Worse than the devil : Anarchists, Clarence Darrow, and justice in a time of terror / Dean A. Strang.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Print version record.

In 1917, a bomb exploded in a Milwaukee police station, killing nine officers and a civilian. Those responsible never were apprehended, but police, press, and public all assumed that the perpetrators were Italian. Days later, eleven alleged Italian anarchists went to trial on unrelated charges involving a fracas that had occurred two months before. Against the backdrop of World War I, and amidst a prevailing hatred and fear of radical immigrants, the Italians had an unfair trial. The specter of the larger, uncharged crime of the bombing haunted the proceedings and assured convictions of all eleven. Although Clarence Darrow led an appeal that gained freedom for most of the convicted, the celebrated lawyer's methods themselves were deeply suspect. The entire case left a dark, if hidden, stain on American justice. Largely overlooked for almost a century, the compelling story of this case emerges in this book.

What the Scrubwoman Found -- Eleven -- American Anarchists -- Doffed Hats and Honored Flags, Buttoned Coats, Pigs, and Rags -- Chaos -- Of Counsel -- "The Public Mind Has Become Violently Inflamed against All Italians" -- Darrow -- May It Please the Court -- Infernal Machine.

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