One thing that neither time norpolitics has changed is Massachusetts’ official stand on the 1927 execution of famed Radicals Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti. Ten years ago Democratic Governor Charles F. Hurley curtly rejected the offer of a bronze bas-relief, designed by the late mountain-sculpturing Gutzon Borglum, as a memorial to “the good shoemaker and the poor fish peddler.” Last week Republican Governor Robert F. Bradford just as firmly turned it down again. This time the committee that offered it to the state was headed by Harvard Professor Arthur M. Schlesinger.*
The committee had suggested that the plaque be installed on Boston Common. Governor Bradford replied that he had no more power to do that “than the President of Mexico.” But he also made it perfectly clear that he would not order it if he could. Said he: “I can see no useful purpose in stirring up the bitter passions and prejudices of 20 years ago, particularly at a time when the whole world is striving for unity, not discord.”
* Other sponsors: Eleanor Roosevelt, Albert Einstein,ex-Governor Herbert Lehman, Phil Murray.
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