The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1902-03-15

save the lives of the men whom Alt
geld was later to pardon. 1t has been
forgotten that the animus against
Fielden and his comrades sprang first
of all from their advocacy of the eight
hour movement, which has been of
incalculable benefit to the working
men of Chicago.
1t has been forgotten that large and
influential body of representative men
of this city signed the petition for
pardon of men condemned to death.
The enemies of the governor fixed
upon him the name of John Pardon
Altgeld-it was easier than replying
to the facts he adduced The simple
were fewer criminals in proportion to
the criminal population pardoned in the
years between 1892 and 1896 in Illinois
than in any year from 1890 to the
present day, is all that the man ac-
customed to do his own thinking re-
quires in the premises.
In this respect, as in every other,
Altgeld proved the sincerity of his
conservatism and lbs complete adher-
ence to the obligations of his office.
The year 1894 was one of extensive
troubles in the labor world throughout
the country. Chicago was the storm
center, and all Illinois was involved.
Early in the spring the coal miners,
driven into violence by lowering Of
wages below the cost of subsistence
broke the public peace in many towns
and cities of the state.
The Illinois National Guard, always
a subject of careful attention on Alt
geld's part, was kept in constant mo-
ton. But by this time the outspoken-
ness Of the man, his contempt for the
good opinion OF evil men, and his
rHatchless courage in right-doing and
plain speaking had made him particu-
larly obnoxious to the forces he was
combating. His political opponents
repeatedly put the public peace in
jeopardy for the sake of partisan ad-
vantage or the qualification of personal
animosities.
1t became necessary for Altgeld to
appoint member of his staff, Gen.
eral Hugh Bayle, to search out the
facts and report actualfties upon which
action could be taken.
Within a few weeks the Illinois Ma
tiona1 Guard was known as the most
efficient and thoroughly organized body
of citizen soldiery the United States
had ever known in times Of peace.
Their worth was attested by deeds,
not words.
While neighboring commonwealth
were suffering from interrupted train
service and public riots lasting through
many days, Illinois was at rest. No
train was delayed more than a few
hours during the coal strike in 1894.
When the strikers sought to delay
the movement of the troops the militia
themselves, under Altgeld's orders,
provided engineers and stokers and dis
order ceased. No other state was
blessed like this.
Later In the summer the great strike
Of the American Railway Union was
declared. The mayor of Chicago and
the sheriff of Cook county made no
demand upon the state authorities for
troops. Indeed, the contention of both
these functionaries that there was no
disorder at the time was we'll SUBJ
Stimulated.
The federal government had for it's
attorney general the corporation coun-
|sel of a great railway. It appointed
as special counsel in this district the
| corporation counsel of another great
railway. 1t has never been denied
that it was the intention of those two
officials to have federal soldiers in
Chicago before the strike broke out
| and federal soldiers were thrown into
this city and martial law declared
from Washington, when the official re-
| ports of the postal authorities on the
chouyo1 cio
for federal or other intervention.
r. No American who knows the his
tory of his country can wonder at
Governor Altgeld's indignant protest
| No American who views with alarm
poration interests disapproves Of his
position.
| For the first time in the annals of
troops were injected into a situation
completely within the control OF the
state and other local authorities. Alt.
geld, himself a rich man, but with his
| wealth honestly gained, had , never
shown himself out of sympathy with
honest property interests. He was too
good an American to sit quiet while a
precedent was established under which
and call of forces unknown to the Con-
| stftution of either state or nation. 4 -
But1the very interests he had soIcare-
fully conserved. during his entire .ad-
ministration were the first to- attack
his conclusions, and the National
Guard Of Illinois was insulted in the
house Of its most blatant friends.
TO cryRE 4 COLD IN ONE nav.