrong" he said, "but as to the carrying out
| of the principles nv views have changed some.
| The futility Of some of our plans has appeared
| to me, and have become more conservative"
Gen. NJ. NJ. Turnbull expressed his delight
| with the conduct of the governor, and espec-
| tally with the reasons given for it, as they
showed that it was not act Of clemency but
one of strict right and justice A meeting of
| the Amnesty Association, which labored SO long
| and SO earnestly for the freeing Of Fielden,
| Schwab and Neebe. will be held as soon as the
members can be called together.
| The object of their existence having been &C
| ,"mrished, nothing remains to be done but to
| disband. At the meeting vote of thanks to
Governor Altgeld will be passed. Arrange
| ments will then be made with the Pioneer Aid
Association, which took care OF the families OF
the men, to raise fund to be used in establish
| ing the three pardoned men in business
| Schwab and Fielder were stonecutters, while
| Neebe was engaged in selling yeast.