PARDON GRANTED

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23702, 9 January 1939, Page 7

PARDON GRANTED

TOM MOONEY RELEASED A TRIUMPHANT PROCESSION CHEERS FROM HUGE CROWD (■United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 7. (Received Jan. 8, at 10 p.m.) Grey-haired Tom Mooney last night bade farewell to the convicts and guards in San Quentin Gaol, with whom he lived for 22 years. To-day he is riding to the State Capitol for a pardon hearing, which is expected to be a mere formality, as no objection has been entered against his release. The newlyelected Liberal, Governor Olson, declared that one of his first official acts would be to*grant a pardon. Mooney said last night that he would dedicate the rest of his life to winning freedom for Warren Billings, who was also convicted in 1916 for throwing a bomb in San Francisco. Billings is not eligible for a pardon, because of a prior conviction for felony. Mooney regretted that his mother had died since he had been in gaol. He said that her piercing scream at the verdict which condemned him to the gallows had rung in his ears all the time he was in prison. When she died a few years ago they drove the hearse to the prison gates but denied him the chance of seeing her. Mooney estimated that 1,000,000 dollars had been spent in securing his freedom. He is heavily in debt. EMOTIONAL STRAIN GOVERNOR COLLAPSES SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 7. (Received Jan. 8, at 10 p.m.) Addressing 130.000, a few hours after pardoning Mooney, Governor Olson collapsed and was taken to hospital. His condition is due to emotional strain. Mooney’s journey from prison was a triumphant procession in which he rode with relatives and Labour leaders. including the Australian Harry Bridges. Mooney, broadcasting to 250 stations, said he would dedicate the rest of his life working for the common good and democracy. Dark, sinister forces of Fascist reactionism were threatening the world. Amid cheers, Mooney commented: “This is a far cry from the night when the jury filed in and the foreman, who I later learned was Plant, drew his finger across his throat, indicating to the prosecutor that I was to be hanged. The prosecution did everything it could to promote violence in the courtroom. I remember how the officials leered at my loved ones and the screams of my old mother, wife and sister as they were dragged literally from the room.” Governor Olson and Mooney had lunch together, and then went to prison to see Billings. Governor Olson announced that he was asking the Californian Supreme Court to reconsider Billings’? case.

Mooney to-night was tendered a dinner by the American Federation of Labour Council.