Without even a mock trial 

• 1950 
• Fitzpatrick, Daniel 
• Drawing 
• Historical item 

5243729

Drawings / paintings

Without even a mock trial

54 x 45 cm

1950

Original editorial cartoon drawing done in ink and grease crayon on card for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, 1950, shows a hand extending through a hatch in the door of the Department of Justice with a sheet of paper stating ‘Ellen Knauff barred’ (i.e. from entering America). Knauff was a German citizen who married a US combat veteran in Germany after the war. Upon arrival in America in 1948 she was held at Ellis Island by the Immigration and Naturalization Service, which announced that she would not be admitted to the United States because she was a bad security risk. No details were given, no charges made, no evidence presented and Knauff was not allowed legal representation. The actions of the Immigration Service are being compared here to the Court of Star Chamber, an English court of law from the late 15th century to the mid-17th century which was used by kings such as Henry VIII to persecute and dispose of political enemies. The term ‘star chamber’ is used today to represent justice which is arbitrary and based on secretive proceedings which are in no way transparent. Fitzpatrick devoted a number of cartoons to this issue and his newspaper also produced editorials criticizing the actions of the Truman administration. In the face of considerable public pressure Knauff was finally released in November 1951 and allowed to enter the United States. Card size 54 x 45 cm (21 x 18 inch), image size 45 x 40 cm. Caption in ink bottom centre and signed bottom left (twice, with a dedication to Albert Feingold), dated Feb. 27 1950 bottom right, in very good condition.