The Accused the Accusers: The Famous Speeches of the Eight Chicago Anarchists in Court. When asked if they had anything to say why sentence should not be passed upon them. On October 7th, 8th and 9th, 1886. Chicago, Illinois.
Chicago: Socialistic Publishing Society, 1886.
First edition. [ii], 188 pp. Publisher's original pink wraps. Very Good with typical toning and light soiling to wrappers, chip along inner edge of front wrap, some corners of contents lightly creased. Printed at a slight angle. Uncommon.
The words of August Spies, Michel Schwab, Oscar Neebe, Adolph Fischer, Louis Lingg, George Engel, Samuel Fielden, and Albert R. Parsons-- damning in the eyes of the American government, profound to their supporters. They were the eight anarchists accused of conspiracy in a bombing that killed 11 people in the midst of a labor rally/protest for an eight-hour workday. Roughly 60 were wounded. This was referred to as as the Haymarket Riot (or Affair, to those who would rather emphasize the protestors' legitimate grievances), and was summarized by William J. Adelman, "No single event has influenced the history of labor in Illinois, the United States, and even the world, more than the Chicago Haymarket Affair. It began with a rally on May 4, 1886, but the consequences are still being felt today." The 19th century Left took up the cause of the Haymarket 8, though still their trial became an exemplary miscarriage of justice. The ratification of the eight hour work day and the celebration of May Day as a labor holiday stemmed from the Haymarket Affair and its aftermath.
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