The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-06-02
VOICE OF THE PEOPLE.
A McmphIs Mothers Plea Tor Liner,

10 the Editor Of The Appeal
sir-Why do we have to pay rent TO
live on the land? Because the law allows
IT, Why did our ancestors fight so many
years for freedom, and why have wo not
now that ireedom2 Because our law does
not allow il. Who make our laws? The
politicians For whom do they make
them2 For class. What cass9 Those
interested in the law aud land. Why are
30 many people cheated Of their birlhright
to live on this land that God gave freely TO
every mani Because the law allows Il.
No man is free that has TO pay rent TO a
land shark. lie Is n slave with all his
family, keeping one man in idloness who
has the power 10 remove him at will.
What kind Of heaven can Christian
nation like this promise itself where the
law allows one man TO own thousands OF
acres Of land and deprive hundreds from
homes because lac has tho money 10 buy
tho land9 have seen hundreds Of poor,
poverty stricken people in Georgia whore
there was plenty Of unoccupicd land be-
fore their eyes, much worse In Ar
kansas, whore single individuals own
60 900 acre tracts OF good land that would
give homes 10 1900 families now home.
less. Why has lac that hold on the earth?
Because he had little money at the time
the land was selling for 50 per acre, and
got title 10 ~ much ~ he dared 20 hold.
II Jay Gould or an English syndicate
should buy up the whole state Of Tonnes.
soc which they are abundantly able 10
do-and order us all of tho land, people
would begin TO SEQ something OF which |
would like 10 show them
have seen good strong men trampinc
the railroad track. What iorY let us see.
About three years ago, in Arkansas, there
came 10 my door five biz, strong men, usk.
/ ing for something to eat II was Christmas
week, and had Just got through baking
bread. | opened the door, listened 10 their
wants and made their eyes sparkle by tho
/ gift OF aloaf OF good bread each and a piece
Of bacon, loaniug them frying nan and
/ informing them that they would be vel.
como In an empty house Just opposite.
They took possession and had Just GOT their
| ilro started when I've more tramps
came down the road, aud seeing the
smoke curling from the chimney ana getting
the odor OF the frying bacon thought OF
| course II was the residence OF some family
aud felt justified In making an attempt for
food. ono went timidly 20 the door and
gave a low knock, which was answered by
the inside tramp with grun who's
thorcf The outside tramp answered that
they were human beings aud in need Of
something 10 eat and shelter from the cold
night How came you In such position
without money or friends In such n land
~ ouu, whore all arc frco and can do "a
they plcaso7 asked the inside tramp. q,
We have looked for work and have no
doubt made many mistakes In life, but
our present distress oycrcamo all our mod.
csiy and We have TO beg for subsistence,
but We arc willing nov To- cut you some
wood lor food. All right, said the inside
tramp, my woodpile Is little low al pres.
cni, owing TO bad weather; you will have
To so 10 the woods and bring some up on
you backs Al this tho five started Tor the
woods aud soon returned with good loads
OF dry limbs, enough TO keep the whole par.
" warm Tor the night When they had
DEPOSITED their loads IN the yard. the In.
side tramp invited them in, saying with
lofty air "lour supper ia ready, gentle.
mcn.' Entering aud seeing the situation
AT once, such n roar OF laughter ~ greeted
thcm will never bc forgotten by me. who
watched the whole proceedings with In
lercsi, aud fully appreciated the situation.
When my husband came home told him
about the tramps, and standing nj our gate
We heard every word that was spoken.
One alter another took the floor aud gave
In his experience, ns II were.
The iirst said ! camo from England 10
America TO seek my fortune, and have
been Ike cattle In the spnngtmc looking
Tor greoncr spot, just a little beyond me.
Wrought that In few yoaiA could He.
cure homo aud scnd for iait-hairrd gifI
loved In England, bu, Il has been an uli-