James Larkin and the 1913 Dublin Lockout: A Defining Moment in Irish Labour History

The 1913 Dublin Lockout: A Battle for Workers’ Rights

The Dublin Lockout was a monumental clash between Dublin’s working class and powerful employers, led by William Martin Murphy, owner of the Dublin United Tramway Company. Beginning in August 1913, the Lockout saw thousands of workers, organized by Larkin’s ITGWU, demand better wages and conditions. Employers retaliated by locking out workers who refused to abandon union membership, plunging the city into economic chaos and social unrest.

Larkin, a charismatic and resolute trade unionist, became the voice of the workers. His passionate speeches rallied support but provoked the authorities and employers, who saw him as a dangerous agitator. On August 29, 1913, Larkin addressed a crowd of 8,000 from the windows of Liberty Hall, the ITGWU’s headquarters, using a megaphone. His words, including a derisive remark about “God Save the King,” were later used as evidence of seditious intent, leading to his prosecution.

What Happened on October 27, 1913?

On this historic day, James Larkin stood trial at Green Street Courthouse in Dublin, charged with seditious utterances, incitement to riot, and incitement to loot. The trial, which began shortly after 11 a.m., was prosecuted by Attorney General John Moriarty, who argued that Larkin’s actions transcended legitimate strike leadership and violated the law.

The Prosecution’s Argument

Moriarty stressed that Larkin was not being targeted for his role as a strike leader but for breaking the law. He described Larkin as a “wicked and dangerous criminal” whose rhetoric fueled the “state of riot and tumult” in Dublin. Moriarty cited Larkin’s August 29 speech, alleging he mocked the monarchy and issued threats against William Martin Murphy and strike-breakers. He argued that Larkin’s words incited violence, contributing to clashes between strikers and police, and that it was unjust for Larkin to remain free while workers faced imprisonment for crimes spurred by his rhetoric.

The Defense’s Counterargument

Larkin’s defense counsel, Mr. Hanna, argued that the prosecution failed to directly link Larkin’s words to the riots. He accused the Crown of stacking the jury with individuals opposed to Larkin’s interests, aiming to silence him and weaken the strikers. Hanna pointed out that no shops were looted, and no property was stolen, undermining the charges of incitement to loot.

The Verdict and Sentencing

At 4:40 p.m., Mr. Justice Madden charged the jury, who deliberated for 30 minutes. They returned a verdict of guilty on the charge of seditious utterances but not guilty on incitement to riot or loot. In a defiant speech, Larkin condemned the verdict, arguing he was not tried by a jury of his peers—working men—but by establishment figures. He denied inciting violence, insisting no leader would urge 8,000 people to confront the police or army, whom he called “hired assassins.”

Justice Madden interrupted Larkin’s speech and sentenced him to seven months in prison without hard labour. The conviction sent ripples through the labour movement, intensifying the Lockout’s tensions.

The Legacy of Larkin’s Conviction

Larkin’s imprisonment was a turning point in the 1913 Dublin Lockout, rallying support for the workers’ cause while exposing the state’s alignment with employers. Seen as an attempt to suppress the labour movement, the conviction cemented Larkin’s status as a martyr for workers’ rights. The Lockout, which continued until early 1914, ended without a clear victory for the workers but laid the groundwork for modern Irish trade unionism.

Larkin’s unwavering commitment to workers’ dignity made him a towering figure in Irish history. His conviction on October 27, 1913, highlighted the risks labour leaders faced in challenging the establishment, yet his legacy endures in Ireland’s labour laws and union movement.

FAQs About James Larkin

1. What Happened to James Larkin?

James Larkin was a central figure in Irish trade unionism, leading the ITGWU during the 1913 Dublin Lockout. On October 27, 1913, he was convicted of seditious utterances for his speeches, particularly one on August 29, 1913, where he mocked the monarchy. Sentenced to seven months, he was released early in November 1913 due to public outcry. After the Lockout, Larkin traveled to the United States in 1914, where he faced a 1920 conviction for criminal anarchy in New York. Pardoned in 1923, he returned to Ireland and remained active in labour politics until his death in 1947.

2. Where Is James Larkin Buried?

James Larkin is buried in Glasnevin Cemetery, Dublin, Ireland’s historic cemetery. His grave is a place of reverence for those honoring his contributions to the labour movement, alongside other Irish figures like Daniel O’Connell and Michael Collins.

3. What Is Written on Jim Larkin’s Statue in Dublin?

The James Larkin statue on O’Connell Street, unveiled in 1979 and crafted by sculptor Oisín Kelly, depicts Larkin with arms outstretched, symbolizing his call for workers’ unity. The inscription on the plinth reads:

“The great appear great because we are on our knees: Let us rise.”

A secondary plaque includes lines from a Sean O’Casey poem, celebrating Larkin as “A Titan, carved in granite, standing in Dublin’s heart.”

4. What Happened to Larkin’s Baby?

During the Lockout, James Larkin and his wife, Elizabeth, suffered the tragic loss of their infant son, James Larkin Jr., in 1913. The child, born in 1912, died of illness worsened by the family’s poverty and the harsh conditions of the strike. This personal tragedy highlighted the human toll of the Lockout on working-class families.

5. Where Is Larkin Buried?

As mentioned, James Larkin is buried in Glasnevin Cemetery, Dublin. His simple headstone marks his final resting place, a symbol of his lifelong fight for workers’ rights.

The Broader Impact of the 1913 Lockout

The Dublin Lockout and Larkin’s conviction were pivotal in the fight for workers’ rights. The conflict exposed the stark inequalities of early 20th-century Dublin, where workers endured grueling conditions. Larkin, alongside James Connolly, inspired future trade unionists and shaped Ireland’s labour laws. The conviction highlighted the state’s efforts to suppress dissent, but public support for Larkin’s release demonstrated the power of collective action.

Why James Larkin’s Story Matters Today

The events of October 27, 1913, when James Larkin was convicted, remain a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by labour leaders. His courage in challenging powerful employers resonates in today’s discussions about fair wages and workplace rights. The O’Connell Street statue, with its inspiring inscription, invites reflection on Larkin’s call to “rise” against oppression.

Visitors to Glasnevin Cemetery or Liberty Hall can connect with Larkin’s legacy, which continues to inspire trade unions worldwide. His story underscores the importance of solidarity in the fight for justice.

Conclusion

The conviction of James Larkin on October 27, 1913, marked a critical moment in the 1913 Dublin Lockout. His seven-month sentence, though shortened by public pressure, highlighted the tensions between workers and the establishment. Larkin’s legacy lives on in Glasnevin Cemetery, the O’Connell Street statue, and the personal sacrifices he endured, such as the loss of his infant son. His words—“The great appear great because we are on our knees: Let us rise”—continue to inspire the fight for equality.

Explore Dublin’s historic sites or dive into Irish labour history to honor Larkin’s legacy. Share this post and comment with your thoughts on his enduring impact!