Parsons’ explained that socialists and trade unionists both work for the improvement of workers economic position, but where trade unionism would kill the fleas, or their own less fortunate competitors, socialism would kill the dog, the system itself that creates competition between those with the least economic power. Parson then explains anarchism, the understanding that legislative and electoral reform will have no real effect on the lives of working people, because those with economic power control the “ballot” and legislators:
I then pointed to the ballot — how we were swindled at the ballot box. defrauded and cheated; how we were bulldozed, intimidated bribed and corrupted — yes, corrupted by the very money that had been stolen from us. Men would come to us then afterwards when we were poor, and they would give to us bread money if we would vote their ticket, and that we often did it through necessity; and in this way through these intimidations, through bribery and corruption that the workingmen had but little to expect from the ballot. I then pointed out the fact that we had petitioned or had passed resolutions, and had done everything in our power to redress, but there had been no relief, and no response in fact.
And finally Parsons states, “I then said to them, “Gentlemen, “socialism means the free association of the people for the “purposes of production and consumption; in other words, “universal co-operation. This is the sum total of socialism.”
The belief that the “ballot box” or participating in the political system would not help the working-class was central to the Haymarket anarchists’ beliefs. George Engel explains,
I took part in politics with the earnestness of a good citizen; but I was soon to find that the teachings of a “free ballot box” ARE A MYTH, and that I had again been duped. I came to the opinion that as long as workingmen are economically enslaved they cannot be politically free. It became clear to me that the working classes would never bring about a form of society guaranteeing WORK, BREAD, AND A HAPPY LIFE by means of the ballot.”
For Engel, anarchism or any other political system should first and foremost provide “work, bread, and a happy life.” However, because 1886 Chicago, like other industrial cities in the United States at this time did not guarantee work, freedom from hunger, and the chance to be happy, Engel and others searched for an economic and political alternative. It was this situation that brought Engel and others to anarchism, which Parson explained is the opinion,
THAT GOVERNMENT IS DESPOTISM; government is an organization of oppression, and law, statute law is its agent. Anarchy is anti-government, anti-rulers, anti-dictators, anti-bosses and drivers. Anarchy is the negation of force; the elimination of all authority in social affairs; it is the denial of the right of domination of one man over another. It is the diffusion of rights, of power, of duties, EQUALLY AND FREELY AMONG ALL THE PEOPLE.
For the Haymarket anarchists, anarchism was the economic belief that people would be better under a different economic system, and further that government could be nothing but an impediment to a better world.
Spies argued in his final statement that anarchism, “deduces that under a co-operative organization of society, under economic equality and individual independence, the “State”-the political State-will pass into barbaric antiquity. And we will be where all are free… Anarchism means peace and tranquility to all.” For Spies, for Engel, Parsons, Schwab, Fischer, Neebe, and Fielden, anarchism was the solution to the inequalities of a capitalist organized society.
The three themes that run through all the Haymarket anarchists statements reiterate their belief that anarchism was the positive and necessary evolution of society, one that would bring about a better, more free and equal organization of society. They all believed that capitalism and the state were propped up by force and violence, that the low wages and long hours the working class worked to survive were morally wrong. Further, they understood that because capitalism was maintained through force, people would, of necessity, use force to free themselves. Finally, the Haymarket anarchists saw themselves as part of a historical tradition of revolutionary movements toward freedom. They harkened back to actions and beliefs of revolutionary America, and saw themselves as descendants of men like John Brown, who used force to fight political and economic systems they believed were morally corrupt.
These are the Haymarket anarchists beliefs, and the way those beliefs were represented to the Court. The presentation of their beliefs was first to defend themselves, and then, when it became apparent that they would all be convicted regardless of the evidence, they spoke for propaganda, to call attention to the injustices being heaped upon them. As Spies argued, “My defense is your accusation.” It they were to die, then their deaths, their statements, their defense of their actions, beliefs, and work for a better world would be the final statement of the injustice of the current world. To fully understand the beliefs of the Haymarket anarchists, and of anarchism in Chicago during this period it would be necessary to study the papers, writings, and speeches of the these men which were not presented by the state or by the defense in the trial. However, through a close reading of the eight defendants explanations of their beliefs we begin to understand the basics of their anarchism. These men were executed by the state because they believed that the current capitalist world was inherently unjust. They understood that the masses of workers produced great wealth that was held by a very small minority. They believed that those with wealth also held and controlled political power over the masses and would not relinquish that power without a fight. The Haymarket anarchists believed they were justified in using force to rectify this situation and protect themselves from the violence, starvation, and servitude they lived under. And finally they believed they were part of an American tradition of revolutionary fighters for freedom from tyranny and justice for everyone.
The Polar Bl@st 
[…] Anarchism According to the Haymarket Anarchists – Jessica MoranJuly 14, 2023 […]
LikeLike