This extraordinarily detailed, day-by-day record is an essential history of 1909-10’s epic ‘free speech’ struggle waged by the I.W.W. against the bourgeois Spokane and its police force. Led in part by a 19-year-old Elizabeth Gurley Flynn the campaign was, with San Diego, the most consequential of the wobblies’ free speech fights. Spokane, with its 4,000 I.W.W. members placed at the center of a growing region, was also home of the ‘Industrial Worker’ newspaper at the time.

‘Synopsis of the Spokane Free Speech Fight’ from Industrial Worker. Vols. 1 & 2. Nos. 52 & 1. March 19 & 26, 1910.

Spokane is a great slave market for the rail roads, lumber and farming industries of the Northwest. The men wanted for these various Industries are usually secured through the blood-sucking employment agencies, with which the streets of Spokane are lined. There are many evils connected with this parasitic industry, as workingmen are continually being fleeced out of their hard-earned money by the sharks and shipped away out into the wilderness to a job that has no existence save in the florid Imagination of the employment agent. Many men who were victimized in this manner came back to Spokane, but were unable to secure any redress, as no one among the city officials had time to listen to their grievances. (On the authority of Corporation Counsel Blair, Mayor Pratt now devotes 50 per cent of his time to adjusting difficulties between swindled workingmen and swindling job sharks.)

The I.W.W., which is composed almost entirely of the class of men who do the kind of work handled by the employment offices, took up the cudgels against the evil. With “Don’t Buy Jobs” as their slogan, they launched a street-speaking crusade against the employment sharks. This speedily put a crimp in their stealings, as the prospective sucker was lured from their inviting job signs into the I.W.W. hall, where, for nothing, he received much more valuable Information about working conditions than that which he had heretofore paid large fees to the employment shark for. Realizing that if this crusade kept up they would be ruined, the “labor agents” organized themselves into “The Associated Employment Agencies of Spokane,” and with the kind assistance of several big Northwestern corporations, who also wished to take a crack at the militant I.W.W., they lobbied an anti-street speaking ordinance through the city council.

This ordinance, commonly called the “first ordinance,” was passed Dec. 29, 1909, to take effect Jan. 1st, 1910, and prohibited street speaking of all kinds within the fire limits of the city. The effect of this would have been to force the I.W.W. into the country if they wished to hold street meetings.

Notice was served upon the I.W.W. to cease holding street meetings upon Jan. 1st, when the new ordinance would go into effect, but no notice was taken of this. Street speaking still continued until the middle of February, when several men who had been shamefully robbed by the Red Cross employment office sharks organized a demonstration against this worthy institution, and before it was through several employment agencies were in a more or less dilapidated condition. Several men were arrested for this affair.

The police informed the I.W.W. immediately after this that if they attempted any more street speaking they would be arrested. For a short while they obeyed this edict, but finally, with John Walsh at their head, they sallied forth and 48 men were arrested for speaking on the street. It was agreed to make a test case of Walsh, and the balance of the men were released. Walsh was found guilty in both the Municipal and Superior Courts, and then the case was dropped.

The fight languished then until August 18th, when, at the instigation of the various street speaking religious organizations, who chafed at their enforced separation from the remunerative street collections, the council passed what is known as the “second ordinance.” This granted the privilege to the Mayor to extend the use of the street to all “regular religious organizations.” Thus was the discrimination made against the I.W.W., who had to remain in their hall while the religious fanatics held forth on the street. In order to test this “class legislation,” Louis Gatewood was sent out to speak on the street on Sept. 28th. His case was dismissed by Judge Mann, although Attorney Moore asked that it be used as a test case. The following is a brief synopsis of the ensuing events:

Oct. 25th: Nat. Organizer James P. Thompson arrested as a test case. Salvation Army and other “regular religious organizations” ceased to hold street meetings.

Nov. 1st: I.W.W. held mass meeting and decided they will speak on street next day regardless of outcome of Thompson trial.

