In the Matter of the Application Made on Behalf of Thomas J Mooney...
A Wrongfully Convicted Bomber? [California]. [Mooney, Thomas J. (1882-1942)]. In the Matter of the Application Made on Behalf of Thomas J. Mooney for a Pardon: Decision of Hon. James Rolph, Jr., Governor of the State of California, Together with the Report of Hon. Matt I. Sullivan, Former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of California, And Special Advisor to the Governor in the Above Entitled Proceeding. Sacramento: California State Printing Office, 1932. 93 pp. Stapled pamphlet in printed wrappers. Light toning and negligible light soiling to wrappers, bold inscription "Compliments of Matt I. Sullivan" to head of front wrapper, hinges cracked, staples just starting to rust. Light toning to interior, very slight vertical fold line. $300. * Only edition. Mooney was a socialist activist and labor leader who was convicted of bombing the San Francisco Preparedness Day parade in 1916. The parade was held by the Preparedness Movement, which advocated American participation in World War I to the disdain of many isolationist and anti-militarist radical groups. Ten people were killed in the bombing and forty more were injured. Mooney and an associate were arrested, tried and sentenced to death despite a notable lack of clear evidence implicating the two. President Wilson commuted their death sentences to life in prison, but public outcry over their convictions, particularly Mooney's, continued. Mooney campaigned extensively to overturn his conviction or secure a pardon. This report, compiled by three prominent California jurists on behalf of Governor James Rolph, Jr., concludes that Mooney's conviction was fair and that without compelling new evidence, which he had not provided, his pardon should be denied. Rolph followed their recommendation and denied the pardon. Mooney was eventually pardoned seven years later by a more liberal governor. Our copy is signed by Matt I. Sullivan [1857-1937], Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of California from 1914-1915 and one of the authors of the report.
Price: $300.00
Book number 73703