Judge Magazine Comments on the Governor’s Pardon of the Haymarket Protesters

“The Friend of Mad Dogs.” In this 1893 cartoon published in the weekly satirical magazine Judge, Illinois governor John P. Altgeld is depicted releasing the “mad dogs” of “socialism,” “anarchy,” and “murder” to attack a frightened “Columbia” and cowering children (symbolizing the nation and its citizenry). In the background the original Haymarket Monument is visible, which was dedicated to the memory of the Chicago policeman killed in the bombing at the May 4, 1886, labor demonstration. Eight protesters were accused of inciting the violence and found guilty of accessory to murder after the fact. Four were executed, one committed suicide, and three received life sentences. The cartoon appeared shortly after the governor issued pardons for the three still imprisoned Haymarket activists. Many viewed Altgeld’s actions as dangerous and misguided, and his pardoning of the condemned men ultimately ended Altgeld’s career.

Source: Victor Gillam, “The Friend of Mad Dogs: Governor Altgeld of Illinois in Freeing the Anarchists Bitterly Denounced Judge Gary and the Jury That Convicted Them,” Judge, July 15, 1893, Chicago Historical Society. http://www.chicagohistoryresources.org/hadc/visuals/49V1340.htm