Nov. 2nd: Thompson acquitted by Judge Mann in Municipal Court. Judge Mann delivered his famous decision, in which he said: “The right to speak on the street, or any other place, is inherent. It is a natural right. It is a gift from God that every man is supposed to have.”

He held the first prohibition ordinance to be in effect again. An hour after Thompson’s acquittal the street fight proper began, and $3 men were arrested the first day.

Fellow Workers Thompson, Wilson, Cousins and Filigno arrested on charge of “criminal conspiracy.”

Twenty-eight men thrown in sweat box, steam heated, 6 ft. by 10 ft., and kept there 36 hours until many faint. Place so crowded men are unable to take off their clothes, though they are stifling with the heat. No toilet facilities. Drinking water given by means of a hose stuck into the cell. All prisoners forced to run the gauntlet from booking office to cells between rows of policemen. Several women onlookers arrested at I.W.W. hall and held several days without trial.

Nov. 3rd: Mrs. Edith Fernett and 20 men arrested for speaking on the street. All prisoners were booked on disorderly conduct charge, as authorities feared first ordinance–then in effect–was also unconstitutional. Judge Mann sentenced 48 men to 30 days apiece on the rock pile. Men refused to work and were put upon bread and water diet.

E.J. Foote, acting editor of the Industrial Worker, arrested in Atty. Moon’s office on charge of “conspiracy.”

Men taken from hot sweat box to, ice-cold cells to their infinite discomfort and suffering.

Nov. 4th: Great crowds at street-speaking demonstrations. Fire department called out and hose turned upon the crowds. Masonic Temple denied to I.W.W., although the rent had been paid for it. Carpenters’ hall likewise refused.

Nov. 5th: Attorney Sam T. Crane arrested on a charge of inciting to riot for criticising the police in a fiery speech from his office window. Many men arrested daily.

Socialist Party endorsed free speech fight.

Nov. 6th: Famous hunger strike–the first in American labor history–inaugurated by 150 I.W.W. prisoners in the city jail, who refused to eat the niggardly rations of bread and water: 150 prisoners confined in six cells 7 ft. by 8 ft. They were unable to lie down. They took off their heavy shoes and created bedlam by hammering on the steel cell walls with them. This process was called “Building battleships.”

One thousand three hundred dollars deposited at I.W.W. headquarters by prospective street speakers. All visitors to hall searched before being admitted.

Agnes Thecla Fair arrested.

Nov. 7th: No arrests, an I.W.W. held no street-speaking demonstrations on Sunday.

Nov. 8th: Sensational offer by prominent Spokane business man of 1,000 pick handles with which to drive the I.W.W. into the river. The offer not accepted. All street speaking cases appealed to Superior Court.

Thirty speakers arrested.

Nov. 9th: The abandoned, condemned and partly wrecked Franklin school converted into a temporary city jail and many I.W.W. men transferred there. The conditions at the regular jail beggar description, owing to its over crowded condition. Central Labor Council endorsed free speech and appointed committee of five to wait on city council and request action.

Agnes Thecla Fair carried on litter through the streets of Spokane, from I.W.W, headquarters to her hotel, after release from jail.

Nov. 10th: Fort George Wright converted into an auxiliary city jail by permission of War Dept. City and County officials wired I.M. Howell, Acting Governor of Washington, for the use of the National Guard to suppress the I.W.W. The request refused, “as situation, as yet, does not justify it.” Electric car on which 70 I.W.W., in charge of 120 policemen, were being taken to Fort Wright, derailed and effort made to fasten blame for accident upon I.W.W. None injured.

Nov. 11th: After six days of fasting in the crowded jails the men become very weak from hunger and loss of sleep. The “fighting committee” sent an urgent appeal, that the strike be declared off. All obey this except a few–one of whom, Frank Reed, was carried to the hospital on the 13th day of his fast.

