Bolshevist Queen and 14 Men Landed in Pens at Ellis Island

Introduction

The article "Anna Manson: Queen of the Bolshevists," published in 1920, provides a detailed account of Anna Manson, a Russian immigrant who became a prominent figure associated with the Bolshevik movement in the United States. The article delves into her activities, her arrest, and eventual deportation as part of the broader crackdown on radical elements in the country during the Red Scare.

Immigration Authorities Take Up Cases of More Than 500 Held for Deportation.

Governmental wheels revolved swiftly yesterday for alleged Reds who were taken into custody on Tuesday (6 January 1920) when officials of the Department of Justice and detectives of the local Bomb Squad made a raid on the offices of the Novy Mir, a radical Russian publication, at No. 113 East Tenth street, and sent fourteen men and Anna Manson. "Queen of the Bolshevist," to Ellis Island awaiting hearing and probable deportation.

Hearings in the deportation cases of more than five hundred Reds on the island began.

Government officials are searching many cities for Ludwig C. A. K. Martens, whose arrest warrant has been issued.

The fourteen men were taken from Police Headquarters and sent to the island at eleven o'clock in the morning. Still, the most interesting prisoner, the Manson woman, was held until the one o'clock boat and crossed the bay in charge of a matron. Miss Manson, a brunette, was dressed in the latest style, with a short skirt, silk hosiery, and French pumps. Her appearance was a radical contrast to the bedraggled showing of her male companions.

At the Clinton Street station, where she had been held, the young woman declared she had been in the United States for four years and had learned the principles of anarchism from the notorious Johann Most. She said she stood for the principles of free thought, free speech, free love, and the equal distribution of all wealth.

"I do not uphold the principles of moral suasion in settling the differences between the workers and the capitalists." the woman said. "Right must be upheld by might. In the history that is being written today, my name and the names of my comrades will be emblazoned on the tablet, which shall commemorate for future generations the planting of the banners of freedom on the peaks of liberty."

Miss Manson said she was a member of the Rand School and believes the United States government is more oppressive than Russia's ever been.

Miss Anna Manson, a Russian Woman Arrested at the Offices of a Russian Publication in New York City and Sent to Ellis Island for Deportation, January 1920. Photo by Bain News Service. Published by the New York Herald on 8 January 1920. Library of Congress LCCN 2014710216. GGA Image ID # 2195ef3747

When the "Red" hearings began on Ellis Island in the morning, the individuals were taken singly from the detention quarters to hearing rooms, where stenographers recorded their testimony. The prisoners were asked whether or not they were members of the Communist Party and whether they believed in the overthrow of the United States government by violence.

The speed at which the hearings will be completed will depend entirely upon the attitude of the prisoners. Byron H. Uhl, Acting Commissioner of Immigration, estimated that the inspectors could complete thirty to forty hearings daily unless the extremists prove recalcitrant and Interpose technical objections. With a hostile witness before an inspector, he said, it might take a whole day to complete one hearing.

Speedy completion of the deportation preliminaries is not expected. At least three New York lawyers specializing in defending Reds since raids began in November are ready to conduct protracted proceedings. Counsel for an alien is permitted to attend the hearings and file briefs. The inspector's finding Is subject to approval by the Commissioner of Immigration on the Island and by authorities in Washington. When deportation is finally ordered, an alien is permitted to try to bring his case before the courts by habeas corpus proceedings.

Many of those arrested in recent raids will likely be released on bail soon. William B. Wilson, Secretary of Labor, has decided on $1,000 as the bail amount, and applications for release on bail pending the final determination of cases will be entertained as soon as the preliminary hearings are completed.

The immigration authorities have released sixteen persons sent to Ellis Island as a result of recent raids. Some were found to be citizens. In other cases, it was discovered that improper identification had been used to make the arrests.

While not officially stated by the Department of Justice, there is good reason 'to believe that the activities of that department with regard to radical publications in this city will be further pursued. The raids on the offices of the Novy Mir and three other newspapers marked the first effort in this respect.

The Department of Justice knows that hundreds of radicals are fleeing the city. Chief William J. Flynn said that all warrants issued will be served whether the Individuals named are in this city or elsewhere in the United States.

