Illinois [32 items]

Resolution

Whereas, we, the Swedish speaking people of [illegible] [illegible] in massmeeting assembled, have learned that one countryman of ours, JOSEPH HILLSTROM by name, is being unjustly held in jail in Salt Lake City, Utah, under sentence to die on Nov. 19, 1915;

Whereas, we from all accounts of his trial have become convinced that the said Joseph Hillstrom is innocent of the crime of which he is accused and is merely a victim of a conspiracy, due to hatred and prejudice on account of his activity in the labor movement;

Whereas, Joseph Hillstrom never had a fair trial;

Whereas, he has been denied a new trial in spite of the gravest errors in his trial; and

Whereas, this innocent man is in immediate danger of being judicially murdered, due to the stubborn prejudice of his judges, and

Whereas, these same judges in the Board of Pardon have tried to justify their position by slandering the character of the man they unjustly deliver to death, by falsely imputing to him a criminal record;

Therefore, be it

Resolved, that we, one for all, and all for one, demand that the execution of Joseph Hillstrom be stayed, and that he be immediately liberated or granted a new trial. The sentence has been pronounced by men, and it can be set aside by men as long as Hillstrom is alive. Law was made for the sake of man and not man for the sake of the law. And be it further

Resolved, that we condemn as cowardly the action of the Board of Pardons in falsely imputing, through the press, a criminal record to a man whom they deny the chance to defend himself; and be it further

Resolved, that should, contrary to our expectations, the sentence be carried out, we shall hold the whole American people responsible for such an outrage; and be it further

Resolved, that in such a case American citizenship has no longer any value to us, and that we forsware the loyalty and allegiance to American laws, government and institutions, which has heretofore characterized our people. For where law and government cease to be the instrument of justice and are used for the murder of the innocent, loyalty ceases to be a virtue. And be it further

Resolved, that these resolutions be immediately communicated to the press, to the President of the United States, to the Governor of the State of Utah and to the Mayor of our City

[illegible] [illegible]

Chairman of Meeting.

Nov. 14th, 1915.

To the Hon. w. Spry. Governor of Utah Dear Sir: - I have followed with deep interest and concern the trial and conviction of Josef Hillstrom, sentenced by your state to die on the first of Octobeer of this year. It seems to me that he did not have a fair trial and that the evidence on which he was convicted is insufficient to send him to his death and I therefore earnestly pray that you will use your influence and executive power to commute his sentence and thus present the great state of Utah from taking the life of a man who may be innocent. Your very earnestly Mrs. Oscar Westerlund May St. Waukegan, Ill. Gertrude Forsberg 1111 McAllister Ave Waukegan Ill Mrs. A. A. Eh 102 N. Mott Ave Waukegan Ill Edna Forsberg 1111 Mc Alister Ave Waukegan Ill Mrs. Chas Forsberg 1111 Mc Alister Ave Waukegan Ill Miss Viola Westerlund 111 May St Waukegan Ill Mrs. C, Westberg Mc Allister Ave Waukegan Ill Mrs. [illegible?] [Dunson?] Mc May St

To The Honorable Governor of Utah,

Salt Lake City, Utah.

Dear Sir;

We the undersigned citizens of Belvidere, Boone County, Illinois, after going over the case of Joseph Hillstrom, as near as possible; who is sentenced to be shot in your State, for the supposed murder of a man named Morrison, have come to the conclusion that he is innocent of the charges against him, and that if you as Governor of the State of Utah allows this man to be shot, you make a serious mistake, that will leave a black spot upon the fair state of Utah for years to come.

In the name of Justice and Humanity we ask you to use your influence as the Governor to see that this man secures Justice.

Fred N. Hale

Herman John

[illegible signature]

Petition

Hon. [illegible] & Spry,

Governor of Utah.

This appeal is directed to the Boards of Pardons in behalf of Joseph Hillstrom, under sentenced of death in the Utah Penitentiary. We have read and heard something about the case.

1st.- We do not believe Joseph Hillstrom guilty of the crime for which he has been convicted.

2nd. We do not believe he has had a fair trial.

3rd. We have learned that the jurors were not selected in the usual way.

4th. The defendant was practically without council when he was on trial for his life.

5th. No motive was shown for the crime of which he was convicted.

6th. The conviction was found upon the flimsiest kind of circumstantial evidence.

Believing these to be the facts we, the undersigned demand that the death sentence in the case of Joseph Hillstrom be set asied and clemency extended.

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