City council held special meeting to consider the advisability of adopting a regulation street speaking ordinance. Gurley Flynn and several other I.W.W., A.F. of L., and S.P. speakers spoke for it. Two business men opposed it. Connell refused to take action until requested to do so by the Mayor and the Chief of Police. Federal government threatened to deport foreign born I.W.W. as undesirable citizens. Immigration Inspector Richardson visited the various jails and threatened the prisoners.

Nov. 12th: Judge Hinkle refused to issue writs of habeas corpus for men arrested and held undue length of time without trial, unless fees aggregating $4.80 were forthcoming to the Sheriff’s office.

Forty-eight special policemen appointed at $2.75 per day.

Burke W.F. of M. declared boycott on Spokane in ringing resolutions. Initiative petition for a new ordinance circulated. Arrests to date 251–foreigners 115, Americans 136. In same issue Spokesman-Review branded I.W.W. as a bunch of ignorant foreigners.

Nov. 13th: Colonel Abercrombie, of Fort Wright, praised authorities for the firm stand they took “during the recent I.W.W. trouble.”

Nov. 14th: Many good Christian preachers sermonized on the I.W.W. and called them all the hard names in the calendar.

Meeting held in the Municipal court room addressed by Gurley Flynn and John M. Work. Attempt to discredit I.W.W. by stating in Spokesman-Review that business of saloon-keepers was ruined by jailing so many of the hard-drinking I.W.W. Several prisoners released from the jails in wrecked physical condition.

Fred W. Heslewood took charge of free-speech defense fund at Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

Nov, 15th: One hundred and ten appeals taken in disorderly conduct cases. Fifty cases tried in 40 minutes. Courts swamped with work. Complaints that city was left unprotected while police were centered in town to arrest I.W.W. thieves reaped a harvest in the suburbs.

Spokane Socialists boycott National Apple Show.

Nov. 16th: Robert J. Huston, I.W.W. prisoner, appeared in court with several teeth knocked out and bloody shirt.

Joe Mullin brutally beaten by Bill Shannon for innocently attempting to enter the Municipal court room while court was in session. He was afterward sentenced by Judge Mann to 30 days on the rock pile and to pay a fine of $100 and costs.

Nov. 18th: Gurley Flynn started on free speech trip to Butte, which netted several hundred dollars. John Pancner arrested for conspiracy while carrying his grip to the depot.

David K. Tone arrived from Chicago to take charge of legal end of fight. In test disorderly conduct case, Judge Mann, who on Nov. 2nd held that anyone had a right to speak on the street or anywhere else, said: “I hold that anyone speaking or any attempt to speak on the public streets constitutes disorderly conduct.”

Wood strike declared at Franklin school. Starving prisoners refused to carry wood, and as a result spent two days and nights without fire.

Nov. 19th: C. L. Filigno, secretary, tried in Judge Mann’s court for conspiracy. Held for Superior Court on $2,000 bond. City and county officials conspired with railroads to have the latter secure all the men they wanted on roads of Northwest from Spokane, so as to keep the city destitute of idle men during the I.W.W. affair.

Nov. 21st: Sunday. Bath day at Franklin school. Two hundred starving prisoners, in three contingents, guarded by many policemen, marched through the streets of Spokane from Franklin school to the city jail, a distance of half a mile. Dense crowds of sympathizers line the streets and pelt the starving prisoners with fruit, sandwiches, tobacco, matches, etc. Crowds become so great that last detachment had to be taken back to the school house in the patrol wagon. Bill Shannon strangled starving prisoner in patrol wagon, who refused to give up a sandwich that was thrown to him. Crowds followed prisoners to Franklin school and held mass meeting outside. Prisoners crowded the windows and joined in the singing of the “Red Flag.” Police dispersed the meeting, though it was outside the fire limits, Mrs. Edith Fernett again arrested.

Nov, 22nd: Mrs. Fernett sentenced to 30 days and $100 fine. During the trial she dramatically recited the “Red Flag.” Judge Mann stated that the red flag will never wave over him. George Appleby arrested previous day for feeding prisoners on the street, sentenced to 30 days on rock pile.

