Miscellaneous

Nov. 30, 1915.

Hon. A. R. Barnes, Attorney-General, Capitol Building, City.

Dear Sir:

I enclose herewith, bill of Edward J. Walsh for stenographic report of speech of Judge Hilton delivered at the Hillstrom funeral in Chicago, Nov. 25. As you know, this service was ordered by the Governor and it is his thought that the bill might be charged against the appropriation made the State Board of Pardons. If this can be done, will you be good enough to have a voucher forwarded to mr. Walsh.

Very truly yours,

Secretary to Governor.

P.O. Box 623, Jamestown, N.Y., Dec. 4, 1915.

Governor of Utah, Dear Sir;-

Will you please see that I am sent a copy of the court report of the "Joseph Hillstrom case"?

This request is made because of the conflicting contentions made regarding the facts of the case.

As I have begun the study of Law and believe that this case is of great importance from a legal viewpoint, I hope and trust that I will receive a copy shortly.

Your favorable response will be greatly appreciated.

Thanking you in advance,

Yours truly, Axel W. Berggren.

P.S.- I enclose stamped, addressed envelope.

Dec. 8, 1915.

Mr. Axel W. Berggren.

Box 623, Jamestown, N.Y.

Dear Sir:

Replying to your communication of the 4th inst., in which you request a copy of the court report of the Hillstrom case, I beg to advise you there is not nor has there been available for distribution any such copy. Only two copies of the record of evidence in this case were made and both these are and have been in possession of officials of the court. The only thing I am able to send you is a copy of the decision of the Supreme Court which I enclose herewith.

Very truly,

Secretary to Governor.

Senator Carl Badger. Salt Lake City, Utah.

Dear Sir:

On September 25th, 1915, the Swedish Minister requested the State Department to intervene for a postponement of the execution of the sentence of Joseph Hillstrom.

On the same date, Acting Secretary Francois Polk merely wired to the Governor the request to the Swedish Minister with this statement, "I shall be glad if you will give this request of the Swedish Minister consideration.

On September 26th, the Governor wired the Acting Secretary Polk as per exhibit attached hereto and marked No. 1.

Again on September 28th, Acting Secretary Polk transmitted to the Governor by telegraph the contents of a telegram from the Swedish Minister repeating his request that if possible a postponement of the execution be granted and the Secretary merely forwarded this telegram with the notation that it is "Transmitted for your careful consideration."

Under date of September 30, the Acting Secretary of State wired Governor Spry as follows: "referring to previous telegraphic correspondence regarding case Joseph Hillstrom following further telegram from Swedish Minister is transmitted for your urgent consideration. Have just received following message from one of Hillstrom's counsel, "Grave question of Hillstrom's sanity. Utah laws do not permit execution of insane people and provide for inquest at any time. Federal State Department time to request stay of execution. I was Hillstrom's counsel. I arrived at Salt Lake Friday. E. D. MacDougal." I respectfully ask that you take this matter up for immediate consideration if you should deem it expedient to do so."

November 19, 1915, Secretary of State Robert Lansing, wired Governor Spry as Follows: "Referring to previous telegraphic correspondence concerning trial and conviction Joseph Hillstrom following telegram received by the President this morning from Seattle and referred to the Department as quoted for your information and consideration;

"Woodrow Wilson, Washington, D. C. (Personal. Open Immediately) Man here makes affidavit he was with Joseph Hillstrom from two until ten P.M. on day of Morrison Murder. Request stay of execution to allow introduction of this new evidence." Notary public seal on telegram. Thomas Whitehead."

I attach copies of some of the telegrams which passed between the Governor and the Swedish Minister.

Very truly yours.