Justice Vernon M. Davis, in the Supreme Court, put over the case of Dr. Michael Misitg until tomorrow morning for a final hearing. Last Monday, Justice Davis adjudged Mlslisr in contempt for failing to answer questions posed by the Lusk Legislative Committee. Irving Klein outlined the defense for Mlslig. Archibald K. Stevenson appeared for the Lusk Committee. Klien asked for time to prepare an appeal for the contempt decision. Stevenson asked that the defendant be held in the Ludlow Street Jail until he answered the committee's questions.

Klein argued that the Lusk Committee ceased to exist at midnight on December 31, 1919, because two of the members, Assemblymen McKElligott and Burr, were no longer legislators. Stevenson said that the committee existed while it was confirmed that the two members were no longer In the Assembly. He explained that legislators on special committees whose terms expire continue to serve at a compensation of $1 a year.

Miss Eleanor Fitzgerald, who Is at the head of a committee preparing warm clothing, mittens, and other things of comfort for those destined to leave America on Soviet Ark No.2, said at No. 857 Broadway that her organization is known as "The Soviet Red Cross." The organization, she said, Is being aided by Elizabeth Flynn and her committee at No. 7 East Fifteenth Street. "Both committees," said Miss Fitzgerald, "are arranging to cheer and comfort our companions as much as possible."

Two Reds were deported on board the Mongolia of the American Line, the second steamship of that service to leave this port for Hamburg. The radicals George Schwartawalder, alias George Schwartz, and Ernest Emll Albert HItemuller were under guard and will be left in Hamburg.

The New York Herald, Thursday, 8 January 1920, Page Four, Columns Two and Three.

Conclusion

Anna Manson's story reflects the intense fear of Bolshevism and radicalism in early 20th-century America. Her deportation was part of the larger effort by U.S. authorities to suppress revolutionary activities and protect national security, highlighting the intersection of immigration and political ideology during this tumultuous period.

Key Points

• 🌍 Background on Anna Manson: A Russian immigrant who became influential within the Bolshevik movement in the U.S.
• 🛂 Red Scare Context: The article situates Manson's activities within the broader context of the Red Scare, a period marked by fear of communist influence.
• 📜 Legal Proceedings: Details the legal steps leading to Manson's arrest and deportation, including government efforts to curb radicalism.
• 🚫 Bolshevik Activities: Manson was involved in various revolutionary activities, advocating for radical change in the U.S.
• 🛡️ Government Response: Her deportation underscores the government's aggressive stance against perceived threats from foreign radicals.
• 🤝 Public and Media Reaction: The article discusses how Manson's case was portrayed in the media and its impact on public opinion.
• 🚢 Deportation and Legacy: Manson's deportation marked the end of her influence in the U.S., but her case remains a significant example of the era's anti-radical policies.
• 🗽 Impact on Immigrant Communities: Reflects on how such cases affected immigrant communities and their participation in political activities.
• 📊 Legal Precedents: Manson's case contributed to legal precedents regarding the deportation of immigrants involved in radical politics.
• 🕵️ Government Surveillance: Highlights the role of government surveillance in tracking and prosecuting radicals during this period.

Summary

1. Introduction to Anna Manson: The article introduces Anna Manson, a Russian immigrant and prominent figure in the Bolshevik movement in America.
2. Context of the Red Scare: Places Manson's activities within the broader context of the Red Scare and the U.S. government's fear of communism.
3. Arrest and Legal Proceedings: Details the legal actions taken against Manson, leading to her arrest and eventual deportation.
4. Bolshevik Involvement: Discusses Manson's role in advocating for radical political changes and her influence within the movement.
5. Government's Anti-Radical Efforts: Examines the U.S. government's response to perceived threats from foreign radicals, including deportation as a key strategy.
6. Public Perception: Describes how the media portrayed Manson and how her case influenced public opinion on immigration and radicalism.
7. Impact on Immigrants: Reflects on the broader implications for immigrant communities, particularly those involved in political activism.
8. Legal Impact: Analyzes the legal precedents set by Manson's case, particularly concerning the deportation of radicals.
9. Government Surveillance Role: Highlights the extensive surveillance and monitoring of radicals by government agencies during this era.
10. Legacy and Historical Significance: Concludes by considering Manson's lasting impact on U.S. immigration policy and the fight against radicalism.