David K. Tone, I.W.W. attorney, goes back to Chicago in disgust, stating that it is impossible to practice law in Spokane, “as there is no law there.”

John Kelly Cole, a member of the I.W.W. of Chicago, while on his way to Spokane to fight for free speech, was killed at Tomash, Wis., by being run over by a train.

Prisoners at Franklin school in such extremity for tobacco that they smoke bark. An onion, which surreptitiously finds its way into school, is divided into 65 pieces, so that all in room may share it. Scurvy puts in appearance and many men suffer from loosened teeth.

Nov, 23rd: Chamber of Commerce passes resolutions of commendation for city officials and condemnation of I.W.W.

Thomas Whitehead arrested for conspiracy.

Nov. 24th: Chief Sullivan states that on Thanksgiving “the faucets at Franklin school will be in good working order.” Attorney Sam. T. Crane found guilty of disorderly conduct in Judge Mann’s court and sentenced to 10 days in jail and to pay a fine of $100 and costs.

Nov. 25th: I.W.W. Issues Thanksgiving proclamation, giving thanks for the valorous courage of their members in jail. Men outside of jail go on bread and water diet in honor of starving men in jail. I.W.W. conspirators confined in city jail get regular fare, while ordinary prisoners in same cells get turkey dinner.

Nov, 26th: Officer Meyer beats up a harmless drunk on Fornt avenue and is dismissed from the force. Public sentiment getting strong against brutality.

Ernest Untermann speaks at I.W.W. hall. Freezing prisoners at Franklin school refuse to carry wood and tear out woodwork in order to keep warm.

Nov. 28th: Salvation Army invades city jail and are howled down by I.W.W.’s confined there. The captain is furious and says I.W.W. are a desperate set of criminals. They are not even human.

Nov. 29th: John Pancner sentenced to six months in the county jail for conspiracy. On grounds of prejudice, a change of venue from Judge Mann’s to Judge Stocker’s court was secured in the conspiracy cases.

Authorities threaten to make uniforms for I.W.W. prisoners the same as are used at Walla Walla penitentiary.

Party of 24 free speech fighters arrive from Chicago and Minneapolis, carrying banner, “Spokane or bust; bust Spokane.” In fight Minneapolis locals furnished over 43 men, which, considering everything, far and away the best record made by any city.

Nov, 20th: Raid on I.W.W. hall by Captain Burns and squad of police and five arrested on charge of conspiracy–Gurley Flynn, George Speed, Louis Gatewood, C.W. Conner and William Douglas. Gurley Flynn arrested on street while on way to hall; Speed, Conner and Douglas arrested in Secretary’s office, and Gatewood taken from platform. Marvelous discipline: meeting goes on undisturbed.

Dec, 1st: Gurley Flynn released on $5,000 bonds. An average of about 10 street speakers being arrested daily.

December 2nd. City Comptroller Fairley stated that the fight has cost the city $1,000 a week to date.

Raid made on hall during propaganda meeting by Capt. Burns and squad of police. Eight boys of the I.W.W. newsboys’ union arrested and kept two days in jail.

An attempt to hold a business meeting in the hall frustrated by Capt. Burns who, getting wind of it, raided the hall with a dozen policemen in hope of arresting officers.

Dec. 3rd. James Wilson and E.J. Foote sentenced to six months in the county jail for “conspiracy.” S.E. Bailey arrested for “conspiracy.”

Doc. 4th. A.E. Cousins and J.P. Thompson sentenced to four months and six months respectively, in the county jail for “conspiracy.” Joe A. Dudley, Richard Brazier, Johann Foss, Albert V. Roe, Martin Amundson and Fred Fisher transferred from the various jails to the county jail on charges of “conspiracy” after having served 30 day sentences on bread and water. Foss’ case was mistaken identity, and after being confined two months without trial he was released.

Dec. 6th. Raid on I.W.W, headquarters. Otto Justh, John Foss, Hartwell Shippey, Chas. Grant, John Reese and Chas. Murdock arrested for “conspiracy.’

