In the Matter of the Application Made on Behalf of Thomas J Mooney.

A Wrongfully Convicted Bomber? [California]. [Mooney, Thomas J. (1882-1942)]. In the Matter of the Application Made on Behalf of Thomas J. Mooney for a Pardon: Decision of Hon. James Rolph, Jr., Governor of the State of California, Together with the Report of Hon. Matt I. Sullivan, Former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of California, And Special Advisor to the Governor in the Above Entitled Proceeding. Sacramento: California State Printing Office, 1932. 93 pp. Stapled pamphlet in printed wrappers. Light toning and negligible light soiling to wrappers, bold inscription "Compliments of Matt I. Sullivan" to head of front wrapper, hinges cracked, staples just starting to rust. Light toning to interior, very slight vertical fold line. $300. * Only edition. Mooney was a socialist activist and labor leader accused of bombing the San Francisco Preparedness Day parade in 1916. He and an associate were arrested, tried and sentenced to death despite a notable lack of clear evidence implicating the two. President Wilson commuted their death sentences to life in prison, but public outcry over their convictions, particularly Mooney's, continued. The case became a cause celebre among liberals, labor activists and defenders of civil liberties, among them Felix Frankfurter and Clarence Darrow. This report, compiled by three prominent California jurists on behalf of Governor James Rolph, Jr., concludes that Mooney's conviction was fair and that without compelling new evidence, which he had not provided, his pardon should be denied. Our copy is inscribed by one of these jurists, Matt I. Sullivan [1857-1937], former chief justice of the Supreme Court of California. Sullivan was also a close friend and advisor of Governor Rolph, who had publicly stated that he would follow Sullivan's recommendation (and thus "distance himself from any political damage resulting from a denial of the appeal") (Worthen). Rolph kept to his word and denied the pardon. Mooney was eventually pardoned seven years later by a more liberal governor. Worthen, Governor James Rolph and the Great Depression in California 130.…