The Labor enquirer., 1885-05-23
HIS "EBENEzER. Z
William Magoon Arouses the
Combatiye Trait in Ze-
nos Makeup.
He Says That it is Much Better to
Quarrel Than - be
Wrong.
Friendly and Valuable AdIice to Those
Just Beginning to Study
Socialism.

Il just Beginning to Study
/ Socialism.
For the ENQUIRER.
William Magoon thinks nothing can
be worth 90 much as harmony. He fails
to see the Importance Of Gprincipls un-
der discussion, and regrets that differ
ences exist, evidently believing that all
should think alike. He tries to promote
harmony by charging, Unfortunately,
the contributors Of live journal with
"quarreling and snarllng like pack of
unruly urchins," and the reason is that
they "do not love the right and truth for
its own sake, SO well as individual opin-
ions, preiudices and biases."
These brothers and sisters in the hol-
lest of causes" also strive with .hercu-
lean might to see how wide a breach of
difference can be made" at the same
time raising an "Ebenezer' whatever
that may be) for everybody to worship
"and abusing or totally ignoring those
who do not"
After these complimentary charges of
what the brothers and sisters" have
done, we are told what they may do. &
They will "feel inclined to carp, criticise
aud haggle at definitions and terms of
expression"in order to show smart
ness"
These harmony followers never fail to
give their own plans. They say we
should bend all our energies towards
the task of uniting every branch of the
labor reform movement on as broad a
ground as individual differences will al
low" then add in effect: "but let me lay
out the ground" How an object can be
distinct" while mot clearly defined in
detail" is rather puzzllng, but it will not
trouble those who are after harmony.
1 wish to defend the writers on social
questions even at the risk of being
thought the most guilty of all, of the
crimes named BY Mr.; Magoop, ,ss,-r,-,,rrs
must be useless if it ignores those differ
ences. He SAYS we are all infants, vet
we should all see alike. s.
believe in free speech. I believe 1t
better to quarrel than to be wrong.
When see wrong principle show its
head wish to give it a rap.
"Please step out of our sunshine"
Yes. Make wav for the tender emo
tionalists who will sink truth for the
sake of temporary harmony. The only
place where harmony can be found Is
where "truth" is dealt out by a snivel-
ing dispenser of antiquated fables, and is
gulped down in fear and trembling by
those 30 beautifully united"
Those writers accused of "wrangling"
all make acommon enemy of the pres
ent system. We are trying to decide
upon ways andNmeans as we'll as funda'
mental truths. # we cannot agree we
must keep on Disgusting until we do.
Discussion now performs the service for
merly rendered by the, sword. Which
is the cheaper? If Nj; Magoon will
read more closely he may fpd the mo-
tive that impels these terriblewranglers.
He ought to be candid enough to say
who he is accusing. ~
1t is important to decide whether
new system can be best gained by force
or growth; whether society can be conn
posed entirelyof individual sovereigns
| who loye "liberty" so well that they can
ignore all institutions or organized func-
tions of the state; and whether a part OF
existing things (the growth of ages may
not be worth preserving i.
The man who says these things are OF
less importance that harmony ls senti-
mental weakling who cannot bear 70
have his prejudices offended. ! )
The "union of individualities" cannot
be accomplished until they agree upon
a working plan. Perhaps the airing OF
differences may start outsiders to think
ing. Neither will "a combined effort in
a general way"' prove effective. tits
not good "Ebenezer" to worship. Let
us have Mr.. Magoon's "Ebenezer" more
in detail. 1 never saw an Ebenezer,
still am not prejudiced but will give it
a chance.
The way to establish harmony is to
accuse lot of contributors, whose argu-
ments we cannot comprehend, Of all
sorts of bad motives. The accusation
should be made specific, the guilty ones
pointed out, so that the editor can e1-
clude them, else Mr. Magoon's work Is
only half done. ~
Some friendly advice might be yalu.
able to those Just beginning study Of
Socialism. 1t is now five years since So
cialistic literature was placed in my
hands with the request that ! give the
matter some thought. A very interest
Ing study it has been. What time |
have had, has been given to reading
{ both sides and trying to draw true con-
clusions. / held the idea that study led
to knowledge. As rule it will, but my
case is an exception, yet I shall study on
!. with hope. It is those students who