Dec. 7th and 8th. Gurley Flynn tried for “conspiracy” in Judge Stocker’s court. Jury of six prominent business men bring in verdict of guilty, after 15 minutes’ deliberation. Although in a delicate maternal condition, she received sentence of 90 days in the county jail. In the trial Prosecuting Attorney Pugh and Attorney Moore almost came to blows. Pugh forced by court to apologize. Harry Nelson released from city jail after stay of 22 days in the sweat box, in which he lost 50 pounds.

Dec. 11th. Police stationed at Inland Printing Company’s office confiscated the issue of the Industrial Worker as it came from the press. It contained sensational charge against county jail officials by Gurley Flynn. Paper Issued from Seattle.

Dec. 12. Experience night at I.W.W. hall by released prisoners from various jails, who had served 33 days on bread and water. Many of them too weak to take the platform. Horrible tales of abuse and suffering in Fort Wright and Franklin school.

Four policemen permanently stationed at I.W.W. hall as censors over remarks of speakers.

Dec 13. Frank Reed, 13-day-hunger-stricker, arrested from platform for making slighting remarks about the American flag. Booked on charges of “conspiracy” and desecration of the flag.

Mass meeting of I.W.W. at headquarters called off starvation tactics and decided to go on rock pile in future, as human endurance can’t stand the terrible bread and water diet more than 30 days. Of late all members arrested sentenced to 30 days and $100 and costs. Alleged that Judge Mann received threatening letter from Chicago Anarchists in which he is given 10 days to take his “dirty carcass out of Spokane or we will give some undertaker the job of planting it.” I.W.W. offers to furnish bodyguard to Judge Mann and Chief Sullivan if they fear violence.

Dec. 14th. Attorney Sam F. Crane convicted in Superior Court on charge of disorderly conduct. Sentenced to ten days on the rock pile and to pay a fine of $100 and costs. Spokane press estimates cost of fight at $20,000. Many of the men released from the jails too sick and weak to eat solid food. They were fed on milk toast, soup, etc., and were called the “milk toast gang.”

Dec. 15th. English, German and Swedish I.W.W. hold meetings and protest to their various governments of the brutal treatment ac corded them in Spokane jails.

Dec. 16th. W.Z. Foster, Seattle Socialist reporter, arrested. I.W.W. prisoners all put on bread and water before trials.

Dec. 18th. German Turner Society gives privilege of hall to Gurley Flynn to speak in after the use of every other hall in town, except Socialist hall, had been refused.

Dec. 20th. Kitchen at which sick men were fed removed from hall at request of police.

Dec. 21st. I.W.W. headquarters violently closed by squad of police under Captain Burns. Men hustled out. Some of them so sick they had to be taken to the hospital. Hall rent had been paid in advance. Charters and other papers seized as “evidence.” I.W.W. unable to secure a hall in town as landlords dared not rent to them for fear of police persecution. Temporary headquarters established at Hillyard, beyond the city limits.

Dec. 22nd. Demurrer to complaint in Filingo “conspiracy” case argued before Judge J. Stanley Webster of the Superior Court. Webster sustained Judge Mann’s ruling and held second (discriminative) ordinance invalid and first (prohibitive) ordinance in effect. Chief Sullivan announced that he keeps paid men in the ranks of the I.W.W.

Doc. 24th. With characteristic organization spirit the prisoners in the city jail organize themselves into a temporary local and hold regular propaganda and business meetings. Fully 40 working men arrested as vagrants and drunks who attended the jail meetings declare their intention of joining the organization. on securing their release. Caretaker at the Turner hall warned by police not to rent hall to I.W.W. Matter referred to membership who nobly stood by I.W.W. and defied the police.

Dec. 26th. Filigno “conspiracy” case appealed to the Supreme Court of Washington.

Dec. 27th Mrs. Eleanor Herman and Mrs. Beulah Hyde left Seattle to take part in free speech fight.

