An Angry Governor When Governor William Spry received the telegram from Woodrow Wilson on November 17, 1915, requesting a second stay of execution for Joe Hill, the mild-mannered, second term Utah politician exploded in rage. In a lengthy, heated reply, Spry, in effect, told Woodrow Wilson that the President had been duped by radicals and should keep his uninformed nose out of Utah's business. In this conclusion to the telegram, Spry bluntly tells Wilson that "I cannot and will not lend myself or my office to such interference." By the time the telegram was received at the White House, Joe Hill was within thirty-six hours of facing a firing squad. (Courtesy: Library of Congress) Read this historical document's full text                   About the Program || Joe Hill Home || PBS Home