New-York tribune., 1878-07-13
AN HONEST MANS COMMUNISM.
o me Editor or The Trfbune.


SIR: | have been a Communist and a
reader and advocate lam now a subsorbep of THE
TRIBUNE thlrty-six years 1 highly appreciate lts
general character and purposes, its superior meutay
and great influence cherish with You the memory OF
its ustriOus founder Horace Greeley who, nearly Ior
years CO. said Our evils not political but Social
and a social reform only can eradicate them" The
true Communist seeks to effect this social reform Wch
founder OF THE TRIBUNE clearly the need Of
and for which his lectures and writings did SO much 10
prepare the way. In view OF the foregoing facs am
sorry your unjust unauthorized, indiserimnate
use OF the word Communist" in various phraseology
and connections, and bitterness OF feeling toward
those you call " Communists"
presume there are other readers OF THE TRIBUNE
who like myself are Communsts-in theory at least
and believe sincerely that Communism VIII be ana
must be an important factor I'm the salvation OF the Word
from both its sOcnl and political evils. true COM
munist Is not ncendiary ri0ter, rowdy Voiater
Of peace and urder Fenian, Molly Mcguire, or an ad-
vocate OF physical resistance aud opPression-unless
driven to II by aggression and compression, after all
legal ana moral means have failed to obtain redress OF
wrongs and grievances. The true Communist would
educate the people up to enlightened and compre-
hensive view Of mans highest relations and duties ahu
apply fundamental doctrines OF Christ to the prac-
tioal, everyday duties OF life True COMMUNISTS
wond institute q form OF society which shall prac-
tice the Golden Rule. aud illustrate " the religion
of humanity by "giVng TO each according to
needs and receiving from each according to abty Is
there anything hateful repusive alarming In sueh
desires and aspratonsi Are Communists as such' re-
spopsble for the want woe misery disaection and re-
action OF tho unemployed and starving in the midst OF
pentyi Communists expect to be misrepresentea and
dspaTaged by the ignorant and undevelOped; Dul uu
not expect THE TRIBUNE 20 alude to them In denuh
catory spirit Is II not barely possible that there are
ways and means OF helping humanity to liye Detter
life which the farseelng TRIBUNE mas hoI Pei-
ceiyed aud appreciatedt -. 49,
/ protest against your making Communists whose
lives aims and aspirations are as noble as yours Ie
spOnsbe for the sayings dongs incpent Orpfospecl
i've Of persons clubs, ciques unions, who nave no
knowiedge OF or syInpatny with them. would most
respectfully suggest that you call men and things by
their right names. and like true philosopher, refer ei
feNts causes, which are obvious and OF
long standing. am Impressed that yOu have not made
the principles andsprit OF Communism the subject OF
serious thought study and investigation. Dut -" now
see through glass darklY" Is Professor Huxley any
authority for you Has be not said virtually, IN pun
lie that science leads to Communism; and that tue
reconstruction OF society scientific basis Is The only
object worthy OF policf action y refer You also 10
the writings Of Professor Draper aud other eminent
scientists and pmlOs Ophers
Why my sage Old TRIBUNE. yOu are now IN the Mlusl
Of blessed and constantly blessing Communism
and all that is most valuable and worth preserving IN
Our Republic Is its Communism We only extend, en-
large and apply Communism to every depaTtment ana
relation Of life DO not be afraid OF u.s. wen not hurt
YOU Yours truth from all sources and true progress
In every sense, D. H. NOOh'
Columbus haH., July /, 1879.