Dec. 30th. Sergeant Buck Miller of Franklin School notoriety, resigned from police force rather than have his record examined.

Jan. 4th. Shingle weavers in convention at Everett, Wash., donated $100 to free speech defense fund and cast a solid one-third vote for withdrawal from the A.F. of L. and affiliation with the I.W.W.

Jan. 7th. Mayor Pratt answered letter of Leonard D. Abbot in “Current Literature,” and said Gurley Flynn’s charges of brutality in the county jail are false and are the result of a historical nature. Fellow Worker Spaulding released from jail after being confined there six days without trial.

Jan. 9th. Chas. Moyer, president of the W.F. of M., wrote letter to Thomas O’Brian of Butte, which was published in the “Spokesman Review,” in which he called the I.W.W. a flat failure. The free speech fight was designated as simply a subterfuge to revive it into life again. C.M. Connors and Joe A. Duddy sentenced to four months and two months respectively in the county jail for “conspiracy.”

Jan. 10th. Agitation growing out of charges made by Gurley Flynn culminates in demand by Woman’s Club for three matrons at the city jail.

A.V. Roe, Martin Amundson, Wm. Douglas, G.W. Reese, Richard Brazier, Louis Galowood and Fred Fisher, I.W.W. “conspirators,” sentenced to terms of 60 days, 16 days, 30 days, 30 days, 15 days, five months and four months respectively in the county jail by Judge Stocker. Brazier is the author of most of the songs in the I.W.W. song book and this is what his “conspiracy” consisted of.

Jan. 13th. Men arrested daily for selling the suppressed “Industrial Worker” upon the streets.

Jan. 14th. Gurley Flynn instituted suit for $10,000 against Mayor Pratt for libel.

Jan. 13th. Bill Shannon resigned from police force after “faithful service” of twenty years.

Jan. 16th. Socialists deprived of use of Oliver hall because they allowed platform privilege to Gurley Flynn in face of police threat. They had occupied Oliver hall six years.

Jan. 19th. Bruce Rogers, I.W.W. attorney, 32nd degree Mason, Knight Templar, Knight of Pythias, Elk, etc., sentenced to ten days in county jail for technical crime of passing letters to prisoners. Judge who sentenced him also a prominent Mason.

Jan. 21st. Last of I.W.W. “conspirators” tried in Judge Stocker’s court. They were George Speed, Otto Justh, Charles Grant, John M. Foss, Hartwell Shippey and Thomas Whitehead. The jury was composed of six business men, who on entering the jury room to “deliberate” on the case, asked the judge if it were possible to afix a fine in addition to a six months’ sentence. After being out five minutes they brought in a verdict of guilty and a sentence of six months in the county jail for each. Attorney Symmes of Chicago was associate counsel with Mr. Moore.

Feb. 3rd. Damage suits aggregating $150,000 entered against Spokane police officials for their brutality towards I.W.W. prisoners.

March 1st set as date for the fight to re-open.

Feb. 6th. National Organizer James P. Thompson released on $2,000 bonds.

Colonel Abercrombie removed from command in the I.W.W. trouble. He offered use of fort as a jail without consulting his superior officer, General Maus.

Feb. 8th Mrs. Bessy Fiset, correspondent of the Seattle Socialist, braved the anger of the police and sold the Industrial Worker upon the main street corner in Spokane. She was unmolested. Judge J. Stanley Webster of the Superior Court, who ruled against the I.W.W. in the Filigno demurrer case, muckraked by Duchez in the “Chicago Daily Socialist.” Unsavory record exposed. Washington Bar Association appointed investigating committee. Police Commissioner Tuerke who was blamed for the expose summarily removed from office by the city council.

