The representative. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1893-1901, 1895-08-21
DEFENDS PROF. ELY.

JUN
NAL MESREPRESENTS HIM-WHAT
ARE THE FACTS?
Editor Representative:
In your last Representative is an edi-
torial from the Minneapolis Journal, quot
ing Prof. Ely's reply to the state superin-
tendents charge against him for teach
ing pernicious soc.alistic doctrines"
l have not read his reply, so I cannot
testify to the truth or falsity of the quo
tation but it does seem remarkable that
Prof. Ely should change his views so sud-
denly.
1 have four of Prof. Ely's economic
works, and in each he shows his sympa-
thies to be with the laboring men.
In Labor Movements in America
third edition, published in 1890, on page
10 of preface, he says: cit cuts me to the
heart when laboring men are shot down
in the street. All the wars have been
at the expense of your blood. Initiate no
violence. Destruction of the property or
lives of others cannmot help you or en-
rich you. Your triumph can come only
by peace" He addresses himself d.
rectly to the laboring people; and shows
that he favors the ballot rather than the
rifle.
On page II of preface he says: eff your
demands are right, if they are reasonable,
then you will win and hold your gain.
The world will listen even to socialism,
if properly presented. If you keep to the
RIGHT IS BOUND TO WIN. EDUCATE,
ORGANIZE, WAIT" Does one work.
ing for plutocracy advise the working
people to educate and organize? No!
They are the worst enemies Of the plu-
tocrats. Then he goes on and says:
Christ and all Christly people are with
you for the right. Never let go that
confidence. Christ forever
elevated labor and exalted the laborer .
= You cannot proclaim
the wrongs you suffer with half the force
with which they are condemned in the
Bible. All the social arrangements of the
Hebrews were contrived with view to
the protection of the weaker industrial
stronger condemnation of monopoly than
this: "Woe unto them that join house
to house, that lay field to field, till there
be no place that they may be placed alone
in the midst of the earth?'
On page 106, after condemning the sys-
tenn of compelling men to work beside
careless workmen, the men being placed
in certain place where they have to
stay, he says, in foot note: "There is now
practically no redress when an employe
is MANNED or killed"
l could quote hundreds of other ex-
presions which show that he is for labor
and encourages organized labor In fact
the Labor Movement in America" is an
argument in favor of organizing labor.
Social Aspects of Christianity" is an
other book in which he condemns mo-
nopoly.
Having read Prof Ely's works and be-
ing an earnest admirer of his efforts in
behalf of the working people, l cannot
bring myself to believe that he has
changed views now. 1 hope that moth
ing of that nature has happened. I only
wish we had more professors like Ely to
advocate the cause of labor, in our uni
versities and fearlessly attack and de-
nounce monopoly.
1 believe that if you read any of his
works you will agree with me that he is
a scholar Of exceptional ability, and tries
to use his knowledge to elevate man
kind.
After having read his work, cannot
bring myself to change my views from an
article quoted from the Minneapolis
Journals editorials
hope you will discover that the ar
ticle is untrue and if so place Prof Ely
on right footing with your subscribers
again, so they will not take him to be a
.hireling of the plutocrats.
Investigation I think will place Prof
Ely as one Of the foremost economic
teachers and writer's of today, man who
is unerring in his fight for reform, who
cannot be swerved from his duty either
by criticism or plutocratic money.
Hoping that my high respect for him
can still be maintained, am respectful
ly, M. I. RINGDAL.