New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1918-08-18
Jury Out Only an Hour
After Proceeding Last
ing 1873 Days
Sentences Await
New Trial Motion
''Bill" Haywood and Other
Defendants Face Long
Terms in Prison

CHICAGO, Aug. 17.-One hundred
leaders of the Industrial Workers Of
the World were found "guilty as
charged in the indictment" by the jury
after one hours deliberation at their
trial for conspiracy to disrupt the ma
ticn's war programme late to-day.
Arguments for new trial will be
heard next week.
The defendants, including William
D. (Big BilD Haywood, general secre-
tary-treasurer of the I. W. W., the
highest position in the organization,
face a maximum penalty of twenty
seven years in prison and $4,000 fine
each.
Federal Judge x. M. Lands in his
charge to the jury withdrew the fifth
and last counts Of the indictment,
which chsvged conspiracy to violate
the postal law, particularly that section
excluding from the mails enterprises
in the nature of schemes to defraud.
The remaining four counts of the in
dictment specifically charged violation
Of the espionage act, the section of the
criminal code prohibiting interference
with the civil rights of citizens, the Sc
lective service act and the conspiracy
statute.
End Comes Suddenly
The close of the case, which had
been before the court for 1873 days, was
sudden. Two minor witnesses testified
at the morning session, and following
them Frank X. Nebcker, chief counsel
for the government, began his closing
argument, for which he was allowed
two hours, but consumed scarcely half
of that time. Then George f. Wander
the surprise of all in the courtroom
said he would submit the case to the
jury without making q closing state
mcnt.
In his closing argument Attorney
Ncbeker said:
"You have been engaged in one of
The most epoch-making trials in the
history Of the country. The wisdom Of
We obey the decisions of the highest
court, and that is the only way re-
public can live. Anything that strikes
at that is dangerous thing.
"The wisdom of the decisions of the
courts of this country is not at issue.
! The industrial system Is not on trial.
This case is not against any interests
I Of honest workingmen, or against any
patriotic labor organization. No eff
fort is being made by the government
to justify mob violence, the Bisbee de-
portations or other lawless acts
No Demonstration in Court
"At its very start the ]. W. W. struck
at the foundations of our government
Is it not peculiar that in every state
of the Union these fellows got into
trouble4 In little town an ordinafce
is passed; they come and violate<1t and
say they are going to violate It.
"The documents issued by the de-
PENDANTS themselves .are enough to
convict them. Whom you consider the
definitions made by the witnesses on
the stand and compare them with what
they have written and the books they
have authorized, the case of the gov
ernment is complete"
After the instructions of Judge Lam
dis the jury retired at 4:10 p. m., and
just one hour later announced that its
verdict was ready. The court was as
scmbled hastily and the verdict was
read at 5:25 p. m. There was no
demonstration, and the defendants were
returned to their cells after Judge Lam
dis had announced that he would hear
arguments for new TRIAL next week,
the exact date to be set later.