Feb. 9th to 25th. The great Gurley Flynn-C.L. Filigno trial. Cost taxpayers $4,000. Judge H.L. Kennan denied motion for change of venue claiming that there was no prejudice against the I.W.W. in Spokane. Later, of 40 veniremen examined, 38 admitted that they were prejudiced. Jury selection occupied two days. Gurley Flynn and Hartwell Shippey brilliant witnesses for the defense. Judge Kennan reversed Judges Webster and Mann, and held the second ordinance (which discriminates in favor of “regular religious organizations”) to be valid. Attorney Symmes fined $5 for contempt of court by Judge Kennan who resented constant insinuations that the court was unfair. While jury was at home over Sunday Prosecuting Attorney Pugh gives out inflammatory Interviews and threatened dire trouble to Spokane if verdict was unfavorable. Defense moved for new trial on grounds of an attempt to influence the jury. Motion denied by Judge Kennan who mildly rebuked Pugh for his “unprofessional and unethical tactics.” Jury out 24 hours, brought in verdict of “guilty” for Filigno and “not guilty” for Gurley Flynn. Jury composed of nine farmers and business men, a school teacher, a scab carpenter and a stone-mason, the latter being a closed man.

Feb. 22nd. National Organizer Fred. W. Heslewood arrested in Couer d’Alene on charge of “conspiracy” by Captain Burns. Extradition papers secured from Gov. Brady of Idaho.

Feb. 27th. Capt. Burns arrested in Coeur d’Alene on charge of perjury in connection with Heslewood case. Released on own recognizance.

Charles Brown arrested at Hillyard for “conspiracy.” Total arrests to date, 521.

Feb. 28th. I.W.W. committee held conference with Mayor Pratt regarding street speaking situation.

March 2nd. I.W.W. committee conferred with Chief Sullivan and arrangements were made for a general conference next day.

March 3rd. Conference in city hall in after noon between committees composed of Mayor Pratt, Prosecuting Attorney Pugh, Corporation Counsel Blair, Chief Sullivan and Captain Burns for the county and city, and Fellow Workers Stark, Mokeivey, Gillespie and Foster for the I.W.W. After two-hour talk the conference adjourned to Couer d’Alene, Idaho, to discuss Heslewood case upon which the whole negotiation hinged. At Couer d’Alene Gurley Flynn, Fred Heslewood and Attorney Moore joined I.W.W. committee. Conference held in Judge Dunn’s chambers while crowded courtroom awaits Heslewood proceedings. In return for concessions on the part of the police Heselwood surrendered himself to the Spokane authorities and the perjury case against Capt. Burns was dropped. Damage suits against the city were also dropped. Police agreed not to interfere with hall meetings or the sale or publication of the Industrial Worker. Prisoners in the city jail to be released immediately and those in the county jail to be discharged gradually on a “sliding scale.” A fair street speaking ordinance to be passed in the near future. Heslewood to be allowed his liberty on $2,000 bonds, and case to be dismissed in 90 days. Filigno also to get out on $2,000 bonds and case to be dismissed in 90 days. The appeal to the supreme court to pend meanwhile.

March 4th. At a mass meeting of all the I.W.W.’s in Spokane the negotiations of the conference committee was endorsed and the free speech fight declared off during the good faith of the authorities.

March 5th. City prisoners released by Chief Sullivan according to agreement.

March 7th. I.W.W. charters and books returned by Prosecuting Attorney Pugh.

The Industrial Union Bulletin, and the Industrial Worker were newspapers published by the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) from 1907 until 1913. First printed in Joliet, Illinois, IUB incorporated The Voice of Labor, the newspaper of the American Labor Union which had joined the IWW, and another IWW affiliate, International Metal Worker.The Trautmann-DeLeon faction issued its weekly from March 1907. Soon after, De Leon would be expelled and Trautmann would continue IUB until March 1909. It was edited by A. S. Edwards. 1909, production moved to Spokane, Washington and became The Industrial Worker, “the voice of revolutionary industrial unionism.”

PDF of full issue 1: https://www.marxists.org/history/usa/pubs/industrialworker/iw/v1n52-mar-19-1910-IW.pdf

PDF of full issue 2: https://www.marxists.org/history/usa/pubs/industrialworker/iw/v2n01-w53-mar-26-1910-IW.pdf