Queensland Union Prisoners Still in Gaol

*THE WORKER*

Brisbane, October 1, 1892

BYGONES NOT YET BYGONES.

Again it is well to remind Australian workers that their mates who stood up so fearlessly for unionism during the bush strike, and who were so vindictively sentenced by a judge who yielded to capitalistic clamour during a period of excitement, are still gaoled by the Griffilwraith in spite of the justness of the claim for an honourable release, and the monster petition which has been so cruelly ignored. The bare mention of their names and the out-of-all-reason-sentences for alleged offences – now that bygones are bygones to everybody but the Government – will send a thrill through the breast of every honest man and women in Queensland; and help them – if further evidence is necessary – to realise the callousness of the Government in their determined resistance to the welfare of the masses.

Indeed, as everybody knows, the real crime for which the union men are suffering to-day is rebellion against the injustice and tyranny, the theft and murder of the system represent in Queensland by Griffith, and in N.S.W. Just at present by Dibbs. The prisoners still in confinement are: W. J. Bennett, W. Fothergill, J. Brown , Hugh O. Blackwell, E. H. Murphy George Taylor, Alec. Forrester, W. J. Hamilton, W. H. Smith-Barry, F. Griffin, A. S. Stuart; sentence 3 years hard labour and sureties for “good behaviour” for another year; charge conspiracy. Martin, 2 years hard labour, and a 2 year “good behaviour” security for speaking of a foreign lady – who has never been within 10,000 miles of the country, and whose name neither he nor the reader has probably ever heard – as old Mother Brown. Daniel Murphy, 3 years; P. J. Dobbyn, 2 and half years; W. Dover, 2 years; all hard labour, for “rioting” at Peak Downs.

Judge Harding delivered the sentences. Irwin and Jeffreys, 7 years sentence for wet grass burning; condemned by Judge Cooper. John M'Namara, 3 years, for alleged arson at Lorne Downs. With the exception of Smith-Barry who is in Boggo Road gaol, all of them are in St. Helena.

The silver streak to this dark cloud is the generous response of their mates, who are enjoying freedom, to the Union Prisoners' Fund, which will help the good fellows a bit on their release. It must be with feelings of pride that every Unionist looks on the steadily increasing sum; and what must be gall and wormwood to haters of Unionism is the increasing estimation in which the the prisoners are held, the longer they are in gaol, by all liberty loving citizens. The fund is worthy of the cause: when David Bowes, at the expiration of his sentence was released six weeks ago Secretary Hinchcliffe and the pleasure of handing him 40 pounds as his share of the fund as it then stood.

By the amounts acknowledged each week since that time by secretary Kewley and particularly in last week's WORKER, it can be seen how splendid has been the response for assistance. And though this Government this Government has screwed itself to the unyielding point against liberating the men who stood to their posts in the hour of trial, it is to be hoped that Labour will be strong enough in the next parliament to see that the just thing is done; when our mates will again see the light of day as the honourable men that they unquestionable are.