Mother Jones in Court
By: Bob and Carol Damron
Page Three
Witness: (Meekly) Oh, yes sir, several times, sir.
Pros. Att: And while in attendance did you
see any of the defendants here today at any off the rallies?
Witness: I seen ever' one of 'em. lf'n they wasn't a-yellin'
from the back of a wagon, they was handin' out that hate litter-chure
to ever' man, woman, and child in sight.
Pros. Art: Yes, I see. And Mrs. Franklin, during the course of one
of these gatherings, did you ever hear any of the speakers make remarks
that shocked you or made you fear for the lives of your family?
Witness: Oh, my, yes. At one meetin' that terrible, cursing
old woman told all the strikers to take their guns and go down in the
mines and shoot every miner who wouldn't quit work and join them.
Pros. Att: What was your reaction to this, Mrs. Franklin?
Witness: Well, you see I was on my way to the store when I heard
the ruckus. I became very fearful cause my husband Jim was workin' his
shift in the mine at that time. I knew Jim wouldn't quit work cause he's
never missed a day so long as he's been workin; an' sir, he's got too
many mouths to feed to join up with them roustabouts even if he'd a-had
the notion.
Pros. Att: Thank you, Mrs. Franklin, you have been extremely
helpful. You may step down. (She exits with bowed head. Crowd stirs.)
Judge: These are serious allegations, Mr. Prosecutor. The
obvious refrence to the defendant, Mrs. Mary Jones, is an
extraneous issue in these present proceedings. However, the court
chooses to question Mrs. Jones at this time for points of clarification.
The Court calls Mrs. Mary Jones! (She struts in unaided, head held high,
smiling to the audience. The oath is administered in the same monotone-
Mother replies for all to hear "I most certainly shall.") We have heard
testimony that you have advised miners to use violence to stop work in
the Clarksburg, coalfields. What have you to say to these accusations?
Mother Jones:You know sir, that it would be suicidal for me to make
such a statement in public. I am more careful than that. You've been on
the bench 40 years, have you not, Judge?
Judge: Yes, I have that.
Mother: And in 40 years you learn to discern between a lie and the
truth, Judge?
Pros Att:Jumping up and shaking his finger. Your Honor, here is the
most dangerous woman in the country today. She called Your Honor a scab!
But I will recommend mercy of the Court if she will consent to leave
the state and never return.
Mother: I didn't come into the court askin' mercy, but I came here
lookin' for justice. And I will not leave the state so long as there is
a single little child that asks me to stay and fight his battle for bread!
(Crowd whispers audibly)
Back to WV Coal Mining