Vol. 77/No. 35 October 7, 2013
October 7, 1988
HARTFORD, Conn — Nearly 1,500 demonstrators, mostly from New England and New York, marched through the streets Sept. 24 in support of the Puerto Rico/Hartford 15.Chanting “U.S. justice is a lie,” they stopped in front of the federal courthouse to express outrage at the way jury selection is being loaded against five of the defendants whose trial began two and a half weeks ago. The protesters demanded that all charges against the 15 be dropped.
The case began Aug. 30, 1985, when hundreds of FBI agents invaded the homes of independence supporters in Puerto Rico, arresting them on charges of conspiracy in a 1983 Wells Fargo robbery here in Hartford. Brought to the United States to stand trial, most of the defendants were refused bail for more than a year, despite the fact that they had been convicted of nothing. Two defendants were locked up for more than two and a half years.
October 7, 1963
SELMA, Ala., Sept. 27 – Nearly 300 young Negroes have been arrested here in voter-registration and anti-segregation demonstrations in the past week. Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee Chairman John Lewis was arrested Sept. 25 along with 28 Selma University students who were peacefully demonstrating their belief that every man should have the vote.The students were arrested while picketing the courthouse with signs reading, “One Man, One Vote,” and “Voter-Registration Without Intimidation.”
County Sheriff James Clark said he was ready to lock up Negro demonstrators “until they fill the jails.” Negroes may not walk the streets, hold mass meetings, or picket peacefully without being under constant surveillance by local, county, and state law officers. In addition, the sheriff has deputized a posse of more than 300 white civilians, authorized to carry arms and make arrests.
October 8, 1938
HOUSTON, Texas – The 58th annual convention of the American Federation of Labor being held here this week reflects the cross-currents in this organization arising under the impact of the social crisis gripping America.For the first time in years, the executive council took cognizance of the A. F. of L. unemployed members in a supplementary report which said that 1,400,000 of the unionists were out of work.
Growth of the Teamsters union during the past year was shown in the council’s report that over 309,000 truck drivers were paying per capita tax into the federation.
The added power of the Teamsters union was revealed in the fence-straddling position the council report took on the question of unity with the C.I.O. The truck drivers and the railroad brotherhoods represent the largest group within the federation favorable to a more friendly attitude towards the C.I.O.
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