Brilliant defense attorney (1857–1938) noted for his role in the Scopes Monkey Trial and the Leopold-Loeb thrill killing case. ALS, one page both sides, 8.5 x 11, Darrow, Baily & Sissman letterhead, October 12. Darrow writes to an associate. In part: “Today I sent you a book The Life of the Fly by Fabre the eminent French naturalist. I have been charmed with all his work…. Mrs. Schmidt the sister of the poor fellow on trial leaves tonight for LA…. I hope you will give her any help you can. I am very sorry for the men on trial out there. It is strange how cruel society can be. I know they are idealists, those men. It doesn’t seem to me that there is much love in the world or much hope in humanity. It is not alone the terrible war but the daily acts of men—their coldness and lack of charity that makes life seem so helpless. Well there are some who … least of all have the right to complain that men and women have been unkind. Any how I hope that as long as I live I shall remember the goodness of others to me & try to help the unfortunate who come my way.” When the United States entered the war and passed the Espionage Act in 1917, Eugene Debs, Victor Berger and other prominent pacifists were indicted under the Espionage Act in February, 1918; the trial followed on December ninth of that year, and on February 20, 1919, Berger was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison, Debs to ten. The original trial was presided over by Judge Kenesaw Landis, who was later the first commissioner of Major League Baseball. The convictions were appealed, and with Berger’s ultimately overturned on January 31, 1921 by the Supreme Court on a technicality. Debs was eventually pardoned by President Warren G. Harding. Darrow had defended Debs in the 1894 Pullman strike. Intersecting mailing folds, one through the “o” in last name of signature, a mild bit of soiling, a bit of faint toning along right edge, and light show-through from boldly penned text, otherwise fine condition. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA .
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