The Rise and Fall of Anarchy in America / From its Incipient Stage to the First Bomb Thrown in Chicago

by George N. McLean

PRISONERS ABSENT WHEN SENTENCED.

As a final reason why the writ should be granted, General Butler urged that the prisoners had been sentenced to death in their absence, and without being asked whether they had any reason to give why sentence of death should not be pronounced upon them. The record, he said, did not show that they were absent when sentenced, but they could prove it. The record showed that they were present, but they could prove by half Chicago that this was a mistake.

In conclusion, General Butler said: “May I, in closing, make one observation? If men’s lives can be taken in this way, as you have seen exhibited here to-day, better anarchy, better be without law, than with any such law.” General Butler then thanked the court for its indulgence and took his seat.