Admiration

There are many admirable individuals who played a key role in the Haymarket Riots: from German socialists, to American anarchists, to the un-admirable selfish, wealthy business owners and the forceful, unlawful police force. Chief Inspector John Bonfield was perhaps one of the least admirable characters in the Haymarket Riots. From his reputation of physical violence to agitators, his complete disregard for authority, and his eagerness to get the protestors alone (without women and children present), one could definitely say that Bonfield is a ruthless, cold-hearted, and selfish man, and is without a doubt the least admirable person in the Haymarket riot.

From early on, John Bonfield was a very violent individual. He received the nickname "Black Jack" Bonfield, and "had made his reputation and earned his promotions by cracking skulls" (Avrich, 97) and Charles Russell called him a "large, powerful, resolute, ruthless man" (Avrich). During the 1885 streetcar strike, Bonfield's disregard for orders from the mayor, and his unnecessary and extreme use of violence was displayed. Despite orders from Mayor Harrison, John Bonfield instructed his men to take action against the strikers. Everyone in sight was injured; even small merchants, standing on their own doorsteps and having no interest in the strike, were clubbed. Bonfield attacked innocent onlookers, including an elderly man, whom he beat before the man could move--these individuals were by no means participating in the strike, yet Bonfield still exhorted violence. As a result of this incident, Bonfield was not demoted, or removed form the force, but he was promoted to inspector because several influential people acted on his behalf