Top 5 Quotes & Sayings by August Spies

Explore popular quotes and sayings by August Spies.
Last updated on September 18, 2024.
August Spies

August Vincent Theodore Spies was an American upholsterer, radical labor activist, and newspaper editor. Spies is remembered as one of the anarchists in Chicago who were found guilty of conspiracy to commit murder following a bomb attack on police in an event remembered as the Haymarket affair. Spies was one of four who were executed in the aftermath of this event.

December 10, 1855 - November 11, 1887
Anarchism does not mean bloodshed; it does not mean robbery, arson, etc. These monstrosities are, on the contrary, the characteristic features of capitalism. Anarchism means peace and tranquility to all.
You may pronounce the sentence upon me, honourable judge, but let the world know that in A.D. 1886, in the State of Illinois, eight men were sentenced to death because they believed in a better future; because they had not lost their faith in the ultimate victory of liberty and justice!
I knew from experience of the past that this butchering of people was done for the express purpose of defeating the eight-hour movement. — © August Spies
I knew from experience of the past that this butchering of people was done for the express purpose of defeating the eight-hour movement.
But, if you think that by hanging us, you can stamp out the labor movement - the movement from which the downtrodden millions, the millions who toil and live in want and misery - the wage slaves - expect salvation - if this is your opinion, then hang us! Here you will tread upon a spark, but there, and there, and behind you and in front of you, and everywhere, flames will blaze up. It is a subterranean fire. You cannot put it out.
The time will come when our silence will be more powerful than the voices you strangle today.
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